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Polymers Apr 2024Currently, the application of solvent exchange-induced in situ gel is underway for drug delivery to the body target site. Nitrocellulose was attempted in this research...
Currently, the application of solvent exchange-induced in situ gel is underway for drug delivery to the body target site. Nitrocellulose was attempted in this research as the matrix-forming agent in solvent exchange-induced in situ gel for acne and periodontitis treatments. The gel incorporated a combination of 1% / levofloxacin HCl and 2% / salicylic acid as the active compounds. In order to facilitate formulation development, the study explored the matrix-forming behavior of different concentrations of nitrocellulose in -methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). Consequently, their physicochemical properties and matrix-forming behavior, as well as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, were evaluated using the agar cup diffusion method and thermal inhibition of protein denaturation in the egg albumin technique, respectively. All prepared formulations presented as clear solutions with Newtonian flow. Their contact angles on agarose gel were higher than on a glass slide due to matrix formation upon exposure to the aqueous phase of agarose, with an angle of less than 60° indicating good spreadability. Nitrocellulose concentrations exceeding 20% initiated stable opaque matrix formation upon contact with phosphate buffer pH 6.8. The high hardness and remaining force of the transformed gel indicated their robustness after solvent exchange. Fluorescence tracking using sodium fluorescein and Nile red confirmed the retardation of NMP and water diffusion by the nitrocellulose matrix. From the Franz cell permeation study, these drugs could permeate through neonate porcine skin and tissue of porcine buccal from the nitrocellulose in situ forming gel. Their accumulation in these tissues might enable the inhibition of the invading bacterial pathogens. The developed in situ gels effectively inhibited , , , and . Furthermore, the formulations demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect. The low viscosity of LvSa25Nc makes it appropriate for injectable treatments targeting periodontitis, while the higher viscosity of LvSa40Nc renders it appropriate for topical applications in acne treatment. Therefore, the nitrocellulose in situ gel loaded with combined levofloxacin HCl and salicylic acid emerges as a promising dosage form for treating acne and periodontitis.
PubMed: 38611247
DOI: 10.3390/polym16070989 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2024The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) requires the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. Antimicrobial peptides...
The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) requires the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising avenue for the development of new treatments targeting C. acnes. In this study, to design peptides with the specific inhibitory activity against C. acnes, we employed a deep learning pipeline with generators and classifiers, using transfer learning and pretrained protein embeddings, trained on publicly available data. To enhance the training data specific to C. acnes inhibition, we constructed a phylogenetic tree. A panel of 42 novel generated linear peptides was then synthesized and experimentally evaluated for their antimicrobial selectivity and activity. Five of them demonstrated their high potency and selectivity against C. acnes with MIC of 2-4 µg/mL. Our findings highlight the potential of these designed peptides as promising candidates for anti-acne therapeutics and demonstrate the power of computational approaches for the rational design of targeted antimicrobial peptides.
Topics: Humans; Antimicrobial Peptides; Phylogeny; Deep Learning; Anti-Infective Agents; Acne Vulgaris; Propionibacterium acnes; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38402320
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55205-3 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024plays a critical role in the development of acne vulgaris. There has been a rise in the number of patients carrying strains that are resistant to antibiotics. Thus,...
plays a critical role in the development of acne vulgaris. There has been a rise in the number of patients carrying strains that are resistant to antibiotics. Thus, alternative anti-microbial agents are required. Zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs) and silver (Ag-NPs) nanoparticles can be used against several antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The impact of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs against two clinical strains of , P1 and P2, and a reference strain, NCTC747, were investigated in this research. A chemical approach for the green synthesis of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs from was employed. The microtiter plate method was used to examine the effects of NPs on bacterial growth, biofilm development, and biofilm eradication. A broth microdilution process was performed in order to determine minimal inhibitory (MIC) concentrations. Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs had a spherical shape and average dimensions of 10 and 50 nm, respectively. MIC values for all strains for Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs were 125 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL, respectively. Ag-NP and ZnO-NP concentrations of 3.9- 62.5 µg/mL and 15-62.5 µg/mL significantly inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of all strains, respectively. ZnO-NP concentrations of 15-62.5 μg/mL significantly inhibited the growth of NCTC747 and P2 strains. The growth of P1 was impacted by concentrations of 31.25 μg/mL and 62.5 μg/mL. Biofilm formation in the NCTC747 strain was diminished by a ZnO-NP concentration of 15 μg/mL. The clinical strains of were only affected by ZnO-NP titres of more than 31.25 μg/mL. Established biofilm biomass was significantly reduced in all strains at a Ag-NP and ZnO-NP concentration of 62.5 µg/mL. The findings demonstrated that Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs exert an anti-bacterial effect against . Further research is required to determine their potential utility as a treatment option for acne.
