Acupuncture for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Few systematic reviews have examined the effects of acupuncture on trigeminal neuralgia. This review aims to provide up-to-date evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture for managing pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS: Eleven databases were searched from inception until November 2022 for relevant articles Two researchers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and evaluation. The present review solely targeted randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool 2.0 was employed to assess the risk of bias. Data were compiled using RevMan 5.4.1 software, and the quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Thirty studies involving 2295 patients were included in this review. Compared with carbamazepine, acupuncture led to improvements in pain scores (15 RCTs, mean difference (MD) - 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI)-1.82 to -0.98 [95% prediction interval, -3.137,0.343], p < 0.00001, low certainty of evidence (CoE)), response rates (29 RCTs, risk ratio (RR) 1.20, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.25 [95% prediction interval, 1.067, 1.346], p < 0.00001, low CoE), frequency of pain attacks (2 RCTs, MD -2.53, 95% CI -4.11 to -0.96, P = 0.002, low CoE), and adverse effects (13 RCTs, risk difference (RD) -0.15, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.11 [95% prediction interval, -0.193, -0.108], P < 0.00001, very low CoE). CONCLUSION: Although the quality of evidence is low, compared with carbamazepine, acupuncture may improve trigeminal neuralgia-related pain. Further rigorously designed studies are warranted to confirm the effects of acupuncture on patients with trigeminal neuralgia.

Butein Inhibits Cell Growth by Blocking the IL-6/IL-6Rα Interaction in Human Ovarian Cancer and by Regulation of the IL-6/STAT3/FoxO3a Pathway.

Butea monosperma (Fabaceae) has been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including abdominal tumors. We aimed to investigate the anti-IL-6 activity of butein in ovarian cancer and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Butein was isolated and identified from B. monosperma flowers, and the inhibition of IL-6 signaling was investigated using the HEK-Blue™ IL-6 cell line. The surface plasmon resonance assay was used to estimate the binding of butein to IL-6, IL-6Rα, and gp130. After treatment with butein, ovarian cancer cell migration, apoptosis, and tumor growth inhibition were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we used STAT3 siRNA to identify the mechanistic effects of butein on the IL-6/STAT3/FoxO3a pathway. Butein suppressed downstream signal transduction through higher binding affinity to IL-6. In ovarian cancer, butein inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it decreased the growth of ovarian cancer cells in xenograft tumor models. Butein inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and induced FoxO3a accumulation in the nucleus by inhibiting IL-6 signaling. The anticancer activity of butein was mediated by blocking the IL-6/IL-6Rα interaction and suppressing IL-6 bioactivity via interfering with the IL-6/STAT3/FoxO3a pathway.

Anti-Adipogenic Effects of Salicortin from the Twigs of Weeping Willow (Salix pseudolasiogyne) in 3T3-L1 Cells.

Salix pseudolasiogyne (Salicaceae), the "weeping willow," has been used in traditional Korean medicine to treat pain and fever due to its high concentrations of salicylic acid and salicin. The present study investigated bioactive compounds from S. pseudolasiogyne twigs to discover bioactive natural products. Phytochemical investigation of the ethanol (EtOH) extract of S. pseudolasiogyne twigs followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based analysis led to the isolation of two salicin derivatives, salicortinol and salicortin, the structures of which were determined by interpretation of their NMR spectra and data from the LC/MS analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of salicortinol isolated from S. pseudolasiogyne. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-adipogenic effects in 3T3-L1 cells. Both salicortinol and salicortin were found to significantly inhibit adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. In particular, salicortin exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on lipid accumulation. Furthermore, salicortin inhibited the expression of lipogenic and adipogenic transcription factors, including FASN, FABP4, C/EBPα, C/EBPß, and PPARγ, without inducing cytotoxicity. These results suggest that salicortin could be a potential therapeutic compound for the prevention or treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity.

Bioactive Phytochemicals from Salix pseudolasiogyne Twigs: Anti-Adipogenic Effect of 2'-O-Acetylsalicortin in 3T3-L1 Cells.

