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Background/aim: Hypertrophic scars (HS) are an abnormal cutaneous condition of wound healing characterized by excessive fibrosis and disrupted collagen deposition. This study assessed the potential of a silicone patch embedded with chemically stable zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOF)-808 structures to mitigate HS formation using a rabbit ear model., Materials and Methods: A silicone patch was strategically engineered by incorporating Zr-MOF-808, a composite structure comprising metal ions and organic ligands. Structural integrity of the Zr-MOF-808 silicone patch was validated using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The animals were divided into three groups: a control, no treatment group (Group 1), a silicone patch treatment group (Group 2), and a group treated with a 0.2% loaded Zr-MOF-808 silicone patch (Group 3). HS suppression effects were quantified using scar elevation index (SEI), dorsal skin thickness measurements, and myofibroblast protein expression., Results: Histopathological examination of post-treatment HS samples revealed substantial reductions in SEI (34.6%) and epidermal thickness (49.5%) in Group 3. Scar hyperplasia was significantly diminished by 53.5% (p<0.05), while collagen density declined by 15.7% in Group 3 compared to Group 1. Western blot analysis of protein markers, including TGF-β1, collagen-1, and α-SMA, exhibited diminished levels by 8.8%, 12%, and 21.3%, respectively, in Group 3, and substantially higher levels by 21.9%, 27%, and 39.9%, respectively, in Group 2. On the 35th day post-wound generation, Zr-MOF-808-treated models exhibited smoother, less conspicuous, and flatter scars., Conclusion: Zr-MOF-808-loaded silicone patch reduced HS formation in rabbit ear models by inducing the proliferation and remodeling of the wound healing process., (Copyright © 2024, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: As the largest organ of the human body, the skin serves as a critical barrier against environmental damage. However, many factors, such as genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices can lead to skin damage creating wrinkles, sagging, and loss of elasticity. The use of skincare products containing natural ingredients has become increasingly popular as a way to combat the signs of aging. Caviar oil is one such ingredient that has gained attention due to its rich composition of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential anti-aging effects of caviar oil and to develop a product, Cavi Balm, which could potentially reduce wrinkles and skin sagging., Materials and Methods: An in vitro model using the 3T3-L1 cell line was employed to assess the effect of caviar oil on adipocyte differentiation. An ex vivo study using human skin tissue was conducted to investigate the impact of caviar oil on collagen and elastin formation and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1,2,9 (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9). Furthermore, 102 participants were enrolled in five clinical studies to evaluate the anti-aging efficacy of our product, "Cavi Balm", in facial and neck wrinkles, facial and eye area lifting, and various skin parameters, such as skin moisture, skin elasticity, skin density, skin tightening relief, skin clarity, and skin turnover., Results: In vitro, caviar oil enhanced adipocyte differentiation, and increased lipid accumulation inside the cells. The ex vivo analysis revealed that caviar oil reduced the expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9, and increased the formation of elastin and collagen I, III. Moreover, in the clinical study, Cavi Balm improved skin parameters after one-time use, with more significant effects observed after four weeks of usage., Conclusion: Caviar oil has a substantial impact on mitigating skin aging and holds potential for application in anti-aging products., (Copyright © 2023, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: Chitosan-based functional materials have attracted considerable attention worldwide for applications in wound healing, especially in skin wound healing, due to their efficiency in hemostasis, anti-bacterial, and skin regeneration. Various chitosan-based products have been developed for skin wound healing applications, but most of these face limitations in either efficacy or cost-effectiveness. Therefore, there is a need to develop a unique material that can handle all of these concerns and be utilized for acute and chronic wounds. This study investigated mechanisms of new chitosan-based hydrocolloid patches in inflammatory reduction and skin formation by using wound-induced Sprague Dawley Rats., Materials and Methods: Our study combined a hydrocolloid patch with chitosan to achieve a practical and accessible medical patch that would enhance skin wound healing. Our chitosan-embedded patch has shown a significant influence by preventing wound expansion and inflammation increment on Sprague Dawley rat models., Results: The chitosan patch significantly increased the wound healing rate and accelerated the inflammatory stage by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines activity (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, and IL-1β). Moreover, the product was effective in promoting skin regeneration, demonstrated by the increase in the number of fibroblasts through specific biomarkers (e.g., vimentin, α-SMA, Ki-67, collagen I, and TGF-β1)., Conclusion: Our study on the chitosan-based hydrocolloid patches not only elucidated mechanisms of reducing inflammation and enhancing proliferation, but also provided a cost-effective method for skin wound dressing., (Copyright © 2023, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: This research investigated the biophysical properties, safety, and efficacy of polydioxanone (PDO) filler compared to poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. In both mouse and human skin models, a novel collagen stimulation was compared with hyaluronic acid filler., Materials and Methods: An electron microscope was used to capture images of the solid particle microsphere shape. Moreover, animal models named SKH1-Hrhr were used to assess the 12-week persistence of PDO, PLLA, or PCL filler. H&E and Sirus Red staining were used to compare collagen density. Five participants in the clinical trial received three injections in the dermis over an eight-month period. Skin density, wrinkles, and gloss were evaluated using DUB ® skin scanner, Antera 3D CS, Mark-Vu, and Skin gloss meter after injection to assess the efficacy of fillers., Results: PDO microspheres had uneven surfaces and were spherical and consistent in size. In comparison to other fillers, the PDO filler demonstrated complete biodegradability in just 12 weeks and better neocollagenesis, and a lower inflammatory response