Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kang Fu, Xueyao Zheng, Yuhan Chen, Liuying Wu, Zhiming Yang, Xu Chen, Wei Song
Summary: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are serious complications of diabetes mellitus, characterized by tissue destruction in the foot. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play crucial roles in the pathogenesis and wound healing process of DFUs. Overexpression of MMPs in DFUs can result in excessive tissue degradation and impaired wound healing. Regulation of MMP levels may facilitate wound healing in DFUs.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Gopika Selvakumar, Suguna Lonchin
Summary: Diabetic wounds are difficult to heal due to inflammation and imbalance in collagen turnover. This study developed a wound dressing using plant polyphenol that exhibited antioxidant activity and enhanced wound healing ability. The dressing promoted cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration and reduced inflammation in diabetic wounds. It could be a promising alternative for treating chronic wounds.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Patricia Kasowanjete, Heidi Abrahamse, Nicolette N. Houreld
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) at 660 nm on wound healing in diabetic patients, and found that PBM can stimulate diabetic wound healing through activation of the Ras/MAPK pathway. This indicates that PBM has the potential to be an effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers.
Review
Immunology
Junren Chen, Siqi Qin, Shengmeng Liu, Kexin Zhong, Yiqi Jing, Xuan Wu, Fu Peng, Dan Li, Cheng Peng
Summary: Chronic inflammation is involved in the progression of various chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and its complications. Diabetic ulcer, characterized by chronic non-healing wounds, is a serious complication of diabetes that significantly impacts patients' quality of life and imposes high medical costs. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), which play a crucial role in the healing process, have been identified as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of diabetic ulcer and therapeutic targets for its treatment. This review focuses on natural products derived from herbs, vegetables, and animals that target MMPs and have shown potential in treating diabetic ulcer.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zhi-Xiang Tan, Rui Tao, Si-Cheng Li, Bing-Zheng Shen, Lan-Xia Meng, Zhan-Yong Zhu
Summary: Diabetic wounds are a common and costly complication of diabetes. Current treatment methods are limited, and more effective methods are needed. Defensins play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic wounds and have the potential to promote early healing.
WORLD JOURNAL OF DIABETES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jueying Chen, Jiahui He, Yutong Yang, Lipeng Qiao, Juan Hu, Jie Zhang, Baolin Guo
Summary: The development of compressible, stretchable and self-healing hydrogel dressings with good adhesive, antibacterial and angiogenesis properties is needed to promote the regeneration of diabetic wounds in clinical applications.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Min Jiang, Xupin Jiang, Hongmei Li, Can Zhang, Ze Zhang, Chao Wu, Junhui Zhang, Jiongyu Hu, Jiaping Zhang
Summary: Diabetic foot is a common complication of diabetes and often leads to amputation. Previous studies have shown that stem cell transplantation can promote the healing of chronic diabetic wounds, but safety concerns have limited its clinical application. Recently, it has been discovered that mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have similar therapeutic effects and offer advantages such as safety and reduced immune response. This paper summarizes the current understanding of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs in accelerating the healing of diabetic wounds and their potential clinical applications.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Dermatology
Wan-Qing Zhang, Wen Tang, Shi-Qi Hu, Xue-Lei Fu, Hua Wu, Wang-Qin Shen, Hong-Lin Chen
Summary: This study aims to discuss the expression of matrix metalloproteinase in wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers and further summarize the strategies of targeted matrix metalloproteinase and its inhibitors in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Through systematic search of databases, this study found that high levels of MMP-1, 2, 9 delayed the healing of diabetic foot ulcers, while high expression of MMP-8 in tissues improved wound healing.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE VIABILITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Rossi, Giada Magni, Francesca Tatini, Martina Banchelli, Federica Cherchi, Michele Rossi, Elisabetta Coppi, Anna Maria Pugliese, Duccio Rossi degl'Innocenti, Domenico Alfieri, Francesco S. Pavone, Roberto Pini, Paolo Matteini
Summary: Studies have shown that blue LED light can be used to modulate the metabolism and proliferation of human fibroblasts and play a significant role in wound healing, particularly in co-cultures of fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Frank P. P. Guerriero, Robyn A. A. Clark, Michelle Miller, Christopher L. L. Delaney
Summary: This single-center prospective observational study assesses the impact of bilayer biodegradable synthetic matrix technology (NovoSorb BTM) on the healing and amputation rates of patients with diabetes-related foot ulceration. The results suggest that NovoSorb BTM is a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe diabetes-related foot ulceration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peter Dungel, Sanja Sutalo, Cyrill Slezak, Claudia Keibl, Barbara Schaedl, Harald Schnidar, Magdalena Metzger, Barbara Meixner, Jaana Hartmann, Johannes Oesterreicher, Heinz Redl, Paul Slezak