Salix pseudolasiogyne (Salicaceae) is a willow tree and has been used as a medicinal herb in Korea to treat pain and fever. As a part of an ongoing study to identify bioactive natural products, potential anti-adipogenic compounds were investigated using the ethanol (EtOH) extract of S. pseudolasiogyne twigs. Phytochemical investigation of the EtOH extracts using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) led to the separation of two compounds, oregonin (1) and 2'-O-acetylsalicortin (2). The structures of the isolates were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and LC/MS analysis. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report identifying oregonin (1) in twigs of S. pseudolasiogyne. Here, we found that the isolated compounds, oregonin (1) and 2'-O-acetylsalicortin (2), showed anti-adipogenic effects during 3T3-L1 cell differentiation. Notably, 2'-O-acetylsalicortin (2), at a concentration of 50 µM, significantly suppressed lipid accumulation. Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of lipogenic and adipogenic transcription factors were reduced in 2'-O-acetylsalicortin (2)-treated 3T3-L1 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that 2'-O-acetylsalicortin (2), isolated from S. pseudolasiogyne twigs, has the potential to be applied as a therapeutic agent to effectively control adipocyte differentiation, a critical stage in the progression of obesity.

Development of evidence-based consensus on critical issues in the management of patients with vitiligo: A modified Delphi study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Vitiligo remains a major challenge in dermatology. However, much of the treatment remains unclear, because little evidence is available. We sought to answer some critical questions pertaining to management of vitiligo patients. METHODS: A modified Delphi process among 31 vitiligo experts was conducted. A total of 12 clinical vitiligo treatment questions without clear answers were collected via a vote. To address each question, two members performed systematic literature reviews and prepared draft statements along with the levels of evidence and strength of recommendation. After reviewing the draft, all expressed their extent of agreement from 1 (strong disagreement) to 9 (strong agreement) for each item. The drafts were revised to reflect suggested comments. Discussion continued until all members agreed with the ultimate decision. RESULTS: The consensus process was completed after five rounds. We identified the best answers to 12 key questions, including issues on long-term phototherapy, systemic and topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, immunosuppressants, excimer laser treatment, and surgical interventions. CONCLUSION: This consensus would complement current guidelines and aid both physician and patient decision-making in the treatment of vitiligo.

Evaluation for Skin Cancer and Precancer in Patients With Vitiligo Treated With Long-term Narrowband UV-B Phototherapy.

Importance: Narrowband UV-B (NBUVB) phototherapy has been the mainstay in the treatment of vitiligo, but its long-term safety in terms of photocarcinogenesis has not been established. Objectives: To investigate the risks of skin cancer and precancerous lesions among patients with vitiligo undergoing NBUVB phototherapy, based on the number of NBUVB phototherapy sessions. Design, Setting, and Participants: This nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study enrolled 60 321 patients with vitiligo 20 years or older between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017. Patients and outcomes were identified through nationwide cohort data from the Korean national health insurance claims database, and frequency matching by age and sex was performed. Exposures: The number of phototherapy sessions each patient received between 2008 and 2017. Patients were classified into 5 groups according to the number of phototherapy sessions (0 sessions, 20 105 patients; 1-49 sessions, 20 106 patients; 50-99 sessions, 9702 patients; 100-199 sessions, 6226 patients; and ≥200 sessions, 4182 patients). We also identifed patients who underwent at least 500 phototherapy sessions (717 patients). Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were the development of actinic keratosis, Bowen disease, nonmelanoma skin cancer, or melanoma after enrollment. Results: Among the 60 321 patients with vitiligo in this study (33 617 women; mean [SD] age, 50.2 [14.9] years), the risks of Bowen disease (<50 sessions of phototherapy: hazard ratio [HR], 0.289 [95% CI, 0.060-1.392]; 50-99 sessions: HR, 0.603 [95% CI, 0.125-2.904]; 100-199 sessions: HR, 1.273 [95% CI, 0.329-4.924]; ≥200 sessions: HR, 1.021 [95% CI, 0.212-4.919]), nonmelanoma skin cancer (<50 sessions: HR, 0.914 [95% CI, 0.533-1.567]; 50-99 sessions: HR, 0.765 [95% CI, 0.372-1.576]; 100-199 sessions: HR, 0.960 [95% CI, 0.453-2.034]; ≥200 sessions: HR, 0.905 [95% CI, 0.395-2.073]), and melanoma (<50 sessions: HR, 0.660 [95% CI, 0.286-1.526]; 50-99 sessions: HR, 0.907 [95% CI, 0.348-2.362]; 100-199 sessions: HR, 0.648 [95% CI, 0.186-2.255]; ≥200 sessions: HR, 0.539 [95% CI, 0.122-2.374]) did not increase after phototherapy. The risk of actinic keratosis increased significantly for those who had undergone 200 or more NBUVB phototherapy sessions (HR, 2.269 [95% CI, 1.530-3.365]). A total of 717 patients with vitiligo underwent at least 500 sessions of NBUVB phototherapy; their risks of nonmelanoma skin cancer and melanoma were no greater than those of the patients who did not undergo NBUVB phototherapy (nonmelanoma skin cancer: HR, 0.563 [95% CI, 0.076-4.142]; melanoma: HR, not applicable). Conclusions and Relevance: Our results suggest that long-term NBUVB phototherapy is not associated with an increased risk of skin cancer in patients with vitiligo and that NBUVB phototherapy may be considered a safe treatment.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 Alone and Combined with Chia Seeds on Metabolic Syndrome and Parameters Related to Gut Health in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

