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The possible future emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 virus variants pushes the development of new chemoprophylaxis protocols complementary to the unspecific and specific immune-prophylaxis measures currently used. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is particularly sensitive to oxidation, due to the relevant positive electrical charge of its spike protein used as a ligand for target cells. The present study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a new oxidant preparation, liquid hyperoxygen (IOL), to neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus. IOL was incubated with throat swabs containing a human-type virus. The samples were then incubated with cells expressing the ACE2 receptor and, therefore, very sensitive to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 was determined by assessing the amount of viral nucleic acid inside cells by PCR. The results obtained indicate that IOL, even at considerable dilutions, is capable, after incubation times of less than 30 min and even equal to 5 min, of completely inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection. This inhibitory effect has been shown to be due to the oxidizing capacity of the IOL. This oxidizing capacity is exerted towards the virus but does not damage eukaryotic cells either in the in vitro or in vivo skin models. Obtained results indicate that the use of IOL, a hydrophilic liquid mixture saturated with highly reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, is a new powerful, safe, and effective tool for preventing possible future outbreaks of the COVID-19 disease.
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Objective: We sought to assess the efficacy of a hydrolyzed collagen supplement (Lapi Gelatine, Empoli, Italy) for improving skin moisturization and elasticity as well as the appearance of wrinkles. Methods: A monocentric, randomized, controlled study was performed; the study included 52 volunteers who were divided into two groups. Twenty-six subjects took the collagen supplement and the other 26 participants received maltodextrin for a period of 56 days. Skin moisturization, skin elasticity, and wrinkle depth were instrumentally evaluated. Clinical parameters, including skin softness, skin firmness, skin smoothness, and the visibility of wrinkles were subjectively evaluated by a dermatologist. Finally, the gastrointestinal tolerability was evaluated during the period of treatment. Results: Improvements in skin moisturization, skin elasticity and wrinkle depth were measured in the participants taking the hydrolyzed collagen after 28 days. In all enrolled participants, the results of the analysis of variance showed a statistically significant effect of the interaction between product and time. The evolution over time of the investigated parameters was significantly different between the participants taking the hydrolyzed collagen and the participants taking the maltodextrin. Furthermore, it was well tolerated and no adverse effects were recorded.
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BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is a diffused fungal-associated disease affecting the nails. It induces discoloration, dystrophy, and, in the most severe cases, nail detachment. No completely effective pharmacological cures are available for onychomycosis. Available treatment options usually require a long-term treatment period and might raise safety concerns. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this preliminary clinical study is to evaluate the efficacy of Myco Clear® (MC) in improving the structural integrity and appearance of nails affected by mild onychomycosis. MC is a topical product to be applied on the nails either for onychomycosis treatment or for the prevention of fungal nail infections. Its main action is the formation of a mechanic protective barrier on the nail surface, which protects the damaged nail structure from additional external aggressions and prevents further pathogen penetration. METHODS: This monocentric, single-arm investigation enrolled 30 subjects with damaged nails on the feet. Patients were asked to apply the product once a day for 56 consecutive days; the instrumental analysis of nail roughness was obtained after seven, 14, 28, and 56 days of product application. In addition, the clinical evaluation of nail integrity and hardness were performed at baseline and after seven, 14, 28 and 56 days. RESULTS: The obtained data were statistically evaluated in comparison to baseline. MC treatment significantly promoted a restoration of the nail structure and an improvement in its appearance; furthermore, no adverse events were reported, thus demonstrating that MC is optimally tolerated. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study suggest that MC is effective in improving the overall appearance and structural integrity of damaged nails affected by possible mild onychomycosis.
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INTRODUCTION: Rosacea is a chronic multifactorial skin disorder mainly affecting facial skin with an estimated prevalence of about 5% worldwide. Its main symptoms, occurring early during pathology development, are skin dehydration, redness, erythema, and telangiectasia. Given the lack of a resolutive cure, therapeutic approaches able to relieve the main symptoms are needed. PURPOSE: The aim of this research article is to evaluate the beneficial effect of a topical product (Serum BK46) on rosacea symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A monocentric single-arm, non-blinded study was performed to assess the clinical effect of Serum BK46 in relieving the main symptoms of rosacea: skin dryness, increased trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), redness, and abnormal vascularization. Twenty patients with mild to moderate rosacea were enrolled in the study and asked to apply the product twice per day for 56 days. Skin moisturization, TEWL, and erythema index were instrumentally assessed at baseline and following 24 h and 14, 28 and 56 days of treatment. Clinical parameters, including redness and telangiectasia imperfection visibility, were evaluated on a 5-point scale by a specialized dermatologist at baseline and after 14, 28, and 56 days of treatment. Finally, the visibility of vessel diameter was evaluated at baseline and after 28 and 56 days of treatment. RESULTS: Serum BK46 application restored skin hydration and prevented the loss of water by the skin. Long-term treatment with Serum BK46 significantly reduced skin redness, erythema index, and the visibility of telangiectasia imperfections and superficial vessels. The investigated product's clinical effect was demonstrated by both instrumental and clinical evaluation. Furthermore, Serum BK46 was completely tolerated and no adverse effects were recorded. CONCLUSION: The moisturizing and skin barrier restoring action of Serum BK46 has been clearly proven in patients displaying mild to moderate rosacea; thus, this product is a good candidate for rosacea treatment.
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BACKGROUND: The woman vaginal environment is a fragile and delicate ecosystem that is often impaired by physical and chemical agents. This condition tends to damage skin barrier causing allergic reactions that lead to chronic irritating conditions. METHODS: Clinical and in-vitro studies were performed on organic cotton pads in order to assess if their use can prevent the onset of irritant conditions. During clinical studies, the panelists' skin and mucosae state were checked through a gynecological clinical examination in order to assess tissue dryness and alterations. Moreover, each panelist answered a sensorial questionnaire at the end of the test. Data were gathered and the product acceptability of use was registered in terms of itching, irritations and burning feelings. The panelist score was calculated based on VNS Scale (0-10, where 0 is the minimum value and 10 is the maximum). RESULTS: From a careful analysis of the first part of the study, it is possible to state that the tested product (organic cotton pads) has proved to reduce the onset of irritative phenomena and slight undesired effects caused by the conventional use of synthetic pads. In-vitro tests were conducted to study possible biological processes involved during allergic and sensitizing events produced by vulvitis. In particular, a pro-sensitizing test, a skin irritation on RHE (adapted from OECD 439) and tests to assess the soothing activity were performed on cell substrates. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated that organic cotton pads, in each part, are safe and do not impair any physiological activities of the tissue substrates.
