Search Results (33)

Lamellar ichthyosis is a rare congenital disorder of keratinization frequently associated with ocular complications, most commonly cicatricial ectropion and exposure keratopathy. We present a case of severe mixed exposure-related and neurotrophic keratopathy with marked corneal thinning in a 61-year-old man with genetically confirmed lamellar ichthyosis. At presentation, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the right eye was limited to hand motion (logMAR 2.3). Slit-lamp examination revealed a large central to inferocentral corneal ulcer measuring approximately 3 × 4 mm with severe stromal thinning in the setting of marked lower eyelid ectropion, incomplete eyelid closure, and chronic ocular surface exposure, while anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) demonstrated a minimal corneal thickness of approximately 165 µm. Microbiological swabs obtained from the conjunctival sac were negative, and no purulent discharge, hypopyon, or anterior chamber inflammatory reaction was present, making active infectious keratitis unlikely. Corneal sensitivity measured with Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometry at presentation, centrally and in all four peripheral quadrants of both eyes, was markedly reduced, more severely in the affected right eye, supporting the presence of a severe neurotrophic component contributing to impaired corneal healing. Intensive conservative therapy including preservative-free lubricants, dexpanthenol gel, autologous serum eye drops, topical insulin, prophylactic antibiotics, and systemic doxycycline was initiated. Serial AS-OCT imaging demonstrated progressive structural recovery, with corneal thickness increasing to 438 µm after one month of treatment and complete corneal epithelialization. The BCVA improved to 0.2 Snellen (0.7 logMAR). This case highlights the diagnostic value of multimodal anterior segment imaging in monitoring severe mixed keratopathy with advanced corneal thinning and demonstrates that intensive conservative therapy may stabilize the ocular surface and prevent corneal perforation in patients with lamellar ichthyosis. Full article

Background: Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant with documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Although widely studied for internal therapeutic applications, its topical use—especially in hydrogel-based systems—has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to develop sodium alginate hydrogels containing Artemisia annua extract, supplemented with hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol, and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics as well as their biological activities in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Select bioactive constituents of the Artemisia annua extract were quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). Hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking sodium alginate with a calcium carbonate–glucono-delta-lactone system and were formulated with or without hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol. Physicochemical evaluations included measurements of moisture content, water-retention capacity, gelation time, and pH. The hydrogel microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antioxidant activity was assessed using three methods: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay. Biocompatibility and regenerative effects were analyzed using cell viability assays and an in vitro scratch wound model on human keratinocyte cells. In vivo wound-healing efficacy was examined in rats with full-thickness skin excisions. Results: The extract contained high levels of methylated flavonoids and sesquiterpenes characteristic of Artemisia annua. Hydrogels supplemented with hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol exhibited improved hydration stability and higher porosity. All formulations demonstrated measurable antioxidant activity, and those containing hyaluronic acid showed the strongest effects. The preparations were biocompatible and enhanced keratinocyte migration in vitro, with the combined hyaluronic acid–dexpanthenol formulation promoting the fastest wound closure. In vivo, Artemisia annua hydrogels accelerated wound healing by two to three days compared with untreated wounds. Conclusions: These results confirm the promise of Artemisia annua hydrogels for topical wound care and highlight the beneficial contributions of hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol to their structural and therapeutic performance. Full article

Achieving optimal skin penetration with bioactive cosmetic ingredients, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), presents ongoing challenges. This study introduces a novel elastosome-based EGF delivery system co-loading dexpanthenol, which achieves superior skin penetration and multifunctional cosmetic efficacy compared with a conventional liposome formulation. The EGF FLEXIR-SOME formulation was characterized to determine its physicochemical properties measured for comparison against a conventional liposome control. Efficacy and safety were confirmed through in vitro and in vivo evaluations, including clinical trials of the formulation and primary skin irritation tests. The formulated EGF FLEXIR-SOME particles exhibited an average diameter of 124.8 nm and a zeta potential of −57.53 mV, demonstrating enhanced stability and skin penetration relative to the control. The results of clinical trials confirmed significant efficacy in anti-aging, moisture, skin barrier improvement, and hyperpigmentation reduction. Additionally, primary skin irritation tests classified the product as a non-irritant. In conclusion, an elastosome-based EGF formulation significantly enhances skin penetration and bioavailability. The formulation effectively improves skin elasticity, hydration, and barrier function while simultaneously reducing visible signs of aging and pigmentation. This study successfully developed an innovative formulation utilizing elastosome technology, maximizing the transdermal efficiency and stability of EGF, thereby offering a novel strategy for functional cosmeceutical development. Full article

