Antifungal Effect of Echinophora Platyloba’ s Extract against Candida albicans

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of the ethanolic extract of Echinophora platyloba DC. on Candida albicans. Using the agar dilution method, the growth condition of standard Candida albicans ATCC 10231, cultured on the media containing plant extracts at different concentrations (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 mg/ml) was studied. The results were recorded twenty one days after the incubation period, maximum time for the growth of fungi. Results showed that the extract of Echinophora platyloba, equal or above the concentration of 2mg/ml, effectively inhibits the growth of Candida albicans. In other words it shows growth on media containing 1mg/ml of the extract. Results of the present study revealed a great promise in the application of Echinophora platyloba extract against Candida albicans. It is concluded that the plant studied could be a good antifungal source

Combination of Q-Switched Nd:YAG and Fractional Erbium:YAG Lasers in Treatment of Melasma: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: Ablative and nonablative lasers have been used to treat melasma. We aimed to assess and compare the combining Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNYL) and fractional erbium:YAG laser (FEYL) with QSNYL alone in treatment of melasma.Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed in our Research Center during 2013-2014. Women with melasma and without a history of keloid formation, hypersensitivity to hydroquinone, or pigmentary changes due to laser therapy were randomly allocated to receive four sessions of either QSNYL-FEYL combination or QSNYL alone. All patients received topical treatment with Kligman’s formula. Before laser therapy and 4 weeks after the last treatment session, patients’ skin was assessed for changes in skin color, melanin content, and erythema intensity of melasma lesions quantitatively.Results: Finally, 21 patients in QSNYL-FEYL and 20 in QSNYL group (mean age, 38.57 [5.60] and 42.60 [8.44] years, respectively) completed study. The skin color had become lighter in both groups (mean [SD] percentage change of 56.95 [40.29] and 29.25 [13.20] in QSNYL-FEYL and QSNYL groups, respectively) with significantly better results in QSNYL-FEYL group (P = 0.006). Percentage of decrease of melanin content was significantly higher in QSNYL-FEYL group (22.01 [10.67] vs. 7.69 [4.75]; P < 0.001). After adjustment for baseline values, the post treatment intensity of erythema was significantly lower in QSNYL-FEYL group (P < 0.001). The patients reported no adverse events.Conclusion: QSNYL-FEYL was significantly more effective in decreasing melanin content of lesions than QSNYL and led to a lighter skin.

Efficacy of Carbone Dioxide laser Debridement along with Low level laser Therapy in Treatment of Grade 3 Necrotic Burn Ulcer in a Paraplegic Patient (A Case Report)

Introduction: A deep burn ulcer, especially in areas with sensory-motor dysfunction, is hard to cure.Case Report: The patient was a 20-year-old paraplegic girl with a grade 3 necrotic burn ulcer for 3 weeks. We used a fractional Co2 laser along with chemical debridement with trichloroacetic acid (TCA 80%) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with a 808 nm infrared laser, 6 J/cm2 for the necrotic area, and a 650 nm red laser, 2 J/cm2 for the open wound area. Complete healing occurred after 25 sessions without surgery.Conclusion: Laser debridement along with LLLT and TCA administration may be useful to treat necrotic ulcers without surgery

Application of allogeneic fibroblast cells in cellular therapy of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Context: Connective tissue cells include fibroblasts, chondrocytes, adipocyte, and osteocytes. These cells are specialized for the secretion of collagenous extracellular matrix and are responsible for the architectural framework of the human body. Evidence Acquisition: Connective tissue cells play a central role in supporting as well as repairing tissues and organs. Fibroblast cell therapy could be used for the treatment of burn wounds, scars, diabetic foot ulcers, acne scars and skin aging. This review focused on biology of fibroblasts and their role in cell therapy of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Results: Fibroblasts are known to play a pivotal role in skin structure and integrity, and dermal fibroblasts are believed to promote skin regeneration and rejuvenation via collagen production. Conclusions: Fibroblasts can be used in transplantations to ameliorate an immune system response, in order to reduce antigen production. Human fibroblasts suppress ongoing mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs) between lymphocyte cells from two individuals, and supernatant materials from fibroblast cultures suppress MLRs. © 2015, Skin and Stem Cell Journal

Molecular Genetics and Epidemiology of Vitiligo: A Minireview

Background and aims: Vitiligo is an acquired, idiopathic, and common depigmentation disorder of the skin that affects people of all ages and both sexes equally worldwide. Although etiology of the disease is unknown, there are theories such as environment and genetic factors. Methods: In this article, we collected and summarized the appropriate manuscripts regarding the epidemiology and genetics using the terms vitiligo and genetic epidemiology in PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: Studies showed the highest prevalence of disease in African countries, but with regard to the distribution of disease in different areas, environmental factors were as important as other causes of vitiligo, and 3 genes of FOXP3, XBP1 and TSLP had the most association with the disease. Conclusion: It seems that recognition of the genetic basis of vitiligo will supply new insight into the therapies for it. Therefore, more genetic studies are needed to discover the genes and causes linked to clinical aspects of this disease

An Open-Label Study of Low-Level Laser Therapy Followed by Autologous Fibroblast Transplantation for Healing Grade 3 Burn Wounds in Diabetic Patients

