Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology最新文献

Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, posing significant challenges to effective treatment due to limited drug penetration, systemic toxicity, and patient non-compliance. Transferosomes, a class of ultra-deformable vesicular carriers, have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome the skin barrier and improve topical and transdermal drug delivery. This review discusses the structural composition, preparation techniques, and physicochemical properties of transferosomes, emphasizing their unique mechanism of skin penetration. We summarize current research on transferosome-based formulations for delivering chemotherapeutics, photosensitizers, and natural bioactives targeting various skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Comparative analyses highlight the advantages of transferosomes over conventional vesicular systems such as liposomes and niosomes, including improved skin permeability, enhanced drug retention, and reduced systemic toxicity. Preclinical and limited clinical studies demonstrate their potential in achieving localized and sustained anticancer effects. Challenges related to formulation stability, large-scale production, and clinical translation are discussed, along with emerging approaches such as ligand functionalization and microneedle-assisted delivery. Collectively, transferosomes represent a versatile and effective nanocarrier system that holds great promise for improving the therapeutic outcomes of skin cancer treatment.

This study focused on the role of Saikosaponin A (SSA), a triterpenoid saponin derived from Bupleurum root, in regulating lipid metabolism and obesity. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet, and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were transformed into mature adipocytes. SSA was administered to both rats and mature adipocytes at different concentrations. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA immunoprecipitation were conducted to explore the interaction between MOB1B and miR-26b-5p. The protein expression levels of key browning markers, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), cytochrome c (CytoC), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α), were quantified via Western blotting. Oil Red O staining was utilized to evaluate the effect of SSA on lipid deposition, while hematoxylin and eosin staining was employed to assess lipid droplet accumulation in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). Immunohistochemistry was used to determine MOB1B in eWAT. As detected, SSA promoted the browning of eWAT and 3T3-L1 adipocytes by modulating the miR-26b-5p/MOB1B axis. The browning effect was demonstrated by a decrease in lipid droplet buildup and an increase in thermogenic and adipogenic markers such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, CytoC, and PGC1α. This study not only clarifies the novel mechanism of SSA induced eWAT browning through miR-26b-5p/MOB1B axis, but also provides experimental basis for the development of obesity therapeutic strategies based on natural components.

Background: In osteoarthritis (OA), syndecan-2 (SDC-2) was found to be mainly present in blood vessels. This study was designed to investigate the expression of SDC-2 in subchondral bone during the early stage of knee OA and a possible mechanism underlying its role in early-stage OA.

Methods: A rat knee OA model was established by performing the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. In the early OA model at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks time points, the platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR-β), SDC-2, and integrin-β1 in the subchondral bone were observed using immunofluorescence. In vitro experiments, different concentrations of TR-14035 (0, 2.5, 5 µM) were used to treat the interleukin (IL)-1β-induced osteoclasts to analyze the changes of SDC-2 and p-Akt (Ser473)/Akt, and then cultured with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to analyze the changes of PDGF-BB/PDGFR-β and p-NF-κB p65 (Ser536)/NF-κB p65 in EPCs. Moreover, exogenous SDC-2 was used to analyze its effects on integrin-β1 in IL-1β-induced osteoclasts and articular chondrocytes. Additionally, inhibition of integrin-β1 in early-stage OA rats was used to observe the changes of cartilage degeneration using Safranin O and collagen Ⅱ staining.

Results: The expressions of PDGF-BB, PDGFR-β, SDC-2, and integrin-β1 in the subchondral bone of OA rats were significantly increased over time compared with the sham rats (P < 0.05). In the IL-1β-induced osteoclasts, TR-14035 treatment significantly reduced the IL-1β-induced increase in SDC-2, integrin β1, and p-Akt(Ser473)/Akt in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The PDGF-BB/PDGFR-β and p-NF-κB p65 (ser536)/NF-κB p65 pathways in EPCs were significantly enhanced after coculturing with IL-1β-induced osteoclasts, but inhibition of integrin β1 in IL-1β-induced osteoclasts attenuated the above effects (P < 0.05). Moreover, inhibition of integrin β1 improved the cartilage degradation in IL-1β-induced articular chondrocytes and early-stage OA rats, but exogenous SDC-2 attenuated these effects.

Conclusion: This study showed SDC-2 regulated integrin-β1 in the IL-1β-induced osteoclasts to affect the endothelial PDGF-BB/PDGFR-β signaling. Inhibition of integrin β1 improved the cartilage degradation in IL-1β-induced articular chondrocytes and early-stage OA rats. This study suggested SDC-2/integrin-β1 played a critical role in subchondral bone during the early-stage OA.

Microalgae have gained prominence in the food, feed, and bioenergy sectors due to their capacity to produce valuable molecules and mitigate CO₂, but poor knowledge on species composition limits their applications. This study addresses the physiology of 12 freshwater microalgae belonging to Chlorophyta (Chlorella emersonii, Desmodesmus brasiliensis, Dimorphococcus sp., Pediastrum sp., Raphidocelis sp., Radiococcus sp., Tetranephris brasiliensis, Westella botryoides), Charophyta (Staurastrum leptocladum, Staurastrum pantanale), Cryptista (Cryptomonas obovata), and Heterokontophyta (Ophiocytium sp.). Physiological parameters as light saturation index (E_k), growth rate, dry biomass (DW) yield and the biochemical composition of the cells were determined. The results showed that E_k varied within 154 (T. brasiliensis) and 312 (C. emersonii) µmol photons.m^- 2.s^- 1. Pediastrum sp. and C. emersonii presented the highest growth rate (~ 1.0 d^- 1), while S. leptocladum the best antioxidant activity (43% DPPH inhibition). The Chlorophyta had the highest protein content (60% DW), while highest carbohydrate (40% DW) were present in the Charophyta. Dimorphococcus sp. and S. pantanale stood out for total lipids (25-30% DW). W. botryoides had 80% of its fatty acids as polyunsaturated molecules, dominated by alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, followed by C. obovata, Pediastrum sp., S. leptocladum, and S. pantanale with 60%. Highest saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (~ 28%) were present in Dimorphococcus sp. We highlight Pediastrum sp. for food applications because of its total proteins and polyunsaturated fatty acids content, and Dimorphococcus sp. for biofuels applications due to the saturated lipids. This work expands the knowledge on underexplored microalgae for biotechnological applications.

The development of advanced wound dressings that combine structural stability with therapeutic functionality is vital for improving the wound healing process. In this study, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel crosslinked with citric acid (CA) was fabricated and loaded with phytochemicals extracted from Ageratum conyzoides (ACE-CA/PVA). The biodegradable, biocompatible hydrogel was fabricated via esterification and systematically analysed to confirm successful crosslinking, structural integrity, surface morphology, and thermal behaviour. The ACE-CA/PVA hydrogel exhibited pH-responsive swelling, favourable water retention, and a biphasic drug release profile. Antimicrobial studies demonstrated enhanced inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger compared to blank hydrogels, while cytotoxicity assays confirmed good biocompatibility with L929 fibroblast cells. Thermal analyses indicated improved char yield and flexibility, while morphological evaluation revealed hierarchical porosity conducive to controlled release and tissue integration. Collectively, the results highlight ACE-CA/PVA hydrogel as a promising dual-function wound dressing that provides both a moist healing environment and plant-derived bioactive therapeutic benefits. This work signifies the potential of integrating phytochemicals with polymeric hydrogels for next-generation clinical application in acute and chronic wound management.