Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Alleviates Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Involving Suppressing TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Paclitaxel (PAC) results in long-term chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The coexpression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the nervous system plays an essential role in mediating CIPN. In this study, we used a TLR4 agonist (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and a TLR4 antagonist (TAK-242) in the CIPN rat model to investigate the role of TLR4-MyD88 signaling in the antinociceptive effects of hyper-baric oxygen therapy (HBOT). All rats, except a control group, received PAC to induce CIPN. Aside from the PAC group, four residual groups were treated with either LPS or TAK-242, and two of them received an additional one-week HBOT (PAC/LPS/HBOT and PAC/TAK-242/HBOT group). Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were then assessed. The expressions of TRPV1, TLR4 and its downstream signaling molecule, MyD88, were investigated. The mechanical and thermal tests revealed that HBOT and TAK-242 alleviated behavioral signs of CIPN. Immunofluorescence in the spinal cord dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion revealed that TLR4 overexpression in PAC- and PAC/LPS-treated rats was significantly downregulated after HBOT and TAK-242. Additionally, Western blots showed a significant reduction in TLR4, TRPV1, MyD88 and NF-κB. Therefore, we suggest that HBOT may alleviate CIPN by modulating the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway.

Retrospective Study on the Clinical Superiority of the Vacuum-Assisted Closure System with a Silicon-based Dressing over the Conventional Tie-over Bolster Technique in Skin Graft Fixation.

Background and Objectives: The tie-over bolster technique has been conventionally used for skin graft fixation; however, long operative times and postoperative pain are the main disadvantages of this method. In this study, we introduce a new method using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) with a silicon-based dressing as an alternative for skin graft fixation. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of the VAC plus silicon-based dressing method and the conventional tie-over bolster technique for skin graft fixation in terms of pain, operative time, and skin graft take rate. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients who underwent skin graft surgery performed by a single surgeon from January 2017 to October 2018 were included in this clinical study. They were divided into two groups based on the type of treatment: tie-over bolster technique and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), or silicon-based dressing groups. The operative times were recorded twice (during suturing or stapling of the graft and during removal of the dressing) in the two groups; similarly, pain was assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS) after surgery and during dressing removal. Skin graft take rate was evaluated two weeks after dressing removal. Results: Twenty-six patients who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled into the study and assigned to one of the two groups (n = 13 each). No significant differences in age, gender, and graft area were noted between the two groups of patients. The VAC plus silicon-based dressing group demonstrated higher skin graft take rates (p < 0.05), shorter operation times (p < 0.05), and lower levels of pain (postoperative pain and pain during dressing removal) compared with the tie-over bolster technique group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate that VAC with silicon-based dressing can be used for skin graft fixation due to its superior properties when compared with the conventional method, and can improve the quality of life of patients undergoing skin graft fixation.

A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of the Effectiveness of ANT1 Soybean Extract Cream on Skin Recovery After Nd: YAG Laser Treatment.

Nd:YAG laser has been used extensively for its versatility in treating many common aesthetic problems, but numerous adverse effects are often complained by recipients of Nd:YAG laser. This study introduces the ANT1 soybean extract cream, which was formulated to alleviate adverse effects after laser therapy. This study explores whether ANT1 enhances the repair mechanism of the postlaser skin, decreases laser-induced complication, and shortens recovery time. The study also aims to pinpoint the ANT1 concentration that is most effective in improving the skin condition after Nd-YAG laser therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients eligible for the study were Asian women, aged 25 to 40 years, who were free of dermatological diseases and allergic reaction. There were a total of 45 subjects. Each subject received a session of Nd-YAG laser therapy every 2 weeks, totaling 3 sessions. Facial skin assessment was achieved via VISIA complexion analysis. VISIA complexion analysis quantitatively assessed the skin condition and tracked the recovery progress of each subject at baseline, immediately after all 3 laser sessions, and a week after the final laser treatment. RESULTS: Skin condition was evaluated by VISIA complexion analysis. Skin condition was recorded in aspects of pigmented spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, and red area. After Nd-YAG laser therapy, postlaser inflammation was observed in all subjects. Throughout the laser sessions and the outpatient follow-up clinic, the adverse effects of laser therapy, such as redness, spots, wrinkles, pores, and textures, decreased with the use of ANT1 cream. There has been a marked effect in wrinkle reduction in the patients who received a higher concentration of ANT1 cream (P ≤ 0.05). Statistically significant improvement in spots and pores is also seen (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Through this study, the results suggest that the application of ANT1 soybean extract cream ameliorates the complications and enhances the cosmetic effects of Nd-YAG laser therapy. A higher concentration of the ANT1 cream significantly reduces wrinkles and redness after laser. All in all, this study proves that the ANT1 soy extract cream may be a useful addition to postlaser care for an overall enhancement in skin condition and recovery.