Summary: This study evaluated and compared the therapeutic effects of pulsed LED light of different wavelengths on wound healing in a diabetic (db/db) mouse excision wound model. Red and green light positively stimulated wound healing, while blue light was ineffective. LED therapy with red or green light resulted in improved wound healing in diabetic mice, suggesting that it may be an effective supportive treatment for diabetic wound therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nikolai N. Potekaev, Olga B. Borzykh, German V. Medvedev, Denis V. Pushkin, Marina M. Petrova, Artem V. Petrov, Diana V. Dmitrenko, Elena I. Karpova, Olga M. Demina, Natalia A. Shnayder
Summary: Impaired wound healing is a complex issue affecting quality of life and causing economic losses, requiring further research. Understanding the biological and physiological aspects is crucial for finding new treatment methods. Research on the multifactorial role and function of extracellular matrix in skin wound healing shows promising potential for clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Gen Li, Qixue Wang, Jiawei Feng, Jialin Wang, Yuqing Wang, Xiaoting Huang, Tengteng Shao, Xiaofei Deng, Yemin Cao, Mingmei Zhou, Cheng Zhao
Summary: Diabetic wound, a common complication in diabetic patients, can lead to disability and death. Recent evidence suggests that defensins may play a crucial role in the development and perpetuation of diabetic wound healing. Defensins have been found to have beneficial effects on diabetic wound healing through antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, angiogenic, tissue regenerator, and insulin resistance improvement mechanisms.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Eliane Martins Amadio, Rodrigo Labat Marcos, Andrey Jorge Serra, Solange Almeida dos Santos, Jheniphe Rocha Caires, Guilherme Henrique Cardosos Fernandes, Ernesto Cesar Leal-Junior, Joao Carlos Correa Ferrari, Paulo de Tarso Camillo de Carvalho
Summary: PBMT application was effective in treating skin wounds in rats with a hypoproteic diet, reducing metalloproteinases expression and enhancing collagen deposition.
LASERS IN MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gaofeng Wang, Zhen Lin, Yue Li, Lu Chen, Sashank K. Reddy, Zhiqi Hu, Luis Garza
Summary: With the development of society and the improvement of life quality, over 500 million people are affected by diabetes. More than 10% of diabetes patients suffer from diabetic wounds, and 80% of these wounds reoccur, highlighting the importance of developing new diabetic wound treatments. Skin microbe research has shed light on the complex relationship between microbes and diabetic wounds. Understanding the skin microbe composition in diabetic wounds can provide valuable guidance for clinical treatment and even lead to potential therapies.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Kelley S. Joubert, Blassan P. George, Radmila Razlog, Heidi Abrahamse
Summary: This study investigated the in-vitro effects of homeopathically prepared Rubus idaeus (RI) in combination with low-level laser therapy on cervical cancer cells. The results showed an increase in cellular ATP and LDH levels, indicating the induction of the Warburg effect in CC cells. Further research is needed to explore the potential of RI and different wavelengths of laser irradiation in inducing cell death in cancer cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nkune Williams Nkune, Heidi Abrahamse
Summary: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows great potential in cancer treatment, but its efficacy is often limited by tumor hypoxia. Various strategies, such as oxygen carriers and reactive oxygen supplements, have been developed to overcome this issue. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, which accurately replicate the tumor tissue architecture, are ideal for studying PDT and targeted cancer therapy. This review summarizes recent advances in strategies to enhance PDT efficiency by addressing tumor hypoxia and highlights the advantages of 3D cell cultures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nokuphila Winifred Nompumelelo Simelane, Gauta Gold Matlou, Heidi Abrahamse
Summary: This study reports on the synthesis, characterization, and photodynamic therapy efficacy of a novel aluminium (III) chloride phthalocyanine (AlClPcTS41) and its conjugation to PEGylated copper-gold nanoparticles (PEG-CuAuNPs) for colon cancer treatment. The AlClPcTS41-PEG-CuAuNPs demonstrated significant photodynamic therapy effects, leading to decreased cell viability and potential apoptosis induction in Caco-2 cells. These findings highlight the potential of AlClPcTS41 and AlClPcTS41-PEG-CuAuNPs in enhancing the cytotoxic effect of photodynamic therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kandasamy Vinothini, Sathish Sundar Dhilip Kumar, Heidi Abrahamse, Mariappan Rajan
Summary: This study developed a functionalized graphene oxide (GO) carrier system for combined chemo-photodynamic therapeutic effects. Doxorubicin (DOX) and rose bengal (RB) were successfully entrapped on the GO surface with high entrapment efficiency and loading capacities. The co-loaded carrier showed effective cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells, indicating improved therapeutic efficacy. The carrier also demonstrated RB-mediated photodynamic action in response to laser irradiation, enabling on-demand dual-payload release for the eradication of cancer cells with a synergistic effect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Chota, Blassan P. P. George, Heidi Abrahamse
