ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Chemomechanical debridement is insufficient to disinfect all bacteria from the root canals of primary teeth, and obturation of canals with an appropriate material thus acquires excellent importance and remains a critical step in the ultimate success of pulpectomy. AIM: The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate Endoflas, Metapex, and a mixture of calcium hydroxide (CH) and zinc oxide (ZnO) as obturating materials (OMs) in primary mandibular second molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five mandibular second primary molars requiring pulpectomies were identified in children aged 4-8 years. They were randomly allocated to the three treatment groups according to the type of OM received using the block randomization technique. After the completion of chemomechanical debridement, the canals were filled with Endoflas, Metapex, and CH-ZnO mixture, respectively. The intergroup clinical and radiographic comparison was made based on Coll and Sadrian criteria to decipher their clinical performance at 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the groups were observed at any evaluation time interval (P > 0.05). At 6 months, the clinical success rates were 95.2% in Endoflas, 96% in Metapex, and 95.8% in the CH and ZnO mixture groups, respectively. The materials, however, behaved differently in different clinical situations. CONCLUSION: Based on the observations, all three OMs showed similar clinical success in maintaining tooth functioning, but their use can be restricted to indications. However, prospective studies with longer follow-ups with more stringent eligibility criteria are required to reach more definitive conclusions.
Subject(s)
Pulpectomy , Silicone Oils , Zinc Oxide , Child , Humans , Prospective Studies , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Calcium Hydroxide/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Cryptosporidiosis is a global health problem threats life of immunocompromised patients. Allium sativum (A. sativum) is one of the therapeutic options for cryptosporidiosis. This study develops green synthesized ZnO-NPs based on A. sativum extract, and assesses its therapeutic application in treating experimental cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed mice. FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and zeta analyzer were used for characterization of bio ZnO-NPs. The morphology of prepared materials appeared as sponge with many pores on the whole surface that allows the feasibility of bio ZnO-NPs for different biological activities. Its structural analysis was highly stabilized with negative charge surface which indicated for well distribution into the parasite matrix. Twenty-five immunosuppressed Cryptosporidium parvum infected mice, classified into 5 groups were sacrificed at 21th day after infection with evaluation of parasitological, histopathological, oxidative, and proinflammatory biomarkers. Treated mice groups with 50 and 100 mg/kg of AS/ZnO-NPs showed a highly significant decline (79.9% and 83.23%, respectively) in the total number of expelled oocysts. Both doses revealed actual amelioration of the intestinal, hepatic, and pulmonary histopathological lesions. They also significantly produced an increase in GSH values and improved the changes in NO and MDA levels, and showed high anti-inflammatory properties. This study is the first to report green synthesis of ZnO/A. sativum nano-composite as an effective therapy in treating cryptosporidiosis which gave better results than using A. sativum alone. It provides an economical and environment-friendly approach towards novel delivery synthesis for antiparasitic applications. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Green synthesis of ZnO-NPs was developed using A. sativum extract. The morphology of prepared ZnO-NPs appeared as sponge with many pores on SEM The study evaluates its therapeutic efficacy against murine cryptosporidiosis The green synthesized ZnO-NPs significantly reduced percent of oocyst shedding, improved the pathological changes, and showed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials.
Subject(s)
Cryptosporidiosis , Cryptosporidium parvum , Garlic , Green Chemistry Technology , Zinc Oxide , Animals , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Zinc Oxide/chemistry , Cryptosporidiosis/drug therapy , Mice , Garlic/chemistry , Green Chemistry Technology/methods , Cryptosporidium parvum/drug effects , Nanocomposites/chemistry , Nanocomposites/therapeutic use , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Disease Models, Animal , Oocysts/drug effectsABSTRACT
Fungal keratitis is a refractory eye disease that is prone to causing blindness. Fungal virulence and inflammatory responses are two major factors that accelerate the course of fungal keratitis. However, the current antifungal drugs used for treatment usually possess transient residence time on the ocular surface and low bioavailability deficiencies, which limit their therapeutic efficacy. In this work, natamycin (NATA)-loaded mesoporous zinc oxide (Meso-ZnO) was synthesized for treating Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis with excellent drug-loading and sustained drug release capacities. In addition to being a carrier for drug delivery, Meso-ZnO could restrict fungal growth in a concentration-dependent manner, and the transcriptome analysis of fungal hyphae indicated that it inhibited the mycotoxin biosynthesis, oxidoreductase activity and fungal cell wall formation. Meso-ZnO also promoted cell migration and exhibited anti-inflammatory role during fungal infection by promoting the activation of autophagy. In mouse models of fungal keratitis, Meso-ZnO/NATA greatly reduced corneal fungal survival, alleviated tissue inflammatory damage, and reduced neutrophils accumulation and cytokines expression. This study suggests that Meso-ZnO/NATA can be a novel and effective treatment strategy for fungal keratitis.
