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Current Issues in Molecular Biology Jun 2024Chalcone is a type of flavonoid compound that is widely biosynthesized in plants. Studies have shown that consuming flavonoids from fruits and vegetables or applying...
Chalcone is a type of flavonoid compound that is widely biosynthesized in plants. Studies have shown that consuming flavonoids from fruits and vegetables or applying individual ingredients reduces the risk of skin disease. However, the effects of chalcone on melanogenesis and inflammation have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-melanogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of 2'-hydroxy-3,4'-dimethoxychalcone (3,4'-DMC), 2'-hydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxychalcone (4,4'-DMC), 2'-hydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxychalcone (3',4'-DMC), and 2'-hydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxychalcone (4',6'-DMC). Among the derivatives of 2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone, 4',6'-DMC demonstrated the most potent melanogenesis-inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects. As evidenced by various biological assays, 4',6'-DMC showed no cytotoxicity and notably decreased the expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 enzymes. Furthermore, it reduced cellular melanin content and intracellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 melanoma cells by downregulating microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), and protein kinase B (AKT) proteins, while upregulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p-β-catenin. Additionally, treatment with 4',6'-DMC significantly mitigated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of NO, PGE, inflammatory cytokines, COX-2, and iNOS proteins. Overall, 4',6'-DMC treatment notably alleviated LPS-induced damage by reducing nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), p38, JNK protein levels, and NF-kB/p65 nuclear translocation. Finally, the topical applicability of 4',6'-DMC was evaluated in a preliminary human skin irritation test and no adverse effects were found. These findings suggest that 4',6'-DMC may offer new possibilities for use as functional ingredients in cosmeceuticals and ointments.
PubMed: 38921030
DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060359 -
Cureus May 2024Herpetic epithelial keratitis is a viral infection of the cornea caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It typically presents as a unilateral disease. Bilateral...
Herpetic epithelial keratitis is a viral infection of the cornea caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It typically presents as a unilateral disease. Bilateral involvement is a rare manifestation of herpetic epithelial keratitis, accounting for only a small percentage of cases. By sharing this case, we aim to contribute to the understanding of bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis and stimulate further research in this area to optimize patient care and outcomes A 13-year-old child, a known case of atopy, presented to the ophthalmology clinic with a complaint of pain, photophobia, and redness in the right eye (OD) for three days. The patient was diagnosed as a case of bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis; he was started on moxifloxacin eye drops four times a day, Artelac (sodium hyaluronate) every two hours, carbomer HS, ganciclovir ointment five times per day. Bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis is a rare manifestation of HSV infection, and its management poses unique challenges compared to unilateral disease. The diagnosis of bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis is primarily based on clinical findings, including bilateral dendritic or geographic ulcers on the cornea. Fluorescein staining is a valuable tool for visualizing corneal ulcers. In our case, the presence of bilateral dendritic ulcers in the absence of significant anterior chamber inflammation supported the diagnosis of bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis Despite the limited literature on bilateral herpetic epithelial keratitis, the principles of management remain consistent with those of unilateral disease. Early recognition, prompt initiation of antiviral therapy, and close follow-up are crucial for successful outcomes.
PubMed: 38919237
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61079 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Contemporary treatment of vitiligo remains a great challenge to practitioners. The vast majority of currently conducted clinical trials of modern therapeutic methods are... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Contemporary treatment of vitiligo remains a great challenge to practitioners. The vast majority of currently conducted clinical trials of modern therapeutic methods are focused on systemic medications, while there is only a very limited number of reports on new topical treatment in vitiligo. With their pleiotropic activities statins turned out to be efficient in the treatment of various autoimmune/autoinflammatory disorders. The randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study of topical administration of the active forms of simvastatin and atorvastatin has been designed to evaluate their efficacy in patients with vitiligo. The study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT03247400, date of registration: 11th August 2017). A total of 24 patients with the active form of non-segmental vitiligo were enrolled in the study. The change of absolute area of skin lesions, body surface area and vitiligo area scoring index were evaluated throughout the 12 week application of ointments containing simvastatin and atorvastatin. Measurements were performed with planimetry and processed using digital software. Use of active forms of simvastatin and atorvastatin did not result in a significant repigmentation of the skin lesions throughout the study period. Within the limbs treated with topical simvastatin, inhibition of disease progression was significantly more frequent than in the case of placebo (p = 0.004), while the difference was not statistically significant for atorvastatin (p = 0.082). Further studies of topical simvastatin in vitiligo patients should be considered.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Atorvastatin; Simvastatin; Male; Female; Double-Blind Method; Adult; Pilot Projects; Middle Aged; Administration, Topical; Young Adult; Treatment Outcome; Adolescent
PubMed: 38918590
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65722-w -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Nasal vestibular stenosis is a rare trauma-related nasal congestion.
INTRODUCTION
Nasal vestibular stenosis is a rare trauma-related nasal congestion.
