An Association of Vitamins A and E with Hyaluronic and Lactobionic Acids may Prevent Molecular Changes Associated with Keratocyte to Myofibroblast Transition

Inflammatory events in the corneal stroma may activate keratocytes and trigger their transition towards myofibroblasts,which now produce different extracellular matrix(ECM)proteins thus causing corneal opacification.Corneal haze is a frequent side effect after photorefractive keratectomy(PRK)to correct high myopia.Currently,a preventive treatment with mitomycin-c can be used to limit the occurrence of this phenomenon.However,mitomycin-c is a toxic drug,not devoid of side effects,which may occasionally involve the corneal endothelium.Therefore,we have searched for a less risky,natural way,to prevent keratocytes transition.To this purpose,we have used as markers of the phenotype switch the proteins lumican(highly expressed by keratocytes and much less by myofibroblasts)and smooth muscle actin(αSMA)(highly expressed by myofibroblasts and poorly found in keratocytes),beside Fibronectin(Fn),the expression of which is also increased by transforming growth factor-beta(TGFβ)treatment.Treatment of human keratocytes with TGFβwas used to induce the protein shift.Among different possible candidates,we have found that vitamins A and E,hyaluronic and lactobionic acids may prevent,either alone,or much better in association,the shift in the ratio between lumican andαSMA and the increased Fn expression.In conclusion,it could be speculated that topic treatment of the ocular surface with an association of these four compounds could be able to prevent or at least limit the occurrence of post-PRK corneal haze,with the additional advantage of lubrication,hydration and antioxidant defense exerted by these molecules.

Comparison of the Skin Lipid Layer in Acne Vulgaris Patients after Treatment with 50% Lactobionic Acid, Corundum Microdermabrasion and a Combination of Both Means

Background: The uses of lactobionic acid, corundum microdermabrasion, and a combined technique, are treatments supporting therapies for acne vulgaris and seborrhoea. Objectives: The work was conducted to determine the effects of the peeling with lactobionic acid, corundum microdermabrasion, and a combined technique of both means on sebum secretion in acne vulgaris patients. Methods: The peeling with 50% lactobionic acid, the corundum microdermabrasion, and the combined technique were applied to 45 female patients divided into three groups of fifteen people each. Every one treatment was given five times in two week intervals. The measurements of sebum secretion were done within the T- and U-zones using Sebumeter SM15 (Courage & Khazaka, Germany). The last (sixth) measurement was performed two weeks after the last treatment. Results: Decrease in the level of sebum secretion was found during second or third measurement. Two weeks after the last treatment, the biggest decrease in the level of sebum secretion was observed in the patients treated with lactobionic acid, followed by those treated with the combined method. Conclusions: Treatments consisting of the peeling with lactobionic acid, corundum microdermabrasion, or the combined technique, brought significant decrease in the level of sebum secretion. The biggest decrease was observed in the patients treated with lactobionic acid, which being structurally similar to α-hydroxyacids exerts exfoliating properties. The combined method was also effective, because of increased skin penetration of the active ingredients, resulting from the abrasion of stratum corneum during the corundum microdermabrasion. The corundum microdermabrasion alone was the least effective approach.