ABSTRACT
Epithelialization of normal wounds occurs by an orderly series of events whereby keratinocytes migrate, proliferate, and differentiate to restore the barrier function. Keratinocyte migration is one of the most earliest and crucial event determining the efficiency of the overall wound repair process. Laminin 332, composed by the association of α3, ß3 and γ2 chains, is a major adhesion substrate for keratinocytes and is known for its role in supporting cell adhesion and migration during wound repair. The α3 chain comprises a large globular region in its carboxyl-terminal end, which consists of five homologous globular domains (LG1-LG5), known to be involved in cellular interactions. Recent findings have suggested that the α3 chain C-terminal domains LG45 may have a role to play during the epithelialization phase in wound repair. In the present study, we have analyzed whether a peptide mimicking the major heparin binding sequence KKLRIKSKEK in α3LG45 may interact with keratinocytes to promote cell adhesion and migration. In vitro experiments supported this hypothesis and revealed that the KKLRIKSKEK peptide induces human primary keratinocyte adhesion and has the ability to promote keratinocyte migration when added in the culture medium. To examine the peptide efficacy in vivo, the KKLRIKSKEK peptide was applied over partial-thickness cutaneous wounds in pigs. Compared with vehicle-treated cutaneous wounds, the peptide application significantly promoted early-stage wound healing by accelerating re-epithelialization. Additional beneficial effects such as reduced inflammatory response and decreased granulation tissue formation were also noticed in the peptide-treated wounds.
ABSTRACT
A new range of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers has been designed using Optimal Balance Technology™, which centers around three main parameters: the degree of cross-linking, the size of gel calibration and the HA concentration. The five different products in the range (HA E Touch, HA E Classic, HA E Lips, HA E Deep and HA E Volume) have the same concentration of HA (20 mg/mL) and various degrees of cross-linking and gel calibration, in order to have distinctive physical properties adapted to their specific indications. HA E Classic, HA E Deep, HA E Lips and HA E Volume are available in two different formulations either with or without lidocaine. The efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction of the HA E range in various indications have been assessed in several classical studies. In this study, the rheological measurements of HA E Deep being the firmest gel within the range. Addition of lidocaine did not change the rheological properties of the HA E fillers. HA E fillers have three different degrees of gel calibration, with HA E Touch, HA E Classic and HA E Lips having the same smallest gel calibration and HA E Volume having the largest gel calibration within the range. Injection of all HA E fillers was smooth, regular, and required low extrusion force when using the Ultra Thin Wall (UTW)needle provided for each product. In summary, the HA E fillers have distinctive physical properties in terms of gel firmness and gel calibration, which were designed to adapt to their specific indications.