Background: Effective regenerative therapeutics for acute and chronic wounds remain a critical unmet need in biomedicine. Objectives: This study aimed to develop novel collagen–cerium oxide nanoparticle hydrogels designed to enhance cellular metabolism, proliferation, and antioxidant/antimutagenic activity, accelerating wound regeneration in vivo. Methods: Collagen–nanocerium composites were synthesized by combining a collagen extract with cerium oxide nanoparticles at defined concentrations. In vitro assays using human fibroblasts identified two formulations that enhanced proliferation and metabolic activity by 42–50%. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed chemical interactions within the composite matrix. Toxicity, antioxidant, and antigenotoxic effects were evaluated using Escherichia coli MG1655 lux-biosensors to assess their general toxicity, antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities, and antigenotoxic and promutagenic effects. In vivo efficacy was tested in Wistar rats with full-thickness skin wounds. Treated groups were compared to untreated controls and Dexpanthenol-treated positive controls. On days 3, 7, and 14, healing was assessed clinically, histologically, and morphometrically. Results: Biosensor analysis demonstrated non-toxicity and antigenotoxic activity of the nanocomposites, reduced DNA damage by up to 45%, providing 31–49% protection against H₂O₂ and 15–23% against O₂⁻ radicals. The animal study results demonstrated significantly accelerated healing with both nanocomposites versus control and comparison groups, evidenced by improved tissue regeneration, reduced inflammation, and increased fibroblast infiltration. Conclusions: The developed hydrogels exhibit promising pharmacological profiles, including antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative effects validated across in vitro and in vivo models. Full article

Objectives: The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of pranoprofen 0.1% in preventing the occurrence of postoperative complications, including postoperative ocular inflammation after strabismus surgery in children. Methods: 90 children operated on for strabismus in the Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus of the Medical University of Bialystok between 2022 and 2023 were included in the study. The patients were aged from 2 to 17 years old. Patients were divided into three groups of 30 patients according to the method of topical postoperative treatment (group I: tobramycin, pranoprofen, dexpanthenol; group II: tobramycin, dexamethasone, dexpanthenol; group III: tobramycin, pranoprofen, dexamethasone, dexpanthenol). Patients were followed up the day after surgery, on postoperative day 14 and then 3 months after surgery. Results: No child showed signs of postoperative infection. There was one case of allergic reaction each in groups I and III. Most complications were present in group II (six cases: there were allergic reactions that occurred in three patients. Two patients experienced a complication in the form of delle, while one patient developed a granuloma), which was a statistically significant difference compared to groups I and III (p = 0.032). Conclusions: Pranoprofen used postoperatively is as effective as a glucocorticosteroid, and from our observations, carries fewer complications in cases requiring prolonged use of the anti-inflammatory treatment. Systematic postoperative follow-up is essential for the diagnosis and possible management of postsurgical complications. Full article

Background: This study explores wound healing and the antimicrobial potential of a natural formulation containing a polysaccharide extract from Cerioporus squamosus, hyaluronic acid, and dexpanthenol. Methods: Wound healing effects were assessed using HaCaT keratinocytes, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated against human skin pathogens using a microdilution assay. In vitro cytotoxicity tests ensured formulation safety, whereas in vivo wound healing was further investigated using an animal model. Gene expression analysis was performed to assess the molecular mechanisms involved. Results: The unique glucan composition of C. squamosus (15.38% α-glucans and 7.91% β-glucans) deviated from typical mushroom polysaccharide profiles, warranting further exploration of its bioactivity. In vitro mushroom polysaccharides promoted 25.35% wound closure after 24 hours, while the three-component formulation achieved 35.81% closure. Antibacterial activity showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.44–1.75 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBCs) of 0.88–3.50 mg/mL, while antifungal activity ranged from 0.22 to 0.44 mg/mL (MICs) and 0.44 to 0.88 mg/mL (minimum fungicidal concentration—MFC). In vivo data showed that 60% of treated wounds fully closed by day 11, despite no statistically significant difference from the control. However, gene expression analysis highlighted VEGF and collagen upregulation, indicating an enhancement of wound healing on a molecular level. Conclusions: The novel three-component formulation demonstrated consistent wound healing and antimicrobial properties, supporting its potential as a safe and effective treatment for chronic and acute wounds. Full article