Subject(s)
Aspergillosis , Eye Infections, Fungal , Keratitis , Zinc Oxide , Animals , Mice , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Aspergillosis/drug therapy , Aspergillosis/microbiology , Keratitis/drug therapy , Keratitis/metabolism , Keratitis/microbiology , Natamycin/therapeutic use , Eye Infections, Fungal/drug therapy , Eye Infections, Fungal/metabolism , Eye Infections, Fungal/microbiology , Drug Delivery Systems , Mice, Inbred C57BLABSTRACT
Diabetic wound infection brings chronic pain to patients and the therapy remains a crucial challenge owing to the disruption of the internal microenvironment. Herein, we report a nano-composite hydrogel (ZnO@HN) based on ZnO nanoparticles and a photo-trigging hyaluronic acid which is modified by o-nitrobenzene (NB), to accelerate infected diabetic wound healing. The diameter of the prepared ZnO nanoparticle is about 50 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals that the coordinate bond binds ZnO in the hydrogel, rather than simple physical restraint. ZnO@HN possesses efficient antioxidant capacity and it can scavenge DPPH about 40 % in 2 h and inhibit H2O2 >50 % in 8 h. The nano-composite hydrogel also exhibits satisfactory antibacterial capacity (58.35 % against E. coli and 64.03 % against S. aureus for 6 h). In vitro tests suggest that ZnO@HN is biocompatible and promotes cell proliferation. In vivo experiments reveal that the hydrogel can accelerate the formation of new blood vessels and hair follicles. Histological analysis exhibits decreased macrophages, increased myofibroblasts, downregulated TNF-α expression, and enhanced VEGFA expression during wound healing. In conclusion, ZnO@HN could be a promising candidate for treating intractable infected diabetic skin defection.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Zinc Oxide , Humans , Hyaluronic Acid , Reactive Oxygen Species , Escherichia coli , Nanogels , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Zinc Oxide/chemistry , Staphylococcus aureus , Hydrogen Peroxide , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Wound Healing , Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy , Hydrogels/pharmacology , Hydrogels/chemistryABSTRACT
Introduction: Post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) is a multifactorial disease that affects piglets after weaning, contributing to productive and economic losses. Its control includes the use of in-feed prophylactic antibiotics and therapeutic zinc oxide (ZnO), treatments that, since 2022, are no longer permitted in the European Union due to spread of antimicrobial resistance genes and pollution of soil with heavy metals. A dysbiosis in the microbiota has been suggested as a potential risk factor of PWD onset. Understanding pig's microbiota development around weaning and its changes in response to ZnO and antibiotics is crucial to develop feasible alternatives to prophylactic and metaphylactic antimicrobial use. Methods: This study used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to investigate the environmental and faecal microbiota on 10 farms using (Treated) or not using (ZnO-free) in-feed antibiotics and ZnO during the first 14 days post-weaning (dpw). Environmental samples from clean pens were collected at weaning day (0dpw), and faecal samples at 0, 7 and 14dpw. Diarrhoeic faecal samples were collected at 7dpw when available. Results: The analysis of data revealed that the faecal microbiota composition and its functionality was impacted by the sampling time point (microbiota maturation after weaning) but not by the farm environment. Treatment with antibiotics and ZnO showed no effects on diversity indices while the analyses of microbiota taxonomic and functional profiles revealed increased abundance of taxa and metabolic functions associated with Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens or different species of Prevotella spp. on the Treated farms, and with Megasphaera elsdenii and Escherichia coli on the ZnO-free farms. The analysis of diarrhoea samples revealed that the treatment favoured the microbiota transition or maturation from 0dpw to 14dpw in Treated farms, resembling the composition of healthy animals, when compared to diarrhoea from ZnO-free farms, which were linked in composition to 0dpw samples. Discussion: The results provide a comprehensive overview of the beneficial effects of ZnO and antibiotics in PWD in the microbiota transition after weaning, preventing the overgrowth of pathogens such as pathogenic E. coli and revealing the key aspects in microbiota maturation that antibiotics or ZnO alternatives should fulfil.
