Deep Phenol Peeling and Fat Injection: Treatment Option for Perioral Wrinkles in a Scleroderma Patient

Background Scleroderma is characterized by abnormal growth of connective tissue, often manifested with hard and tight skin. The viscous properties of the skin are impaired, and the main histologic changes include a thicker dermis, absence of pilosebaceous units, and a decreased space between collagen bundles. Often these patients have wound healing problems.
Objective The objective was to demonstrate a case of scleroderma that had deep phenol perioral peeling and fat injection into the lips. According to our bibliographic search, this is the first report in the English literature of using these modalities in scleroderma patients.
Methods A 64-year-old woman suffering from scleroderma for more than 20 years came for improvement of her perioral appearance. We decided to manage her deep perioral wrinkles by deep peeling using the Baker formula and concomitantly to use autologous fat injection to augment her thin lips.
Results The healing of our patient after these two interventions was uneventful, and satisfactory results have been obtained.
Conclusion Based on our experience, this intervention may be suggested for patients suffering from scleroderma after a detailed explanation of the possible wound healing difficulties is provided to the patients.     

Osteopenia: a bone disorder associated with diabetes mellitus

Although osteopenia has been associated with human diabetes mellitus, the pathogenesis of diabetic osteopenia is unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of diabetes on histomorphometry, bone mineral density (BMD)—measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)—and biomarkers of bone metabolism in rats up to 120 days after the onset of experimental diabetes. Female Wistar rats with a regular estrous cycle were randomly divided into two groups: control rats (n = 15) and diabetic rats without insulin treatment (n = 25). Diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan and was confirmed by the determination of blood glucose concentration (>250mg/dl). The results revealed an approximate threefold increase of femoral trabecular distance in diabetic rats compared to controls. Conversely, trabecular thickness and bone trabecular volume were reduced twofold and 77%, respectively. BMD in both the metadiaphyseal region and total area of the femur was found to be clearly reduced in diabetic animals, with no significant differences between the groups. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activities showed significant six- and twofold increases, respectively, in diabetic rats. There were significant decreases in serum calcium and albumin concentrations in diabetic rats, but no difference was observed in serum magnesium, phosphorus, or creatinine concentrations between the groups. Overall, our findings support the conclusion that the diabetic state is associated with alterations in bone turnover, resulting in the development of osteopenia, which is related to the time of evolution of the disorder.     

Angiotensin II stimulates alpha3(IV) collagen production in mouse podocytes via TGF-beta and VEGF signalling: implications for diabetic glomerulopathy.

BACKGROUND: The podocyte is bathed in an angiotensin II (AngII)-rich ultrafiltrate, but the impact of AngII on podocyte pathobiology is not well known. Because podocytes play a direct role in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickening of diabetes, the alpha3(IV) collagen chain was examined. Podocyte expression of alpha3(IV) collagen may involve the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) systems. METHODS: Cultured mouse podocytes were treated with various doses of AngII for selected periods of time, with or without inhibitors of TGF-beta and VEGF signalling, SB-431542 and SU5416, respectively. TGF-beta1 and VEGF were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); alpha3(IV) collagen, TGF-beta type II receptor and phospho-Smad2 were assayed by immunoblotting. RESULTS: AngII >or=10(-10) M was found to stimulate the production of alpha3(IV) collagen significantly in as short a time as 3 h. The expression of alpha3(IV) collagen was influenced by the TGF-beta system, but AngII did not increase the podocyte's production of TGF-beta1 ligand; rather, it increased the expression of the TGF-beta type II receptor and activated the TGF-beta signalling system through Smad2. Despite the TGF-beta receptor upregulation, synergy between AngII and TGF-beta1 to boost alpha3(IV) collagen production was not observed. However, blockade of TGF-beta signalling with SB-431542 prevented AngII from stimulating alpha3(IV) collagen production. Podocyte expression of alpha3(IV) collagen was also increased by the autocrine activity of VEGF. Podocytes were stimulated to secrete VEGF by 10(-10) M or higher AngII after 48 h. Blockade of the endogenous VEGF activity by SU5416 prevented AngII-stimulated alpha3(IV) collagen production. CONCLUSIONS: AngII stimulates the podocyte to produce alpha3(IV) collagen protein via mechanisms involving TGF-beta and VEGF signalling. Alterations in alpha3(IV) collagen production may contribute to GBM thickening and perhaps proteinuria in diabetes.     

