Long-term efficacy of a novel ribose-cross-linked collagen dermal filler: a histologic and histomorphometric study in an animal model

Self-assembled adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells as an extracellular matrix component- and growth factor-enriched filler

The clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is attracting attention due to their excellent safety, convenient acquisition, multipotency, and trophic activity. The clinical effectiveness of transplanted MSCs is well-known in regenerative and immunomodulatory medicine, but there is a demand for their improved viability and regenerative function after transplantation. In this study, we isolated MSCs from adipose tissue from three human donors and generated uniformly sized MSC spheroids (∼100 µm in diameter) called microblocks (MiBs) for dermal reconstitution. The viability and MSC marker expression of MSCs in MiBs were similar to those of monolayer MSCs. Compared with monolayer MSCs, MiBs produced more extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including type I collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid, and growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor. Subcutaneously injected MiBs showed skin volume retaining capacity in mice. These results indicate that MiBs could be applied as regenerative medicine for skin conditions such as atrophic scar by having high ECM and bioactive factor expression.

Minor Review: An Overview of a Synthetic Nanophase Bone Substitute

Material is reviewed that consists of reconstituted collagen fibril gel mineralized in a manner that produces biomimetically sized nanoapatites intimately associated with the fibrils. This gel is formed into usable shapes with a modulus and strength that allow it to be surgically press fitted into bony defects. The design paradigm for the material is that the nanoapatites will dissolve into soluble Ca²⁺ as the collagen is degraded into RGD-containing peptide fragments due to osteoclastic action. This is intended to signal to the osteoclasts to continue removing the material in a biomimetic fashion similar to bony remodeling. Preliminary experiments in a subcutaneous rat model show that the material is biocompatible with respect to inflammatory and immunogenic responses, and that it supports cellular invasion. Preliminary experiments in a critical-sized mandibular defect in rats show that the material is resorbable and functions well as a bone morphogenetic 2 (BMP-2) carrier. We have produced a range of mechanical and biological responses by varying mechanical and chemical processing of the material.

Development of Poly(HEMA-Am) Polymer Hydrogel Filler for Soft Tissue Reconstruction by Facile Polymerization

The number of breast reconstruction surgeries has been increasing due to the increase in mastectomies. Surgical implants (the standard polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) implants) are widely used to reconstruct breast tissues, however, it can cause problems such as adverse immune reactions, fibrosis, rupture, and additional surgery. Hence, polymeric fillers have recently garnered increasing attention as strong alternatives for breast reconstruction materials. Polymeric fillers offer noninvasive methods of reconstruction, thereby reducing the possible adverse effects and simplifying the treatment. In this study, we synthesized a 2-hydroxylethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and acrylamide (Am) copolymer (Poly(HEMA-Am)) by redox polymerization to be used as a biocompatible filler material for breast reconstruction. The synthesized hydrogel swelled in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) shows an average modulus of 50 Pa, which is a characteristic similar to that of the standard dermal acrylamide filler. To investigate the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of the Poly(HEMA-Am) hydrogel, we evaluated an in vitro cytotoxicity assay on human fibroblasts (hFBs) and human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) with the hydrogel eluate, and confirmed a cell viability of over 80% of the cell viability with the Poly(HEMA-Am) hydrogel. These results suggest our polymeric hydrogel is a promising filler material in soft tissue augmentation including breast reconstruction.

Assessment of recovery time for the collagen products Dermicol-P35 27G and 30G

BACKGROUND

Dermicol-P35 27G and 30G are purified advanced collagen dermal fillers that are effective and well tolerated for cosmetic procedures.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objectives of this study were to: (1) document recovery time and return to daily activities after treatment with Dermicol-P35 27G, 30G, or both; and (2) assess the immediate adverse effects of these products and monitor their time to resolution.

METHODS

In all, 30 patients were treated with Dermicol-P35 27G, 30G, or both in nasolabial folds, lips, corners of the mouth, vermillion border, marionette lines, or a combination of these and monitored for 7 days. Comfort with resuming daily routine, adverse events, and satisfaction with results were documented by patients in diaries. The clinician assessed aesthetic improvement and rated satisfaction with results.

RESULTS

The majority of patients (63.4%) were very comfortable or comfortable returning to their daily routine immediately postprocedure. Most patients (86.7%) participated in normal work or social events within 2 days of treatment. Adverse events were mild to moderate and were resolved or tolerable by day 7. The clinician assessed that most patients had between 50% and 100% improvement over baseline for all procedures at all time points. Clinician and patients were very satisfied or satisfied with aesthetic results at days 2 and 7 postprocedure.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations of this study were the small number of patients, the assessment of short-term results, and the lack of touch-up injections.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with Dermicol-P35 27G, 30G, or both allowed for rapid return to daily activities and produced only transient and tolerable adverse events.

Soft tissue augmentation in dermatology - 2009 update

The number of products available to dermatologists for soft tissue augmentation has grown significantly over the past several years in the US. This manuscript will review the various hyaluronic acid fillers and other Food and Drug Administration -approved products we are utilizing for our patients in the rejuvenation process. It is hoped that through this article clinicians will feel more comfortable using these products in their everyday practice of dermatology.