Subject(s)
Microbiota , Zinc Oxide , Swine , Animals , Escherichia coli , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Diarrhea/microbiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have impressively shown their efficacy in targeting and therapy of cancer. The present research was designated to investigate the potential of ZnONP nanocomposites as a cancer chemotherapeutic-based drug delivery system and to assess the anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effectiveness of ZnONP nanocomposites combination with systemic chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and folic acid (FA) in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor cell line both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Anti-tumor potential of ZnONP nanocomposites: ZnONPs, ZnONPs/FA, ZnONPs/DOX and ZnONPs/DOX/FA against EAC tumor cell line was evaluated in vitro by MTT assay. Anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory efficacy of ZnONP nanocomposites were analyzed in vivo by examination of the proliferation rate and apoptosis rate of EAC tumor cells by flow cytometry, splenocytes count, level of inflammatory markers interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), as well as liver and kidney function in EAC-challenged mice. RESULTS: In vitro results showed that ZnONP nanocomposites showed a high anti-proliferative potency against EAC tumor cells. Furthermore, the in vivo study revealed that the treatment EAC-challenged mice with ZnONPs, ZnONPs/DOX, ZnONPs/FA and ZnONPs/DOX/FA hindered the proliferation rate of implanted EAC tumor cells through lowering their number and increasing their apoptosis rate. Moreover, the treatment of EAC-challenged mice with ZnONPs/DOX/FA markedly decreased the level of IL-6 and TNF-α and remarkably ameliorated the liver and kidney damages that were elevated by implantation of EAC tumor cells, restoring the liver and kidney functions to be close to the naïve mice control. CONCLUSION: ZnONP nanocomposites may be useful as a cancer chemotherapeutic-based drug delivery system. ZnONP nanocomposites: ZnONPs/DOX, ZnONPs/FA and ZnONPs/DOX/FA regimen may have anti-inflammatory approaches and a great potential to increase anti-tumor effect of conventional chemotherapy, overcoming resistance to cancer systemic chemotherapeutics and reducing their side effects, offering a promising regimen for cancer therapy.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Nanoparticles , Neoplasms , Zinc Oxide , Animals , Mice , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Folic Acid , Interleukin-6 , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , Doxorubicin/pharmacology , Doxorubicin/therapeutic use , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Microsporum canis is the most common dermatophyte infecting pets and their owners, and its long duration of treatment and increasing rate of drug resistance have caused the attention of researchers to be directed towards the use of nanoparticles and new alternatives for treatment. This study investigated the antifungal effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on clinical isolates of M. canis in dogs and cats and subtilisin 1 (SUB1) gene expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared using the wet chemical method at a concentration of 4000 ppm. Its antifungal potential was evaluated at concentrations of 62.5-4000 ppm by disk diffusion and microdilution methods against 10 isolates of M. canis. The effect of this product on SUB1 gene expression was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR method. RESULTS: The results of the disk diffusion test showed that the highest inhibitory diameter was at the highest concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (34 mm), and the inhibitory zone was observed in dilutions up to 250 ppm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO nanoparticles was between 250 and 500 ppm, and the minimum fungicidal concentration was between 500 and 1000 ppm. There was a significant reduction in SUB1 gene expression in sub-MIC concentration (125-250 ppm) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that ZnO nanoparticles have a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on M. canis. Moreover, ZnO nanoparticles could decrease the expression of SUB1, an enzyme involved in fungi adhesion to the epidermis. Nevertheless, more studies must be done in the future to determine the possible side effects and safety of ZnO nanoparticles along with their efficacy in vivo.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Dog Diseases , Microsporum , Nanoparticles , Zinc Oxide , Cats , Animals , Dogs , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Cat Diseases/drug therapy , Cat Diseases/microbiology , Dog Diseases/drug therapyABSTRACT
Wound infections and delayed complications after caesarean section surgical procedure to mothers would have a prevalence of discomfort, stress and dissatisfaction in the postpartum period. In this report, one-pot synthesis is used for the preparation of chitosan (CS)-based copper nanoparticles (nCu), which was used for the preparation of zinc oxide (ZnO) hydrogel as wound dressing materials after surgery. The antibacterial activity of (CS-nCu/ZnO) developed hydrogels was studied zone of inhibition, against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The antibacterial activity of the CS-nCu/ZnO hydrogel demonstrated that nanoformulated hydrogel materials have provided excellent bactericidal action against clinically approved bacterial pathogens. The biocompatibility and in vitro wound healing potential of the developed wound closure materials were studied by MTT assay and wound scratch assay methods, respectively. The MTT assay and cell migration assay results demonstrated that CS-nCu/ZnO hydrogel material induces cell compatibility and effective cell proliferation ability. These findings suggest that the CS-nCu/ZnO hydrogel outperforms CS-ZnO in terms of wound healing and could be used as a wound closure material in caesarean section wound treatment.
