Search Results (2,935)

Skin aging is closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell cycle abnormalities, and developing intervention strategies targeting mitochondrial quality control is an important direction for anti-aging research. In this study, we investigated the anti-aging mechanism of Camellia japonica flower (CJF) extract and its active ingredient hyperoside based on a doxorubicin (DOX)-induced endogenous senescence model in human skin fibroblasts (HSFs). LC-MS proteomics analysis revealed that CJF extract and hyperoside specifically activated the FUNDC1-mediated mitochondrial autophagy pathway, significantly ameliorated the DOX-induced decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and alleviated the cellular S-phase blockade and reversed the high expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal). Further studies showed that the two cleared damaged mitochondria by enhancing mitochondrial autophagy and restoring cellular energy metabolism homeostasis while promoting type III collagen and elastin synthesis and repairing the expression of Claudin 1 related to skin barrier function. For the first time, the present study reveals the molecular mechanism of CJF extract in delaying skin aging by regulating the FUNDC1-dependent mitochondrial autophagy pathway, which provides a theoretical basis and a candidate strategy for developing novel anti-aging agents targeting mitochondrial quality control. Full article

A thermosensitive collagen-based gel (TSV gel), containing type I and III collagen, has been developed to improve the handling and stability of bone graft materials. However, its direct effect on osteoblasts is not well understood. This in vitro study evaluated the biological response of human oral osteoblasts to four bone substitutes: OsteoBiol^® GTO^® (larger granules with 20% TSV gel), Gen-OS^® (smaller granules), Gen-OS^® combined with 50% TSV gel (Gen-OS^®+TSV), and TSV gel alone. Cell proliferation, adhesion, morphology, collagen and calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, gene expression of osteogenic markers and integrins, and changes in pH and extracellular calcium and phosphate levels were investigated. All materials supported osteoblast activity, but Gen-OS+TSV and GTO showed the most pronounced effects. These two groups promoted better cell adhesion and proliferation, higher ALP activity, and greater matrix mineralization. GTO improved cell adhesion, while the addition of TSV gel to Gen-OS enhanced biological responses compared with Gen-OS alone. Integrins α2, α5, β1, and β3, important for cell attachment to collagen, were notably upregulated in Gen-OS+TSV and GTO. Both groups also showed increased expression of osteogenic markers such as BMP-2, ALP, and osteocalcin (OCN). Higher extracellular ion concentrations and a more alkaline pH were observed, particularly in conditions without cells, suggesting active ion uptake by osteoblasts. In conclusion, combining TSV gel with collagen-based granules improves the cellular environment for osteoblast activity and may support bone regeneration more effectively than using either component alone. Full article

Bassia scoparia (Syn. Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.) is a medicinal plant whose fruit, Kochiae Fructus, has been extensively studied for its dermatological applications. This study focused on extracts from the whole plant B. scoparia (WPBS), excluding fruits, to address the research gap regarding the medicinal properties of non-fruit parts. The diverse skin benefits of WPBS, including its anti-photoaging, moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic effects, were investigated. The WPBS extract enhanced the viability of keratinocytes (HaCaT) without inducing cytotoxic effects. WPBS significantly reduced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels and increased collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) levels (p < 0.01) in fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, indicating strong anti-photoaging effects. WPBS upregulated skin hydration markers such as aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and hyaluronan synthase-3 (HAS3) and effectively accelerated fibroblast wound closure compared to the positive control. Furthermore, WPBS substantially downregulated the expression of inflammatory (COX-2 and IL-1β) and angiogenic markers (VEGF). Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) confirmed that WPBS suppressed inflammation-related and UV-induced gene expression pathways. Overall, these findings expand the therapeutic scope of B. scoparia beyond its traditional fruit use and suggest that WPBS is a promising botanical ingredient for various skin applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic cervical myofascial pain syndrome (CMPS) is often diagnosed in the current population by doctors of various specialties. One method of treating spinal pathology is mesotherapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of collagen mesotherapy, as well as to assess the frequency of pain medication after mesotherapy in chronic CMPS. Methods: Patients were diagnosed and treated by an orthopedist in three different offices between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2024. The patients were diagnosed with chronic CMPS. Patients were qualified for cervical spine mesotherapy, which was performed weekly, in five repetitions. Retrospectively, based on medical records and in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria, two groups were created: group I (n = 65) with injectable type I collagen and group II (n = 65) with 1% lignocaine. Patients were evaluated using the VAS and Laitinen scale before the start of therapy, 1 week after the end of therapy, and at 3-month follow-up. In addition, the frequency of taking analgesic medications after mesotherapy was assessed. Results: After mesotherapy of the cervical spine with both injectable collagen type I and lignocaine 1%, statistically significant improvements were observed in terms of a decrease in pain on the scales used (p < 0.001), as well as a decrease in analgesic medication intake (p < 0.001). Collagen treatment yielded better results after 3 months of follow-up. No mesotherapy-related side effects were observed during the treatment or follow-up periods. Conclusions: Cervical spine mesotherapy using injectable type I collagen and lignocaine 1% is an effective and safe method for chronic CMPS. At a 3-month follow-up, injectable type I collagen appears to be more effective. After mesotherapy and at the 3-month follow-up, both groups reported less pain medication intake compared to before the intervention. Full article