This study researched the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 alone and combined with chia seeds on metabolic syndrome and parameters related to microbiota modulation and intestinal barrier integrity in obese mice fed high-fat diets (HFDs; 45% kcal fat). Male C57BL/6J mice were acclimated for a period of 2 weeks and then randomly separated into five groups depending on whether they received a normal diet (ND group), an HFD (HFD group), an HFD with L. plantarum (PMO group), an HFD with L. plantarum combined with chia seeds (PMOChia group), or an HFD with chia seeds (Chia group). Serum lipid profiles and related markers (cholesterol metabolism-related gene expression) were measured. Intestinal barrier integrity was assessed by measuring occludin mRNA expression of tight junction proteins. Mucosal bacteria were checked with quantitative reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). After 16 weeks of feeding, the PMO group showed significantly lower serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, atherogenic index, and cardiac risk factors compared to the HFD group. Moreover, the hepatic mRNA expression of SREBP2 (sterol regulatory element binding protein 2), a protein related to cholesterol metabolism, was significantly downregulated in the PMO group. We also found a positive synergistic effect in the PMOChia group, as manifested by the hepatic mRNA expression of hepatic CYP7A1 (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase), strengthening of the gut barrier function, and the promotion of more L. plantarum in the colonic mucosa than in either the HFD or PMO group. In conclusion, our results indicate that PMO 08 may protect against metabolic syndrome by exerting effects on the regulation of lipid metabolism. Although the effects of chia seeds alone remain uncertain based on this experiment, its combination with PMO 08 was demonstrated to improve multiple beneficial effects of PMO 08 in obese mice fed HFD, which is a promising possibility for future research.

The effect of antioxidant and whitening action on Plantago asiatica L. leaf ethanol extract for health care.

BACKGROUND: The Plantago asiatica L. is easy to cultivate and has been used as a folk remedy since ancient times because of various pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammation and antioxidation. It also contains a variety of flavonoids such as aucubin, which is thought to be excellent for whitening, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of P. asiatica L. leaf ethanol extracts containing various active ingredients on antioxidative, anti-inflammation and whitening action and investigated its potential as a health care material. P. asiatica L. has been widely used in folk remedies. RESULTS: The cell toxicity test using RAW264.7 cells showed a high cell survival rate of over 75%, thus demonstrating the safety of the sample. In order to study the antioxidant activity of P. asiatica L. leaf ethanol extracts, we studied a sample which showed radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner. To observe the antioxidant activity at the cell level, RAW 264.7 cells were used and inhibition of ROS production was measured. The ROS production was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner and the scavenging activity was stronger than the sample's own radical scavenging ability. To observe the anti-inflammatory effect of P. asiatica L. leaf ethanol extracts, inhibition of NO generation was observed using LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. NO generation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner and was strongly inhibited by 31% at 100 µg/mL. In vitro, L-DOPA and L-tyrosine were used to inhibit tyrosinase action in a dose-dependent manner. The concentration of melanin at 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL was suppressed in B16 F10 melanin cells supplemented with α-MSH in the cells, and the inhibition was suppressed to 29% at 100 µg/mL. In the B16 F10 melanin cell stimulated with MSH, the P. asiatica L. leaf ethanol extracts inhibited melanin formation in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: P. asiatica L. leaf ethanol extracts are expected to be developed as whitening cosmeceutical ingredients and as health care ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Acupuncture for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: A protocol for the systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The ability of acupuncture to successfully control pain has been reported in the past. However, currently no systematic reviews exist regarding the effect of acupuncture on trigeminal neuralgia (TN). This proposed review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture for the management of pain in TN. METHODS: A total of 11 databases were searched from their inception. These include MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, 6 Korean medical databases, and 1 Chinese Medical Database. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment were performed independently by 2 researchers. Risk of bias was assessed via the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required, given that this protocol is for a systematic review. The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated both electronically and in print. The review was updated to inform and guide healthcare practice and policy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018087594.