Subject(s)
Chitosan , Zinc Oxide , Pregnancy , Humans , Female , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Chitosan/therapeutic use , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Copper/therapeutic use , Copper/pharmacology , Hydrogels/therapeutic use , Cesarean Section , Gram-Negative Bacteria , Gram-Positive Bacteria , Wound Healing , BandagesABSTRACT
Effective treatment for full-thickness burn wounds has remained challenging for clinicians. Among various strategies, extracellular gel-based dressing materials have gained attention to promote effective and rapid wound healing. These gel-based materials are porous and have antioxidant, antibacterial, hydrophilic, biodegradation, and biocompatible properties and hence can be used to alleviate burn wound healing. In concurrence with these findings, the present study evaluates thermo-responsive and self-assembled decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) of caprine small intestine submucosa (DG-SIS) gel-based dressing material for burn wound healing. To expedite healing and efficiently tackle excessive free radicals and bioburden at the burn wound site, DG-SIS gel is fortified with antibacterial components (zinc oxide nanoparticles; ZnO) and a potent antioxidant agent (Vitamin-C;Vt-C). ZnO- and Vt-C-enriched DG-SIS (DG-SIS/ZnO/Vt-C) gels significantly increased the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the therapeutic hydrogel. Additionally, the fabricated DG-SIS/ZnO/Vt-C bioactive gel resulted in significant full-thickness burn wound contraction (97.75 % in 14 days), a lower inflammatory effect, and enhanced angiogenesis with the highest collagen synthesis (1.22 µg/mg in 14 days) at the wound site. The outcomes from this study demonstrate a synergistic effect of ZnO/Vt-C in the bioactive gel as an effective and inexpensive therapeutic approach for full-thickness burn wound treatment.
Subject(s)
Burns , Zinc Oxide , Rabbits , Animals , Hydrogels/pharmacology , Hydrogels/therapeutic use , Decellularized Extracellular Matrix , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/therapeutic use , Goats , Wound Healing , Burns/drug therapy , Burns/metabolism , Intestine, Small/metabolism , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Cancer chemotherapy is still a serious challenge. Chemo-resistance and destructive side effects of chemotherapy drugs are the most critical limitations of chemotherapy. Chemo-resistance is the leading cause of chemotherapy failure. Chemo-resistance, which refers to the resistance of cancer cells to the anticancer effects of chemotherapy drugs, is caused by various reasons. Among the most important of these reasons is the increase in the efflux of chemotherapy drugs due to the rise in the expression and activity of ABC transporters, the weakening of apoptosis, and the strengthening of stemness. In the last decade, a significant number of studies focused on the application of nanotechnology in cancer treatment. Considering the anti-cancer properties of zinc, zinc oxide nanoparticles have received much attention in recent years. Some studies have indicated that zinc oxide nanoparticles can target the critical mechanisms of cancer chemo-resistance and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs. These studies have shown that zinc oxide nanoparticles can reduce the activity of ABC transporters, increase DNA damage and apoptosis, and attenuate stemness in cancer cells, leading to enhanced chemo-sensitivity. Some other studies have also shown that zinc oxide nanoparticles in low doses can be helpful in minimizing the harmful side effects of chemotherapy drugs. In this article, after a brief overview of the mechanisms of chemo-resistance and anticancer effects of zinc, we will review all these studies in detail.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Nanoparticles , Neoplasms , Zinc Oxide , Humans , Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/metabolism , Zinc/metabolism , ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/therapeutic useABSTRACT
AIM: To compare the clinical and radiographically mixture of zinc oxide with Aloe vera, Curcumin and neem as an obturating material for pulpectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised of age group 4-8 years children requiring endodontic treatment for at least a single primary molar tooth. Sixty primary molar teeth from 43 children were divided equally and randomly into four study groups. The materials used for obturation were zinc oxide powder (ZnO) and Eugenol (ZOE) (group I), ZnO and Aloe vera Gel (group II), ZnO and Curcumin Powder (group III), ZnO and neem extract (group IV). They were evaluated clinically and radiographically at immediate postoperative and then at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 9-month intervals. RESULTS: At the end of 9 months, the Chi-square test revealed 100% success rate for recovery of pain in group I and III, 66.66% in group II and 93.3% in group IV. The success rates for absence of abscess and for periradicular radiolucency in group I, III, and group IV were 100% and 66.6% for group II. The success rate for periapical radiolucency in group I and group III was 100%, in group II 66.6% and in group IV 93.35%. The success rate for all the groups shows 100% success in terms of pathological root resorption. CONCLUSION: Zinc oxide eugenol has proven to be the best obturating material. ZnO with Aloe vera showed a success rate which is significantly lower than the other medicaments. ZnO with Curcumin and ZnO with neem had shown promising clinical and radiographical results. