Role of top flat magnetic stimulation for urinary incontinence as a debilitating condition of pelvic floor dysfunction: an observational evaluation of Latin American population.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common dysfunction of the pelvic floor, affecting 10-20% of all women, and up to 70% in the elderly general prevalence of 17% 20-year-old women and 38% in women over 60 years. It is estimated that only 25% of patients seek treatment for this debilitating condition. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a device based on top flat magnetic stimulation to treat pelvic floor disorders especially female urinary incontinence. METHODS: A total of 33 volunteer patients were divided into 5 groups according to the type of complaint. Subjects received 8 treatment sessions, with a frequency of twice a week with two different settings. Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (PFBQ), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12) and Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) were compiled by all patients at the beginning and after 3 months from the end of the last treatment (3MFU). RESULTS: The patient's scores from validated Questionnaires significantly decreased (p < 0.01) from baseline up to 3MFU inside most of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The noninvasiveness and safety of device make this approach an interesting tool as alternative approach for pelvic floor dysfunctions .

Clinical application of 675 nm laser therapy for dorsal hand skin hyperpigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive skin rejuvenation treatment is growing in recognition to aesthetic medicine. AIM: The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy and the safety of the 675-nm laser source treatment of photodamaged hands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 21 patients (6 males and 15 females) with a mean age of 63 (± 9) years. Patients were treated with -two to three sessions of the 675-nm laser with a 1-month interval between sessions. Photos of each patient were collected at baseline, and 3 months after the last laser session. The 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) was recorded with their final assessment session (3 months). RESULTS: The total GAIS scores showed satisfactory results: 15 patients (71%) experienced 4 score (excellent improvement) changes and 6 patients (29%) experienced 3 score (good improvement) changes. Clinical images showed good efficacy and visible aesthetic results for the management of photodamaged skin. No serious adverse effects were recorded. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of for the aesthetic improvement of skin pigmentation and texture for photodamaged hands.

Clinical evidence of 595 nm pulse dye laser treatment for viral warts on hands and feet.

BACKGROUND: Viral warts, induced by infection by different HPV genotypes, are highly frequent in the general population, particularly during infancy and among adolescents. The effectiveness of the 595 nm Pulse dye-laser in treating viral warts on the hands and feet in both adults and children was investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selection of 203 patients with multiple viral warts was made. All patients underwent 4-5 treatment sessions with a 595 nm pulse Dye Laser (PDL). Treatment outcome was assessed by a quartile scale: 1 indicates no or low results (0%-25% of the lesion area cleared), 2 indicates slight clearance (25%-50% of the lesion area cleared), 3 indicates moderate-good clearance (50%-75%), and 4 indicates excellent clearance (75%-100%). Patients were asked for a subjective evaluation of the perceived overall results by means of the following score: unsatisfied (1), not very satisfied (2), satisfied (3), and very satisfied (4). Possible side effects were monitored. Results obtained were judged with a photographic evaluation, immediately and at the control visit (6 months after the last laser session). RESULTS: All patients observed global improvements. Most of the lesions were completely removed after laser therapy. A total of 95% of patients achieved excellent clearance and they were very satisfied following the laser treatment. Relevant side effects were absent in all patients. CONCLUSION: PDL treatment with the study device using a wavelength of 595 nm has proven to be a tolerable and safe therapy for viral warts management.

Assessment of the efficacy of 595 nm pulsed dye laser in the management of facial flat angiomas. Results of a case series.

BACKGROUND: Studies on pulsed dye laser (PDL) have shown the best efficacy and safety data for treating vascular anomalies among the various lasers used and the 595-nm PDL has been used to treat cutaneous vascular anomalies for about 30 years. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of 595 nm Pulsed Dye Laser in the management of facial flat angiomas present in the form of Port-Wine Stain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven cases of PWS in Fitzpatrick skin type ranged from I to III and colour ranging from pink to purple, were treated with 595 nm pulse Dye Laser. Patients underwent to 6-8 laser sessions at 20-30 days intervals. Results obtained were judged by dermatologist, by comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs, 6 months after the last session and a quartile scale of lesion clearance (4-point Investigator Global Assessment scale): 1 = no or low results (0%-25% of the lesion area improved), 2 = slight improvement (25%-50% of the lesion area cleared), 3 = moderate-good improvement (50%-75%), and 4 = excellent improvement (75%-100%) was used. Possible side effects such as blisters, hyper/hypopigmentation, and scarring were monitored. RESULTS: All patients observed global improvements. 71% of patients achieved excellent clearance and 29% patients achieved good-moderate clearance of their angioma. Patients were asked for a subjective evaluation of the results: 57% of patients were very satisfied, 29% were satisfied, and 14% patients were not very satisfied with the results. No patients were dissatisfied. No significant side effects were noted. CONCLUSION: This research confirms the efficacy of the 595 nm PDL for flat angioma management, without considerable side effects.

