Protective effect of human amniotic membrane extract against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in human dermal fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: One of the main approaches to preventing skin ageing is to protect fibroblast cells from oxidative stress. The promoting effect of the human amniotic membrane extract (hAME) on re-epithelization, proliferation and migration of cells in wound healing has been already well studied. This experimental study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of hAME against hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )-induced dermal fibroblast damage. METHODS: Here, to establish the ageing model, human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) were exposed to 200 µM H2 O2 for 2 h. HFFs were treated with 0.1 mg/ml AME for 24 or 48 h before or/and after H2 O2 exposure. A total of 48 h following the H2 O2 treatment, we measured cell proliferation, viability, senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-Gal), antioxidants and preinflammatory cytokine (IL-6) levels, as well as the expression of senescence-associated genes (P53 and P21). RESULTS: The obtained results indicated that under oxidative stress, AME significantly increased cellular viability and not only promoted the cell proliferation rate but also attenuated apoptotic induction condition (p < 0.001). AME also significantly reversed the SA-ß-Gal levels induced by H2 O2 (p < 0.001). Additionally, both pre- and post-treatment regimen by AME down-regulated the expression of senescence marker genes (p < 0.001). Moreover, AME declined different oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase and catalase and increased the glutathione amount. CONCLUSION: Altogether, our results indicated that AME had a remarkable antioxidant and antiageing activity as pre- and post-treatment regimen, pointing to this compound as a potential natural-based cosmeceutical agent to prevent and treat skin ageing conditions.

Safety and efficacy of melatonin, clonazepam, and trazodone in patients with Parkinson's disease and sleep disorders: a randomized, double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of trazodone with melatonin and clonazepam in patients with PD and sleep complaints. METHODS: This single-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on PD patients with subjective sleep complaints. Eligible patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive melatonin 3 mg/day, clonazepam 1 mg/day, or trazodone 50 mg/day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the changes in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores. The mean change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and RBD screening questionnaire (RBDSQ) was considered as the secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: A total of 112 eligible patients were randomized and 93 participants, melatonin (n = 31), trazodone (n = 31), and clonazepam (n = 31), completed the study. There was a significant decrease in PSQI scores after 4 weeks of treatment in all groups. The mean changes of PSQI from baseline were similar among the treatment arms (P = 0.325). Mean changes of RBDSQ and ESS from baseline were significantly different between study arms (P < 0.05). Melatonin intake was associated with a higher decrease in RBDSQ score compared to trazodone (P = 0.011) and clonazepam (P = 0.004). Trazodone intake was associated with a higher decrease in ESS score compared to clonazepam (P = 0.010). Mild adverse events were reported in three patients in the clonazepam, two patients in the trazodone group, and none in the melatonin group. CONCLUSIONS: Trazodone 50 mg/day, clonazepam 1 mg/day, and melatonin 3 mg/day were all tolerable and effective in improving sleep quality in patients with PD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number; IRCT20170821035819N2).