Previously we suggested a new pharmaceutical derived from coordination complex of Co³⁺ with polyacrylic acid (PAA) exhibiting hemostatic and microbicidal activity, namely Hestatin. Differences in the physiological activity of Hestatin synthesized from PAA 10 kDa (Hestatin 10) and 200 kDa (Hestatin 200) were shown. We tested the acute toxicity of Hestatin and its effect on the healing rate of sterile wounds in rats. Free 10 kDa PAA, emulsion wax, emulsion wax carrying resveratrol, and dexpanthenol were tested for comparison. Hestatin 10 exhibited no acute toxicity when administered intragastrically at dosages of 5 g per kg. Hestatin 10 surpassed all tested drugs in its wound healing ability. Histological analysis of skin sections of rats in the area of healing defects showed an increased rate of synthesis of reticular fibers compared to the placebo. In the early stages of wound healing (inflammatory phase), Hestatin 10 stimulated taxis of mast cells (MCs) to the wound bottom but not to the wound perimeter. At the final stage of wound healing (remodeling phase), Hestatin 10 promoted MC evacuation from the skin defect area. This effect is the opposite of the well-known wound-healing agents (dexpanthenol and resveratrol), which enhance MC infiltration into the defect area in the remodeling phase. Full article

Given the pivotal role played by the microbiome in skin health, it is important to understand how its composition varies with age, sex, and body site and regular use of topical products. Four studies were carried out to determine the effects of long-term (4-week) use of different dexpanthenol-containing topical products on the skin microbiome of a varied population with cosmetically dry skin. The skin microbiome composition was assessed before and after product usage. No significant changes in microbiome richness or diversity were found for the individual test products; however, a meta-analysis of the combined dataset did show changes in microbiome composition as a function of the subject’s sex, age, and body site. The work presented here demonstrates how the use of carefully formulated topical products on skin, when used in a way that is representative of real-life usage conditions, can respect the microbial diversity present on skin across a widely varied study population. Full article

The process of disbudding female calves is a common procedure in many dairy farms, avoiding injuries caused by horns and reducing feed bunk space requirements. The most common method for disbudding calves is by the use of a cautery iron, responsible for destroying the horn-generating tissue. After the procedure, wounds may be treated with an antibiotic-based spray. Nowadays, antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide concern in both human and veterinary medicine, highlighting the need to invest in the monitoring of antimicrobial use and in the development of alternative treatments in favour of One Health. The goal of this study is to promote a reduction in the use of antibiotics in farm animals by investigating an alternative treatment for disbudding wounds. Bepanthene^® (dexpanthenol, a derivative of pantothenic acid, a component of the B vitamin complex) is a plausible option, since it is widely used in human medicine for the treatment of skin irritations and burns. The comparison of the healing process of disbudding wounds treated with Bepanthene^® or a chlortetracycline-based spray was achieved through the presentation of a randomly-ordered sequence of images of the lesions to a panel of convenience-selected and blinded-to-treatment evaluators, composed of seven veterinarian practitioners, five veterinary medicine students, and five human medical field nurses. In order to classify the lesions, the panel applied an adapted format of a validated healing scale (Bates–Jensen Wound Assessment Tool), incorporating seven parameters of evaluation, culminating in the values used for statistical analyses. In the practitioners’ evaluation, a statistically significant effect for the factors of time and treatment in favour of Bepanthene^® was found for the parameters “Edges”, “Necrotic Tissue Type”, and “Skin Colour Surrounding Wound”, indicating that Bepanthene^® is superior to the spray when considering these parameters of healing. The assessment by the veterinary students showed a significant effect for the factors of time and treatment for the parameters “Necrotic Tissue Type”, in favour of the Bepanthene^®, and “Granulation Tissue”, in favour of the antibiotic spray, demonstrating no clear benefit for either treatment. Lastly, the evaluation performed by nurses showed a significant effect for the factors of time and treatment, in favour of the Bepanthene^®, for the parameters “Necrotic Tissue Type” and “Skin Colour Surrounding Wound”, leading to the conclusion that Bepanthene^® is associated with better and faster healing when compared to the spray. Overall, these findings lead us to suggest that Bepanthene^® presents a better healing index compared to a chlortetracycline-based spray, allowing it to be safely used as a substitute to an antimicrobial agent. Full article

