Quercetin accelerated cutaneous wound healing in rats by increasing levels of VEGF and TGF-β1.

Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-penthydroxyflavone)-induced biological effects have been beneficial in various disease conditions. In this study, wound healing potential of quercetin was evaluated in a time-dependent manner in open excision wounds in adult Wistar rats. Experimentally-wounded rats were divided into two groups namely, control and quercetin-treated. Wounds were photographed and the area was measured on the day of wounding and on days 3, 7, 11 and 14 post-wounding. The granulation/healing tissue was collected on days 3, 7, 11 and 14 post-wounding for cytokine/growth factor measurements and histology/immunohistochemistry studies. There was significant time-dependent increase in wound closure in quercetin-treated rats. Vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 expressions were significantly upregulated in quercetin-treated rats, whereas tumor necrosis factor-α level was markedly reduced. Interleukin-10 levels and CD31 stained vessels were markedly higher on day 3 and on day 7, respectively, in quercetin-treated rats. In H & E stained sections, quercetin-treated group showed less inflammatory cells, more fibroblast proliferation, increased microvessel density, better reepithelialization and more regular collagen deposition, as compared to control. The results suggest that topical application of quercetin promotes wound healing by effectively modulating the cytokines, growth factors and cells involved in inflammatory and proliferative phases of healing.

Potential Use of Transferred Lymph Nodes as Metastasis Detectors after Tumor Excision

Due to the fact that it reliably results in positive outcomes, lymph node flap transfer is becoming an increasingly popular surgical procedure for the prevention and treatment of lymphedema. This technique has been shown to stimulate lymphoangiogenesis and restore lymphatic function, as well as decreasing infection rates, minimizing pain, and preventing the recurrence of lymphedema. In this article, we investigate possible additional benefits of lymph node flap transfer, primarily the possibility that sentinel lymph nodes may be used to detect micro-metastasis or in-transit metastasis and may function as an additional lymphatic station after the excision of advanced skin cancer.

Lymphedema Fat Graft: An Ideal Filler for Facial Rejuvenation

Lymphedema is a chronic disorder characterized by lymph stasis in the subcutaneous tissue. Lymphatic fluid contains several components including hyaluronic acid and has many important properties. Over the past few years, significant research has been performed to identify an ideal tissue to implant as a filler. Because of its unique composition, fat harvested from the lymphedema tissue is an interesting topic for investigation and has significant potential for application as a filler, particularly in facial rejuvenation. Over a 36-month period, we treated and assessed 8 patients with lymphedematous limbs who concurrently underwent facial rejuvenation with lymphedema fat (LF). We conducted a pre- and post-operative satisfaction questionnaire survey and a histological assessment of the harvested LF fat. The overall mean general appearance score at an average of 6 months after the procedure was 7.2+/-0.5, demonstrating great improvement. Patients reported significant improvement in their skin texture with a reading of 8.5+/-0.7 and an improvement in their self-esteem. This study demonstrates that LF as an ideal autologous injectable filler is clinically applicable and easily available in patients with lymphedema. We recommend the further study and clinical use of this tissue as it exhibits important properties and qualities for future applications and research.