Novel antiangiogenic agents in dermatology.

Because angiogenesis underlies the pathogenesis of numerous conditions (cancer, psoriasis, macular degeneration), there is a pressing need for continued investigations into angiogenic signaling and potential drug targets. Antiangiogenic agents can be classified as either direct or indirect. Direct antiangiogenics act on untransformed endothelial cells to prevent differentiation and proliferation; indirect antiangiogenics act to inhibit factors involved in proangiogenic signaling. Agents currently available with dermatologic indications are few; while several established and novel biologics targeting various proangiogenic factors are currently being investigated for potential dermatologic uses, but the jury is still out on their efficacy and safety. In this review, we highlight our experience with a group of existing and novel, small molecules that combine several modes of action against angiogenesis in addition to other properties--triarylmethane dyes and fulvene derivatives.

Effectiveness of gentian violet and similar products commonly used to treat pyodermas.

The term pyoderma encompasses a variety of distinct entities including impetigo (bullous and nonbullous), erysipelas, cellulitis, folliculitis, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Treatment of pyodermas centers around wound care and appropriate antibiotic selection. Triphenylmethane dyes, such as gentian violet, represent a unique group of compounds that act as antiseptics and have shown clinical efficacy as antibiotics in a variety of pyodermas, including those secondary to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Given their low cost, ease of application, and favorable side effect profile, triphenylmethanes must be considered legitimate treatment options for pyodermas, particularly in the face of continued and emerging bacterial resistance.

Biomechanical properties of bone and cartilage in growing femoral head following ischemic osteonecrosis.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is one of the most common causes of a permanent deformity of the femoral head among pediatric hip disorders. Mechanical loading of the osteonecrotic femoral head undergoing repair is thought play a significant role in the development of the femoral head deformity. This study measured the mechanical properties in uniaxial unconfined compression tests of epiphyseal bone and cartilage from immature femoral heads following surgical induction of osteonecrosis using an established piglet model. Both the modulus and yield strength of bone cores from the infarcted heads were significantly lower by 50%-60% than those of the contralateral normal control heads by 2 weeks after surgery and they remained this low for 8 weeks. No consistent difference in the bone mineral or collagen content per dry weight in the bone cores was observed. Cartilage modulus and yield strength were significantly lower at 2 weeks and remained low for 8 weeks. Cartilage collagen and glycosaminoglycan content per dry weight did not differ significantly between control and infarcted heads at any time point. However, the relative proportion of chondroitin 6-sulfate increased significantly over the 8-week postoperative period, which correlated with an increase in cartilage thickness. These results indicate that the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the epiphyseal bone and cartilage likely plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of the femoral head deformity in LCPD. (