Sericin-Based Poly(Vinyl) Alcohol Relieves Plaque and Epidermal Lesions in Psoriasis; a Chance for Dressing Development in a Specific Area

Abstract

The noncontagious immune-mediated skin disease known as psoriasis is regarded as a chronic skin condition with a 0.09–11.4% global prevalence. The main obstacle to the eradication of the disease continues to be insufficient treatment options. Sericin, a natural biopolymer from Bombyx mori cocoons, can improve skin conditions via its immunomodulatory effect. Many external therapeutic methods are currently used to treat psoriasis, but sericin-based hydrogel is not yet used to treat plaques of eczema. Through the use of an imiquimod rat model, this study sought to identify the physical and chemical characteristics of a silk sericin-based poly(vinyl) alcohol (SS/PVA) hydrogel and assess both its therapeutic and toxic effects on psoriasis. The cytokines, chemokines, and genes involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis were investigated, focusing on the immuno-pathological relationships. We discovered that the SS/PVA had a stable fabrication and proper release. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties of SS/PVA reduced the severity of psoriasis in both gross and microscopic skin lesions. This was demonstrated by a decrease in the epidermal histopathology score, upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and interleukin (IL)-10, and a decrease in the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-20. Moreover, the genes S100a7a and S100a14 were downregulated. Additionally, in rats given the SS/PVA treatment, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase levels were within normal limits. Our findings indicate that SS/PVA is safe and may be potentiated to treat psoriasis in a variety of forms and locations of plaque because of its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.

Sericin coated thin polymeric films reduce keratinocyte proliferation via the mTOR pathway and epidermal inflammation through IL17 signaling in psoriasis rat model

“…They were shaved along the dorsal midline in the thoracic area. Based on our recent studies 5 , 6 , 47 , 62.5 mg of imiquimod was applied daily on the experimental site measuring 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm for seven days, which was considered as an induction period. Macroscopic skin lesions such as epidermal scales, redness, and thickening were monitored.…”

“…Sericin and fibroin, silk proteins derived from Bombyx mori cocoons, are natural biopolymers with several medicinal properties, and are especially known to enhance wound healing 4 . Recently, we have demonstrated the efficacy of cream-based as well as polyvinyl alcohol-based preparations of sericin for treating psoriasis in preclinical studies 5 , 6 . The main mechanisms of anti-psoriatic action of sericin occur via the inhibition of epidermal cell overgrowth, epidermal inflammation, and imbalance of epidermal cell homeostasis, through immunomodulative and antioxidative effects.…”

Silkworm Cocoon: Dual Functions as a Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Raw Material of Promising Biocompatible Carriers

“…The therapeutic actions of SS and SF are extensive, including antidiabetic effects [6,7], cardioprotective properties [8][9][10], and lipid-lowering capabilities [11]. Concurrently, the ability to modulate inflammatory responses [12][13][14] and resist oxidative stress [15][16][17][18] broadens their application in disease prevention and treatment. Furthermore, the inherent antimicrobial [4,19,20] and antiviral [21] properties of these proteins enhance their effectiveness in developing cutting-edge medical interventions.…”

Silk Sericin and Its Composite Materials with Antibacterial Properties to Enhance Wound Healing: A Review

“…Although hydrophilic SS does not have good mechanical properties, it exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-ultraviolet properties [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Moreover, SS can achieve certain mechanical properties by copolymerization or blending with other polymers, including chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), alginate, gelatin, collagen, and bacterial cellulose [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Importantly, SS has certain intrinsic antimicrobial properties, which are improved when other antimicrobial agents are added.…”