Engineering biomimetic scaffolds for bone regeneration: Chitosan/alginate/polyvinyl alcohol-based double-network hydrogels with carbon nanomaterials.

In this study, new types of hybrid double-network (DN) hydrogels composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (CH), and sodium alginate (SA) are introduced, with the hypothesis that this combination and incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) will enhance osteogenetic differentiation and the structural and mechanical properties of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. Initially, the impact of varying mass ratios of the PVA/CH/SA mixture on mechanical properties, swelling ratio, and degradability was examined. Based on this investigation, a mass ratio of 4:6:6 was determined to be optimal. At this ratio, the hydrogel demonstrated a Young's modulus of 47.5 ± 5 kPa, a swelling ratio of 680 ± 6 % after 3 h, and a degradation rate of 46.5 ± 5 % after 40 days. In the next phase, following the determination of the optimal mass ratio, CNTs and GNPs were incorporated into the 4:6:6 composite resulting in a significant enhancement in the electrical conductivity and stiffness of the scaffolds. The introduction of CNTs led to a notable increase of 36 % in the viability of MG63 osteoblast cells. Additionally, the inhibition zone test revealed that GNPs and CNTs increased the diameter of the inhibition zone by 49.6 % and 52.6 %, respectively.

Acne scar treatment using combination therapy: Subcision and human autologous fibroblast injection.

BACKGROUND: Acne scar treatment is a problem for both the dermatologist and the dermatologic surgeon. Many therapies have been advanced to improve acne scars over the past years. Nevertheless, they were often related to adverse side effects like hyperpigmentation. These combination therapy using subcision and autologous fibroblast injection can provide a better technique for the acne scar treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, we describe nine patients with the age of 25 to 48 and rolling acne scars (moderate to severe) that were treated with combination therapy using subcision (cannula, 18 gauge) and autologous fibroblast injection. Finally, before and 6 months after the final injection, the patients' biometric characteristics were evaluated by Visioface 1000D and Mexameter and a skin ultrasound imaging system. RESULTS: The results show a significant improvement in the acne scars in the patients. The Visioface results showed that the size and number of skin pores and spots were reduced after combination therapy. Also, the results of skin ultrasonography exhibited denser skin layers both in the epidermis and dermis. CONCLUSION: In summary, the combination therapy of autologous fibroblast injection and subcision can be considered as a new alternative, safe, and useful method for acne scar treatment.

Topical spray of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord accelerates diabetic wound healing.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cell-based therapy utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is currently being investigated as a therapeutic agent for chronic wounds. There is no evidence regarding effectiveness of the spray and local transfer of this cellular product in diabetic wound healing. Accordingly, the present study, using clinical, pathological and biometric parameters, investigated the effectiveness of the spray of these cells in the healing of diabetic wounds in rats. METHODS: Three days after the induction of diabetes (50 mg/kg single dose of streptozotocin) a circular excision was created on the back of rats. Diabetic rats were divided into two groups (n = 21): Control and WJ-MSCs group. Sampling of the studied groups was performed on Days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding. Histological, ultrasound imaging of dermis and epidermis in the wound area for thickness and density measurement and skin elasticity were evaluated. RESULTS: Our results on Days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding showed that the wound closure, thickness, and density of new epidermis and dermis, as well as skin elasticity in healed wound were significantly higher in WJ-MSCs group compared with the Control group. CONCLUSION: Application of WJ-MSCs suspension spray on the wound area can accelerate healing in diabetic wounds. Our findings may potentially provide a helpful therapeutic strategy for patients with a diabetic wound.