Efficacy of a multimodal approach of laser therapy for earlobe keloids management in dark population.

BACKGROUND: Patients with keloids are often younger than 30 years old and have darker skin. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CO2 laser therapy in the management of earlobe and helix keloids in dark subjects. METHODS: A total of 21 dark patients (five men and 16 women) presented with the earlobe and ear helix keloids, with a mean age of 30.5 (±6.7) years and with phototype between III-VI, were enrolled. In order to improve their earlobe and helix keloids, all patients underwent a single session of CO2 laser therapy immediately followed by a pulsed Dye laser procedure. A single well-experienced doctor performed all treatment sessions and the response to treatment. Patients were followed-up for 6 months after termination of therapy. Clinical images were examined and collected: all patients were examined clinically and with Dermoscopy. RESULTS: The majority of the patients treated show complete remission of keloid lesions. Clinical photographs show a visible aesthetic improvement of several types of keloids in dark subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that this combined laser therapeutic protocol appears to be effective and well tolerated for the management of earlobe and helix keloids in dark subjects, with no high recurrence rate and avoiding the adverse effects and lengthy recovery time.

Facial and body contouring with 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser-assisted lipolysis: Clinical evidence.

BACKGROUND: Body contouring is a significant area of dermatologic and plastic surgery. Surgical procedures, like surgical lipectomy, and less invasive procedures, such as various liposuction techniques, are the two main ways to reduce fat. AIM: Our study showed that 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser-assisted lipolysis used with appropriate and specific parameters effectively destroys adipose tissue avoiding these risks and determining a safe clinical application. METHOD: A subcutaneous, 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser was used on 132 patients (range, 18-73 years; 109 women and 23 men with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes ranging between II and V) requiring body and face contouring. All patients were photographed for documentation. Digital clinical photography was taken under as near identical conditions as possible at baseline (pre-treatment), and 16 weeks post-treatment. The 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) was recorded immediately after treatment and at their final assessment session (4 months). Adverse events were monitored. RESULTS: On the basis of the investigator-evaluated GAIS scale, the total GAIS scores showed satisfactory results. Clinician assessment from the clinical photography showed good efficacy and visible aesthetic results for body and face areas. No serious or unexpected adverse side effects were recorded, and transient pain, oedema, erythema and slight induration resolved within the first week of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser is a new tool for performing lipolysis, and this study reports its effectiveness and safety.

Use of a microwave device for the treatment of cellulite and localized fat adiposity: a 1-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The body contour market has grown steadily over the last years, due to the persistent demand for non-invasive treatments for localized fat adiposities, cellulite, and skin laxity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The purpose of this observational study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new device delivering microwaves (MWs) energy for unwanted fat and cellulite reduction after a full cycle of treatments and 1 year later. A total of 45 patients with localized adiposity and/or cellulite in different body areas (inner thigh, upper arm, abdomen, culotte de cheval, buttocks), received four treatment sessions, 4 weeks apart. Photographic records and global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) score were performed. RESULTS: For the treatment of cellulite the average GAIS score passed from 3.65 ± 0.49 at 1-month follow-up (1MFU) to 2.7 ± 0.66 at 1-year follow-up (1YFU). For the treatment of localized adiposity, the average GAIS score passed from 3.52 ± 0.51 at 1MFU to 2.82 ± 0.88 at 1YFU. No particular red area was detected either during or after the treatment. There was no mention of assessment of pain or side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings showed that MWs allow for the treatment of cellulite and localized fat adiposity in a safe and effective way, with results lasting over time up to 1 year after the end of the treatment.

Laser-assisted blepharoplasty: An innovative safe and effective technique.