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: ZnO with Curcumin and ZnO with neem can be used as a root canal filling material in primary teeth with further follow-up studies.
Subject(s)
Curcumin , Root Canal Filling Materials , Zinc Oxide , Child , Humans , Child, Preschool , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Eugenol , Curcumin/therapeutic use , Powders , Tooth, Deciduous , Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement/therapeutic use , Root Canal Filling Materials/therapeutic use , Pulpectomy/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The antimicrobial activity of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) has been confirmed to fight a broad spectrum of microorganisms, through antimicrobial effects that are amplified when these particles are irradiated with light of the proper wavelength. This is the first study to use phytoconjugated Zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs containing traces of active biomolecules derived from Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) plant extract in antimicrobial photocatalysis (PCT) during non-surgical periodontal therapy. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repeated PCT application in the treatment of periodontitis, using a gel containing bio-hydrothermally synthesized ZnO NPs and visible light as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP). METHODOLOGY: In total, 16 systemically healthy volunteers with stage 3 grade B generalized periodontitis were recruited for this prospective double blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. After receiving SRP, the subjects received the following interventions in a split-mouth design at baseline, 1 week and 1 month: Group 1 - Placebo gel + Sham PCT; Group 2 - Nano ZnO gel + Sham PCT; Group 3 - Placebo gel + PCT; and Group 4 - Nano ZnO gel + PCT. The site-specific profile of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the subgingival plaque and clinical parameters (Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Gingival Bleeding Index, Probing pocket Depth and Clinical Attachment Level) were assessed at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. RESULTS: All interventions tested caused participants' clinical and microbiological parameters to generally improve after 3 months. Subjects who received the Nano ZnO gel + PCT combination showed a sustained and progressive improvement in their treatment outcomes, a result that presented statistically significant differences from the outcomes obtained through the remaining interventions, at all time points during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The repeated application of PCT using bio-hydrothermally synthesized ZnO NPs can effectively complement SRP in the non-surgical treatment of Periodontitis.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents , Chronic Periodontitis , Nanoparticles , Zinc Oxide , Humans , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Chronic Periodontitis/therapy , Prospective Studies , Root Planing , Dental Scaling , Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of zinc oxide versus barrier creams for the maintenance of skin integrity in intensive care patients with a risk of pressure injury (PI). METHODS: This was a retrospective and cross-sectional study. The authors included data from 95 patients treated in the neurology and respiratory ICUs of a training and research hospital between January and June 2022. Patients in the neurology ICU were treated with zinc oxide cream (group 1, n = 48), and patients in the respiratory ICU received classic barrier cream (group 2, n = 47). Sociodemographic characteristics and PI data (Braden Scale score, Pressure Ulcer Healing Assessment Scale [PUSH] score, and PI stage) were obtained from each patient's file. RESULTS: The mean PUSH score of the patients who received zinc oxide cream was 3.83 ± 4.39 at discharge versus 6.79 ± 4.40 for the group who received barrier cream. When PUSH scores and PI stages during hospitalization and discharge were compared, the authors found a statistically significant between-group difference in mean discharge scores (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this retrospective study based on patient records, zinc oxide creams had more positive effects on the prevention of PIs than barrier creams.