PRESENTATION OF CASE
A 52-year-old man complained of right nasal obstruction for 2 weeks caused by hot metal fragments from a gas cylinder explosion 7 weeks before. The patient was diagnosed with right nasal vestibular stenosis due to nasal trauma based on physical examination and CT scan. The patient underwent right nasal vestibular stenosis repair for 2 h without complications. The patient was positioned with the head elevated 20° and received IVFD RD5 therapy at a rate of 1500 mL/day, ceftriaxone 2 × 1 g/day, metamizole 3 × 1 g/day, and ranitidine 2 × 50 mg/day. On the second day, there was no bleeding, pain, or nasal congestion, and an anterior rhinoscopy showed a silicone tube in place. The patient was discharged the same day and started on oral cefixime 2 × 200 mg/day, gentamicin ointment and nasal saline irrigation (NSI) 2 × 100 mL/day for both nostrils. Three months after surgery, the septal stitches and silicone tube were removed and no bleeding was found.
DISCUSSION
The management of vestibular stenosis caused by trauma has a higher success rate than other types of vestibular stenosis. Prompt management plays a crucial role in successfully treating unilateral vestibular stenosis caused by trauma.
CONCLUSION
Prompt management is highly effective in treating unilateral vestibular stenosis.
PubMed: 38917700
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109928 -
Biomaterials Science Jun 2024Symblepharon is an adverse ocular disease resulting in ocular discomfort and impaired vision, severely dragging down a patient's quality of life. Due to the specificity...
Symblepharon is an adverse ocular disease resulting in ocular discomfort and impaired vision, severely dragging down a patient's quality of life. Due to the specificity of the ocular surface, the retention time of drugs on it is short, leading to limited therapeutic effects for ocular diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to design a novel drug delivery system, which can not only prolong the retention time of a drug but also play an anti-fibrosis role in symblepharon. Herein, an antifouling supramolecular polymer ophthalmic ointment consisting of poly(-acryloyl alaninamide) (PNAAA), vitamin C (VitC) and levofloxacin (Levo) was developed (termed PNAVL ophthalmic ointment), which acted as a mucoadhesive and long-acting ocular delivery system. This antifouling PNAVL ophthalmic ointment improved the retention time of VitC and Levo, and simultaneously provided anti-inflammation and anti-fibrosis effects for mitigating symblepharon after ocular alkali burn injury.
PubMed: 38916436
DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00637b -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024In this paper, a blend composed of alginate-pectin-chitosan loaded with sodium hyaluronate in the form of an in situ forming dressing was successfully developed for...
In this paper, a blend composed of alginate-pectin-chitosan loaded with sodium hyaluronate in the form of an in situ forming dressing was successfully developed for wound repair applications. This complex polymeric blend has been efficiently used to encapsulate hyaluronate, forming an adhesive, flexible, and non-occlusive hydrogel able to uptake to 15 times its weight in wound fluid, and being removed without trauma from the wound site. Calorimetric and FT-IR studies confirmed chemical interactions between hyaluronate and polysaccharides blend, primarily related to the formation of a polyelectrolytic complex between hyaluronate and chitosan. In vivo wound healing assays on murine models highlighted the ability of the loaded hydrogels to significantly accelerate wound healing compared to a hyaluronic-loaded ointment. This was evident through complete wound closure in <10 days, accompanied by fully restored epidermal functionality and no indications of the site of excision or treatment. Therefore, all these results suggest that hyaluronate-loaded powders could be a very promising conformable dressing in several wound healing applications where exudate is present.
PubMed: 38914397
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133192 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Jun 2024Lidocaine is generally recognized and preferred for local anaesthesia, but in addition, studies have described additional benefits of lidocaine in cancer therapy,...
Lidocaine is generally recognized and preferred for local anaesthesia, but in addition, studies have described additional benefits of lidocaine in cancer therapy, inflammation reduction, and wound healing. These properties contribute to its increasing importance in dermatological applications, and not only in pain relief but also in other potential therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to enhance lidocaine delivery through the skin. A stable nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), as a passive permeation enhancer, was developed using a 2 full factorial design. The nanosystems were characterized by crystallinity behaviour, particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency measurements, and one of them was selected for further investigation. Then, NLC gel was formulated for dermal application and compared to a traditional dermal ointment in terms of physicochemical (rheological behaviour) and biopharmaceutical (qualitative Franz diffusion and quantitative Raman investigations) properties. The study also examined the use of 3D printed solid microneedles as active permeation enhancers for these systems, offering a minimally invasive approach to enhance transdermal drug delivery. By actively facilitating drug permeation through the skin, microneedles can complement the passive transport achieved by NLCs, thereby providing an innovative and synergistic approach to improving lidocaine delivery.
PubMed: 38914351
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124377 -
JCO Global Oncology Jun 2024We examined the efficacy of topical capsaicin in reducing delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
We examined the efficacy of topical capsaicin in reducing delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
METHODS
Adults on highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens applied 2 g of capsaicin ointment (0.075%) or matching placebo four times a day to the abdomen for 5 days in addition to standard antiemetic regimen in this blinded randomized controlled trial. Patients were monitored for nausea and vomiting in the immediate (day 1), delayed (days 2-5), and extended phases (days 2-15). Self-reported incidence and daily episodes of CINV were compared between the groups. Onset, severity, need for rescue antiemetics, cumulative vomiting episodes, and safety were also compared.