BACKGROUND: Blepharoplasty is one of the most popular esthetic procedures with an acceptable risk profile and a relatively quick procedure. METHODS: The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new CO2 and 1540-nm laser-assisted blepharoplasty technique applied to the upper and lower eyelids. A total of 38 patients were enrolled. Photographs were taken before the treatment and at 6-month follow-up. One "blind" observer assessed the performance of this technique by ranking the results in four categories of eyelid esthetic: 1 = no or poor results (0%-25%), 2 = slight improvement (25%-50%), 3 = moderate improvement (50%-75%) and 4 = marked improvement (75%-100%). All possible complications were monitored. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (84 %) achieved marked improvement, four patients (11%) moderate improvement, two patients (5 %) slight improvement, while zero subjects (0%) poor or no improvement. No serious adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results from clinical evaluations suggest that the CO2 and 1540-nm laser assisted blepharoplasty is proved to be a sophisticate intervention efficacious in improving the treatment of patients with various degrees of eyelid and periocular aging and also in reducing downtime.

New 675 nm Laser Device: The Innovative and Effective Non-Ablative Resurfacing Technique.

Background and Objectives: Photo/chrono-aging is usually expressed as facial discolouration, wrinkles, redness, elastosis, laxity, and dehydration, thus representing major signs of ageing that often lead to a negative phycological impact on a patient's quality of life. Several types of treatment have been tested during the last decade, especially laser treatments. This article aims to share our experience in the treatment of photoaging with a new 675 nm laser source system on facial chrono-ageing. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five (35) patients were treated with the 675 nm laser device: 32 females (mean age 49 years) and 3 men (mean age 57 years), with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III (9% type I, 43% type II, 48% type III), facial wrinkles and hyperpigmented spots. The efficacy of this treatment was assessed using the Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkles Scale (FWS), which was calculated before starting the treatment and after 6 months. The pain was evaluated using the VAS Pain Scale. Results: All 35 patients showed a significant improvement in facial wrinkles according to the FWS (from 1.96 to 1.73 at the 3-month follow-up, up to a value of 1.43 at 6 months). In a small group of patients, it was observed that 44% of them showed vascular moderate improvement and that 13% showed a vascular marked improvement after treatment. No side effects were detected except a mild erythematous rash in two patients, and the VAS Pain scale was assessed at 1.17. Conclusions: Red Touch allows a uniform and stable result to be achieved over time with minimum discomfort.

Striae Distensae: Clinical Results and Evidence-Based Evaluation of a Novel 675 nm Laser Wavelength.

Background: A current popular aesthetic problem, especially among younger women, is striae distensae (SD), also referred to as "stretch marks.". Aim: The potential use of the 675 nm laser has been investigated in the treatment of SD. Methods: Patients underwent three sessions of the 675 nm laser with a 1-month interval between sessions. A total of three sessions were performed. The Manchester Scar Scale was used to assess stretch mark changes, and the mean scores related to each parameter at baseline and 6M FU after the last treatment session were measured. A clinical photographic evaluation was performed to show the aesthetic improvement of SD. Results: The patients' treated areas were the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts. Mean scores related to each Manchester Scar Scale parameter, with their relative percentage change, at baseline and 6M FU after the last treatment session were significantly improved. The total mean Manchester Scar Scale score significantly diminished from 14.16 (±1.30) to 10.06 (±1.32) at 6M FU (p < 0.01). The clinical photographs showed promising aesthetic SD improvement. Conclusions: 675 nm laser therapy demonstrated a good tolerance for the treatment of stretch marks applied to various body areas preventing any discomfort for the patient and with a significant improvement in skin texture.

Ex Vivo Human Histology Fractional Treatment with a New CO2 Scanner: A Potential Application on Deep Scarring.

