Russia has learned to use bifidobacteria for wound healing
Scientists from Tyumen Medical University (TMU) have studied the effect of products of secondary metabolism of bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum) on the properties of human skin cells. According to them, they found that these products enhance the healing processes of cuts and burns, and it is possible to develop medicinal sprays and ointments based on them. The results of the study were published in the journal "Medical Immunology".
According to university experts, the key role in wound healing belongs to fibroblasts - skin cells that synthesize collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and other important components responsible for the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Scientists today are actively looking for stimulators of these processes. It was found that they are positively affected by bifidobacteria (Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria, the most important representatives of the human microflora).
Employees of the Department of Microbiology and the Research Institute of Medical Biotechnology and Biomedicine of TMU studied the effect of supernatant (liquid remaining after precipitation of insoluble substances) of bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum) on the properties of human fibroblasts. They found that the products of secondary metabolism of bifidobacteria increase the production of elastin and collagen, as well as cytokines of different directions, which accelerates wound healing.
According to the researchers, the products of Bifidobacterium secondary metabolism stress collagen-synthesizing skin cells and stimulate tissue overgrowth without undesirable side effects.
"The supernatant of Bifidobacterium bifidum can be used for accelerated scar-free healing of various wounds - from cuts to burns. On its basis in the future, it is possible to develop various medicinal sprays and ointments," said Elena Kostolomova, associate professor of the Department of Microbiology at TMU.
She noted that the results of the study will help to understand the mechanisms of immunoregulatory influence of normal human microflora on the processes of repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.
In the future, scientists will continue to study the properties of probiotic bacteria.