Collagen type I (COL(I)) is a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is involved in cell signaling and migration through cell receptors. Collagen degradation produces bioactive peptides (matrikines), which influence cellular processes. In this study, we investigated the biological effects of nine most abundant, naturally occurring urinary COL(I)-derived peptides on human endothelial cells at physiological concentrations, using cell migration assays, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, flow cytometry, and AlphaFold 3. While none of the peptides significantly altered endothelial migration by themselves at physiological concentrations, full-length COL(I) increased cell migration, which was inhibited by Peptide 1 (²²⁹NGDDGEAGKPGRPGERGPpGp²⁴⁹). This peptide uniquely contains the DGEA and GRPGER motifs, interacting with integrin α2β1. Flow cytometry confirmed the presence of integrin α2β1 on human endothelial cells, and AlphaFold 3 modeling predicted an interaction between Peptide 1 and integrin α2. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics investigating signaling pathways revealed that COL(I) triggered phosphorylation events linked to integrin α2β1 activation and cell migration, which were absent in COL(I) plus peptide 1-treated cells. These findings identify Peptide 1 as a biologically active COL(I)-derived peptide at a physiological concentration capable of modulating collagen-induced cell migration, and provide a foundation for further investigation into its mechanisms of action and role in urine excretion. Full article

Background and Objectives: Posterior chamber phakic implantable contact lenses (Phakic-ICL) are widely used for refractive correction due to their efficacy and safety, including minimal corneal endothelial cell loss. The Collamer-based EVO+ Visian implantable contact lens (ICL), manufactured from Collamer, which is a blend of collagen and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), has demonstrated excellent long-term biocompatibility and optical clarity. Recently, hydrophilic acrylic Phakic-ICLs, such as the Implantable Phakic Contact Lens (IPCL), have been introduced. This study investigated the material differences among Phakic-ICLs and their interaction with fibronectin (FN), which has been reported to adhere to intraocular lens (IOL) surfaces following implantation. The aim was to compare Collamer, IPCL, and LENTIS lenses (used as control) in terms of FN distribution and cell adhesion using a small number of explanted Phakic-ICLs. Materials and Methods: Three lens types were analyzed: a Collamer Phakic-ICL (EVO+ Visian ICL), a hydrophilic acrylic IPCL, and a hydrophilic acrylic phakic-IOL (LENTIS). FN distribution and cell adhesion were evaluated across different regions of each lens. An in vitro FN-coating experiment was conducted to assess its effect on cell adhesion. Results: All lenses demonstrated minimal FN deposition and cellular adhesion in the central optical zone. A thin FN film was observed on the haptics of Collamer lenses, while FN adhesion was weaker or absent on IPCL and LENTIS surfaces. Following FN coating, Collamer lenses supported more uniform FN film formation; however, this did not significantly enhance cell adhesion. Conclusions: Collamer, which contains collagen, promotes FN film formation. Although FN film formation was enhanced, the low cell-adhesive properties of HEMA resulted in minimal cell adhesion even with FN presence. This characteristic may contribute to the long-term transparency and biocompatibility observed clinically. In contrast, hydrophilic acrylic materials used in IPCL and LENTIS demonstrated limited FN interaction. These material differences may influence extracellular matrix protein deposition and biocompatibility in clinical settings, warranting further investigation. Full article

Adjuvant endocrine therapy for early breast cancer significantly reduces recurrence but increases bone fragility. Given limited data on denosumab (60 mg every 6 months) in premenopausal patients receiving endocrine therapy for early breast cancer, we conducted a retrospective real-world study at the Gemelli Hospital (September 2018–January 2025). A descriptive analysis was performed. The primary endpoint was to assess efficacy, evaluated by changes in bone mineral density via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and by monitoring bone turnover markers, particularly serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen. Safety was evaluated based on adverse endocrine therapy events (osteoporotic fractures) and adverse denosumab events (osteonecrosis of the jaw). Sixty-nine patients were eligible for the study. Endocrine therapy included ovarian function suppression with exemestane (89.8%) or tamoxifen (10.1%). Baseline spinal osteoporosis decreased from 20.3% to 5.8%, osteopenia from 39.1% to 34.8%, with normal T-scores rising from 17.4% to 34.8%. Femoral improvements were similar. Serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen levels (evaluated in 35.8%) showed stable reduction in 97%. Denosumab adherence was 89.9%. One osteonecrosis of the jaw case occurred (1.4%); no fractures were reported. Denosumab demonstrated efficacy in improving bone density and reducing bone turnover, with excellent adherence and favorable safety. Longer follow-up is needed to assess post-discontinuation effects. Full article

