New dressing materials derived from transgenic flax products to treat long-standing venous ulcers-a pilot study

Abstract

A new flax dressing product was developed based on three components (fibers, oil emulsion, and seedcake extract) from genetically engineered flax plants that were obtained by plant transformation using three genes controlling the synthesis of antioxidative compounds from the phenylpropanoid pathway. Simultaneous flax explant transformation with three genes coding for chalcone synthase, chalcone isomerase, and dihydroflavonol reductase resulted in an accumulation of phenolic acids in the fibers, polyunsaturated fatty acids in the oil, and lignans in the seedcake. The fibers, oil, and seedcake from transgenic flax contained a broad spectrum of antioxidative compounds. They were tested for cytotoxicity, and none were found to have a negative effect on the growth and morphology of Balb/3T3 cells. In this preliminary report, we present pilot data on the effects of using linen dressing treatment on its own or in combination with oil emulsion and/or seedcake extract on chronic wound healing. After a 12-week study, we concluded that an application of a modified flax-dressing (linen) bandage might yield a more rapid rate of healing and reduce the wound exudes and wound size. In several cases, wound healing was completed during the period of investigation. Interestingly and importantly, the patients reported that the new bandage made from modified flax diminished the pain accompanying chronic venous ulceration. Further study is required to determine any definitive effects of flax bandage on wound healing. This is the first pilot study report suggesting the benefits of a flax-based dressing on wound healing.

Cannabinoid-like anti-inflammatory compounds from flax fiber

“…The presence of cannabidiol in flax is interesting not only in the aspect of its so far unique natural source (Cannabis plants) but primarily for its natural synthesis in fibers which when used for wound dressing production might offer antiinflammatory and anti-analgesic activity. Recently, the treatment of patients suffering from chronic wounds of different aetiology with flax wound dressing resulted in inflammation reduction [7]. The results of the clinical study are perhaps now clearer; the presence of CBD within fiber compounds might be at least partially responsible for this positive effect.…”

“…It has been widely proven that high levels of ALA can reduce the risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases and decrease the production of arachidonic acids and other eicosanoids, which are known inflammation mediators [5,6]. The results of our latest investigations suggest that not only can the flax seeds and the oil be used in medicine, but also the fibers appear to be a valuable material for wound dressing [7]. Analysis of previously generated transgenic plants, overexpressing genes from the flavonoid synthesis pathway, showed increased levels of many phenylpropanoids, resulting in higher antioxidant capacity, fungal resistance, oil stability and SDG content increase [8].…”

“…Those with polyhydroxybutyrate were proposed for use as a component of tissue engineering scaffold (implant) and data from a successfully used new implant for muscle tissue repair in rats were recently reported [25]. Also those enriched with phenylpropanoid compounds with high antioxidant potential were successfully used for wound dressing production and chronic wound healing [7]. In the course of detailed metabolic analysis of flax fiber new compounds were detected.…”

Analysis of Bioactive Components of Oilseed Cakes by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography-(Bio)assay Combined with Mass Spectrometry

“…As the polyphenol extracts of seed cakes of hemp (Cannabis sativa), flax (Linum usitatissimum) and canola (Brassica napus) have not been studied in detail yet, information on single effective compounds would be of interest, since the polyphenols that exhibit functional and nutraceutical properties could also be used in functional food, additionally to its use in feed. Previous studies showed the improvement of human health by antioxidant compounds, such as healing human chronic ulceration, inhibition of cancer cells, improving the condition of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiviral, anti-allergenic, anti-artherogenic, antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, cardioprotective and vasodilatory effects [9][10][11].…”

Biomaterials Applicable for Alveolar Sockets Preservation: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

“…Recently, the cytotoxicity of flax fibres, oil emulsion, and seedcake extract from transgenic flax overproducing various antioxidative compounds was determined in a culture of mouse fibroblasts. No changes in the total number of fibroblasts and comparable numbers of dead cells were shown in the presence of each type of flax material (Skorkowska-Telichowska et al 2010). In order to improve the biochemical and mechanical properties of flax fibres, transgenic flax over-expressing the bacterial polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) gene was produced (Wrobel et al 2004;Wrobel-Kwiatkowska et al 2007).…”