Pediatric sialolithiasis is not related to oral or oropharyngeal infection: A population-based case control study using the Korean National Health Insurance Database.

OBJECTIVES: Poor oral hygiene is one of the risk factors for sialolithiasis particularly in adults; however the etiology of sialolithiasis in pediatric patients remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify the association between sialolithiasis and the oral/oropharyngeal infections in the pediatric population, as surrogate indicators for oral hygiene and retrograde infections to the affected salivary gland. METHODS: This was a population based case-control study using the Korean National Health Insurance Database. We identified 10,095 pediatric patients, diagnosed with sialolithiasis, as cases (study period 2011-2015) and 50,475 age/gender/residence matched subjects without sialolithiasis, but with unrelated diseases (e.g., simple trauma in extremities) were set as controls. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association of sialolithiasis with oral or oropharyngeal infections. RESULTS: The morbidity rate of sialadenitis was much higher in the cases than the controls (32.92% vs 0.72%, p < 0.0001). By contrast, the prevalence of oral or oropharyngeal infections (stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, and pharyngo-tonsillitis) was significantly lower in pediatric sialolithiasis patients in all age (0-18) groups. The adjusted odds ratios of the multivariate analyses also confirmed significantly less prevalence of the oral and oropharyngeal infections in pediatric sialolithiasis patients. CONCLUSION: Oral or oropharyngeal infections were inversely associated with pediatric sialolithiasis, suggesting that pediatric sialolithiasis may result from the intrinsic factors of the salivary gland itself, not from oral or oropharyngeal infections.

Treatment of nevus of Ota using low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND: Nevus of Ota, caused by dermal melanocytosis, is cosmetically troublesome in Asian patients. The destruction of dermal melanocytosis using Q-switched laser systems carries a high risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation. METHODS: To determine the usefulness, safety, and adverse problems of low fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota, 19 Korean patients (five male and 14 female; Fitzpatrick skin type IV) who were clinically diagnosed as having nevus of Ota were enrolled in the present study. Low fluence laser treatments were performed with a collimated Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at intervals of two weeks. The fluence of laser treatments was set at 2.5 J/cm(2) and adjusted based on patient response to the previous treatment session and sensitivity to pain. Treatment was applied until the lesions showed mild erythema. RESULTS: The mean number of total treatment sessions was 17.1 (range 6-32). Among the 19 patients, 18 reached near total improvement, while one patient failed to reach near total improvement after 11 treatment sessions. The mean fluence of treatment was 2.5 J/cm(2) (range 2.0-5.0 J/cm(2) ). Five patients complained of delayed eyelid response. Post-therapy hyperpigmentation was observed in one patient. CONCLUSION: Low fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is an effective modality for the treatment of nevus of Ota with a low incidence of side effects. It is an easy to perform treatment with low downtime.