Cardiac fibrosis following myocardial infarction plays a critical role in the formation of scar tissue and contributes to ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death. Current clinical diagnostics use electrical and structural markers, but lack precision due to low spatial resolution and absence of molecular information. In this paper, we employed line scan Raman microspectroscopy to classify sheep myocardial tissue into muscle, necrotic, granulated, and fibrotic tissue types, using collagen as a molecular biomarker. Three spectral regions were evaluated: region A (600–2960 cm⁻¹), region B (600–1399 cm⁻¹ and 1751–2960 cm⁻¹), and region C (1400–1750 cm⁻¹), which includes the prominent collagen-associated peaks at 1448 cm⁻¹ and 1652 cm⁻¹. Linear and nonlinear principal component analysis (PCA) and support vector machines (SVMs) were applied for dimensionality reduction and classification, with nonlinear models specifically addressing the nonlinearity of collagen formation during fibrogenesis. Histological validation was performed using Masson’s trichrome staining. Raman bands associated with collagen in region C consistently outperformed regions A and B, achieving the highest explained variance and best class separation in both binary and multiclass PCA models for both linear and nonlinear approaches. The ratio of collagen-related peaks enabled stage-dependent tissue characterization, confirming the nonlinear nature of fibrotic remodeling. Our findings highlight the diagnostic potential of collagen-associated Raman bands for characterizing myocardial fibrosis. The proposed PCA-SVM framework demonstrates robust performance even with limited sample size and has the potential to lay the foundation for real-time intraoperative diagnostics. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease predominantly of the small airways and parenchyma. COPD lungs exhibit an influx of circulating innate immune cells, which, when isolated, display impaired functions, including imbalanced protease secretion. In addition to immune cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in COPD pathology. Remodeling of the ECM can generate ECM fragments, which can be released into circulation and subsequently induce pro-inflammatory responses. COPD is a heterogeneous disease, and serological biomarkers can be used to sub-categorize COPD patients for targeted treatments and optimal recruitment in clinical trials. This study evaluated fragments of calprotectin, collagen type VI, and versican, generated by neutrophil elastase and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-) 2 and 12, respectively, as potential biomarkers of COPD disease, severity, and endotypes. Lower plasma levels of a neoepitope marker of calprotectin, indicative of activated neutrophils (nordicCPa9-HNETM), were detected in COPD donors compared to controls. CPa9-HNE was associated with milder disease, higher degree of air-trapping, and higher serum levels of MMP-2. Deposition of CPa9-HNE levels in lung tissue revealed no differences between groups. Taken together, CPa9-HNE was found to be a potential marker of mild COPD, but further studies are warranted to validate our findings. Full article

Reparative tertiary dentinogenesis requires the recruitment and odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) as bioactive molecules have gained attention in regenerative medicine for their ability to mediate tissue repair through intercellular communication, influencing cell recruitment, proliferation, and differentiation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of EVs on DPSC homing and odontogenic differentiation for dentin regeneration. DPSC-derived EVs were cultured in either growth (EV-G) or odontogenic differentiation (EV-O) conditions and isolated using a modified precipitation method. EVs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, scanning electron microscopy, antibody array, and cellular uptake assay. Treatment with 5 × 10⁸ EVs/mL significantly enhanced DPSC chemotaxis and proliferation compared with a no-treatment control and a lower dosage of EV (5 × 10⁷ EVs/mL). Gene expression and biochemical analyses revealed that EV-O up-regulated odontogenic markers including collagen type 1A1 (COL1A1), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). EV-O enhanced dentin regeneration by approximately 55% over vehicle controls in a rabbit partial dentinotomy/pulpotomy model. We identified key microRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-221-3p, and miR-708-3p) in EV-O involved in cell homing and odontogenesis. In conclusion, our EV-based cell homing and odontogenic differentiation strategy has significant therapeutic potential for dentin regeneration. Full article

Osteolforte, a compound with potential bone-regenerative properties, was investigated for its effects on human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs). This study aimed to evaluate its impact on cell viability, osteogenic differentiation, and both gene and protein expression using a combination of assays, including CCK-8, Alizarin Red S staining, Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that Osteolforte significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation in hBMSCs. Alizarin Red S staining revealed increased mineralization, indicating elevated calcium deposition. Gene expression analysis showed an upregulation of key osteogenic markers, including runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX-2), collagen type I (COL-1), and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), supporting the role of Osteolforte in promoting osteoblastic activity. In particular, the elevated expression of RUNX-2—a master transcription factor in osteoblast differentiation along with COL-1, a major bone matrix component, and BMP-2, a key bone morphogenetic protein—highlights the compound’s osteogenic potential. In conclusion, Osteolforte enhances early-stage osteogenesis and mineralization in hBMSCs and represents a promising candidate for bone regeneration. Full article