Combination of epidermal keratinocyte-melanocyte cells suspension and microneedling: Safe surgical approach in vitiligo.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a skin disease that is associated with impaired skin immune systems and pigment degradation in skin melanocyte cells. Despite the significant impact of the disease on the quality of life of patients, treatment of the disease using an effective method such as the transplantation of uncultivated melanocytes was considered by researchers around the world. The goal of this research was to use microneedling to transplant epidermal keratinocyte-melanocyte cells suspension for the treatment of vitiligo patients. METHODS: In this study, 15 male and female vitiligo in face region patients aged 18-45 years were studied. In this study, melanocyte-keratinocyte cells suspension was sprayed. Patients underwent microneedling treatment after spraying the cells. Before and after transplantation, patients were biometrically examined, and the quantity of pigmentation and changes in the transplanted region were documented. Statistical software was used to examine the results. RESULTS: The color difference between the lesion area and normal skin in one, two, and six months after treatment with cell suspension was significantly reduced compared with before treatment (by 48.95%). Moreover, the amount of melanin was significantly increased 6 months after treatment compared with before treatment (129.8 ± 4.16 vs. 195.2 ± 3.54, p = 0.000). A significant decrease in skin brightness in the skin of the lesion area was observed compared with normal skin, 6 months after treatment compared with before treatment (43.7 ± 1.44 vs. 27.9 ± 1.24, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Epidermal keratinocyte-melanocyte cells suspension in combination with microneedling could be considered as an effective treatment of vitiligo.

Transplantation of autologous fat, stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for cell therapy of atrophic acne scars: Clinical evaluation and biometric assessment.

BACKGROUND: Scarring is an unfortunate result of acne because it causes the psychological and cosmetic problems for the patients. Unfortunately, no single treatment is suitable, and using multiple methods may have a better result. The autologous fat and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells and their secretory factors can enhance the angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and migration of fibroblasts, therefore regenerate hurt tissues. Moreover, other treatments for acne scarring, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), induce the increase in scare. AIMS: This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of transplantation of autologous fat, SVF cells, and PRP as cell therapy techniques on atrophic acne scars. PATIENTS/METHODS: This study included 9 adult patients with atrophic acne scars on face. All patients received the transplantation of autologous fat, stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, and PRP. The treatment outcome was measured by biometric assessment (VisioFace 1000 D, Colorimeter, multi-probe adapter Cutometer, Tewameter, Mexameter, and skin ultrasound imaging system), and also, the satisfaction of patients was evaluated. The patients were followed 6 months after the treatment. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the skin pores, spots, skin lightness and melanin content of skin, skin elasticity, and TEWL (transepidermal water loss) after 6 months of the treatment. Furthermore, denser skin layers were observed both in the epidermis and in the dermis. Moreover, 66.6% of patients showed good satisfaction after the treatment. CONCLUSION: In brief, the transplantation of autologous fat, SVF cells, and PRP is an effective cell therapy for atrophic acne scars.

Assessing the effectiveness of the combination therapy with fractional Er-YAG laser and platelet-rich plasma in treatment of periorbital dark circles patients: A clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Numerous therapeutic techniques for periorbital hyperpigmentation have been suggested. AIM: In this comparative intrapatient study, the effectiveness of combination therapy included fractional Er: YAG laser and autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared to Er: YAG laser in periorbital hyperpigmentation treatment. PATIENTS/METHODS: Thirty-two patients were enrolled. The right periorbital sides of patients received combination of Er: YAG laser and autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and the left side received Er: YAG laser (three sessions with 4 weeks' intervals). PRP was used in two ways included injection and topical. Patients were evaluated by biometric characteristics, patients, and physician assessments. Also, the patient's satisfaction was assessed and side effects were evaluated. RESULTS: The mexameter results showed that the melanin content in the right side of the periorbital of the patients was significantly decreased compared to left side. Also, significant increase was observed in the skin lightness of the right side in compare to left. The visioface results showed the decrease in the percent change of the color and wrinkle in both sides, but in the right side these changes were significantly more than left side. The patients and physician assessment confirmed the measured results. CONCLUSION: Combination of Er: YAG laser and PRP is significantly effective for periorbital hyperpigmentation.