A novel naringenin-loaded plant protein nanocomplex accelerates corneal epithelial wound healing by remodeling the immune microenvironment.
Zhang Y, Zhou L, Zhu S, Sun Y, Wang H
Summary
7.8/10Researchers developed a plant-based treatment using pea protein to deliver a natural compound that heals eye surface damage 1.7 times faster by reducing inflammation and promoting nerve regrowth, offering a new therapeutic option for corneal injuries.
Key Findings
Wound closure accelerated by approximately 1.7-fold in mouse models
Solubility enhanced 150-fold in water compared to the unformulated compound
Modified immune response by suppressing inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) while elevating anti-inflammatory IL-10
Original Abstract
This study explores the feasibility of pea protein isolate (PPI) as a topical ocular carrier to deliver naringenin (NAR), and develops an aqueous, solvent-free plant protein-polyphenol nanocomplex (PPI-NAR) for corneal epithelial repair. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the complex was stabilized by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. PPI-NAR displayed substantially enhanced solubility (∼150-fold in water) and excellent ocular safety. Importantly, treatment accelerated wound closure by ∼1.7-fold, promoted nerve regeneration, and restored corneal sensitivity in a mouse model. Mechanistically, PPI-NAR modified the immune microenvironment by polarizing macrophages toward the M2 phenotype and suppressed IL-6 and TNF-α via modulation of HMGB1 and Sonic Hedgehog signaling, while elevating IL-10. These findings suggest that PPI-NAR offers a promising therapy with both anti-inflammatory and regenerative potential for corneal repair.
Species Mentioned
Pea is a pulse or fodder crop, but the word often refers to the seed or sometimes the pod of this flowering plant species. Peas are eaten as a vegetable.
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