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Published on: February 17, 2023
Antioxidant Activities of Natural Compounds from Caribbean Plants to Enhance Diabetic Wound Healing
Laura Accipe1, Alisson Abadie1, Remi Neviere1,2
1UR5_3 PC2E Cardiac Pathology, Environmental Toxicity and Envenomations, Université des Antilles, BP 250, CEDEX, 97157 Pointe à Pitre, France.
Abstract:
Diabetic wound healing is a global medical challenge. Several studies showed that delayed healing in diabetic patients is multifactorial. Nevertheless, there is evidence that excessive production of ROS and impaired ROS detoxification in diabetes are the main cause of chronic wounds. Indeed, increased ROS promotes the expression and activity of metalloproteinase, resulting in a high proteolytic state in the wound with significant destruction of the extracellular matrix, which leads to a stop in the repair process. In addition, ROS accumulation increases NLRP3 inflammasome activation and macrophage hyperpolarization in the M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype. Oxidative stress increases the activation of NETosis. This leads to an elevated pro-inflammatory state in the wound and prevents the resolution of inflammation, an essential step for wound healing. The use of medicinal plants and natural compounds can improve diabetic wound healing by directly targeting oxidative stress and the transcription factor Nrf2 involved in the antioxidant response or the mechanisms impacted by the elevation of ROS such as NLRP3 inflammasome, the polarization of macrophages, and expression or activation of metalloproteinases. This study of the diabetic pro-healing activity of nine plants found in the Caribbean highlights, more particularly, the role of five polyphenolic compounds. At the end of this review, research perspectives are presented.
Insights
Diabetic wound healing is hindered by oxidative stress. Natural compounds, particularly five polyphenols from Caribbean plants, show promise in improving healing by targeting key molecular pathways involved in inflammation and tissue repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Diabetic wound healing is a significant global health issue, often delayed by multifactorial causes.
- Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and impaired detoxification in diabetes are primary drivers of chronic wounds.
- Elevated ROS disrupts extracellular matrix integrity, promotes inflammation via NLRP3 inflammasome and M1 macrophage polarization, and activates NETosis, halting the repair process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pro-healing potential of medicinal plants in the context of diabetic wound complications.
- To explore the role of natural compounds in mitigating oxidative stress and related pathological pathways in diabetic wounds.
- To identify specific bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, that can enhance diabetic wound healing.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on diabetic wound healing and the impact of oxidative stress.
- Analysis of the mechanisms by which ROS accumulation affects wound repair processes.
- Identification and evaluation of natural compounds, specifically five polyphenolic compounds from Caribbean plants, for their therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- Excessive ROS in diabetic wounds leads to increased matrix degradation and inflammation.
- ROS accumulation activates NLRP3 inflammasome, M1 macrophage polarization, and NETosis, impeding healing.
- Medicinal plants and their compounds can target oxidative stress, Nrf2 pathway, NLRP3 inflammasome, macrophage polarization, and metalloproteinase activity.
Conclusions:
- Natural compounds, especially polyphenols from Caribbean flora, offer a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound healing.
- Targeting oxidative stress and downstream inflammatory pathways is crucial for effective diabetic wound management.
- Further research into these natural compounds could lead to novel treatments for chronic diabetic wounds.
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