PubMed: 38399471
DOI: 10.3390/ph17020255 -
Cureus Jan 2024A suitable portion of the total population still suffers through acne vulgaris, a widespread dermatological illness that mostly affects teens and young adults. Although... (Review)
Review
A suitable portion of the total population still suffers through acne vulgaris, a widespread dermatological illness that mostly affects teens and young adults. Although acne is typically considered to be a cosmetic problem, recent research has concluded that certainly it has a significant role on impacting many physiological aspects of human health. This thorough investigation attempts to examine the intricate effects of acne on human physiology, taking into consideration both systemic and local effects. The study synthesizes research from a number of scientific disciplines, including dermatology, endocrinology, immunology, and psychoneuroimmunology. It investigates the complex interrelationships between several factors, such as sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, hormone imbalance, and colonisation, that lead to the development of acne. The study also sheds information on the intricate physiological mechanisms, oxidative stress, and immune response that contribute to the aetiology of acne. Along with it, the review investigates the relationship between endocrine problems and acne, emphasizing hormonal anomalies and their possible role in acne severity. The psychological effects of acne are also discussed, including the psychological problems, concerns with self-esteem, and decreased quality of life that acne sufferers encounter. On comprehensively examining the diverse physiological aspects affected by acne, this review provides a foundation for future research endeavours and informs the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Ultimately, the integration of multidisciplinary approaches will enable healthcare professionals to address the physiological complexities of acne and improve the overall well-being of individuals affected by this common skin condition.
PubMed: 38384651
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52727 -
BMC Ophthalmology Feb 2024To report the microbiological isolates, aetiology, complications, antibiotic susceptibilities, and clinical remission of dacryocystitis and canaliculitis in a prominent...
BACKGROUND
To report the microbiological isolates, aetiology, complications, antibiotic susceptibilities, and clinical remission of dacryocystitis and canaliculitis in a prominent tertiary ophthalmic teaching and referral hospital located in northern China and to offer appropriate recommendations for preventing and formulating drug treatment strategies.
METHODS
This prospective study recruited a total of 477 participants who had been diagnosed with either dacryocystitis or canaliculitis. The cohort comprised 307 patients with chronic dacryocystitis, 111 patients with acute dacryocystitis, and 59 patients with canaliculitis. Purulent discharge from the lacrimal duct was collected using a sterile swab and immediately subjected to microbial culture. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted following established protocols. All participants were scheduled for follow-up visits within 14 days after receiving antibiotic therapy.
RESULTS
The present findings indicated that women exhibited a higher susceptibility to the condition, as evidenced by the occurrence of 367 cases in comparison to 110 cases among men. Among the 477 patients, definitive causes were established in 59 individuals, accounting for 12.4% of the patients. Additionally, ocular complications were reported by 132 patients, representing 27.7% of the total. Monocular involvement was observed in the majority of cases, with 402 out of 477 patients (84.3%) affected, while binocular involvement was present in 75 patients (15.7%). In total, 506 microbiological strains were recovered from 552 eyes, with Staphylococcus epidermidis (16.4%) being the most prevalent microorganism. Other predominant isolates included Corynebacterium macginleyi (9.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (5.1%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (4.9%), Haemophilus (4.4%), Propionibacterium acnes (3.5%), and Eikenella corrodens (3.1%). Among the 12 isolated fungi, Candida parapsilosis accounted for 66.7%. The susceptibility to antimicrobial agents tested in gram-negative bacilli (79.5%) was observed to be higher than that of anaerobic bacteria (76.7%) and gram-positive cocci (55.4%). With pharmacological therapy, the remission rate of acute dacryocystitis (72.7%) was found to be higher than that of canaliculitis (53.3%) and chronic dacryocystitis (42.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the microbial spectrum of dacryocystitis and canaliculitis, particularly C.macginleyi, E.corrodens and C.parapsilosis, which are also more frequently isolated. Vancomycin and imipenem may be more effective treatment options. Most cases have an unknown aetiology, and essential preventive measures involve postoperative cleansing of the lacrimal passage following eye and nasal surgeries, as well as the proactive management of rhinitis.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Canaliculitis; Prospective Studies; Dacryocystitis; Lacrimal Apparatus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Hospitals, Teaching
PubMed: 38317063
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03323-x -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024, a commensal bacterium found on human skin, formerly known as , rarely causes infections and is generally considered non-pathogenic. Recent research has revealed the...
