Mechanism of Macrophage Activation by Chitin Derivatives

Abstract

ABSTRACT. In order to analyze the detailed mechanisms responsible for macrophage activation by chitin derivatives, resident peritoneal macrophages were prepared and stimulated with chitin, chitosan and low-molecular weight chitosan. Our findings were as follows: (i) chitosan induced apoptosis of peritoneal macrophages, but this did not occur when chitin or water soluble low-molecular weight chitosan were used; (ii) chitosan treatment induced activation markers, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, class II, Fc receptors, transferrin receptor, mannose receptor, Fas, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, whereas chitin and low molecular weight soluble chitosan induced only the expression of MHC class I and II molecules; (iii) apoptosis induced by chitosan was mediated by the Fas signaling pathway, in response to phagocytosis via the mannose receptor. We conclude that since chitosan activates macrophages, this may be the mechanism by which it accelerates wound healing.

In VivoPerformance of Chitosan/Soy-Based Membranes as Wound-Dressing Devices for Acute Skin Wounds

“…The demonstration of the chitosan anti-inflammatory activity and potential in promoting wound healing was reported by Mori et al 27 Although chitosan activates macrophages, it also induces gradual macrophage apoptosis in vitro (about 50% programmed cell death in 6 h), 27 thus preventing the possible occurrence of septic shock and death. 28 Macrophage activation induced by chitosan resulted in increased metabolic activity, secretion of cytokines, growth factors and inflammatory mediators, and enhanced phagocytic activity.…”

“…28 Macrophage activation induced by chitosan resulted in increased metabolic activity, secretion of cytokines, growth factors and inflammatory mediators, and enhanced phagocytic activity. 27 The production of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) by chitosan-activated macrophages stimulates epithelial cell proliferation 29 and thus skin healing. Additionally, a reduction on the influx of activated tissue macrophages, which in turn decreases angiogenesis, fibroplasia, and connective tissue deposition, was also attributed to chitosan.…”

Biomedical Biopolymers, their Origin and Evolution in Biomedical Sciences: A Systematic Review

“…Chitosan is excellent in biocompatibility; high bioactivity; biodegradability; selective permeability; polyelectrolyte action; antimicrobial activity; ability to form gel and film; chelation ability and absorptive capacity [17]. These peculiar properties provide a variety of applications to Chitosan, such as: drug carrier for controlled release [18], antibacterial [19,20] and anti-acid [21]; inhibits the bacterial plaque formation and decalcification of dental enamel [22,23], promotes Osteogenesis [24], fat absorbent action and promotes the healing of ulcers and lesions [25,26].…”

The effect of chitosan gel concentration on neutrophyl and macrophage in gingival ulcer of Sprague Dawley rat

“…[1][2][3] Chitosan is natural polymers composed by randomly β-(1-4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-aceytl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit). 4 Chitosan is soluble only at aqueous acidic solution with pH<6.5. Negative characteristic of chitosan is its poor solubility at physiological pH.…”

“…6,7 Several studies report the effects of chitin and chitosan on tissue reaction involved in wound healing. 3,4,8,9 They accelerate infiltration of inflammatory cells, stimulate angiogenesis, induce the rapid formation of vascular granulating tissue, the disappearance of purulence and they promote skin regeneration with minimal scar formation. They also have candidacidal and bactericidal activity.…”