Background: To clinically evaluate how dry eye symptoms in preoperatively diagnosed dry eye patients change with the use of sodium hyaluronate- and dexpanthenol-containing eye drops (HYLO CARE (HC), URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH, Saarbruecken, Germany) after cataract surgery. The aim of the study was not to compare different eye drops but to implement standard treatment in patients with dry eye undergoing cataract surgery. The impact of treatment was evaluated using Symptom Assessment Tools for Dry Eye. Methods: In this prospective, single-center, open-label clinical trial, 49 patients undergoing cataract surgery were included who showed signs and symptoms of dry eye disease assessed by the Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) questionnaire, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and fluorescein tear break-up Time (TBUT). Patients were instructed to apply HC three to four times a day for 5 weeks in the operated eye in addition to the standard postoperative topical anti-inflammatory regimen. The primary endpoint was the change in TBUT. Secondary endpoints were the assessment of the subjective symptoms (VAS), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and slit-lamp examination including the corneal staining score, Schirmer test, and intraocular pressure. Results: At 5 weeks after operation, the mean TBUT increased from 6.42 ± 1.57 s (s) to 7.81 ± 1.83 s in the per-protocol (PP) population (p > 0.001) and from 6.33 ± 1.64 s to 7.71 ± 2.05 s in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease in all scores (p < 0.05) from the VAS questionnaire except for the tearing score (p = 0.062) at 5 weeks after operation. The mean total corneal staining score also decreased statistically significantly from 8.85 ± 2.49 before operation to 5.61 ± 3.37 at 5 weeks after operation on a 15-point scale. Conclusions: Controlled standardized dry eye treatment (with HC) improved tear film stability, ocular surface defects, and subjective symptoms of dry eye disease in patients 5 weeks after undergoing cataract surgery. Both the patient and physician assessments indicated high efficacy, tolerability, and a reliable safety profile, as indicated by the low number of at least possibly related adverse events (AE), suggesting its beneficial role in the postoperative management of the ocular surface (OS) in patients with dry eye symptoms prior to and after cataract surgery. Full article

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of different toothpaste ingredients on biofilm volume and vitality in an established non-contact biofilm removal model. A multi-species biofilm comprising Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum was grown on protein-coated titanium disks. Six disks per group were exposed to 4 seconds non-contact brushing using a sonic toothbrush. Four groups assessed slurries containing different ingredients, i.e., dexpanthenol (DP), peppermint oil (PO), cocamidopropyl betaine (CB), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), one positive control group with the slurry of a toothpaste (POS), and a negative control group with physiological saline (NEG). Biofilm volume and vitality were measured using live-dead staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Statistical analysis comprised descriptive statistics and inter-group differences. In the test groups, lowest vitality and volume were found for CB (50.2 ± 11.9%) and PO (3.6 × 10⁵ ± 1.8 × 10⁵ µm³), respectively. Significant differences regarding biofilm vitality were found comparing CB and PO (p = 0.033), CB and NEG (p = 0.014), NaOH and NEG (p = 0.033), and POS and NEG (p = 0.037). However, no significant inter-group differences for biofilm volume were observed. These findings suggest that CB as a toothpaste ingredient had a considerable impact on biofilm vitality even in a non-contact brushing setting, while no considerable impact on biofilm volume was found. Full article

Background and Objectives: Good scar management in burn care is essential. Nevertheless, there are no consistent recommendations regarding moisturizers for scar management. Our aim was to investigate and compare the effects of commonly used products on normal skin and burn scars. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 skin-healthy (control group) and 12 patients with burn scars were included in this study. For an intraindividual comparison, each participant received creams consisting of dexpanthenol (P), aloe vera (A), and a natural plant oil (O) with instructions to apply them daily to a previously defined area for at least 28 days. Objective scar evaluation was performed with Visioscan^®; Tewameter^®; Cutometer^®, and the Oxygen To See^® device. Subjective evaluation was performed with an “application” questionnaire, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), and with the “best of three” questionnaire. Results: After (A) a high trend of amelioration of +30%, TEWL was detected on the scar area. Blood flow increased slightly on healthy skin areas after (A) application to +104%. The application of (A) on healthy skin demonstrated a positive effect on the parameters of scaliness (+22%, p < 0.001), softness (+14%, p = 0.046), roughness R1 (+16%, p < 0.001) and R2 (+17%, p = 0.000), volume (+22%, p < 0.001), and surface area (+7%, p < 0.001) within the control group. After (P), a significant improvement of the baseline firmness parameter of +14.7% was detected (p = 0.007). (P) also showed a beneficial effect on the parameters of R1 (+7%, p = 0.003), R2 (+6%, p = 0.001), and volume (+17%, p = 0.001). (O) lead to a statistically significant improvement of volume (+15%, p = 0.009). Overall, most study participants stated (A) to be the “best of three”. Conclusions: (A) performed statistically best, and is a well-tolerated moisturizing product. However, further quantitative studies are needed to provide statistically significant clarification for uniform recommendations for scar therapy. Full article

