An Association of Vitamins A and E with Hyaluronic and Lactobionic Acids may Prevent Molecular Changes Associated with Keratocyte to Myofibroblast Transition

Inflammatory events in the corneal stroma may activate keratocytes and trigger their transition towards myofibroblasts,which now produce different extracellular matrix(ECM)proteins thus causing corneal opacification.Corneal haze is a frequent side effect after photorefractive keratectomy(PRK)to correct high myopia.Currently,a preventive treatment with mitomycin-c can be used to limit the occurrence of this phenomenon.However,mitomycin-c is a toxic drug,not devoid of side effects,which may occasionally involve the corneal endothelium.Therefore,we have searched for a less risky,natural way,to prevent keratocytes transition.To this purpose,we have used as markers of the phenotype switch the proteins lumican(highly expressed by keratocytes and much less by myofibroblasts)and smooth muscle actin(αSMA)(highly expressed by myofibroblasts and poorly found in keratocytes),beside Fibronectin(Fn),the expression of which is also increased by transforming growth factor-beta(TGFβ)treatment.Treatment of human keratocytes with TGFβwas used to induce the protein shift.Among different possible candidates,we have found that vitamins A and E,hyaluronic and lactobionic acids may prevent,either alone,or much better in association,the shift in the ratio between lumican andαSMA and the increased Fn expression.In conclusion,it could be speculated that topic treatment of the ocular surface with an association of these four compounds could be able to prevent or at least limit the occurrence of post-PRK corneal haze,with the additional advantage of lubrication,hydration and antioxidant defense exerted by these molecules.

Comparison of the Skin Lipid Layer in Acne Vulgaris Patients after Treatment with 50% Lactobionic Acid, Corundum Microdermabrasion and a Combination of Both Means

Background: The uses of lactobionic acid, corundum microdermabrasion, and a combined technique, are treatments supporting therapies for acne vulgaris and seborrhoea. Objectives: The work was conducted to determine the effects of the peeling with lactobionic acid, corundum microdermabrasion, and a combined technique of both means on sebum secretion in acne vulgaris patients. Methods: The peeling with 50% lactobionic acid, the corundum microdermabrasion, and the combined technique were applied to 45 female patients divided into three groups of fifteen people each. Every one treatment was given five times in two week intervals. The measurements of sebum secretion were done within the T- and U-zones using Sebumeter SM15 (Courage & Khazaka, Germany). The last (sixth) measurement was performed two weeks after the last treatment. Results: Decrease in the level of sebum secretion was found during second or third measurement. Two weeks after the last treatment, the biggest decrease in the level of sebum secretion was observed in the patients treated with lactobionic acid, followed by those treated with the combined method. Conclusions: Treatments consisting of the peeling with lactobionic acid, corundum microdermabrasion, or the combined technique, brought significant decrease in the level of sebum secretion. The biggest decrease was observed in the patients treated with lactobionic acid, which being structurally similar to α-hydroxyacids exerts exfoliating properties. The combined method was also effective, because of increased skin penetration of the active ingredients, resulting from the abrasion of stratum corneum during the corundum microdermabrasion. The corundum microdermabrasion alone was the least effective approach.

Antibacterial mechanism of lactobionic acid against Shewanella baltica and Shewanella putrefaciens and its application on refrigerated shrimp

Lactobionic acid(LBA)is a novel antibacterial agent that has attracted much interest in recent years.However,the study on the antibacterial effect of LBA on spoilage bacteria is rare.This study aims to investigate the antibacterial activity and mechanism of LBA on Shewanella baltica and Shewanella putrefaciens,which are the common spoilage microorganisms in chilled seafood.The results demonstrated that LBA was an effective bacteriostat against S.baltica and S.putrefaciens,with the minimum inhibitor concentration(MIC)of 8 mg/mL.Both the two Shewanella species could be completely killed by LBA at 2 MIC.LBA damaged the cell membrane integrity and increased outer membrane permeability,causing the increase in protein leakage and conductivity,which was supported by the bacterial morphology observed with scanning electron microscopy.Besides,LBA could interact with the bacterial genome DNA,resulting in the dysfunction of cell function.Moreover,LBA exhibited an effectively inhibitory effect on slowing down microbial growth,melanosis and lipid oxidation rate in refrigerated shrimp.These results suggest that LBA would be a promising antibacterial compound used in seafood.

Symbiotic fermentation study of Acetobacter orientalis and lactic acid bacteria for lactobionic acid enriched yoghurt production

Symbiotic fermentation of lactic acid bacteria and Acetobacter orientalis intended to produce lactobionic acid-enriched yoghurt was studied.Commercial lactic acid bacteria(1%)and A.orientalis(10,15,20%)were inoc-ulated in milk and incubated at 30℃ for 16 h.Incubation parameters,including acidity,lactose conversion,and bacterial colony count,were analysed every 6th hour.Secondary fermentation parameters like acidification rate,bacterial growth rate,generation time and conversion rate of lactose to lactic acid and lactobionic acid were also estimated.The incubation time and A.orientalis level had significant(P<0.05)effects on the incubation pa-rameters of the lactobionic acid-enriched yoghurt during the incubation period.This study suggests 20%A.orientalis,1%lactic bacteria inoculation and 30℃/16 h incubation for yoghurt with higher lactobionic acid content.