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Cartilage defects represent a serious problem due to the poor regenerative properties of this tissue. Regarding the nose, nasal valve collapse is associated with nasal blockage and persistent airway obstruction associated with a significant drop in the quality of life for patients. In addition to surgical techniques, several cell-based tissue-engineering strategies are studied to improve cartilage support in the nasal wall, that is, to ameliorate wall insufficiency. Nevertheless, there are no congruent data available on the benefit for patients during the follow-up time. In this manuscript, we propose an innovative approach in the treatment of cartilage defects in the nose (nasal valve collapse) based on autologous micro-grafts obtained by mechanical disaggregation of a small portion of cartilage tissue (Rigenera® protocol). In particular, we first analyzed in vitro murine and human cartilage micro-grafts; secondly, we analyzed the clinical results of a patient with pinched nose deformity treated with autologous micro-grafts of chondrocytes obtained by Rigenera® protocol. The use of autologous micro-graft produced promising results in surgery treatment of cartilage injuries and could be safely and easily administrated to patients with cartilage tissue defects.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a hereditary androgen-dependent, progressive thinning of scalp hair affecting 60-70% of the adult population worldwide [1]. In AGA, hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. Over time, hairline recedes to form a characteristic "M" shape. Pharmacological treatment offers moderate results and hair transplantation represents the only permanent treatment option [2]. Here we describe a clinical approach, based on autologous micro-grafts, called Rigenera® that is able to restore hair loss using a promising CE-certified medical device called Rigeneracons. Its efficacy was demonstrated in the wound care including the management of chronic or non-healing wounds and for hard tissues and cartilage regeneration [3]. A preliminary in vivo study on three patients reported that autologous micro-grafts obtained by Rigenera® protocol promote hair growth even two months after the surgical procedure. The aim of this study was to demonstrate long-term efficacy of Rigenera® protocol in the treatment of AGA performing histological evaluations on scalps after 6 and 9 months from micro-grafts application with respect to controls. Morphological evaluations were performed by Haematoxylin/Eosin and Mallory Trichrome staining on 4-mm punch of scalps from volunteers patients. Results showed that, after 6 months of micro-grafts application, the number of hair follicles in the scalp is increased with a beginning of cuticle formation and dermal papilla in proliferation. After 9 months, we reported a well-organized derma, more regular and structured collagen fibres, and hair follicles in Anagen IV/Mesanagen phase. In summary, micro-grafts application improve hair restoration with a positive patient's subjective assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cartilage defects represent a serious problem due to the poor regenerative properties of this tissue. Regarding the nose, nasal valve collapse is associated with nasal blockage and persistent airway obstruction associated with a significant drop in the quality of life for patients. In addition to surgical techniques, several cell-based tissue-engineering strategies are studied to improve cartilage support in the nasal wall, that is, to ameliorate wall insufficiency. Nevertheless, there are no congruent data available on the benefit for patients during the follow-up time. In this manuscript, we propose an innovative approach in the treatment of cartilage defects in the nose (nasal valve collapse) based on autologous micro-grafts obtained by mechanical disaggregation of a small portion of cartilage tissue (Rigenera ® protocol). In particular, we first analyzed in vitro murine and human cartilage micro-grafts; secondly, we analyzed the clinical results of a patient with pinched nose deformity treated with autologous micro-grafts of chondrocytes obtained by Rigenera ® protocol. The use of autologous micro-graft produced promising results in surgery treatment of cartilage injuries and could be safely and easily administrated to patients with cartilage tissue defects., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.