Altered status of glutathione and its metabolites in cystinotic cells.

BACKGROUND: Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive disorder, caused by mutations of the lysosomal cystine carrier cystinosin, encoded by the CTNS gene (17p13). The concomitant intralysosomal cystine accumulation leads to multi-organ damage, with kidneys being the first affected. Altered mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation has been demonstrated in animal proximal tubules loaded with cystine dimethyl ester, mimicking cystine accumulation in cystinosis, but has not been confirmed in cells of patients with cystinosis. Furthermore, the link between cystine accumulation and mitochondrial damage is also missing. We hypothesized that cytosolic cysteine deficiency resulting in intracellular glutathione (GSH) shortage might be involved in cellular dysfunction in cystinosis. METHODS: Components of the gamma-glutamyl cycle were measured in cultured skin fibroblasts (n = 9) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes (n = 15) derived from patients with cystinosis and compared with the values in cultured fibroblasts (n = 9) and PMN cells (n = 18) of healthy controls. RESULTS: Cystine content in cystinotic fibroblasts and PMN cells was significantly elevated compared with the controls, consistent with the lysosomal cystine accumulation in these cells. Although no reduction of total intracellular GSH content was found in cystinotic cells, it inversely correlated with cystine levels. Furthermore, GSH disulfide (GSSG) was elevated in cystinotic cells, resulting in an increased GSSG/total GSH (%) ratio. No relationship between intracellular cystine and GSH was found in control fibroblasts and PMN cells. CONCLUSION: An elevated GSSG/total GSH (%) ratio might indicate increased oxidative stress present in cystinotic cells. Inverse correlation between cystine accumulation and intracellular GSH content indicates that under stress conditions such as intensive energy demand or increased oxidative insult, cystinotic cells may be more prone to GSH depletion.     

Laser peel: facial rejuvenation with a superficial erbium:YAG laser treatment

BACKGROUND : Facial rejuvenation is a popular procedure to temporarily mask the effects of aging. Most patients desiring this treatment are younger and want improvement without any down time. This study was conducted to evaluate the use of Er:YAG laser as a facial rejuvenation tool. METHODS : The full faces of 18 volunteers were treated with an Er:YAG laser using a fluence of either 5 or 10 J/cm 2 . All volunteers applied EMLA ® cream (lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) two hours before the procedure and were treated with a single pass using a pulse duration of about 300µs. Follow-up visits were made in order to evaluate the degree of discomfort, erythema, swelling and improvement in skin aging. Skin biopsy was performed in one volunteer before and two hours after EMLA ® application, although preceding laser treatment. RESULTS : Most volunteers experienced moderate discomfort during the treatment. There was mild to moderate erythema and mild swelling. The improvement in general skin appearance, actinic bronzing and photo-damage was mild to moderate. The microscopic evaluation of pre-laser treated skin two hours after EMLA ® application was suggestive of increased water content in the dermis. CONCLUSION : The Er:YAG laser is an effective and safe tool for facial rejuvenation. With a superficial treatment, resolution of intense erythema is fairly rapid, averaging two to three days. The improvement, however, is mild compared to full laser skin resurfacing (LSR).     