Background and Objectives: For many years, fully ablative laser treatments, particularly those performed with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, were regarded as the gold standard for resurfacing. This study's goal is to assess the depth that can be reached by a new CO2 scanner system, through a skin model with greater dermal thickness, to use in the treatment of deep scarring. Materials and Methods: Male human skin tissue was laser-treated using a CO2 fractional laser and a new scanning system, and all samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, dehydrated using a series of crescent alcohol, embedded in paraffin, sectioned in series (4-5 µm thick), stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and then analysed under an optical microscope. Results: From the epidermis through the underlying papillary and reticular dermis to various depths of the dermis, microablation columns of damage and coagulated microcolumns of collagen were observed. The reticular dermis was fully penetrated up to 6 mm at higher energy levels (210 mJ/DOT), resulting in deeper tissue injury. Although the laser might penetrate further, the skin stops there, leaving just the fat and muscular tissue. Conclusions: The deep layers of the dermis can be penetrated by the CO2 laser system throughout the entire dermal thickness when using the new scanning system, suggesting that this laser's potential impact, at the selected settings, covers all skin targets required to perform superficial or deep treatments on any dermatological issue. Finally, patients who have problems, such as morbid scar-deep complications, which affect their quality of life, are more likely to profit from this innovative technique.

Laser Impacts on Skin Rejuvenation: The Use of a Synergistic Emission of CO2 and 1540 nm Wavelengths.

Background and Objectives: For nearly 15 years, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has been the gold standard in skin rejuvenation. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new laser device which combines CO2 and 1540 nm wavelengths in wrinkles reduction, using a recently developed scanning unit named the µScan DOT scanner. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 female patients underwent from two to four laser treatment sessions performed once every 45-90 days. Wrinkles reduction was evaluated using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Classification System (FWCS). Evaluations of five-point Global Patient's Assessment (PGA) and an Oedema and Erythema index based on a four-point scale were carried out. A careful photographic evaluation was performed to observe the patients' aesthetic improvements. All the assessments were performed before and at 3 months follow up (3 MFU) after the last treatment session. Results: The mean FWCS score significantly (p < 0.01) decreased from 5.45 ± 2.21 at baseline to 3.3 ± 1.78 at 3 MFU after the last treatment session. In total, 8/20 (40%) subjects reported excellent improvement, 7/20 (35%) subjects showed good improvement, 5/20 (25%) subjects showed slight improvement, and 0/20 (0%) subjects showed no improvement. Concerning the Oedema index, 15/20 subjects experienced a mild one, 5/20 subjects experienced a moderate one, and none of 20 experienced a severe one, while for the Erythema index, 1/20 patients experienced mild, 18/20 patients experienced moderate, and only 1/20 patient experienced severe erythema. No severe adverse events were observed. Conclusions: This dual-wavelength laser technique may become a promising new option for safe, nonsurgical improvement for skin rejuvenation with an extremely low risk of scarring or hypopigmentation and shorter healing times.

An Innovative Dual-Wavelength Laser Technique for Atrophic Acne Scar Management: A Pilot Study.

Background and Objectives: Acne scars are one of the most disturbing and long-term symptoms of acne vulgaris, having a negative impact on a person's physical, emotional, and social well-being. Aim: the purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and post-treatment outcomes of a dual-wavelength system combining the irradiation of two wavelengths at 10,600 nm and 1540 nm in the management of facial atrophic acne scars. Materials and Methods: Four healthy adult volunteers aged 24-53 years were enrolled. The areas treated were the full face (two patients), cheeks (one patient), and forehead (one patient). A dual-wavelength system (1540 nm and 10,600 nm) was used for this study. Patients underwent 2-4 treatment sessions, and the treatments were performed once every 45-90 days. All possible side effects such as burning sensation, dyschromia, mild to moderate post-treatment erythema, bleeding, itching, edema, and crusting were checked. The index to assess edema and erythema was based on a four-point scale (none, mild, moderate, and severe) and was applied before and at 3-month follow-up (3 MFU) after the last treatment session. In addition, a patient assessment was conducted before treatment and at 3 MFU after the last treatment session. Results: For all patients examined, the edema index was mild, while for the erythema index, 3/4 patients experienced moderate and 1/4 patients experienced mild symptoms. The mean patient downtime was 5.8 ± 0.5 days. Concerning the patient assessment, 2/4 subjects showed excellent improvement, 1/4 patients showed good improvement, and 1/4 patients showed slight improvement. As shown by the photographic assessment, a noticeable improvement in skin texture and a substantial reduction in acne scars were observed at the end of treatment. Conclusions: This dual-wavelength laser technology has the potential to be an interesting and safe approach for acne scar treatment, with a low risk of scarring/hypopigmentation and a shorter healing time.