, a commensal bacterium found on human skin, formerly known as , rarely causes infections and is generally considered non-pathogenic. Recent research has revealed the transferability of the multidrug-resistant plasmid pTZC1 between and , the latter being an opportunistic pathogen in surgical site infections. However, there is a noticeable lack of research on the genome of , and the genetic landscape of this species remains largely uncharted. We investigated the genomic features and evolutionary structure of by analyzing a total of 30 Metagenome-Assembled Genomes (MAGs) and isolate genomes retrieved from public databases, as well as those generated in this study. A pan-genome of 6,077 genes was identified for . Remarkably, the 'cloud genes' constituted 62.38% of the pan-genome. Genes associated with mobilome: prophages, transposons [X], defense mechanisms [V] and replication, recombination and repair [L] were enriched in the cloud genome. Phylogenomic analysis revealed two distinct mono-clades, highlighting the genomic diversity of . The genomic diversity was further confirmed by the distribution of Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) values. The functional profiles analysis of unveiled a wide range of potential Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) and virulence factors, suggesting its potential tolerance to various environmental challenges. Subtype I-E of the CRISPR-Cas system was the most abundant in these genomes, a feature also detected in genomes. Given the widespread distribution of strains within skin microbiome, our findings make a substantial contribution to our broader understanding of the genetic diversity, which may open new avenues for investigating the mechanisms and treatment of conditions such as acne vulgaris.
PubMed: 38304712
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1343227 -
Arthritis Research & Therapy Jan 2024Although cervical intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is closely associated with neck pain, its cause remains unclear. In this study, an animal model of cervical disc...
BACKGROUND
Although cervical intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is closely associated with neck pain, its cause remains unclear. In this study, an animal model of cervical disc degeneration and discogenic neck pain induced by a low concentration of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes-L) is investigated to explore the possible mechanisms of cervical discogenic pain.
METHODS
Cervical IVD degeneration and discitis was induced in 8-week-old male rats in C3-C6 IVDs through the anterior intervertebral puncture with intradiscal injections of low and high concentrations of P. acnes (P. acnes-L, n = 20 and P. acnes-H, n = 15) or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, n = 15), compared to control (injection with PBS, n = 20). The structural changes in the cervical IVD using micro-CT, histological evaluation, and gene expression assays after MRI scans at 2 and 6 weeks post-modeling. The P. acnes-L induced IVD degeneration model was assessed for cervical spine MRI, histological degeneration, pain-like behaviors (guarding behavior and forepaw von Frey), nerve fiber growth in the IVD endplate region, and DRG TNF-α and CGRP.
RESULTS
IVD injection with P. acnes-L induced IVD degeneration with decreased IVD height and MRI T2 values. IVD injection with P. acnes-H and S. aureus both lead to discitis-like changes on T2-weighted MRI, trabecular bone remodeling on micro-CT, and osseous fusion after damage in the cartilage endplate adjacent to the injected IVD. Eventually, rats in the P. acnes-L group exhibited significant nociceptive hypersensitivity, nerve fiber ingrowth was observed in the IVD endplate region, inflammatory activity in the DRG was significantly increased compared to the control group, and the expression of the pain neurotransmitter CGRP was significantly upregulated.
CONCLUSION
P. acnes-L was validated to induce cervical IVD degeneration and discogenic pain phenotype, while P. acnes-H induced was identified to resemble septic discitis comparable to those caused by S. aureus infection.
