THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANTI-SCAR OLEOGEL COMPOSITION WITH PARALITHODES CAMTSCHATICA COLLAGENASE

The collagenase enzyme proteolytic complex used in a gel form will be an alternative to invasive methods and electrophoresis, requiring medical personnel and special equipment. Taking into account the instability of proteolytic enzymes in the aquatic phase, the use of organogel as the collagenase basis makes it possible to create a stable and convenient dosage form for the scar treatment. This study’s aim was the composition of an anti-scar organogel based on Paralithodes camtschatica collagenase development. Aerosil proposed as a thickener. Various technological studies (external signs assessment, distribution on the skin, smearing, pH, proteolytic activity, stability, rheological properties) of gels samples based on lipophilic solvents: dimethicone, cyclomethicone, liquid paraffin, propylene glycol, capril/caprilic triglycerides, were carried out to select the optimal gel-forming agents. The proteolytic activity of the gel with collagenase manifested up to 24 hours, so, it may be used for stabilization. The composition of the components of the dispersion medium, which has acceptable sensory properties for the continuity of treatment, selected. It characterized by thermo- and colloidal stability, acceptable rheological properties. The oleogel on the combination of capril/caprilic triglycerides and dimethicone as a dispersion and aerosil as a thickener was justified, which may be recommended as an anti-scar agent for further research.

Collagenolytic Enzymes and their Applications in Biomedicine

Nowadays, enzymatic therapy is a very promising line of treatment for many different diseases. There is a group of disorders and conditions, caused by fibrotic and scar processes and associated with the excessive accumulation of collagen that needs to be catabolized to normalize the connective tissue content. The human body normally synthesizes special extracellular enzymes, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) by itself. These enzymes can cleave components of extracellular matrix (ECM) and different types of collagen and thus maintain the balance of the connective tissue components. MMPs are multifunctional enzymes and are involved in a variety of organism processes. However, under pathological conditions, the function of MMPs is not sufficient, and these enzymes fail to deal with disease. Thus, medical intervention is required. Enzymatic therapy is a very effective way of treating such collagen-associated conditions. It involves the application of exogenous collagenolytic enzymes that catabolize excessive collagen at the affected site and lead to the successful elimination of disease. Such collagenolytic enzymes are synthesized by many organisms: bacteria, animals (especially marine organisms), plants and fungi. The most studied and commercially available are collagenases from Clostridium histolyticum and from the pancreas of the crab Paralithodes camtschatica, due to their ability to effectively hydrolyse human collagen without affecting other tissues, and their wide pH ranges of collagenolytic activity. In the present review, we summarize not only the data concerning existing collagenase-based medications and their applications in different collagen-related diseases and conditions, but we also propose collagenases from different sources for their potential application in enzymatic therapy.

New symbiotic associations involving Syllidae (Annelida: Polychaeta), with taxonomic and biological remarks on Pionosyllis magnifica and Syllis cf. armillaris

Several new symbiotic associations involving Syllidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) are reported. The number of known host sponge species infested by Haplosyllis spongicola is updated to 36, with seven hosts being reported for the first time (i.e. Aplysina corrugata, Aplysina sp., Cliona sp., Cliona viridis, Phorbas tenacior, one sponge from Iran, one sponge from Cambodia). Two infestation patterns (a few worms per host cm3 in temperate waters and 10s or 100s in tropical waters) are identified. The taxonomic and ecological characteristics of the species are discussed. Five associations occurring between four syllid worms and decapod crustaceans are fully reported for the first time. Syllis cf. armillaris, S.ferrani and S.pontxioi occurred inside gastropod shells occupied by hermit crabs as well as Pionosyllis magnifica, which was also found inside the branchial chambers of the giant crab Paralithodes camtschatica. The description of Pionosyllis magnifica is emended on the basis of the new specimens found, while some taxonomic remarks on Syllis cf. armillaris are given. In addition, further evidence of sexual (P.magnifica) and asexual (S. cf. armillaris) reproduction in symbiotic syllids is provided.