Rosacea treatment with mussel adhesive protein delivered via microneedling: In vivo and clinical studies.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a prevalent chronic dermatological condition marked by facial inflammation and erythema, significantly compromising the quality of life for affected individuals. Current treatment methods for rosacea are not considered ideal because of the complex etiology of the disease. Mussel adhesive protein (MAP) is a glycoprotein derived from the foot gland of mussels. The protein exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, relieves skin itching, and promotes wound healing. AIMS: We aimed to explore the feasibility of using MAP administered via microneedle delivery for treating rosacea and the potential molecular mechanism involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The therapeutic effect and mechanism of MAP microneedle delivery in an LL-37-induced rosacea-like mouse model were observed using morphological and histological methods. Twenty-seven patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) underwent treatment once every 1 month, with three treatments constituting one treatment course. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by comparing the clinical images taken at baseline, after the first treatment course, and after the second treatment course. The red value, CEA, and GFSS score were also calculated. RESULTS: In response to the microneedle delivery of MAP, innate immunity, inflammatory infiltration, and abnormal neurovascular regulation improved significantly in rosacea-like mice. In the clinical experiments, the microneedle delivery of MAP significantly improved the symptoms of erythema, flushing, and telangiectasia in patients with ETR, and no obvious adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: MAP delivered by microneedling is effective and safe for treating ETR.

Analysis of the efficacy of blunt separation combined with uncrosslinked sodium hyaluronate composite solution for the treatment of tear trough deformity in Asians.

BACKGROUND: Filling therapy is becoming increasingly popular for correcting tear trough deformities (TTD). However, its therapeutic effect and retention time are limited. AIMS: To improve the clinical efficacy and safety of TTD treatment in Asians, we used a blunt separation technique to break the adhesion site of periorbital subcutaneous tissue, and while repairing skin dermis after injury, it was combined with uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid compound solution to promote collagen regeneration and treat TTDs. PATIENTS/METHODS: Twenty-six Chinese patients (21 women and 5 men) with TTD, with a mean age of 34.54 ± 9.21 (range, 20-56) years, were enrolled. Symptom improvement, recurrence rates, treatment safety, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients' tear trough rating scale (TTRS) scores decreased significantly immediately after treatment. The TTRS scores at 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1 year after treatment demonstrated significant differences from those before treatment (all p < 0.05). All patients' experienced mild pain, erythema, and swelling during the treatment. Three patients developed postinjection bruising after treatment, which lasted for 6-7 days and subsequently disappeared. No other adverse reactions were observed during the follow-up. There were no recurrent cases, and patient satisfaction was very high. CONCLUSIONS: Blunt separation combined with an uncrosslinked sodium hyaluronate composite solution is safe and effective for treating TTDs in Asians with few side effects and has good clinical application prospects.

Effectiveness of oestrogen pretreatment in patients with expected poor ovarian response (POSEIDON groups 3 and 4) undergoing GnRH antagonist protocol: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Women characterised by diminished ovarian reserve are considered to have poor ovarian response (POR) according to Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) criteria. Patients in this population often have a poor prognosis for treatment with assisted reproductive technology. In previous studies, oestrogen pretreatment before ovarian stimulation has been shown to have a beneficial effect. However, recent studies presented conflicting conclusions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of oestrogen pretreatment in patients with expected POR (POSEIDON groups 3 and 4) undergoing gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A prospective superiority randomised parallel controlled trial will be conducted at a tertiary university-affiliated hospital. A total of 316 patients will be randomly divided into two groups at a ratio of 1:1. In the intervention group, oral oestrogen pretreatment will be administered from day 7 after ovulation until day 2 of the next menstrual cycle. Afterwards, a flexible GnRH-ant protocol will be initiated. The control group will receive no additional intervention beyond routine ovarian stimulation. The primary outcome is the number of oocytes retrieved. Secondary outcomes include the total number of retrieved metaphase II oocytes, average daily dose of gonadotropin, total gonadotropin dose and duration of ovarian stimulation, cycle cancellation rate, top quality embryos rate, blastocyst formation rate, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate and endometrial thickness on trigger day. All data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat and per-protocol principles. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The ethical approval has been confirmed by the reproductive ethics committee of the affiliated hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SDUTCM/2022.9.20). In addition, written informed consent will be obtained from all the participants before the study. The results will be disseminated via publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2200064812.