RESULTS
In total, 160 patients were enrolled. The final modified intention-to-treat population included 75 patients each in the capsaicin and placebo groups. Fewer patients experienced nausea (36.0% [n = 27] 53.3% [n = 40]; = .033) and vomiting (28.0% [n = 21] 42.7% [n = 32]; = .060) in the capsaicin arm during the delayed phase. During the extended phase, there was a significantly lower incidence of nausea (44% 64.0%; = .014) in the capsaicin arm. No difference in nausea (26.7% 25.3%) or vomiting (22.7% 18.7%) was evident in the immediate phase. The average daily episodes of nausea and vomiting were significantly fewer in the capsaicin arm during the delayed and extended phases. With capsaicin, no grade 3 nausea (9.3% 0.0%; = .007) was observed, and the time to first nausea and vomiting was significantly prolonged. There were no differences between the groups with respect to rescue antiemetics, unscheduled hospital visits, and adverse events.
CONCLUSION
Topical capsaicin reduced the incidence of nausea and the average number of vomiting episodes during delayed and extended phases without increasing adverse effects.
Topics: Humans; Capsaicin; Vomiting; Nausea; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Administration, Topical; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; Antiemetics; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38905580
DOI: 10.1200/GO.24.00130 -
The International Journal of Oral &... Jun 2024To evaluate the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitor (tocilizumab) on bacterial infection-associated bone resorption around implants during osseointegration in...
PURPOSE
To evaluate the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitor (tocilizumab) on bacterial infection-associated bone resorption around implants during osseointegration in rabbits.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
At total of 24 male, 9-monthold New Zealand white rabbits were included, and their two mandibular anterior teeth were extracted. Three months after extraction, 24 one-piece Dentium implants (Ø 2.5 mm, intraosseous length of 12 mm) were inserted in the anterior mandible, and the rabbits were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group). Different treatment methods were used in each group: blank control group (BC); only silk ligation (negative control [NC]); silk ligation and injection with minocycline hydrochloride ointment (positive control [PC]); and silk ligation and injection with tocilizumab at 8 mg/kg via the auricle vein (experimental [EP]). Eight weeks later, the animals were sacrificed, and samples were collected and then analyzed using microcomputed tomography (microCT) scanning, immunohistochemical analysis, and histologic analysis.
RESULTS
From the microCT measurement, the ratio of the bone volume to the total volume (BV/TV) in the EP group was 67.00% ± 2.72%, which was higher than that in the other three groups (58.85% ± 2.43% in the BC group, 55.72% ± 2.48% in the PC group, and 36.52% ± 3.02% in the NC group). From immunohistochemical analysis, the expression of IL-6 was found to be higher in the NC group than in the BC, PC, and EP groups, but there was no statistical difference between these three groups. Furthermore, the RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand) expression was the lowest in the EP group, followed by the BC group, the PC group, and the NC group, which had the highest expression; there was no difference between the NC and PC groups. Upon histologic analysis, significant new bone was found on the implant surfaces in the EP group, sparse and less new bone could be seen in the BC and PC groups, and the most serious bone resorption occurred in the NC group.
CONCLUSIONS
Tocilizumab, an inhibitor of IL-6, has a certain effect in preventing bone loss around implants caused by bacterial infection during the osseointegration period.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Male; Pilot Projects; Interleukin-6; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Osseointegration; X-Ray Microtomography; Dental Implants; Bone Resorption; Dental Implantation, Endosseous
PubMed: 38905119
DOI: 10.11607/jomi.10360 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Jun 2024The indications for collagenase ointment (CO) and its efficacy are not clearly established in the treatment of second-degree burn wounds. To evaluate the efficacy of CO... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The indications for collagenase ointment (CO) and its efficacy are not clearly established in the treatment of second-degree burn wounds. To evaluate the efficacy of CO versus silver sulfadiazine ointment (SSD) in the treatment of second-degree burn wounds. A total of 170 eligible patients with deep second-degree burns, aged 18-65 years, with injuries occurring within 48-96 h, and having a total wound area of less than 30% of the total body surface area were included from 5 centers in China. The primary outcome was the wound healing time, and the secondary outcomes were the clearance time of wound necrotic tissues, wound healing rate, and wound inflammation. The study included 85 patients in SSD group and 84 in CO group in the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population. The median time of wound healing was comparable in both groups (10 days vs. 10.5 days P = 0.16). The time for wound necrotic tissue removal was significantly shortened by CO compared with SSD (5 vs. 10 days P < 0.01). Wound inflammation, pain, wound healing rate, and scar were compared with SSD (all P-values > 0.05). No adverse events, such as infection or allergic reactions to the drugs and materials used, were reported. Both CO and SSD could heal the burn wounds at 10 days of treatment. However, CO significantly shortened the time of wound necrotic tissue removal by 5 days. Trial Registration: ChiCTR2100046971.
Topics: Humans; Silver Sulfadiazine; Burns; Adult; Middle Aged; Wound Healing; Male; Female; Young Adult; Collagenases; Adolescent; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Ointments; Necrosis; China; Anti-Infective Agents, Local
PubMed: 38904701
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03007-y