Current Issue : January-March Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 1 Articles : 5 Articles
Background/Objectives: The search for natural alternatives to enhance wound healing has driven the investigation of bioactive compounds, such as Spirulina. This microalga, rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, contains compounds like phycocyanin (C-PC), which promote cell repair, reduce inflammatory markers, and combat bacteria. Although its effects are promising, its efficacy still requires validation through human clinical trials. This article aims to review scientific publications on the use of Spirulina in skin regeneration using animal wound models. Methods: A database search was conducted for studies published between 2017 and 2024 on the effects of Spirulina on tissue regeneration in rats, chosen for their genetic similarity to humans. In vitro studies, those using other animal models, or studies published in languages other than Spanish or English were excluded. The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: Four studies were analyzed, all of which demonstrated promising results in wound healing in rats. Spirulina was administered through oral supplements, hydrogels, and nanophytosomal formulations. These treatments accelerated wound closure and improved granulation tissue formation, vascularization, and epithelialization. Additionally, they exhibited antihyperglycemic effects in diabetic rats. Conclusions: The reviewed studies highlight the potential of Spirulina platensis to enhance wound healing, particularly in cases of diabetes and burns. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties play a crucial role in accelerating cellular regeneration and reducing inflammation, contributing to faster and more effective recovery. However, further research in humans is necessary to confirm its safety and clinical efficacy....
This study examined the expression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and inflammatory markers in cardiovascular complications associated with long-term type 1 diabetes (T1D) using a rat model. After 24 weeks of streptozotocin-induced T1D, the animals exhibited metabolic alterations indicative of both cardiac and renal dysfunction. Tissue-specific dysregulation of RAS components and pro-inflammatory markers were observed in the heart, aorta, and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). In the heart, there was a significant upregulation of both classical (AT1R, 1.00 (0.22) vs. 1.70 (0.45) R.U.) and counter-regulatory RAS components (ACE2, 1.00 (0.43) vs. 1.96 (0.67) R.U.; p < 0.001) and MasR (1.00 (0.56) vs. 1.33 (0.29) R.U.; p = 0.004). The aorta displayed increased expression of classical RAS components alongside a significant reduction in ACE2 expression (1.00 (0.74) vs. 0.51 (0.48) R.U.; p < 0.032). Notably, PVAT showed a significant overexpression of classical RAS components (ACE 1.00 (0.22) vs. 4.08 (1.32) R.U.; p < 0.001, AT1R 1.00 (0.59) vs. 7.22 (4.14) R.U.; p < 0.001) and MasR (1.00 (0.70) vs. 4.52 (1.91) R.U.; p < 0.001), accompanied by increased expression of TNFα and ADAM17. These findings suggest that long-term T1D induces tissue-specific activation patterns of the RAS and inflammatory pathways within the cardiovascular system, which may contribute to the progression of diabetic cardiovascular complications. Therapeutic targeting of RAS components may represent a viable strategy for mitigating cardiovascular damage in T1D....
The chemotherapeutic combination of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) is welldocumented to exert gonadotoxic effects, ultimately leading to impaired fertility. This experimental rat study investigated the potential protective role of repeated medical ozone therapy in mitigating the deleterious effects of BEP treatment in male rats. Thirty-two adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (i) a healthy control group, (ii) a group receiving injections of the BEP regimen over nine weeks, (iii) a group receiving the same BEP regimen plus medical ozone (1 mg/kg IP) twice weekly, and (iv) a group receiving only ozone therapy. BEP treatment significantly reduced sperm concentration and increased morphological abnormalities, both of which were partially restored by ozone co-administration. Ozone therapy also elevated testosterone and thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) levels when co-administered with BEP compared to BEP treatment alone. Oxidative stress analysis demonstrated that total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were significantly improved in the BEP + ozone group. Histopathological analysis revealed that ozone treatment ameliorated BEP-induced testicular damage, as evidenced by improved Johnsen scores and increased thickness of the seminiferous tubule epithelium. In conclusion, repeated medical ozone therapy appears to mitigate BEP-induced reproductive toxicity by preserving sperm quality, endocrine function, and redox homeostasis....
Low-grade-serous ovarian carcinomas (LGSOC) are rare tumors characterized by a high recurrence rate and limited treatment options. Most LGSOC are estrogen receptor (ER)- positive and demonstrate alterations in the RAS/MAPK pathway. Avutometinib is a dual RAF/MEK clamp, whereas defactinib and VS-4718 are focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors. Fulvestrant is an ER antagonist/degrader. We assessed the preclinical efficacy of fulvestrant, avutometinib + VS-4718 (FAKi), and the triple combination in a chemotherapy/aromatase inhibitor-resistant LGSOC patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model. Tissue obtained from a LGSOC patient wild-type for KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations in progression after chemotherapy/anastrozole was transplanted into female CB17/lcrHsd-Prkdc/SCID mice (PDX-OVA(K)250). The animals were treated with either saline/control, fulvestrant, avutometinib/FAKi, or the triple combination of avutometinib/ FAKi/fulvestrant. Avutometinib and FAKi were given five-days on and two-days off through oral gavage. Fulvestrant was administered subcutaneously weekly. Mechanistic studies were performed ex vivo using Western blot assays. Animals treated with the triple combination demonstrated stronger tumor growth inhibition compared to all the other experimental groups including control/saline (p < 0.001), single-agent fulvestrant (p = 0.04 from day eight and onwards), and avutometinib/FAKi (p = 0.02 from day 18). Median survival for mice treated with saline/control was 29 days while mice in all other experimental groups were alive at day 60 (p < 0.0001). Treatment was well tolerated across all experimental treatments. ByWestern blot, exposure of OVA(K)250 to the triple combination demonstrated a decrease in phosphorylated MEK (p-MEK) and p-ERK levels. The addition of fulvestrant to avutometinib/FAKi is well tolerated in vivo and enhances the antitumor activity of avutometinib/FAKi in a LGSOC-PDX model with acquired resistance to chemotherapy/aromatase inhibitors. These results support the clinical evaluation of avutometinib/defactinib in combination with fulvestrant or an aromatase inhibitor in patients with recurrent LGSOC....
Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening condition characterized by necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract caused by hypoperfusion and hypoxia-induced inflammation. Surgical treatment often requires resection, with high morbidity and mortality. Intestinal tissue engineering using absorbable biomaterials represents a potential alternative. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is a biodegradable extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold that may facilitate regeneration of the native tissue. Objectives: The aim of our study is to investigate the regenerative potential of SIS in a rat model with multiple gastrointestinal defects. Methods: In rats, after a midline laparotomy, an approximately 1 cm full-thickness incision was performed on the anterior gastric wall, on the antimesenteric side of the small and large intestine, each covered with an SIS patch. After three weeks, the graft sites and adjacent fragments were harvested and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Cross-sections of the grafted area were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histologic analysis. Results: Among the fifteen Wistar rats used in the study, the survival rate was 80% (12/15). Macroscopic examination of the abdominal cavity after the second surgery showed no complications. Adhesions were present in 92% (11/12). Histological examination demonstrated complete mucosal coverage in all stomach samples, nine of the small intestine, and ten of the large intestine. Mild fibrosis with minimal inflammatory infiltrates predominated. Ulceration with granulation tissue replacement was observed in three small intestine samples. Foreign body reactions were restricted to suture sites. Conclusions: In this multifocal injury model, SIS integrated effectively and supported early regenerative healing across gastric, small-intestinal, and colonic sites at 3 weeks. These data support further studies with longer follow-up, quantitative histology and functional assessment, and evaluation in neonatal-relevant large animal models to determine translational potential for NEC surgery....
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