Olive tree (Olea europaea) leaf extract (OELE) has important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its use in human clinical practice. We recently designed an amorphous hydrogel called EHO-85 (EHO indicates olive leaf extract in Spanish) containing OELE for skin ulcer treatments. Yet, its effectiveness has not been previously compared with other products used in routine clinical practice. This is necessary to evaluate its potential translation to the human clinic. Thus, in this study, the effect of EHO-85 on healing was evaluated in comparison with treatments containing Indian/Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica), hyaluronic acid, or dexpanthenol in a rat model. The speed of wound closure and histological parameters after seven and 14 days were analyzed. All treatments accelerated wound closure, but there were differences between them. Dexpanthenol after seven days produced the highest epithelialization and the lowest inflammation and vascularization. EHO-85 also promoted epithelialization and reduced vascularization. After 14 days, wounds treated with EHO-85 showed less inflammation and higher levels of collagen in the extracellular matrix. This indicates a higher degree of maturity in the regenerated tissue. In conclusion, the effect of EHO-85 on healing was equal to or superior to that of other treatments routinely used in human clinical practice. Therefore, these results, together with previous data on the effects of this hydrogel on ulcer healing in humans, indicate that EHO-85 is a suitable, low-cost, and efficient therapeutic option for wound healing. Full article

We investigated the nephroprotective effect of D-panthenol in rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Adult male Wistar rats were injected with 50% glycerol solution to induce rhabdomyolysis. Animals with rhabdomyolysis were injected with D-panthenol (200 mg/kg) for 7 days. On day 8, we examined AKI markers, renal histology, antioxidant capacity, and protein glutathionylation in kidneys to uncover mechanisms of D-panthenol effects. Rhabdomyolysis kidneys were shown to have pathomorphological alterations (mononuclear infiltration, dilatation of tubules, and hyaline casts in Henle’s loops and collecting ducts). Activities of skeletal muscle damage markers (creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase) increased, myoglobinuria was observed, and creatinine, BUN, and pantetheinase activity in serum and urine rose. Signs of oxidative stress in the kidney tissue of rhabdomyolysis rats, increased levels of lipid peroxidation products, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were all alleviated by administration of D-panthenol. Its application improved kidney morphology and decreased AKI markers. Mechanisms of D-panthenol’s beneficial effects were associated with an increase in total coenzyme A levels, activity of Krebs cycle enzymes, and attenuation of protein glutathionylation. D-Panthenol protects kidneys from rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI through antioxidant effects, normalization of mitochondrial metabolism, and modulation of glutathione-dependent signaling. Full article

Recently, nanoemulsion-based gels have become very popular for dermal drug delivery, overcoming the disadvantages of conventional semi-solid drug forms. The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize nanoemulsion-based hydrogels and organogels containing combined propolis and dexpanthenol, and to compare their stability, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties. Within the scope of characterization studies, organoleptic properties, drug content, morphology, pH, gel-sol conversion temperature, spreadability, viscosity, FT-IR, and release properties were evaluated in hydrogels and organogels. The characterization studies carried out were subjected to short-term stability evaluation at room temperature and refrigerator for 3 months. While no phase separation was observed in any of the formulations kept in the refrigerator, phase separation was observed in four formulations kept at room temperature. The release study successfully obtained an extended release for propolis and dexpanthenol. In the antimicrobial susceptibility study, Hydrogel 1 showed activity against S. aureus, while Organogel 1 showed activity against both S. aureus and S. epidermidis. In the cytotoxicity study against HDFa cells, both Hydrogel 1 and Organogel 1 were found to be nontoxic at low doses. These hydrogels and organogels, which contain propolis and dexpanthenol in combination for the first time, are promising systems that can be used in wound and burn models in the future. Full article