Therapeutic Effects of Liposome-Enveloped Ligusticum chuanxiong Essential Oil on Hypertrophic Scars in the Rabbit Ear Model

Hypertrophic scarring, a common proliferative disorder of dermal fibroblasts, results from an overproduction of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of collagen. Although treatment with surgical excision or steroid hormones can modify the symptoms, numerous treatment-related complications have been described. In view of this, we investigated the therapeutic effects of essential oil (EO) from rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Umbelliferae) on formed hypertrophic scars in a rabbit ear model. EO was prepared as a liposomal formulation (liposome-enveloped essential oil, LEO) and a rabbit ear model with hypertrophic scars was established. LEO (2.5, 5, and 10%) was applied once daily to the scars for 28 days. On postoperative day 56, the scar tissue was excised for masson's trichrome staining, detection of fibroblast apoptosis, assays of the levels of collagens I and III, and analysis of the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), caspase-3 and -9, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). In addition, the scar elevation index (SEI) was also determined. As a result, LEO treatment significantly alleviated formed hypertrophic scars on rabbit ears. The levels of TGF-β1, MMP-1, collagen I, and collagen III were evidently decreased, and caspase -3 and -9 levels and apoptosis cells were markedly increased in the scar tissue. SEI was also significantly reduced. Histological findings exhibited significant amelioration of the collagen tissue. These results suggest that LEO possesses the favorable therapeutic effects on formed hypertrophic scars in the rabbit ear model and may be an effective cure for human hypertrophic scars

Targeting α-synuclein as a therapeutic strategy for Parkinson’s disease

Introduction: α-Synuclein, a neuronal protein, plays a central role in the pathophysiology of Parkinsons disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Cases of PD have increased tremendously over the past decade necessitating the identification of new therapeutic targets to reduce patient morbidity and to improve PD patients quality of life.Areas covered: The purpose of this article is to provide an update on the role of α-synuclein in fibrils formation and review its role as an effective immunotherapeutic target for PD. The rapidly expanding evidence for the contribution of α-synuclein to the pathogenesis of PD led to the development of antibodies against the C terminus of α-synuclein and other molecules involved in the inflammatory signaling pathways that were found to contribute significantly to initiation and progression of the disease.Expert opinion: The readers will obtain new insights on the mechanisms by which α-synuclein can trigger the development of PD and other related degenerative disorders along with the potential role of active and passive antibodies targeted against specific form of α-synuclein aggregates to clear neurotoxicity, stop the propagation of the prion-like behavior of these oligomers and reverse neuronal degeneration associated with PD. © 2015 Informa UK, Ltd

Lasers for Scars

There are various laser therapies available for scar revision that can be tailored according to the patient’s characteristics such as age and expectations, as well as the scar’s appearance. Laser applications can serve as prophylactic measures of adverse scar formation, definitive therapy, or temporary intervention until further surgical repair is needed