Subject(s)
Pressure Ulcer , Zinc Oxide , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Pressure Ulcer/prevention & control , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Cross-Sectional Studies , SkinABSTRACT
Cryptosporidiosis is a global health problem that threatens the lives of immunocompromised patients. This study targets to fabricate and investigate the efficiency of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), nitazoxanide (NTZ)-loaded ZnO-NPs, and Allium sativum (A. sativum)-loaded ZnO-NPs in treating cryptosporidiosis. Further FTIR, SEM, XRD, and zeta analysis were used for the characterization of ZnO-NPs and loaded materials. The morphology of loaded materials for ZnO-NPs changed into wrapped layers and well-distributed homogenous particles, which had a direct effect on the oocyst wall. The charge surface of all particles had a negative sign, which indicated well distribution into the parasite matrix. For anti-cryptosporidiosis efficiency, thirty immunosuppressed Cryptosporidium parvum-infected mice, classified into six groups, were sacrificed on the 21st day after infection with an evaluation of parasitological, histopathological, and oxidative markers. It was detected that the highest reduction percent of Cryptosporidium oocyst shedding was (81.5%) in NTZ, followed by (71.1%) in A. sativum-loaded ZnO-NPs-treated groups. Also, treatment with A. sativum and NTZ-loaded ZnO-NPs revealed remarkable amelioration of the intestinal, hepatic, and pulmonary histopathological lesions. Furthermore, they significantly produced an increase in GSH values and improved the changes in NO and MDA levels. In conclusion, this study is the first to report ZnO-NPs as an effective therapy for treating cryptosporidiosis, especially when combined with other treatments that enhance their antioxidant activity. It provides an economical and environment-friendly approach to novel delivery synthesis for antiparasitic applications.
Subject(s)
Cryptosporidiosis , Cryptosporidium , Nanoparticles , Zinc Oxide , Humans , Animals , Mice , Cryptosporidiosis/drug therapy , Cryptosporidiosis/parasitology , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Postpartum endometritis significantly affects the health and productivity of cattle, causing significant economic loss that is speculated to exceed billions of dollars annually. Treatment of postpartum endometritis, which is linked to various bacterial infections in the uterus after delivery and has an alarmingly high risk of antibiotic treatment failure for unidentified reasons, represents a great challenge. Several studies have demonstrated that various disease complications, such as multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, prolonged infection treatment, and increased mortality risk, have emerged as a result of the extensive use of antibiotics to treat uterine infections and other microbial-related diseases. Recent research has led to the development of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) that exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy against bacterial pathogens, including MDR bacteria, without producing mutants that are resistant to zinc oxide (ZnO). In the present work, we biologically synthesized ZnO NPs from a green natural source of Helianthus annuus seeds for the treatment of endometritis caused by MDR bacterial strains in dairy cattle. We examined ZnO's potential as a substitute antimicrobial agent to treat cow endometritis by testing its ability to sustain potent antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), in cow uteri. Among uterine bacteria, ZnO significantly decreased E. coli and S. aureus, which are known pathogenic bacteria within the uterus and achieved a high cure rate that was associated with the induction of estrous and pregnancy. Taken together, our observations of ZnO's broad range of antibacterial activity in-vivo with an animal model and subsequent evaluations of its therapeutic efficacy in cows with endometritis shed light on its potential to be used as a substitute antimicrobial agent for the treatment of uterine illness.