Mussel adhesive protein treatment delivered by microneedling for sensitive skin: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Mussel adhesive protein (MAP) is extracted from the mycelial glands of marine mussels. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may relieve skin itching and other symptoms. AIMS: Based on the anti-inflammatory effect of MAP, this study was designed to treat sensitive skin (SS) using MAP delivered by skin microneedling. PATIENTS/METHODS: Twenty-three Chinese female patients with SS were enrolled. Treatments were delivered three times at one-month intervals. Symptom improvement and recurrence rates, treatment safety, and patient satisfaction levels were evaluated. RESULTS: After one course of treatment, 20 patients had a Symptom Score Reducing Index (SSRI) of >20%, with an effectiveness rate of 87%. At the end of treatment, all patients had an SSRI of >20%, and the effectiveness rate was 100%. Dryness, tightness, desquamation, flushing, burning, itching, and tingling improved. After treatment, the Clinical Erythema Assessment and Lesion Severity Index of Facial Telangiectasia scores were significantly decreased. Clinical photographs following treatment revealed improved erythema reaction and decreased capillary density. During treatment, the patients experienced mild pain and erythema and swelling reaction without exudation. Complications, such as pigmentation changes or scarring, were absent. Additionally, there were no cases of recurrence, and patient satisfaction levels were high. CONCLUSION: MAP combined with microneedling can help treat SS, showing satisfactory safety outcomes and high patient satisfaction.

Effects of salvianolic acid B on liver mitochondria of rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

AIM: To investigate the effects of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on the morphological characteristics and functions of liver mitochondria of rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS: A total of 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) a normal group fed a normal diet; (2) an NASH model group; and (3) a Sal B-treated group fed a high-fat diet. Two rats from each group were executed at the end of the 12th week to detect pathological changes. The rats in the Sal B-treated group were gavaged with 20 mL/kg Sal B (1 mg/mL) daily. The model group received an equal volume of distilled water as a control. At the end of the 24th weekend, the remaining rats were executed. Serum biochemical parameters and liver histological characteristics were observed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver were determined. Protein expression of CytC and caspase-3 was determined by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA transcripts of mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and NF-κB in the liver tissue were detected by real-time PCR. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. Mitochondrial respiratory function was detected using a Clark oxygen electrode. RESULTS: The model group showed significantly higher ALT, AST, TG, TC and MDA but significantly lower SOD than the normal group. In the model group, the histological characteristics of inflammation and steatosis were also evident; mitochondrial swelling and crest were shortened or even disappeared. CytC (18.46 ± 1.21 vs 60.01 ± 3.43, P < 0.01) and caspase-3 protein expression (30.26 ± 2.56 vs 83.31 ± 5.12, P < 0.01) increased significantly. The mRNA expression of NF-κB increased (0.81 ± 0.02 vs 0.91 ± 0.03, P < 0.05), whereas the mRNA expression of Mfn2 decreased (1.65 ± 0.31 vs 0.83 ± 0.16, P < 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential also decreased and breathing of rats was weakened. Steatosis and inflammation degrees in the treatment group were significantly alleviated compared with those of the model group. In the treatment group, mitochondrial swelling was alleviated. CytC (60.01 ± 3.43 vs 30.52 ± 2.01, P < 0.01) and caspase-3 protein expression (83.31 ± 5.12 vs 40.15 ± 3.26, P < 0.01) significantly decreased. The mRNA expression of NF-κB also decreased (0.91 ± 0.03 vs 0.74 ± 0.02, P < 0.01), whereas the mRNA expression of Mfn2 increased (0.83 ± 0.16 vs 1.35 ± 0.23, P < 0.01). Mitochondrial membrane potential increased and respiratory function was enhanced. CONCLUSION: Sal B can treat NASH by protecting the morphological characteristics and functions of liver mitochondria, regulating lipid metabolism, controlling oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation and inhibiting apoptosis.

Protective effect of salvianolic acid B on NASH rat liver through restoring intestinal mucosal barrier function.

AIM: To investigate the effect of Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on the disease progress of NASH and change of intestinal barrier function. METHODS: Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and treated group, with the former given normal diet and the latter 2 groups rats fed high-fat diet. In treated group, rats were infused through the stomach with 1 mg/ml Sal B every day at a dose of 20 mL/kg body weight. All animals were killed at the 24th week and plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), endotoxin (ET) and diamine oxdase (DAO) were analyzed using the blood samples. The histopathology of liver was observed by H&E staining. The expression changes of tight junction protein occludin and ZO-1 were analyzed by immunocytochemistry. Ultrastructural morphology of small intestinal tissues was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Plasma levels of ALT, AST, TG, TC, ET and DAO were significantly higher in model group than those in both control group and group treated with Sal B. In model group, vacuolated swelling of the cytoplasm with aggregates of chronic inflammatory cells was observed in the liver tissue but not in Sal B-treated group. NAFLD Activity Score in the treated group was significantly lower than that in model group. Immunohistochemical staining showed that Sal B administration recovered the expression of occludin and ZO-1, which was downregulated in the model group. Transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that cell surface microvilli and major intercellular junctional complex including tight junction, gap junction and adherens junction were restored in Sal B-treated group. CONCLUSION: Sal B exerted protective function against high-fat diet-induced liver damage by restoring healthy barrier function of intestine in NASH rat model.