Human leukocyte interferon-α in cream,for the treatment of genital warts in asian women a placebo-controlled,double-blind study

The purpose of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to determine and compare the clinical efficacy and tolerance of human leukocyte -interferon (incorporated 2 × 10⁶ IU/g) in hydrophilic cream to cure genital warts. Preselected Asian female patients (n=150) aged 18–40 years (mean 22.5), with the clinical and biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of genital warts (mean 2.64), predominantly flat vaginal condylomas, were randomly allocated to 3 parallel groups. Each patient was given a coded tube containing 80 g placebo/active preparation with a graduated applicator. Patients were instructed to inject 6 g of the either alloted placebo/active cream deep into the vagina thrice a day for 3 consecutive days (group A) or 4 consecutive days (group B) per week, and if not cured the same treatment was extended to 3 more weeks (maximum 4 weeks active treatment). To assess the clinical efficacy patients were examined on a week-to-week basis. A total clearance of warts (biopsy-confirmed) was evaluated as a complete cure. Patients cured during the treatment were spared further treatment and were requested to visit us after 16 weeks for relapse control. As for the remaining patients, empty tubes were collected, and similarly coded replacement tubes were given for further treatment (in total 588 tubes were used). By the end of the treatment 57.2% lesions (227/397) were eliminated in all the groups: 48% patients in group A, 90% patients in group B, and 10% patients in placebo groups taken as completely cured. Of the 150 patients 128 (85.3%) did not complain of any drug-related adverse symptoms. Transitory increase in body temperature (mean 38.4°C), accompanied by headache (14.6%) and generalized itching (6.6%) were the most frequently reported side effects; however, treatment was well tolerated by all the patients, and there were no dropouts. Our findings indicate that clinical efficacy is dose dependent, that is, the results of group B were significantly superior to that of group A (P < 0.05). Of the 49.3% cured patients (74/150) followed up for 6 months (monthly basis) seven had a relapse, and none had reinfection. It is concluded that clinical efficacy of leukocyte interferon-a to cure genital warts is dose dependent. These results further support the view that leukocyte interferon-a incorporated in hydrophilic cream can be considered a reliable, safe, and home-based treatment to cure vulvar and vaginal warts.Abbreviation HPV human papillomavirus     

Mercury content in marketed cosmetics: analytical survey in Shijiazhuang,China

Context: Mercury is one of the skin-lightening ingredients in cosmetics as mercury ions are thought to inhibit the synthesis of the skin pigment melanin in melanocyte cells.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the mercury levels of cosmetics currently marketed in Shijiazhuang, a northern city in China.

Methods: We collected 146 random cosmetic samples and analyzed for mercury concentrations or levels by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry.

Results: Among the 146 samples, 134 (91.8%) were positive for mercury, and the concentrations of mercury ranged from not detectable to 592?ng/g. Cosmetic samples for children and babies had the highest detection rate (100%), followed by shampoo and hair conditioner (92.3%) and skin-lightening cream (92.0%). All of them were lower than the acceptable limit (1?μg/g) in China.

Discussion and conclusions: Cosmetics for skin had the highest mean mercury content (45?ng/g), followed by hair products (42.1?ng/g). The concentrations of mercury detected in samples were lower than the current legal limit in China, indicating it may not pose a risk to consumers.     

Safety evaluation of metal exposure from commonly used moisturizing and skin-lightening creams in Nigeria

The concentrations of ten metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Zn and Al) were measured in some commonly used moisturizing and skin-lightening creams in Nigeria with a view to providing information on the risk of exposure to metals from the use of these products. The metal concentrations in these products were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry after acid digestion of the samples. The measured concentrations of metals in the skin moisturizing creams ranged from <0.15 to 6.3 μg/g Cd, <0.02 to 17.5 μg/g Cu, 2.25 to 6.25 μg/g Cr, <0.25 to 124.3 μg/g Al, 0.2 to 7.3 μg/g Pb, <0.03 to 10.7 μg/g Ni, 17.3 to 372.0 μg/g Zn, <0.02 to 1.0 μg/g Co, 17.75 to 28.8 μg/g Mn, <0.1 to 89.8 μg/g Fe while the concentrations of metals in the skin-lightening products ranged from <0.15 to 16.5 μg/g Cd, <0.02 to 10.0 μg/g Cu, 4.25 to 8.0 μg/g Cr, <0.25 to 128.0 μg/g Al, 0.5 to 4.5 μg/g Pb, <0.03 to 1.65 μg/g Ni, 24.7 to 267.5 μg/g Zn, <0.02 to 2.5 μg/g for Co, 19.3 to 31.8 μg/g Mn, 9.5 to 211.63 μg/g Fe. In a significant number (>93%) of the samples investigated the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni and Co were below the specified limit, or the maximal limit for impurities in colour additives in cosmetics for external use. However, Cr was found at concentrations above the allergenic limit of 1 μg/g. The results also showed that skin-lightening creams contained higher concentrations of the studied metals than the moisturizing creams, except for Ni, which indicates that persons who uses skin-lightening creams in preference to moisturizing ones, are exposed to higher concentrations of metals.     