Hizikia fusiformis fractions successfully improve atopic dermatitis indices in anti-CD3-stimulated splenocytes and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-treated BALB/c mice.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we aimed to examine whether fractions from an edible sea weed, Hizikia fusiformis, had immunomodulatory effects, particularly an anti-atopic effect, by attenuating the expression of T cell-dependent cytokines using in-vitro and in-vivo animal atopic dermatitis-like models. METHODS: The anti-atopic activities were examined in in vitro, and a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis-like mouse model using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, electrophoretic-mobility shift and histopathological analysis. KEY FINDINGS: Our results showed that the final fraction (F2') of H. fusiformis contained a higher amount of butanoic acid which was not found in the other fractions, and effectively inhibited T cell activation by inhibiting dephosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T cells in electrophoretic-mobility shift assay. As a consequence, helper T cell-dependent cytokines, such as interleukin-2, -4 and interferon-γ, were significantly inhibited while activated with an anti-CD3 antibody. We also showed that skin challenged with DNCB successfully recovered when treated with 2.5 mg/kg, comparable to that by 0.25% prednicarbate. These results indicate that F2' may contribute to inhibit T cell activation by eliminating Th cell-dependent cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, we concluded that F2' containing butanoic acid may be a new functional anti-atopic candidate, which probably acts through nuclear factor of activated T cell inactivation mechanisms.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus with supplemental calcium on bone mineral density and bone metabolism in calcium-deficient ovariectomized rats.

It has been reported that Astragalus membranaceus, an Asian traditional herb, has an estrogenic effect in vitro. To examine the possible role of A. membranaceus extract with supplemental calcium (Ca) on bone status in calcium-deficient (LCa) ovariectomized (OVX) rats, a total of 48 female rats were divided into six groups: (1) normal control, (2) sham operation with LCa (sham-LCa), (3) OVX with LCa (OVX-LCa), (4) A. membranaceus supplementation with OVX-LCa (OVX-MLCa), (5) Ca supplementation with OVX (OVX-Ca), and (6) A. membranaceus and Ca supplementation with OVX (OVX-MCa). A. membranaceus ethanol extract (500 mg/kg BW) and/or Ca (800 mg/kg BW) were administered orally for 8 weeks along with a Ca-deficient diet. Results revealed that Ca supplementation with or without A. membranaceus extract significantly improved bone mineral density, biomechanical strength, and ash weight of the femur and tibia in OVX rats. High Ca with A. membranaceus combination supplementation significantly increased the ash weight of the femur and tibia and decreased urinary Ca excretion compared with supplementation of Ca alone. Uterine weight was not changed by A. membranaceus administration in OVX rats. These results suggest that A. membranaceus extract combined with supplemental Ca may be more protective against the Ca loss of bone than A. membranaceus or supplementation of Ca alone in calcium-insufficient postmenopausal women.

Steam-dried ginseng berry fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum controls the increase of blood glucose and body weight in type 2 obese diabetic db/db mice.

This study examined whether steam-dried ginseng berries fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum (FSGB) could improve the indices of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in obese db/db mice. FSGB was shown to have an effect on body weight and blood glucose/serum parameters when administered at a dose of 0.5 g/kg. In the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT), FSGB was clearly shown to improve insulin tolerance and glucose tolerance. Moreover, FSGB was shown to enhance immune activities by increasing the immune cell population, and glucose transpoter 1 (GLUT1) mRNA expression in L6 cells was up-regulated, suggesting that FSGB can increase glucose transport activity in target cells. These results indicate that steam- and dry-processed ginseng berries fermented with L. plantarum can be used to effectively control blood sugar metabolism via improving insulin and glucose tolerance and body weight gain in db/db mice.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract inhibits glutamate-induced cell death through inhibition of calcium signals and nitric oxide formation in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