Results of a combination of bleomycin and triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars

While treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars normally shows modest results, we found that treatment with bleomycin was more promising. The present study was divided into two parts. In the first part the aim was to show the results using a combination of bleomycin and triamcinolone acetonide per cm² (BTA). In the second part the objective was to determine the response to both drugs in large keloids that were divided into 1 cm² squares, treating each square with the dose previously used. In the first part of the study, the clinical response of 37 keloids ranging from 0.3 to 1.8 cm² treated with BTA were followed up over a period of 1- 2 years. 0.375 IU bleomycin and 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide were injected every 3 months. In the second part of the study we reviewed the clinical response in six patients with large keloids. The monthly dose administered never exceeded 3 IU of bleomycin. The first study showed 36 keloids (97.29%) softening after the first dose. In the second study, 5 showed different responses (the response was complete in the four smaller keloids). The largest keloid needed 9 doses to achieve an improvement of 70%. In conclusion, combined treatment with 0.375 IU of bleomycin and 4mg of triamcinolone acetonide to 1 cm² was considered to be an acceptable procedure for the treatment of keloids. The best results were obtained in keloids over 1 cm² or when divided into 1 cm² square areas. Larger series need to be performed in order to confirm these results..     

Surgical planning for restoring velopharyngeal function in velocardiofacial syndrome

Background

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) is one of the most common multiple anomaly syndromes in humans. Around 70% of the cases show velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), as a consequence of cleft palate. VPI is much more frequent due to special abnormal conditions inherent to VCFS including: platybasia, hypotrophy of adenoid, enlarged tonsils, hypotonia and abnormal pharyngeal muscles.

Objective

To evaluate the surgical treatment of VPI in VCFS patients.

Materials and methods

In the Hospital Gea Gonzalez at Mexico City, all cases of VCFS from January 2000 to July December 2007 were studied. All patients subjected to velopharyngeal surgery for correcting VPI were selected. Twenty-nine patients underwent velopharyngeal surgery. All operations were planned according to findings of videonasopharyngoscopy (VNP) and multiview video fluoroscopy (MVF).

Results

Twenty patients underwent pharyngeal flap operations, and 9 patients were operated on with a sphincter pharyngoplasty. After a pharyngeal flap, 17 cases (85%) improved to normal nasal resonance or mild hypernasality. Three flaps showed moderate hypernasality postoperatively. From the 9 sphincter pharyngoplasties, 6 cases (66%) improved to moderate hypernasality. Four patients (33%) persisted with severe hypernasality postoperatively. There were no complications.

Conclusions

Tailor-made pharyngeal flaps seem to be the best option for restoring velopharyngeal function in cases of VPI in VCFS patients. The use of VNP and MVF is useful for planning the operations for VPI, and they are also useful for indicating the removal of tonsils in cases with high risk of obstruction. Moreover, VNP is also useful for preventing damage to the internal carotids which are usually displaced in VCFS patients.     

Tooth and periodontal clinical attachment loss are associated with hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes

Background: Periodontal disease has been associated with diabetes, but there is still controversy on the relationship between periodontal clinical parameters and glycemic control. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between blood glucose levels and clinical parameters of periodontal disease in individuals with diabetes. Methods: A total of 65 individuals with diabetes and 81 individuals without diabetes were included in the study. A full-mouth periodontal examination and preprandial fasting glycemia values were recorded for each individual. Glycosylated hemoglobin was only measured in patients with diabetes. A comparative analysis between groups (Mann-Whitney U test) and a correlation analysis between glycemia and periodontal parameters were performed (Spearman test). Results: Patients without diabetes presented more teeth than individuals with diabetes (P <0.05). Patients with diabetes with periodontitis displayed loss of periodontal clinical attachment compared to patients without diabetes, but the highest value was observed in patients with periodontitis that reported a smoking habit. Furthermore, patients with diabetes with periodontitis presented higher glycemia and glycated hemoglobin values in contrast to patients with gingivitis. Patients with diabetes with hyperglycemia had a higher risk to develop periodontitis (odds ratio = 2.24; 95% confidence interval = 1.02 to 4.93). A positive correlation was observed between glycemia and clinical attachment loss (AL), whereas a negative correlation between glycemia and the number of teeth present was found (P <0.05). Conclusions: Tooth and periodontal AL were increased by hyperglycemia in individuals with diabetes. This study contributes additional evidence that diabetes could aggravate periodontal disease and affect the systemic health of individuals.