复方角菜酸酯乳膏和复方角菜酸酯栓治疗混合痔的疗效及安全性对比研究

目的研究复方角菜酸酯乳膏治疗痔病的疗效及安全性,并与复方角菜酸酯栓剂比较。方法采用多中心、开放、对比的研究方法,将252例混合痔患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,分别应用复方角菜酸酯乳膏和复方角菜酸酯栓剂,在用药后30min至6d量化评价两组疼痛、出血、水肿、脱出等情况。结果用药后在疼痛以外的其他症状改善方面,两组疗效均显著,有效率分别为87.3%和94.8%,组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。但在各时间点,治疗组患者疼痛平均得分均低于对照组(P<0.05)。在用药后30min和3h,止痛起效的患者比例明显高于对照组(P<0.01)。治疗组在30min和3h总起效患者的比例也高于对照组(P<0.01)。用药期间,两组均无不良反应。结论复方角菜酸酯乳膏用于混合痔的治疗,在缓解疼痛和起效时间上有优势;在改善疼痛以外的症状方面,与复方角菜酸酯栓相似。     

HPLC同时测定复方氯霉素乳膏中氯霉素和醋酸地塞米松的含量

目的:建立高效液相色谱法测定复方氯霉素乳膏(新复霜)中氯霉素和醋酸地塞米松的含量。方法:用十八烷基硅烷键合硅胶为填充剂[Symmetry C_(18)柱(4.6 mm×150 mm,5 μm)];以甲醇-水(64∶36)为流动相,流速为0.5 mL·min~(-1);检测波长为240 nm;进样量5 μL。结果:氯霉素及醋酸地塞米松在231.3～809.5μg·mL~(-1)(r=0.9999)和14.1～84.6μg·mL~(-1)(r=0.9999)范围内呈良好的线性关系;氯霉素和醋酸地塞米松精密度 RSD 分别为0.16%和0.22%;平均回收率(n=9)分别为100.1%和99.55%。结论:本方法快速、简便,重现性好,结果可靠,可作为复方氯霉素乳膏的质量控制标准。     

Diaper dermatitis that does not quit

Diaper dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders in infants. The humid, moist environment under the diaper makes the skin more susceptible to injury from exposure to irritants particularly related to urine and feces. A gentle cleansing routine, frequent diaper changes, and a thick barrier cream help control this condition. Irritant diaper dermatitis should be distinguished from other skin conditions that may develop in this sensitive area.     

复方白及乳膏中尿素的体外释放度考察

目的：考察复方白及乳膏中尿素的体外释放度,为合理用药提供依据。方法：采用透析袋法研究复方白及乳膏中尿素的体外释药特性,以生理盐水为释放介质,对二甲基苯甲醛试液为染色剂,分光光度法测定含量。结果：2 h内尿素累积释放度为86.0%,为速释期;48 h内累积释放度为99.0%。结论：复方白及乳膏中的尿素具有速释特性,药物释放后易被皮肤迅速吸收,2～3 h可用药一次。透析袋法考察复方白及乳膏中尿素的体外释放度,操作便利、方法稳定、结果重复性好。     

Preparation of novel apigenin‐enriched,liposomal and non‐liposomal,antiinflammatory topical formulations as substitutes for corticosteroid therapy

Two oil‐in‐water formulations, containing equal amounts of apigenin‐enriched chamomile flower extracts, for potential use as topical antiinflammatory agents, were prepared and their physicochemical properties evaluated. A pilot clinical study was then carried out to assess patient acceptability and efficacy. The creams were either non‐liposomal or liposomal. The liposomal formulations were more viscous, thus producing superior release characteristics in vitro. The clinical study also showed that the liposomal creams were, as antiinflammatory agents, slightly more effective in vivo than the non‐liposomal formulations. These results suggest that there is scope for the further development of even more effective and safer alternatives to corticosteroids. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

一枝黄花在化妆品中的应用研究

本实验采用一枝黄花作为化妆品中的天然添加剂,配以维生素E和尿囊素来制取具有保护、止痒、营养皮肤效用的天然化妆品膏霜。本文叙述了制作原理,配方,操作方法和产品的性能。