Fractional CO2 Laser, Radiofrequency and Topical Estrogen for Treating Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Pilot Study Evaluating the Vulvar Vestibule.

Background and Objectives: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) affects more than half of postmenopausal women. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and histological aspects of microablative fractionated CO2 laser (CO2L), microablative fractionated radiofrequency (RF) and intravaginal estrogen (ET) therapy as GSM treatments for the vulvar vestibule. Materials and Methods: This study included postmenopausal women with at least one moderate-to-severe complaint of GSM. Women in the CO2L and RF groups received three monthly sessions of outpatient vulvovaginal therapy. The procedures were performed 30 min after applying 4% lidocaine gel to the vulva and vaginal introitus. Vulvar vestibular pain was assessed after each application using a 10-point VAS. A follow-up evaluation was performed 120 days after beginning each treatment. Digital images of the vulva were obtained and a 5-point Likert scale (1 = much worse, 2 = worse, 3 = neutral, 4 = better, 5 = much better) was used to assess the global post-treatment women's impression of improvement regarding GSM. Results: A significant change in clinical aspects of the vulva was observed after all treatments with a reduction in the atrophic global vulvar aspect and an enhancement of the trophic aspect. High satisfaction was also reported after treatment according to the Likert scale evaluation: CO2L (4.55 ± 0.97), RF (4.54 ± 0.95), CT (4 ± 1.41), p = 0.066. Histological evaluation revealed enhanced dermal papillae before pre-treatment, significantly reducing post-treatment in all groups (p = 0.002). No unintended effects were reported. Conclusions: CO2L, RF, and ET significantly improved GSM concerning the vulvar vestibule at the 4 months follow-up.

Vaginal Bipolar Radiofrequency Treatment of Mild SUI: A Pilot Retrospective Study.

Background and Objectives: This retrospective study investigates the action of a bipolar, temperature controlled, endovaginal RF handpiece for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe stress urinary incontinence with a minimally invasive approach. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition resulting in involuntary urine leakage, with an associated social and psychological impact. SUI is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied 54 patients for this study. The bipolar radiofrequency energy used in all patients was 50 W, with temperatures maintained between 41 °C and 44 °C. Two sessions were performed four weeks apart. In order to monitor all patients before the first treatment and 4 months after the second treatment, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was used. Paired Student's t test was used to elaborate the statistical data. Results: The average frequency of urine leak improved from "2-3 times a week" (2.1 ± 1.3 points before the treatment) to "once a week" (0.8 ± 1.3 points 4 MFU post-treatment). The average volume improved from "small/moderate quantity" (3.2 ± 1.6 points before the treatment) to "none" (0.9 ± 1.4 points 4 MFU post-treatment). No adverse events or side effects were found. Conclusion: Our preliminary results represent a good starting point to check the effectiveness and validity of the bipolar radiofrequency temperature-controlled method in the treatment of SUI.

Synergistic Sequential Emission of Fractional 10.600 and 1540 nm Lasers for Skin Resurfacing: An Ex Vivo Histological Evaluation.

Background: Fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers are useful treatments for skin rejuvenation. A procedure that provides the sequential application of fractional ablative followed by non-ablative laser treatment may reduce patients' downtime and deliver better cosmetic results than with either laser alone. Objective: The purpose of the current study was to demonstrate the ameliorative and therapeutic effects in skin remodeling of the synergistic use of the two laser wavelengths (fractional ablative CO2 and non-ablative 1540 nm) with three different types of pulse shapes, S-Pulse (SP), D-Pulse (DP) and H-Pulse (HP), through which the CO2 laser can emit, performing an ex vivo histological evaluation. Methods: In this prospective study, ex vivo sheep inner thigh skin was chosen due to its similarity to human skin tissue, and a histological evaluation was performed. Three irradiation conditions, using all of the three CO2 pulse shapes (alone or averaged), were investigated: (1) 10.600 nm alone, the sequential irradiation of the two wavelengths in the same perfectly controlled energy pulses (DOT) for the entire scan area; ((2) 10.600 nm followed immediately by 1540 nm; and (3) 1540 nm followed immediately by 10.600 nm). Results: When comparing ablative to sequential irradiations, the synergy of the two wavelengths did not alter the typical ablative pulse shape of the 10.600 nm laser alone. With the same CO2 pulse shape, the lesion depth did not vary with the synergy of the two wavelengths, while thermal lesion width increased compared to CO2 alone. The ablation rate was achieved, while the total thermal lesion coverage in the scanning area of CO2 - 1540 lasers was greater than when using CO2 alone and then the other sequential irradiation. Conclusions: This study provides important preclinical data for new and early uses of the novel 10.600/1540 nm dual-wavelength non-ablative fractional laser. The synergy of the two wavelengths enhanced all the benefits already available when using CO2 laser systems both in terms of tone strengthening, thanks to a greater shrinking effect, and in terms of stimulation and collagen remodeling thanks to a greater volumetric thermal effect.