than the HA filler. After three injections, the human body assay showed a significant improvement in skin gloss, wrinkles, and density., Conclusion: In comparison to PCL and PLLA, PDO filler demonstrated a comparable volume increase rate and better biodegradability. Furthermore, although its physical characteristics are similar to those of a solid, PDO has the advantage of being more organically spread. In photoaging mice, PDO fillers are thought to offer equivalent or superior anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effects to PBS, PCL, and PLLA., (Copyright © 2023, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: Silicone implants are widely used biomaterials in surgeries owing to their physiological inertness and low toxicity. However, capsular contracture is a severe complication caused by the insertion of breast implants, which can endanger the health of patients. In this study, twelve different silicone breast implants were tested to determine which could lead to a lower incidence of capsular contracture., Materials and Methods: For in vivo experiments, these silicone implants were implanted into 60 rats (i.e., five implants per rat). The implants were explanted eight weeks after the operation. Samples were analyzed and measured by using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunofluorescence staining methods. We compared twelve samples for their differences in the thickness of capsular formation, number of inflammatory cells, collagen expression, fibroblast intensity (i.e., Vimentin and α-SMA), and inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-8, CD68, MCP-1, and F4/80)., Results: Different surface textures of breast implants gave different effects on capsular thickness, collagen formation, fibroblast formation, and potential inflammation. Samples that had smooth textures such as SEBBIN, HANS, and Mentor showed higher collagen formation than other samples. SEBBIN Texture, Motiva Micro, HANS Smooth I, and HANS Micro exhibited higher fibroblast formation (i.e., α-SMA, Vimentin). SEBBIN Smooth and samples in HANS group displayed lower expression of inflammation cytokines (IL-8, CD68, MCP-1, and F4/80)., Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary reports on the surface texture effect and support a selection of breast silicone implants in breast reconstruction to avoid the formation of capsular contracture after implantation., (Copyright © 2022, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: Hypertrophic scars (HS) are the result of pathological wound healing characterized by a red, raised scar formation. The goal of this research was development of a new method for treatment of HS formation., Materials and Methods: A tranilast-loaded microneedle (TMN) was developed and applied in a rabbit ear model to treat an induced HS. Scar elevation index, the thickness of dorsal skin by hematoxylin and eosin staining, collagen deposition by Masson trichrome staining and expression of myofibroblast biomarker proteins were evaluated., Results: The 12×12 array of the TMN containing 2.9 μg tranilast per needle released more than 80% of the drug within 30 min. During the procedure, control, non-loaded MN and TMN loaded with three different doses of tranilast (low: 2.5-3, medium: 25-30, and high: 100-150 μg) were applied to the HS in rabbit ears. High-level TMN led to a clear and natural appearance of skin, a decrease in scar elevation index by 47% and decline in the thickness of the epidermis from 69.27 to 15.92 μm when compared to the control group. Moreover, the collagen density also decreased in groups treated with medium- or high-level TMNs, by 10.2% and 9.06%, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of transforming growth factor-β, collagen-1, and α-smooth muscle actin proteins was reduced in TMN-treated HSs compared to the control., Conclusion: The findings show the overall efficacy of TMNs in inhibiting HS. Thus, use of TMN is a simple and cosmetic remedy for HS, with good protection and reliability., (Copyright © 2022, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: The skin plays an important role in protecting the body from mechanical damage, microbial infection, ultraviolet radiation, and extreme temperatures. Many products as well as ongoing studies have focused on skin injury and repair; however, unlimited challenges are still being faced. Furthermore, the drugs that are currently on the market are not adequate to meet the increasing medical needs. This study aimed to discover whether our new product can efficiently promote wound repair and skin restoration., Materials and Methods: ĩn this study, we applied a new AIMP1-derived peptide (AdP), NeoPep S, administered in two dose types (1 ppm and 3 ppm), and determined their effect on skin wound repair in rat models. Cell proliferation and inflammatory responses were assessed using immunofluorescence (IF) staining and ELISA assay., Results: As expected, our results showed more rapid and satisfactory progress in wound closure upon treatment with NeoPep S 3 ppm than with NeoPep S 1 ppm. The 3 ppm peptide derived from AIMP1 protein, harmoniously interacted with the wound to promote re-epithelialization and collagen regeneration, as well as the down-regulation of several types of cytokines and chemokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-lβ, MCP-1, and F4/80. Moreover, it was demonstrated to promote fibroblast proliferation, migration, and differentiation by TGF-βl and TGF-β3 modulation, as well as nitrite and reactive oxygen species scavenging., Conclusion: The novel peptide NeoPep S 3 ppm showed high effectiveness and safety in wound healing., (Copyright © 2022, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have become popular in implant-based breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to compare three commonly used ADM products in vivo in an animal model., Materials and Methods: The nucleic acid content (residual double-stranded DNA) and the levels of the remaining growth factors after decellularization were measured for each ADM. Cytocompatibility with ADMs was documented using NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. In vivo, the implanted ADMs were histologically evaluated at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months (n=5) using male 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats., Results: Fibroblasts grew in the SureDerm HD and DermACELL with no cytotoxicity. In a rat model, SureDerm HD and DermACELL incorporated more readily into the surrounding host tissue, as measured by rapid cell influx and collagen deposition, and showed more delayed tissue remodeling with decreased matrix metalloproteinases levels compared to AlloDerm., Conclusion: SureDerm HD and DermACELL can be used as biological materials for breast reconstruction., (Copyright © 2021 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)