Summary: Globally, cancer is a major cause of death, characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of tumor cells. Risk factors include exposure to carcinogens, conventional therapies, and conventional photosensitizers. Green metallic nanoparticles offer advantages over conventional therapies, and can be functionalized with different targeting moieties. This review discusses the synthesis and therapeutic potential of green synthesized metallic nanoparticles for enhanced cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT), and explores the future perspectives of nanotechnology in cancer research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Radmila Razlog, Cherie Ann Kruger, Heidi Abrahamse
Summary: Cervical cancer is the most prevalent gynecological malignancy worldwide and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in South Africa. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and cannabidiol (CBD) have been investigated for their anti-cancer effects. This study examined the cytotoxic combinative effect of PDT and CBD on cervical cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eric Chekwube Aniogo, Blassan P. George, Heidi Abrahamse
Summary: Cancer resistance is a major concern in cancer treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photobiomodulation (PBM) can improve therapeutic outcomes, and PBM may enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of ZnPcS4-PDT on resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells by inducing autophagy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mehak Zahra, Alexander Chota, Heidi Abrahamse, Blassan P. George
Summary: Cancer is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which selectively targets cancer cells, has emerged as a potential treatment option. The use of medicinal plants and nanotechnology in PDT shows promise for innovative and sustainable treatment strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kolawole Olofinsan, Heidi Abrahamse, Blassan P. George
Summary: Cancer is a global challenge with increasing prevalence, and there is a need for effective and alternative anticancer bioactive principles. Alkaloids, due to their structural diversity, have shown cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties. This review discusses several recently identified alkaloids with antineoplastic properties, highlighting their potential as viable lead antitumor agents if their delivery can be improved without affecting neighboring normal tissues.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
J. P. Jose Merlin, Anine Crous, Heidi Abrahamse
Summary: Nanotechnology-based phototherapy has gained attention in the fight against cancer due to its noninvasiveness and precision in targeting cancer cells. This article provides an overview of the development of photodynamic therapy and the use of novel nanoparticles in cancer treatment. The potential of nanoparticle-based photodynamic therapy systems in clinical anticancer treatment applications and the elimination of reactive metabolites are also discussed.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Kave Moloudi, Heidi Abrahamse, Blassan P. George
Summary: Cell cycle arrest (CCA) is considered a potential approach for cancer therapy. Photodynamic treatment (PDT) has been shown to have a biological effect on CCA in cancer cells, but the mechanism is not fully understood. In addition to conventional forms of cell death, various unconventional types of cell death have been reported after PDT. Factors such as oxygen, tumor microenvironment, light characteristics, and photosensitizers (PS) influence the effectiveness of PDT treatment. This review focuses on CCA induced by PDT using different PS agents and provides suggestions for standardizing and optimizing the PDT methodology.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nkune Williams Nkune, Heidi Abrahamse
Summary: Melanoma, a major public health concern highly resistant to standard therapies, could potentially be treated more effectively using photodynamic therapy (PDT), a non-invasive cancer therapy with increased potency. In this study, a zinc phthalocyanine nanoconjugate was tested for its phototoxic effect on melanoma using three-dimensional multicellular tumor spheroids. The results demonstrated that the nanoconjugate significantly increased cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in the tumor spheroids, inducing apoptosis and showing promise as a more effective PDT treatment modality.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kave Moloudi, Paromita Sarbadhikary, Heidi Abrahamse, Blassan P. George
Summary: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved treatment modality used for various conditions, including cancer. The bystander and abscopal effects, which involve reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and immune responses, play significant roles in imparting long-term systemic effects. However, the results in this regard are unsatisfactory and unpredictable due to poorly elucidated underlying mechanisms and other factors. This review highlights the challenges and prospects of non-targeted effects of PDT, aiming to improve the effectiveness and outcomes of targeted and untargeted PDT responses in clinics through further research in this area.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Nosipho Thembekile Fakudze, Paromita Sarbadhikary, Blassan P. George, Heidi Abrahamse
Summary: This review focuses on the medicinal plants in Africa that have been traditionally used for treating cancer and are now gaining interest from researchers. The study highlights several African fruits that have shown potential as treatment options for cancer, but research data on their mechanisms and clinical applications are lacking.
Review
Cell Biology
Sandy Winfield Jere, Heidi Abrahamse, Nicolette Nadene Houreld
Summary: Cell signalling plays a crucial role in wound healing, and dysregulation of signalling pathways can lead to chronic wounds. The interaction between the AKT and beta-catenin signalling pathways influences diabetic wound healing, and photobiomodulation can enhance this process.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