Pulsed Magnetic Stimulation for Stress Urinary Incontinence and Its Impact on Sexuality and Health.

It is becoming increasingly common that patients' preferences move towards non-surgical approaches, such as pulsed magnetic stimulation, for female stress urinary incontinence. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a device that uses electromagnetic technology to treat urinary incontinence, with an emphasis on health-related quality of life. METHODS: A total of 47 female subjects from 18 to 80 years old were enrolled. After block randomization, treatment consisted of 2 pulsed planar magnetic stimulation sessions per week for 4 weeks (8 sessions). Validated questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence: Short Form, and Pelvic Floor Bothersome. Follow-ups were performed at weeks 1, 9, and 14. RESULTS: The present study is one of the first clinical trials published evaluating the efficacy and safety of the electromagnetism-based device with flat configuration in patients with stress urinary incontinence, showing a reduction in PFBQ, ICQSF, and Oxford test scores during follow-up, and significantly at week 14 of follow-up, which implied a favorable impact on clinical outcomes, quality of life, and sexuality. CONCLUSIONS: The improved results in the treatment group compared with the simulated group show that pulsed magnetic stimulation is a safe and attractive non-invasive alternative for patients who prefer non-surgical treatments.

Acetylcholine modulates K+ and Na+ currents in human basal forebrain cholinergic neuroblasts through an autocrine/paracrine mechanism.

The Nucleus Basalis of Meynert (NBM) is the main source of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain to be crucially involved in cognitive functions and whose degeneration correlates with cognitive decline in major degenerative pathologies as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, knowledge concerning NBM neurons derived from human brain is very limited to date. We recently characterized a primary culture of proliferating neuroblasts isolated from the human fetal NBM (hfNBM) as immature cholinergic neurons expressing the machinery to synthetize and release acetylcholine. Here we studied in detail electrophysiological features and cholinergic effects in this cell culture by patch-clamp recordings. Our data demonstrate that atropine-blocked muscarinic receptor activation by acetylcholine or carbachol enhanced IK and reduced INa currents by stimulating Gi -coupled M2 or phospholipase C-coupled M3 receptors, respectively. Inhibition of acetylcholine esterase activity by neostigmine unveiled a spontaneous acetylcholine release from hfNBM neuroblasts that might account for an autocrine/paracrine signaling during human brain development. Present data provide the first description of cholinergic effects in human NBM neurons and point to a role of acetylcholine as an autocrine/paracrine modulator of voltage-dependent channels. Our research could be of relevance in understanding the mechanisms of cholinergic system development and functions in the human brain, either in health or disease.

Protective effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibition in brain ischaemia in vitro and in vivo models.

Ischaemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. One of the major pathogenic mechanisms after ischaemia includes the switch to the glycolytic pathway, leading to tissue acidification. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) contributes to pH regulation. A new generation of CA inhibitors, AN11-740 and AN6-277 and the reference compound acetazolamide (ACTZ) were investigated in two models of brain ischaemia: in rat hippocampal acute slices exposed to severe oxygen, glucose deprivation (OGD) and in an in vivo model of focal cerebral ischaemia induced by permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (pMCAo) in the rat. In vitro, the application of selective CAIs significantly delayed the appearance of anoxic depolarisation induced by OGD. In vivo, sub-chronic systemic treatment with AN11-740 and ACTZ significantly reduced the neurological deficit and decreased the infarct volume after pMCAo. CAIs counteracted neuronal loss, reduced microglia activation and partially counteracted astrocytes degeneration inducing protection from functional and tissue damage.