Objective: This case series describes successful management grade 3 burn ulcers in 10 diabetic patients using Autologous Fibroblast Transplantation along with Low-Level Laser Therapy.Background: Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been used as an effective therapeutic modality since the mid sixties. Although there are several clinical studies using LLLT in wound healing especially diabetic, pressure and venous ulcers, but there are rare reports of using this technique in burn ulcers. In this study for the first time we used LLLT along with antilogous fibroblast skin transplantation to treat grade 3 burn ulcers in diabetic patients.Materials and Methods: Ten diabetic patients with grade 3 burn ulcer, candidate for skin graft surgery entered the study. 1 Cm2 was biopsied using punch. Fibroblasts were extracted and cultured in-vitro. Patients were treated using LLLT in 3-4 weeks that took time that fibroblast cultures become ready to use. Laser irradiation was done using red red light, 650 nm, 150 mW, 1 J/ cm2  for the bed of the ulcer and infra red light 808 nm, 200 mW, 6 J/ cm2 for the margins every other day for 10 sessions. Then a thin layer of fibroblast suspension was applied to the base of ulcer using sterile sampler and its surface was covered by Vaseline gauze.Result: All patients healed completely in 10-12 weeks. No adverse effects were reported.Conclusion: We conclude that this method can be used as an effective method for treating large wounds especially in complicated patients including diabetics

Topical effectiveness of different concentrations of nanosilver solution on Leishmania major lesions in Balb/c mice

Background & objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infection caused by protozoan genus Leishmania. Althoughglucantime is commonly used for the treatment of leishmaniasis, it has some side effects including increased liverenzymes and electrocardiogram changes. In addition, the drug is expensive, the injection is painful, and researchshows that resistance of parasite to glucantime is growing in different parts of the world. Therefore, scientists arepaying more attention to develop new drugs such as nanosilver solution. The present study is an attempt toevaluate the in vivo topical effects of different concentrations of nanosilver solution in the treatment of leishmaniasislesions.Methods: In all, 90 female Balb/c mice aged 6–8 wk were infected with 2×106 viable stationary-phase promastigotesin the base of tail. Different concentrations (60, 80, 120, 130 and 2000 ppm) nanosilver solution were used in thepresent study to test the efficacy in the treatment of lesions. Clinical control of the infection trends was conductedweekly for 5 wk by measuring lesion diameter with standard Kulis-Vernieh. Data were analyzed by paired t-test,analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey test.Results: Mean lesion diameter pre- and post-treatment did not significantly differ between different treatmentgroups (p >0.05). Likewise, a significant difference in splenic parasite load was also not observed between differenttreatment groups.Interpretation & conclusion: Based on our results, different concentrations of nanosilver are ineffective in reducingmean sizes of lesions

Molecular Genetics and Epidemiology of Vitiligo: A Minireview

Background and aims: Vitiligo is an acquired, idiopathic, and common depigmentation disorder of the skin that affects people of all ages and both sexes equally worldwide. Although etiology of the disease is unknown, there are theories such as environment and genetic factors. Methods: In this article, we collected and summarized the appropriate manuscripts regarding the epidemiology and genetics using the terms vitiligo and genetic epidemiology in PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: Studies showed the highest prevalence of disease in African countries, but with regard to the distribution of disease in different areas, environmental factors were as important as other causes of vitiligo, and 3 genes of FOXP3, XBP1 and TSLP had the most association with the disease. Conclusion: It seems that recognition of the genetic basis of vitiligo will supply new insight into the therapies for it. Therefore, more genetic studies are needed to discover the genes and causes linked to clinical aspects of this disease

Diphencyprone Induced Vitiligo: A Case Report

Diphencyprone (DCP) is a contact sensitizer which is used to treat dermatological disorders with an immunological origin, such as extensive alopecia areata (AA). Vitiligo is a rare but known side effect of DPCP therapy which is formed in the treatment site or remote areas. In this paper a 37-year-old man developed alopecia totalis with loss of eyebrows and eyelashes who presented some vitiligo patches on his scalp and arm distant from the location of DPCP application and a 42-year-old woman with 25 years history of hair loss and 3 months DPCP application who revealed some vitiligo patches on the scalp with distant to the site of application at the 6th week are reported. Considering the absence of personal and family history of Vitiligo in our two cases, the hypothesis of latent Vitiligo is not proved. The positive patch test in left arm of one of the patients also suggests the direct role of DPCP as the cause of Vitiligo occurrence. As the development of vitiligo by DCP is unpredictable and the depigmentation may persist indefinitely, it is important to inform all patients about this potential adverse effect before starting the treatment

Evaluation of the Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy on the Healing Process After Skin Graft Surgery in Burned Patients (A Randomized Clinical Trial)

Background: Skin graft is standard therapeutic technique in patients with deep ulcers but as every surgical procedure has complications. Although several modern dressings are available to enhance comfort of donor site, using techniques that accelerate wound healing may enhance patient’s satisfaction.Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been used in several medical fields, especially for wound healing but for treating large ulcers, it may last several months to heal completely.Materials and Methods: The protocols and informed consent were reviewed according to Medical Ethics Board of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (IR.SBMU.REC.1394.363) and Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT2016020226069N2). Nine patients with bilateral similar grade 3 burn ulcer in both hands or both feet, candidate for Split Thickness Skin Graft (STSG) were selected. One side was selected for laser irradiation and the other side as control, randomly. Laser area was irradiated by red, 655 nm laser light, 150 mW, 2 J/Cm2 for the bed of the ulcer and infra red 808 nm laser light, 200 mW for the margins, every day for 7 days.Results: The rate of wound dehiscence after skin graft surgery was significantly lower in laser treated group in comparison to control group which received only classic dressing (P=0.019).Discussion: In the present study for the first time we evaluate the effects of LLLT on the healing process of skin grafted area in burn patients. The results showed LLLT is a safe effective method which improves graft survival and wound healing process and decreases the rate of wound dehiscence in patients with deep burn ulcer