Novel nanotechnological approaches for treatment of skin-aging.

One of the essential organs and protective barricades, the skin, needs to be taken care of early. Skin is affected by several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and despite their morphological and pathological differences, they have many molecular similarities. As of today, various mechanisms and theories have been recommended for aging, such as cellular anility, reduced proliferative tendency, reduction in length of telomere, mutations in DNA, theory of free radical generation, and many others. In today's society, skin health is often considered an important indicator of health, which has led to an increased demand for anti-aging products. However, numerous conventional cosmetics and phytocompounds (curcumin, Vitamin E, resveratrol) utilized in anti-aging products have inimical physical and chemical attributes, including insufficient chemical stability and inadequate skin penetration bound their effectuality after topical administration. So recently, new novel nanotechnological approaches for preventing skin aging, such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, transferosomes, ethosomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, and carbon nanotubes, are being used. Hence, the field of cosmeceutical nanomaterials is rapidly evolving, and we can look forward to seeing a variety of innovative nanotechnology-based cosmetic products be a game-changer for this multi-million anti-aging cosmetic industry.

Novel Nanotechnological Approaches for Targeting Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) in Mitigating Diabetic Neuropathic Pain (DNP).

Diabetic neuropathy is the most entrenched complication of diabetes. Usually, it affects the distal foot and toes, which then gradually approaches the lower part of the legs. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) could be one of the worst complications of diabetes mellitus. Long-term diabetes leads to hyperglycemia, which is the utmost contributor to neuropathic pain. Hyperglycemia causing an upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was often observed in models of neuropathic pain. DRG opening frequency increases intracellular sodium ion levels, which further causes increased calcium channel opening and stimulates other pathways leading to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Currently, pain due to diabetic neuropathy is managed via antidepressants, opioids, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs, and topical agents such as capsaicin. Despite the availability of various treatment strategies, the percentage of patients achieving adequate pain relief remains low. Many factors contribute to this condition, such as lack of specificity and adverse effects such as light-headedness, languidness, and multiple daily doses. Therefore, nanotechnology outperforms in every aspect, providing several benefits compared to traditional therapy such as site-specific and targeted drug delivery. Nanotechnology is the branch of science that deals with the development of nanoscale materials and products, even smaller than 100 nm. Carriers can improve their efficacy with reduced side effects by incorporating drugs into the novel delivery systems. Thus, the utilization of nanotechnological approaches such as nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, gene therapy (siRNA and miRNA), and extracellular vesicles can extensively contribute to relieving neuropathic pain.

A Case of Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in a failed Penetrating Keratoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is an evolving option for failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK) as it has shown promising results compared to repeat PK. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 22 years young gentleman presented with gradual diminution of vision in the left eye (LE) for six months following therapeutic PK for a perforated fungal corneal ulcer. His best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 6/60 in LE. Slit-lamp examination of LE revealed circumcorneal congestion with full thickness corneal graft with micro and macrobullae, diffuse stromal edema, DM folds and seven well-buried sutures. Intraocular pressure was 20 mmHg in the right eye whereas it could not be assessed in the left eye. The diagnosis of LE failed PK was made and the patient underwent DMEK. At four months postoperative follow up visit, BSCVA improved to 6/9. This is the first reported case of DMEK after a failed PK in a young patient from Nepal which was successfully treated without any complications. CONCLUSION: DMEK has a higher potential for better visual rehabilitation compared to DSEK and PK. It has also proved its efficacy in the treatment of endothelial graft failure following PK as it is a less invasive procedure.