Evaluation of the Efficacy of Xyloglucan, Pea Protein and Opuntia ficus-indica Extract in a Preclinical Model of Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal gene abnormalities, epidermal barrier defects and inflammation. Corticosteroids are considered to be standard treatments, but often come with side effects and lose efficacy with long-term use. Alternative treatments targeting the epidermal barrier defect are needed to manage the disease. Film-forming substances such as xyloglucan, pea protein and Opuntia ficus-indica extract (XPO) have generated interest for their ability to restore skin barrier integrity and may pose an alternative approach to disease management. Thus, the aim of this two-part study was to evaluate the barrier-protective properties of a topical cream containing XPO on the membrane permeability of keratinocytes exposed to inflammatory conditions and compare its efficacy to dexamethasone (DXM) in an in vivo model of psoriasis-like dermatitis. XPO treatment significantly reduced S. aureus adhesion, subsequent skin invasion and restored epithelial barrier function in keratinocytes. Furthermore, the treatment restored the integrity of keratinocytes, reducing tissue damage. In mice with psoriasis-like dermatitis, XPO significantly reduced erythema, inflammatory markers and epidermal thickening with a superior efficacy to dexamethasone. Given the promising results, XPO may represent a novel steroid-sparing therapeutic for epidermal-related diseases such as psoriasis, thanks to its ability to preserve skin barrier function and integrity.

Efficacy of an oral suspension containing xyloglucan and pea proteins on a murine model of gastroesophageal reflux disease

“…In fact, XG and PP were able to preserve the integrity of tight junctions proteins such as Zonula Occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) and occludin thus enhance the barrier integrity of intestinal mucosae in different preclinical models of gastrointestinal symptoms (Filippone et al, 2022; Scuderi et al, 2022). Moreover, these ingredients proved to be effective for the management of skin pathologies while preserving the physiological integrity and function of the skin barrier (Campolo et al, 2020; Filippone et al, 2023). Considering the beneficial effects shown by these natural compounds, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of XP in restoring gastroesophageal homeostasis in a mouse model of GERD induced by alternated fasting and overeating.…”