Effect of artesunate and relation with TGF-ß1 and SMAD3 signaling on experimental hypertrophic scar model in rabbit ear.

Artesunate (ART) is the derivative of artemisinin isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine qinghao. Although several studies reported the efficiency of artesunate in the treatment of malaria, inhibiting fibroblasts and collagen synthesis, the association between artesunate and scar formation is unclear. The research was designed to study the significance of artesunate (ART) on the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-ß1) and small mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD3) in rabbit's ear hypertrophic scar model. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into six groups: control group, matrix group, low-concentration artesunate group (0.48%), medium-concentration artesunate group (0.96%), high-concentration artesunate group (1.92%) and silicone gel group. Punched defects were established on each rabbit's ear which resulted in a hypertrophic scar. On the 28th day, topical artesunate creams were applied twice a day except on the control group. On the 56th day, scar samples were collected for histopathology and immunoassay. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Van Gieson staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were done. Amongst the six groups, findings showed that the medium-concentration artesunate group (0.92%) efficiently decreased hypertrophic scar formation and significantly reduced fibroblasts and collagen synthesis. The results had also shown a decrease in the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-ß1) and declined small signal mother against decapentaplegic (Smad3). The overall study shows efficacy and mechanism of artesunate. It concluded that the medium concentration of artesunate (0.92%) could be an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophic scars.

[Clinical treatment of venous malformations with retained copper needles].

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE; To evaluate a technique with retained copper needles for the treatment of venous malformations. METHODS: With 78 venous malformation cases, there were three methods were applied for the treatment respectively, including copper needles in the lesion only, vascular ligation with the copper needles in the lesion, and electrical puncture with the copper needles in the lesion. RESULTS: There were totally 96% effective rate achieved in this clinical data. CONCLUSIONS: The retained copper needles technique may be a simple and effective method for the treatment of venous, malformations resulting in vessel denaturation, fibrosis and disappearance of structure.