Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction from Flax Shives and Their Effect on Human Fibroblasts

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the most effective technique for extraction of phenolics present in flax shives and to assess their effect on human fibroblasts. Flax shives are by-products of fibre separation, but they were found to be a rich source of phenolic compounds and thus might have application potential. It was found that the optimal procedure for extraction of phenolics was hydrolysis enhanced by the ultrasound with NaOH for 24 h at 65°C and subsequent extraction with ethyl acetate. The influence of the flax shives extract on fibroblast growth and viability was assessed using the MTT and SRB tests. Moreover, the influence of flax shives extract on the extracellular matrix remodelling process was verified. The 20% increase of the viability was observed upon flax shives extract treatment and the decrease of mRNA collagen genes, an increase of matrix metalloproteinase gene expression, and reduction in levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 10, and suppressor of cytokinin signaling 1 mRNA were observed. Alterations in MCP-1 mRNA levels were dependent on flax shives extract concentration. Thus, we suggested the possible application of flax shives extract in the wound healing process.

Interaction between low‐level laser therapy and Guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract induces antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic effects and promotes proliferation in dermal fibroblasts

“…Shi et al showed that when human dermal fibroblasts were stimulated with TGF‐β1 and subsequently treated with IL‐10 this cytokine exhibited inhibitory effects on the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components and fibroblast‐to‐myofibroblast transition, suggesting that IL‐10 has the potential to prevent and reduce skin scarring. As a result, recent studies have used gene modulation of IL‐10 in fibroblast to study important components of plant extracts with potential wound healing effects …”

Enzymatic treatment of flax for use in composites

“…Because next to the endless benefits of good specific mechanical properties, low density, low acoustic and thermal conductivity, flax possesses antimicrobial activity as well. A lot of research has been done on the usage of flax in medical purposes, for example as wound dressing to heal wounds [[107], [108], [109], [110], [111], [112]]. Flax genomes have been genetically modified by introducing polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) synthesis genes from Ralstonia eutropha , with the aim to improve biomechanical properties of the fiber [110].…”

“…Flax shives were used for the extraction of phenolics and their effect was assessed on human fibroblasts. The flax shives extracts have proven to be applicable in wound healing process [107]. Aforementioned examples illustrate that flax not only has a high potential for composite materials but utilization in many other applications is becoming feasible.…”

Were our Ancestors Right in Using Flax Dressings? Research on the Properties of Flax Fibre and Its Usefulness in Wound Healing

“…In response to stress caused by the attack of pathogens (viruses, bacteria), the synthesis of lignin increases, which affects the cross-linking process and reduces the plasticity of the fibres. In transgenic flax fibres, there was an increase in the level of cellulose to lignin by silencing the CAD protein gene, an enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of lignin monomers [ 23 ]. In the process of wound healing, it is very important to maintain a balance in the production of free radicals, both oxygen and nitrate.…”