BACKGROUND: Proanthocyanidin is a polyphenolic bioflavonoid with known antioxidant activity. Some flavonoids have a modulatory effect on [Ca²âº]i. Although proanthocyanidin extract from blueberries reportedly affects Ca²âº buffering capacity, there are no reports on the effects of proanthocyanidin on glutamate-induced [Ca²âº]i or cell death. In the present study, the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on glutamate-induced excitotoxicity was investigated through calcium signals and nitric oxide (NO) in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. RESULTS: Pretreatment with GSPE (0.3-10 µg/ml) for 5 min inhibited the [Ca²âº]i increase normally induced by treatment with glutamate (100 µM) for 1 min, in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with GSPE (6 µg/ml) for 5 min significantly decreased the [Ca²âº]i increase normally induced by two ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists, N-methyl-D-aspartate and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA). GSPE further decreased AMPA-induced response in the presence of 1 µM nimodipine. However, GSPE did not affect the 50 mM K+-induced increase in [Ca²âº]i. GSPE significantly decreased the metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist (RS)-3,5-Dihydroxyphenylglycine-induced increase in [Ca²âº]i, but it did not affect caffeine-induced response. GSPE (0.3-6 µg/ml) significantly inhibited synaptically induced [Ca²âº]i spikes by 0.1 mM [Mg²âº]o. In addition, pretreatment with GSPE (6 µg/ml) for 5 min inhibited 0.1 mM [Mg²âº]o- and glutamate-induced formation of NO. Treatment with GSPE (6 µg/ml) significantly inhibited 0.1 mM [Mg²âº]o- and oxygen glucose deprivation-induced neuronal cell death. CONCLUSIONS: All these data suggest that GSPE inhibits 0.1 mM [Mg²âº]o- and oxygen glucose deprivation-induced neurotoxicity through inhibition of calcium signals and NO formation in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

Comparison of a 1,550 nm Erbium: glass fractional laser and a chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) method in the treatment of acne scars: a simultaneous split-face trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Acne scarring is a common complication of acne but no effective single treatment modality has been developed. To compare the efficacy of 1,550 nm Er:Glass fractional laser and chemical reconstruction of skin scar (CROSS) method in the treatment of acne scars. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A split-face trial was conducted in 20 patients (10 rolling, 10 icepick types) with acne scars. One side was treated with the 1,550 nm Er:Glass fractional laser three times with a 6-week interval. And the other side was treated with CROSS method two times every 12 weeks. RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in both sides of the face. In rolling type, the objective and subjective improvement rates were significantly higher in the sides treated with laser than CROSS method. However, in icepick type, there were no statistically significant differences between the two treatment sides. In the laser sides, grades of pain were significantly higher than that of treated with CROSS method. However, downtimes and lasting days of erythema were significantly longer in the sides treated with CROSS method. CONCLUSION: A 1,550 nm Er:Glass fractional laser and CROSS method are both well-tolerated and effective treatment options in the acne scars. However, there was a relatively small difference between the two treatment modalities. Therefore, dermatologists should consider the acne scar type to select the treatment options. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:545-549, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate increases intracellular [Ca2+] in U87 cells mainly by influx of extracellular Ca2+ and partly by release of intracellular stores.

Green tea has been receiving considerable attention as a possible preventive agent against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major polyphenol component of green tea. Using digital calcium imaging and an assay for [3H]-inositol phosphates, we determined whether EGCG increases intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) in non-excitable human astrocytoma U87 cells. EGCG induced concentration-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i. The EGCG-induced [Ca2+]i increases were reduced to 20.9% of control by removal of extracellular Ca2+. The increases were also inhibited markedly by treatment with the non-specific Ca2+ channel inhibitors cobalt (3 mM) for 3 min and lanthanum (1 mM) for 5 min. The increases were not significantly inhibited by treatment for 10 min with the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine (100 nM). Treatment with the inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase thapsigargin (1 micro M) also significantly inhibited the EGCG-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Treatment for 15 min with the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor neomycin (300 micro M) attenuated the increases significantly, while the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (30 micro M) had no effect. EGCG increased [3H]-inositol phosphates formation via PLC activation. Treatment for 10 min with mefenamic acid (100 micro M) and flufenamic acid (100 micro M), derivatives of diphenylamine-2-carboxylate, blocked the EGCG-induced [Ca2+]i increase in non-treated and thapsigargin-treated cells but indomethacin (100 micro M) did not affect the increases. Collectively, these data suggest that EGCG increases [Ca2+]i in non-excitable U87 cells mainly by eliciting influx of extracellular Ca2+ and partly by mobilizing intracellular Ca2+ stores by PLC activation. The EGCG-induced [Ca2+]i influx is mediated mainly through channels sensitive to diphenylamine-2-carboxylate derivatives.