(1) Background: As society progresses, increasing numbers of individuals are experiencing hair loss, which can be attributed to factors such as unhealthy diets, insufficient sleep, stress, and hormonal imbalances. Currently available pharmacological treatments for hair loss often cause undesirable side effects, highlighting the urgent need to explore safer and more effective agents to promote hair restoration. This study investigated the role of recombinant human type XVII collagen derived from the α1 chain (rhCOL17A1) in facilitating hair growth and restoration. (2) Methods: We analyzed the impact of rhCOL17A1 on the mRNA expression of several growth factors, as well as Bcl-2 and Bax, at the cellular level. Moreover, the effects of rhCOL17A1 on the expression of key proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)/GLI signaling pathways were examined by Western blotting (WB). At the organismal level, we established a model in C57BL/6 mice through chronic subcutaneous administration of 5% testosterone propionate. We subsequently assessed the effect of rhCOL17A1 on hair regrowth via histological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence staining. (3) Results: rhCOL17A1 contributes to the resistance of hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) to apoptosis. rhCOL17A1 activates the Wnt/β-catenin and SHH/GLI signaling pathways, and increases the expression of type XVII collagen (COLXVII), thereby creating a favorable environment for hair growth. Furthermore, rhCOL17A1 exerts a significant growth-promoting effect at the animal level. (4) Conclusions: rhCOL17 promotes hair growth by activating the Wnt/β-catenin and SHH/GLI signaling pathways and upregulating COLXVII expression. Full article

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by bone fragility, most often caused by pathogenic variants in type I collagen genes. In this context, we aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with OI who were hospitalized for coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in Brazil between 2020 and 2024. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis using data from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS, which stands for the Portuguese Sistema Único de Saúde) through the Open-Data-SUS platform. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of OI and hospitalization due to COVID-19 were included. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to evaluate demographic, clinical, and outcome-related variables. We included all hospitalized COVID-19 cases with a confirmed diagnosis of OI between 2020 and 2024. Results: Thirteen hospitalized patients with OI and COVID-19 were identified. Most were adults (9; 69.2%), male (7; 53.8%), self-identified as White (9; 69.2%), and all were residents of urban areas (13; 100.0%). The most frequent symptoms were fever (10; 76.9%), cough (9; 69.2%), oxygen desaturation (9; 69.2%), dyspnea (8; 61.5%), and respiratory distress (7; 53.8%). Two patients had heart disease, one had chronic lung disease, and one was obese. As for vaccination status, five patients (38.5%) had been vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Four patients (30.8%) required admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), and six (46.2%) required noninvasive ventilatory support. Among those admitted to the ICU, only two required invasive mechanical ventilation. The clinical outcome was death in two cases (15.4%). Both patients were male, White, and had not been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. One was 47 years old, was not admitted to the ICU, but required noninvasive ventilation. Despite the underlying condition most patients had favorable outcomes, consistent with an international report. Conclusions: This is the first report to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with OI hospitalized for COVID-19 in Brazil, providing initial insights into how a rare bone disorder intersects with an acute respiratory infection. The generally favorable outcomes observed—despite the underlying skeletal fragility—suggest that individuals with OI are not necessarily at disproportionate risk of severe COVID-19, particularly when appropriately monitored. The occurrence of deaths only among unvaccinated patients underscores the critical role of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in this population. Although pharmacological treatment data were unavailable, the potential protective effects of bisphosphonates and vitamin D merit further exploration. These findings support the need for early preventive strategies, systematic vaccination efforts, and dedicated clinical protocols for rare disease populations during infectious disease outbreaks. Full article

Type I collagen is a major protein in animals, and its hydrolyzed products, collagen peptides, have wide-ranging applications. This article reviews collagen peptides’ preparation methods, biological activities, and application progress in the fields of food, cosmetics, and medicine. By employing various extraction and hydrolysis methods, collagen peptides with different molecular weights can be obtained, and their biological activities are closely related to their molecular weight and amino acid sequence. Studies have revealed that collagen peptides possess a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, hematopoietic promotion, osteogenic differentiation promotion, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic effects. In the food industry, their antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties have opened new avenues for the development of healthy foods; in the cosmetics field, the moisturizing, anti-aging, and repair functions of collagen peptides are favored by consumers; in the medical field, collagen peptides are used in wound dressings, drug carriers, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Looking to the future, the development of green and efficient preparation technologies for collagen peptides and in-depth research into the relationship between their structure and function will be important research directions. The multifunctional properties of collagen peptides provide a broad prospect for their further application in the health industry. Full article