Introduction: Vitiligo is a relatively common autoimmune depigmenting disorder of skin. There has been a great advance in understanding the pathological basis, which has led to development and utilisation of various new molecules in treating vitiligo.This review aims at a comprehensively describing the treatments available and the emerging treatment aspects and the scope for future developments.Areas covered: This study comprehensively summarises the current concepts in the pathogenesis of vitiligo with special focus on the cytokine and signalling pathways, which are the targets for newer drugs. JAK kinase signalling pathways and the cytokines involved are the focus of vitiligo treatment in current research, followed by antioxidant mechanisms and repigmenting mechanisms. Topical immunosuppressants may be an alternative to steroids in localised vitiligo. Newer repigmenting agents like basic fibroblast growth factors, afamelanotide have been included and a special emphasis is laid on the upcoming targeted immunotherapy. Expert opinion:The treatment of vitiligo needs to be multimodal with emphasis on targeting different limbs of the pathogenesis. Topical and oral JAK inhibitors are the most promising new class of drugs currently available for treating vitiligo and acts best in conjunction with NB-UVB.
Hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid are used to restore volume, hydration, and skin tone, as well as to correct scars, asymmetries or defects of the soft tissue. Hyaluronic acid is often chemically crosslinked with different crosslinking agents in order to improve its mechanical and biological properties. Here we focused on defining the chemical and mechanical characterization of a new hydrogel with specific characteristics: hyaluronic acid polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐crosslinked with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (28 mg/mL), manufactured by MatexLab Spa, via Carlo Urbani 2, ang Via Enrico Fermi, Brindisi, Italy. We made a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the content of sodium hyaluronate in the hydrogel after polymerization and sterilization processes and also evaluated histologically the bio integration of these hydrogels in the cutaneous soft tissues. The results suggest that hyaluronic acid hydrogel PEG‐crosslinked have great bio integration, great chemical and mechanical properties, compared with other products available on the market, that are cross‐linked with different cross‐linking agents. The nontoxicity and nonimmunogenicity of PEG guarantee the lack of allergic and immunological reactions. The PEG‐crosslinking technology guarantees a high duration time of the implanted hydrogel because of more resistant physiological degradation.
In this study, the application of a recently introduced device based on electromagnetic energy transfer by microwaves for fat reduction, permitted to study specifically the modifications of thick fibrous collagen interlobular septa in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, related to the formation of large clusters of adipocytes. The use of Picrosirius red staining associated with circularly polarized microscopy gave evidence of appreciable modifications of the fibrous connective tissue forming septa. Compact fibrotic bundles of collagen I forming interlobular septa appeared reduced or dissolved, in part substituted by the increase of more diffuse and finely reticular collagen III. Remodeling of fibrous collagen, which formed bridles involved in the appearance at the surface of the skin of dimpling/orange peer pattern typical of cellulite, was observed.
Neauvia hydrogel (N‐Gel) is a hyaluronic acid‐based dermal filler, cross‐linked with polyethylene glycol. This filler contains sodium hyaluronate at different concentrations, poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether cross‐linked, glycine, and l‐prolyne. Assessing any effects of N‐Gel on immunity and inflammation is of crucial importance. The aim of the study was to characterize the ability of N‐Gel to modulate human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions, including migration, oxidative metabolism, and production of proinflammatory mediators. N‐Gel was tested on isolated human PMN. Spontaneous and N‐formylmethionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP)‐stimulated migration were examined using the Boyden Chamber technique, whereas the oxidative metabolism was assessed through spectrofluorometric measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production under resting conditions and after stimulation with fMLP. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐8 mRNA levels were measured by real‐time PCR after stimulation with fMLP or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. This study showed that N‐Gel reduced fMLP‐induced migration and ROS production without affecting these functions in resting cells. In addition, incubation of PMN with N‐Gel effectively reduced both TNF‐α and IL‐8 mRNA levels. N‐Gel modulates critical functions of human PMN such as migration and oxidative metabolism, indicating its potential as an anti‐inflammatory agent.
Lipodystrophies are a group of rare disorders of diverse aetiology characterised by variable body fat loss. The loss of body fat may affect nearly the entire body (generalised), only certain body regions (partial) or small areas under the skin (localised). Body fat loss can result from underlying genetic defects, autoimmune mechanisms, or drugs. Progressive lipodystrophy is a chronic, inflammatory, degenerative disease of the connective tissue. It leads to the blockage of the circulation and lymphatic drainage, followed by an accumulation of toxins, which promote hyperplasia of the fat cells. As a consequence, connective tissue rigidity promotes skin dimpling or orange skin. This study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of Endolift®, a novel minimally invasive outpatient laser procedure, for the treatment of Progressive Lipodystrophy. 30 women showing cellulite, in the range of 20 to 55 y-o, were enrolled for this study. Patients have undergone a single treatment under tumescent anaesthesia. Treatment was performed using the Endolift® procedure, consisting of the device Eufoton® LASEmaR® 1500. In addition, a 1470-nm wavelength laser was utilised, lead by micro-optical fibres of different calibres directly inside the skin. This treatment aims to destroy and remove degenerative connective tissue and promote neocollagenesis. Optimal results were obtained by 23 patients, 5 had good results, and 2 reported moderate results. No side effect was recorded. Adipocytolysis was performed on 6 patients and we removed 50 to 350 ml of fat. Even after 3 years, 80% of patients maintain significant results. These data show that Endolift® laser treatment represents one of the most effective treatments for removing Progressive Lipodystrophy.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.