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Background: Previous studies have suggested that macrophages are present during lens regeneration in newts, but their role in the process is yet to be elucidated., Methods: Here we generated a transgenic reporter line using the newt, Pleurodeles waltl, that traces macrophages during lens regeneration. Furthermore, we assessed early changes in gene expression during lens regeneration using two newt species, Notophthalmus viridescens and Pleurodeles waltl. Finally, we used clodronate liposomes to deplete macrophages during lens regeneration in both species and tested the effect of a subsequent secondary injury after macrophage recovery., Results: Macrophage depletion abrogated lens regeneration, induced the formation of scar-like tissue, led to inflammation, decreased iris pigment epithelial cell (iPEC) proliferation, and increased rates of apoptosis in the eye. Some of these phenotypes persisted throughout the last observation period of 100 days and could be attenuated by exogenous FGF2 administration. A distinct transcript profile encoding acute inflammatory effectors was established for the dorsal iris. Reinjury of the newt eye alleviated the effects of macrophage depletion, including the resolution of scar-like tissue, and re-initiated the regeneration process., Conclusions: Together, our findings highlight the importance of macrophages for facilitating a pro-regenerative environment in the newt eye by regulating fibrotic responses, modulating the overall inflammatory landscape, and maintaining the proper balance of early proliferation and late apoptosis of the iPECs., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Cellulose derivatives have got growing interest due to their relative abundance and ability to sustain the release of medicaments. In this study, micro- and nano-fibrillated cellulose were prepared from rice straw and used as drug carriers. Both carriers in addition to another one which is nano silicon dioxide were characterized with various techniques. Methotrexate was chosen to be loaded on nano-fibrillated cellulose and nano silicon dioxide. Both methotrexate carriers were evaluated for their possible protective role against renal fibrosis induced by methotrexate in leukemia rat model. Results of this study exhibited that loading methotrexate on either nano-fibrillated cellulose or nano silicon dioxide seems to have an ameliorative role on renal function tests, inflammatory and fibrotic markers of renal tissues. Moreover, the sustained release of methotrexate for long time period maintained by nano-fibrillated cellulose carrier gives it more priority than nano silicon dioxide to be used as an effective novel drug carrier in further medical applications with minimal side effects on kidney tissue in leukemia model., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest concerning this article., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Fibrosis is known to be the hallmarks of chronic inflammation of the bowel. Epithelial damage due to inflammation compromises the barrier function of the gastrointestinal tract. This barrier dysfunction leads to further spread of inflammation resulting in a chronic state of inflammation. This chronic inflammation leads to development of fibrosis, which has very limited therapeutic options and usually requires surgical removal of the affected tissue. Our previous work has shown that Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agent, found in propolis, has been found to be protective in experimental colitis via enhancement of epithelial barrier function. However, the impact of CAPE on resolution of fibrosis in the long-term is unknown. The aim of this follow up study was to investigate the effect of CAPE on colon fibrosis in a chronic model of Dextran sulphate sodium induced colitis in mice. Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) 2.5% w/v was administered in drinking water to induce colitis in C57/BL6 mice for 5 days on the 6th day DSS was stopped and test group mice were treated with intraperitoneal administration of CAPE (30 mg kg -1 day -1 ) for a further 7 days. Disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length and tissue histology and level of tissue fibrosis was observed. CAPE-treated mice had significantly lower levels of DAI, tissue inflammation scores and fibrosis as compared with control group. Our results show that CAPE is effective in resolving colon fibrosis in chronic inflammation. Thus, we can conclude CAPE could be a potential therapeutic agent for further clinical investigations for treatment of fibrosis in inflammatory bowel diseases in humans., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)