Topics: Male; Rats; Animals; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Propionibacterium acnes; Discitis; Neck Pain; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Staphylococcus aureus; Intervertebral Disc; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38297365
DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03269-x -
JID Innovations : Skin Science From... Jan 2024Although prior studies have reported distinct skin microbiome profiles associated with psoriasis, differences in methods and analyses limit generalizable conclusions....
Although prior studies have reported distinct skin microbiome profiles associated with psoriasis, differences in methods and analyses limit generalizable conclusions. Individual studies have actually reported conflicting findings; for example, and have been significantly associated with both psoriatic lesions and healthy skin. Qualitative reviews have attempted to summarize this body of work, but there is great variability across the studies' findings and methods. To better unify these data, we created a meta-analysis of all publicly available datasets by utilizing a uniform bioinformatics pipeline and reference database to investigate associations of the skin microbiome in psoriasis. A total of 977 skin swab samples (341 lesional, 295 nonlesional, and 341 healthy) from 6 studies were analyzed. The aggregated analysis revealed a higher relative abundance of microorganisms, including and , among others, from patients with psoriasis than those from healthy swab samples; in addition, , unclassified, and were significantly higher in healthy samples. Furthermore, comparison of functional pathways predicted from 16S gene markers showed that L-ornithine biosynthesis and L-histidine biosynthesis were lower in psoriatic lesions than in healthy controls. Taken together, this meta-analysis allows for a more generalizable association between the skin microbiome and psoriasis.
PubMed: 38282647
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2023.100249 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2024Acne vulgaris is a type of chronic skin disorder caused by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Neutrophil extrinsic traps (NETs) play key role in many types of...
Acne vulgaris is a type of chronic skin disorder caused by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Neutrophil extrinsic traps (NETs) play key role in many types of inflammatory skin diseases. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) was reported modulate immune responses and neutrophil activity. Here, we explored the potential role of ADSCs and the potential mechanism associated with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in relieving acne vulgaris. In the P. acnes-infected ear skin model, histological staining was used to evaluate the inflammatory infiltration and NET formation in control, P. acnes, and P. acnes + ADSCs groups. Besides, western blot was used to detect the expression levels of cit-H3, MPO, and Nrf2 in ear tissue. In vitro, the immunofluorescence staining of MPO and cit-H3, and SYTOX green staining were performed to measure the NET formation. CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, and wound healing assay were used to detect the proliferation and migration abilities of keratinocytes. ELISA assay was utilized to detect the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. In P. acnes-infected ear skin, ADSC treatment significantly attenuated inflammation and NET formation via activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. In vitro, the conditioned medium of ADSCs reduced the formation of P. acne-induced NETs. Besides, ADSCs could inhibit that the NETs efficiently promoted the proliferation, migration, and inflammatory cytokine secretion of keratinocytes. Our study suggested that ADSCs could attenuate P. acne-related inflammation by inhibiting NET formation. This study provides a novel therapeutic perspective of ADSCs in combating acne vulgaris.
Topics: Humans; Extracellular Traps; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Acne Vulgaris; Inflammation; Stem Cells; Propionibacterium acnes
PubMed: 38233540
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51931-w -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023The Korean mountains are home to the Korean red pine (). Pine needle oil has been used as a food additive and a traditional herbal medicine; however, any health-related...
The Korean mountains are home to the Korean red pine (). Pine needle oil has been used as a food additive and a traditional herbal medicine; however, any health-related properties of its trunk oil remain unknown. Herein, we assessed antibacterial and antiviral properties of essential oil extracted from the trunk of . Th extracted oil was hydrodistilled using a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the oil was tested using the microbroth dilution technique against 10 bacterial species (6 g-positive and 4 g-negative) and fungi. The extract exerted strong antimicrobial activity against , , , , and (minimum inhibitory concentration = 10 mL/L). Additionally, it exhibited dose-dependent activity against influenza virus A and feline coronavirus. Furthermore, among 20 identified constituents accounting for 98.7% of the oil contents, the major components included 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol (10.12%), 2-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-2-propanol (9.09%), fenchone (8.14%), -isopropyltoluene (6.35%), and isothymol methyl ether (6.14%). The trunk essential oil showed antibacterial and antiviral activities that depended on its chemical composition and the microbial strains tested herein. The essential oil can be used as an antimicrobial agent and disinfectant.
PubMed: 38231728
DOI: 10.3390/foods12234279