Cardiac hypertrophy is a compensatory response often associated with cardiovascular diseases. While myocardial hypertrophy provides some advantages at the initial stages of these conditions, sustained hypertrophy can damage the heart, leading to arrhythmia and heart failure. An increasing number of H₂S donors, with diverse chemical and pharmacological properties, have been identified as potential therapeutic agents against oxidative stress and myocardial hypertrophy, with the possibility of regulating autophagy. The aim of this project was to investigate the effect of H₂S on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress, as well as its impact on mitochondrial function and autophagy. As exogenous H₂S sources, we employed a newly synthesized fast H₂S-releasing aspirin derivative (BM-112) and GYY4137 a known slow releasing donor. Our results confirmed that H₂S was successfully released from BM-112 in a cell culture medium, and each compound enhanced significantly the intracellular level of H₂S, as measured using the HSip-1 DA probe. Biocompatibility of BM-112 was assessed using MTT assay, which showed no cytotoxic effect on H9c2 at concentrations below 50 µM. Both H₂S releasing molecules, BM-112 and GYY4137, significantly inhibited ISO-induced hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes, as evidenced by decreased cell size. GYY4137 effectively inhibited ISO-induced oxidative stress (DCF-DA) and mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction (MitoSOX Red and JC-1), whereas BM-112 failed to alleviate these effects. Changes in autophagic protein expressions were analyzed by Western blot, and LC3B/p62 colocalization was visualized with Lysotracker Red. We identified impaired autophagic flux in the presence of ISO and BM-112. However, GYY4137 treatment promoted autophagy beyond basal levels.Taken together, GYY4137, but not BM-112, successfully prevented adrenergic overstimulation-induced hypertrophy by reducing oxidative stress, mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction, and enhancing autophagic flux.

Background: Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant with documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Although widely studied for internal therapeutic applications, its topical use—especially in hydrogel-based systems—has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to develop sodium alginate hydrogels containing Artemisia annua extract, supplemented with hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol, and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics as well as their biological activities in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Select bioactive constituents of the Artemisia annua extract were quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). Hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking sodium alginate with a calcium carbonate–glucono-delta-lactone system and were formulated with or without hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol. Physicochemical evaluations included measurements of moisture content, water-retention capacity, gelation time, and pH. The hydrogel microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antioxidant activity was assessed using three methods: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay. Biocompatibility and regenerative effects were analyzed using cell viability assays and an in vitro scratch wound model on human keratinocyte cells. In vivo wound-healing efficacy was examined in rats with full-thickness skin excisions. Results: The extract contained high levels of methylated flavonoids and sesquiterpenes characteristic of Artemisia annua. Hydrogels supplemented with hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol exhibited improved hydration stability and higher porosity. All formulations demonstrated measurable antioxidant activity, and those containing hyaluronic acid showed the strongest effects. The preparations were biocompatible and enhanced keratinocyte migration in vitro, with the combined hyaluronic acid–dexpanthenol formulation promoting the fastest wound closure. In vivo, Artemisia annua hydrogels accelerated wound healing by two to three days compared with untreated wounds. Conclusions: These results confirm the promise of Artemisia annua hydrogels for topical wound care and highlight the beneficial contributions of hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol to their structural and therapeutic performance.

Background: Cyclodextrin (CD) polymers have attracted increasing attention due to their favourable drug delivery properties and broad pharmaceutical applicability. While the bioavailability and biological behaviour of native cyclodextrins have been extensively investigated, considerably less information is available regarding modified cyclodextrin polymers. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the permeation and cellular uptake of an epichlorohydrin-crosslinked β-cyclodextrin polymer using multiple in vitro and ex vivo models. Methods: Fluorescently labelled β-cyclodextrin polymers were applied in all experiments. Membrane permeation studies were performed using an in-line diffusion cell system with membranes of different pore sizes. In vitro transport and cellular uptake were investigated on HaCaT, Caco-2, and TR146 cell monolayers, while ex vivo permeation studies were carried out using skin, buccal, and intestinal tissues. Results: The results demonstrated a strong size-dependent transport behaviour across synthetic membranes. Cell monolayer studies revealed cell-line-dependent differences in polymer intracellular distribution. Lysosomal accumulation was observed in HaCaT and Caco-2 cells, whereas no intracellular accumulation was detected in TR146 cells. These findings suggest differences in polymer permeation among the investigated cell models. Ex vivo studies demonstrated the tissue permeation of cyclodextrin polymers, with marked accumulation within skin layers, indicating predominant dermal retention. Furthermore, strong correlations were identified between the in vitro and ex vivo skin and intestinal models. Conclusions: Overall, the findings demonstrate that β-cyclodextrin polymers exhibit complex, barrier-dependent transport behaviour across different biological models. The observed differences in permeation and intracellular localization suggest that multiple transport processes may contribute to their biological interactions, which provide a foundation for future studies aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing polymer uptake and permeation.