Latest news with #SpragueDawley
Gulf Today
7 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
Ajman University researcher wins Thumbay grant
Dr. Ibrahim El Serafi, Associate Professor and Head of Basic Medical Sciences Department at the College of Medicine, Ajman University, has been awarded the Thumbay International Research Grant 2025 to fund his research project titled: 'The role of Vorinostat and CID1067700 in skin regeneration and wound healing'. The project focuses on testing the effects of these two drug compounds on stem cells to determine their ability to stimulate differentiation into keratinocytes, cells responsible for forming the skin. Through this research, the investigator aims to contribute to developing effective and innovative therapeutic solutions for chronic wounds. The project objectives include testing the effects of Vorinostat and CID1067700 on the in vitro differentiation of stem cells into keratinocyte-like cells, examining their potential genotoxic effects during the differentiation process, evaluating the most effective treatment using a skin wound model in Sprague Dawley rats, and analysing the toxicity and side effects of the treatment on the animal model. Chronic wounds — particularly those resulting from diabetes, burns, or venous insufficiency — pose major global healthcare challenges, often leading to serious complications such as infections, amputations, and reduced quality of life. This project aims to develop innovative therapeutic solutions by using epigenetic modifiers to enhance the differentiation of stem cells into keratinocytes, which may represent a breakthrough in wound healing treatments. The research also includes the development of patient-specific skin grafts and a topical treatment that could serve as a safe, effective, and accessible alternative for individuals with non-healing wounds, reducing reliance on traditional skin grafting techniques, which often involve donor sites and may lead to further complications. Advances in Personalised and Regenerative Medicine This project opens new horizons for advanced clinical applications, including developing autologous skin grafts that reduce the risk of immune rejection, and formulating a topical drug containing Vorinostat or CID1067700 as a non-surgical treatment for chronic wounds. If these treatments prove effective in clinical trials, they may be integrated into standard medical care protocols for patients suffering from wounds caused by diabetes, burns, venous insufficiency, or trauma-related skin injuries. The project also represents a pioneering step in regenerative medicine through the use of epigenetic modifiers in skin regeneration.
The Independent
18-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Sweet nicotine pouches more addictive than other flavours, scientists warn
Sweet flavoured nicotine pouches are more likely to be consumed in high quantities by users than other varieties, researchers have warned. The number of adults who have ever used nicotine pouches has doubled since 2020 to 5.4 per cent, according to research by King's College London. Nicotine pouches are small sachets designed to be placed between the upper lips and gums. Unlike other products, such as snus, these pouches do not contain tobacco and just release nicotine slowly. But certain flavours could be more addictive than others, according to US researchers from the Yale School of Medicine. Although flavours do not significantly impact nicotine absorption, they significantly influence user satisfaction and increase the likelihood that people will continue using nicotine products. In a study published in the journal in Nicotine & Tobacco Research the effects of the sweetener's sucrose and saccharin, as well as the commonly used flavour additive cinnamaldehyde (the principal chemical of cinnamon) in nicotine were tested on rats. The researchers supplied the female and male adult Sprague Dawley rats with the various nicotine and flavour-enhanced water solutions. They found that both male and female rates significantly preferred sucrose and saccharin, but not the cinnamon flavouring. However, female rats showed the highest nicotine preference when combined with sucrose, while males preferred nicotine combined with cinnamon. When rats were given multiple options with saccharin and cinnamaldehyde, saccharin increased nicotine preference in females, but not in males. Researchers suggested that sweeteners play a greater role in nicotine preference for females, while flavours are more influential for males. They also found menthol flavouring increases oral nicotine intake in male rats, but not in female rats. 'The study examined the choice behaviours between sweetened and flavoured solutions, said the paper's lead author,' Deniz Bagdas. 'Females rats showed the highest preference for nicotine when combined with sweeteners, while males showed highest nicotine preference when combined with cinnamon. Understanding the role of sweeteners and flavourings in oral nicotine product appeal can inform regulatory policies and harm reduction strategies.' Although less harmful than smoking tobacco products, nicotine is still addictive. In a research report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Nida), it explains that it increases levels of dopamine in the brain's reward circuits, which motivates users to keep taking it. Once the body becomes dependent on nicotine, going without it can cause 'irritability, craving, depression, anxiety, cognitive and attention deficits', the report says.
