Scientists at Linköping University in Sweden have developed a revolutionary technology that can heal burns without leaving scars. Dubbed “skin in a syringe,” this innovative approach uses 3D-printed skin transplants made from gel containing live cells.

The study, led by researchers Johan Junker and Daniel Aili, aimed to create new skin that doesn’t become scar tissue but a functioning dermis. The dermis is the thicker layer of skin beneath the epidermis, which contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and other essential structures for skin function and elasticity.

To achieve this, the researchers used click chemistry to connect gelatine beads with hyaluronic acid, creating a liquid that can be applied to wounds using a syringe. The gel becomes gel-like again once applied, making it possible to 3D-print the cells in it.

In the current study, small pucks made from this technology were placed under the skin of mice, showing promising results. The cells survived and produced substances needed to create new dermis, with blood vessels forming in the grafts. This breakthrough has significant implications for burn patients, who often suffer from severe scarring due to traditional transplant methods.

The LiU researchers also developed a method to make threads from hydrogels, which can be used to build mini-tubes or perfusable channels. These tubes can be used to pump fluid through or have blood vessel cells grow in them, potentially solving the problem of blood vessel supply in tissue models.

This research has received funding from various organizations, including the Erling-Persson Foundation and the European Research Council (ERC). The study’s findings were published in Advanced Healthcare Materials.

Breaking Barriers in Diabetic Wound Healing: A Revolutionary “Smart” Gel Accelerates Blood Flow and Restores Tissue Repair

Chronic diabetic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers, pose a significant burden for patients due to impaired blood vessel growth and subsequent tissue repair issues. A groundbreaking study has unveiled a novel approach by combining small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) loaded with miR-221-3p and a GelMA hydrogel to target thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a protein that suppresses angiogenesis. This innovative bioactive wound dressing not only accelerates healing but also promotes blood vessel formation, offering a promising new approach to treating one of the most challenging complications of diabetes.

The study explores a new method to stimulate angiogenesis and speed up the healing process by targeting TSP-1 with miR-221OE-sEVs encapsulated in GelMA. This engineered hydrogel has shown significant enhancement in wound healing and blood vessel formation in diabetic mice, offering hope for more effective treatments in the future.

Researchers discovered that high glucose conditions commonly found in diabetic wounds lead to increased levels of TSP-1 in endothelial cells, impairing their ability to proliferate and migrate – key processes for angiogenesis. By utilizing miR-221-3p, a microRNA that targets and downregulates TSP-1 expression, they restored endothelial cell function. The engineered miR-221OE-sEVs were encapsulated within a GelMA hydrogel, ensuring a controlled release at the wound site.

In animal trials, this composite dressing dramatically accelerated wound healing, with a notable increase in vascularization and a 90% wound closure rate within just 12 days, compared to slower healing in control groups. This breakthrough has significant implications for diabetic wound care, offering patients more efficient and lasting wound healing solutions.

As further research and clinical trials progress, the promise of combining miRNA-based therapies with biocompatible hydrogels could become a cornerstone in regenerative medicine, opening up possibilities beyond diabetic foot ulcers. The technology could be adapted for use in treating other chronic wounds, such as those caused by vascular diseases, or even in regenerating tissues like bone and cartilage.

The article highlights a concerning trend: when individuals stop taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic, they often experience a significant rebound in weight gain. A meta-analysis of 11 studies, involving over 2,400 participants, found that these medications lead to weight loss while being used, but the weight regain starts as early as eight weeks after discontinuation and can continue for up to 20 weeks.

The study analyzed data from patients taking various anti-obesity medications (AOMs), including GLP-1 receptor agonists, orlistat, phentermine-topiramate, and others. The researchers controlled for factors like the presence of diabetes, medication type, and lifestyle changes such as diet or exercise. Their findings revealed that AOMs are associated with significant weight loss while being used, followed by weight regain starting eight weeks after AOM discontinuation.

The amount of weight regained varied depending on several factors, including the type of medication taken and the consistency of lifestyle change. For example, participants who completed a 36-week treatment of tirzepatide, a commercially available GLP-1 RA, regained almost half the weight previously lost after switching to a placebo.

It is essential to note that this meta-analysis did not include studies of lifestyle interventions and bariatric surgery, which might provide additional insights into weight loss approaches. However, the study’s findings are concerning, as they suggest that patients may experience significant weight regain after stopping weight loss medications.

As individuals consider using weight loss drugs like Ozempic, it is crucial to be aware of this potential rebound effect. While these medications can lead to short-term weight loss, the long-term consequences may be more complex and require a comprehensive approach to overall health and wellness.