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents , Bacterial Infections , Cattle Diseases , Endometritis , Nanoparticles , Zinc Oxide , Pregnancy , Female , Cattle , Animals , Endometritis/drug therapy , Endometritis/veterinary , Endometritis/microbiology , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , Uterus , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use , Bacterial Infections/veterinary , Bacteria , Postpartum Period , Cattle Diseases/microbiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The search for alternative therapies for treatment of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been increasingly studied to avoid the common adverse effects of the usual regimens. Therefore, this study aimed at delineating possible mechanisms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and possible therapeutic role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) versus vanillic acid. METHODS: Forty rats were divided into five groups: control, sham control, Testosterone-induced BPH, BPH and Zn-NPs, and BPH and vanillic acid. Light microscopic, immune-histochemical; PCNA, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, p-Akt and p-mTOR, histomorphometric analysis, MDA/SOD and GPx and were done. Gene expression of p-Akt, p-mTOR and survivin were evaluated. RESULTS: Application of zinc oxide nanoparticles as well as vanillic acid significantly reduced prostatic index, epithelial thickness, stromal collagen fibers, expression of PCNA, Bcl2, p-Akt, p-mTOR and MDA tissue level (p < 0.05). Whereas expression of Bax and caspase 3, and tissue levels of SOD and GPx were significantly increased in groups treated with Zno-Nps and vanillic acid compared to that of BPH group. Zinc oxide nanoparticles showed a better effect than vanillic acid in alleviating BPH. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that ZnO-NPs as well as VA ameliorated the histolo-pathological and biochemical effects of induced BPH, moreover they improved the proapoptotic and antioxidant parameters which ere induced in BPH. It is recommended to search for new agents to prevent the development and progression of BPH.
Subject(s)
Nanoparticles , Prostatic Hyperplasia , Zinc Oxide , Male , Humans , Rats , Animals , Testosterone/metabolism , Prostatic Hyperplasia/chemically induced , Prostatic Hyperplasia/drug therapy , Prostatic Hyperplasia/metabolism , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Vanillic Acid/pharmacology , Vanillic Acid/therapeutic use , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt , bcl-2-Associated X Protein , Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases , Superoxide DismutaseABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Chronic prurigo (CPG) presents with pruriginous lesions and reduced quality of life (QoL). Established treatment options are often unsatisfying. Little is known about the efficacy of topical occlusive treatments. Patients often report rapid relief of symptoms when using topical occlusive zinc oxide patches (ZOP). We, therefore, aimed to assess the efficacy of ZOP. METHODS: In this randomized controlled split-body crossover study, 22 participants were analyzed, receiving three treatments sequentially: ZOP, topical betamethasone 17-valerate (topical glucocorticosteroids [TGCs]), and both ZOP and TGC combined (ZOP + TGC). Each intervention was applied to either the right or left side of the body for seven consecutive days. Outcomes were a count of active excoriated pruriginous lesions (APLs), itch, recurrence of APL, QoL, and treatment comfort. They were assessed through photographs and questionnaires: modified Prurigo Activity and Severity Score, modified Itchy Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Therapy Comfort Score. RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction of 46% in APL count for ZOP (95% CI from 30% to 58%, p value: <0.0001). Similar reduction was seen for ZOP + TGC, and a lower reduction was seen for TGC alone (48% [95% CI from 33% to 60%, p value: <0.0001] vs. 26% [95% CI from 4% to 43%, p value: 0.02]). APL counts on the non-treated side remained stable. Significant reduction in itch was observed after all treatments, with the largest improvement for ZOP + TGC, followed by TGC and, lastly, ZOP alone (-2.3 units [95% CI from -3.5 to -1.1, p value: 0.00015] vs. -1.5 units [95% CI from -2.8 to -0.3, p value: 0.01 vs. -1.4 units [95% CI from -2.6 to -0.2, p value: 0.02]). QoL increased significantly after ZOP + TGC as well as after TGC (-8.3 units [95% CI from -13.6 to -3.1, p value: 0.0018] vs. -5.7 units [95% CI from -10.9 to -0.5, p value: 0.03]). A good subjective response concerning treatment comfort was observed. CONCLUSION: ZOP are effective in reducing APL after 1 week of treatment. Adding TGC to ZOP did not add considerable benefit in reducing APL. All three treatments reduced itch and improved QoL, with the largest improvement shown by ZOP combined with TGC. Patients tolerated ZOP well and reported no adverse events. We therefore suggest ZOP combined with TGC as an effective, fast-acting, low-cost treatment for reducing APL and itch in patients with CPG.
Subject(s)
Prurigo , Zinc Oxide , Humans , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Prurigo/drug therapy , Quality of Life , Cross-Over Studies , Pruritus/drug therapy , Pruritus/etiologyABSTRACT
Background: We conducted this animal study to assess the efficacy of the novel hydrogel containing zinc oxide-loaded and minocycline serum albumin nanoparticals (Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs) on peri-implantitis in an experimental mouse model. Material and methods: Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs was prepared as previously reported. The peri-implantitis model was successfully established in rats, and the rats were divided into three groups randomly: Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs (Mino-ZnO) group, minocycline group, and untreated group. Four weeks later, clinical and radiographic assessments were performed to evaluate soft tissue inflammation and bone resorption level. Histologic analysis was performed to estimate the amount of remaining supporting bone tissue (SBT) around implants. ELISA tests were used to determine the concentration of inflammation factor interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) and anti-inflammation factor tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) around implants. Results: After one month, the Mino-ZnO group showed better results than the other two groups in regards to the results of bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, bleeding index and gingival index. X-ray showed that SBT at mesial and distal sites around implants in the other two groups was significantly lower compared with that of Mino-ZnO group. The quantity of osteoclasts in peri-implant tissues of the Mino-ZnO group was less than that in the minocycline and untreated groups. IL-1β in the Mino-ZnO group was lower than that in the other two groups. TNF-α level was the opposite. Conclusions: Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs can effectively treat peri-implantitis and promote soft tissue healing, and may act as a promising product. (AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Dental Implants , Peri-Implantitis/drug therapy , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Hydrogels/therapeutic use , Serum Albumin/analysis , Serum Albumin/therapeutic use , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/analysis , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/therapeutic use , Minocycline/therapeutic useABSTRACT
A cost-effective treatment for pitted keratolysis (PK) is the use of 4% chlorhexidine scrub. Zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO-NP)-coated socks have also shown efficacy in PK prevention. In this study, we aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness and safety of combined 4% chlorhexidine scrub and ZnO-NP-coated sock treatment compared to monotherapy. This randomized, controlled trial included 60 male security guards and hospital porters aged ≥18 with PK. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 4% chlorhexidine scrub, ZnO-NP-coated socks, or combination therapy. Treatment outcomes were evaluated after 4 weeks. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated using cost-utility analysis. The greatest reduction in visual analog scale scores for foot odor was observed in the combination therapy group, but it was nonsignificant (P = 0.186). Clinical improvement was observed across all groups. The cost-utility analysis revealed that chlorhexidine scrub and regular socks were the least expensive options. The placebo and ZnO-NP-coated sock group had an ICER of US $31 082/quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gain, while the combination therapy gained US $45 105/QALYs compared to the chlorhexidine scrub and regular sock group. Based on our findings, for the treatment of PK, 4% chlorhexidine scrub remains the most cost-effective choice.
Subject(s)
Chlorhexidine , Zinc Oxide , Male , Humans , Chlorhexidine/therapeutic use , Zinc Oxide/therapeutic use , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: We conducted this animal study to assess the efficacy of the novel hydrogel containing zinc oxide-loaded and minocycline serum albumin nanoparticals (Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs) on peri-implantitis in an experimental mouse model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs was prepared as previously reported. The peri-implantitis model was successfully established in rats, and the rats were divided into three groups randomly: Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs (Mino-ZnO) group, minocycline group, and untreated group. Four weeks later, clinical and radiographic assessments were performed to evaluate soft tissue inflammation and bone resorption level. Histologic analysis was performed to estimate the amount of remaining supporting bone tissue (SBT) around implants. ELISA tests were used to determine the concentration of inflammation factor interleukin-1-beta (IL-1ß) and anti-inflammation factor tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) around implants. RESULTS: After one month, the Mino-ZnO group showed better results than the other two groups in regards to the results of bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, bleeding index and gingival index. X-ray showed that SBT at mesial and distal sites around implants in the other two groups was significantly lower compared with that of Mino-ZnO group. The quantity of osteoclasts in peri-implant tissues of the Mino-ZnO group was less than that in the minocycline and untreated groups. IL-1ß in the Mino-ZnO group was lower than that in the other two groups. TNF-α level was the opposite. CONCLUSIONS: Mino-ZnO@Alb NPs can effectively treat peri-implantitis and promote soft tissue healing, and may act as a promising product.