OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) on the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin(alpha-SMA) and myosin-II of fibroblasts in scars. Methods Fibroblasts were isolated from tissue specimens of scars contracture. Cells from passages 3-5 were randomly divided into 3 groups (control group, low BTXA group (1 U/10(6) Cells), and high BTXA group (2.5 U/ 10(6)Cells)). Growth condition of fibroblasts was observed at 1 , 4, 7 day after BTXA treated. Changes of alpha-SMA and myosin-II in fibroblasts were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSFibroblasts grew well in control group. The proliferation was decreased 4 days later in BTXA groups. Lots of apoptotic cells were seen in high BTXA group at 7th day. Proteins of alpha-SMA and myosin-II in fibroblasts were statistically different between BTXA group and control groups at 4th day (P < 0.05). The expression of alpha-SMA and myosin-II in low BTXA group was higher than that in high BTXA group at 7th day (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBTXA could induce the apoptosis of fibroblasts and decrease the expression of alpha-SMA and myosin-II in fibroblasts. The inhibitory effect was strengthened with BTXA concentration increase within a certain range.

Actins ; metabolism ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; pharmacology ; Cicatrix ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Muscle, Smooth ; metabolism ; Myosin Type II ; metabolism ; Random Allocation

Objective To evaluate the validity of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) injections for the treatment of scar contracture.Methods 26 patients with scar contracture were randomly assigned into BTXA group and triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) group.Pinpoint tattooing was performed on each side of each scar in the plane of its longest axis.A template was used to ensure consistent length.These two tattoo points were measured to assess scar contraction at baseline,at every month for a total of 6 months.Histological analysis was conducted to study the physiological environment and immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of α-SMA and myosin-Ⅱ at different groups.Results Scar contraction was more relaxed in BTXA group than that in TAC group after 1 month (P＜0.05),especially in the 6th month (the D value in BTXA group and TAC group was (1.23±0.42) cm,and (0.56±0.33) cm respectively).For immunohistochemistry,the expression of α-SMA and myosin-Ⅱ also decreased in BTXA group (P＜0.05).Conclusions The treatment of scar contracture by suitable BTXA injections is safe and effective.

With the increasing application of autologous fat grafting and adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) in regenerative medicine, more researchers pay attention to its effects on scar, which may provide a promising alternative for scar treatment. In this article, a systemic review of available literature was undertaken, regarding the current progress in repairing scars with autologous granule fat, the introduction of nanofat grafting and its effects on scar, and the mechanism of ASCs in the treatment of scar. This review provides a reference for the clinical application and basic research of fat transplantation in scar treatment.

Objective To explore the diagnosis and treatment of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) infection after cosmetic injection via scientific debridement surgery combined with regular application of anti-NTM drugs.Methods 14 patients who were infected with NTM after cosmetic injection and were not cured over a long period of time in other hospitals from 2012 to 2016.The patients were treated with VSD thorough surgical debridement,the bacterial type of NTM was identified by bacterial culture and PCR identification and anti-NTM drugs were systematically used according to the results of drug sensitivity.Results Fourteen patients who were treated with scientific debridement surgeries combined with regular anti-NTM drug treatment in our hospital for 2-4 months were discharged after their skin lesions were cleared and healed and they were continually treated with antiNTM drugs for 12 months.Fourteen patients were completely cured by using the above treatments without severe side effects,such as liver and kidney dysfunction,nervous system disorders and so on.Only colpitis mycotica occurred in 3 patients.In addition,one patient presented the decrease of leukopenia after using anti-NTM drugs for 2 months and continued to complete the treatment after we adjusted the treatment plan to returning the level of leukopenia to the normal.These 14 patients were followed up for 1-5 years with no recurrence of the lesion.The facial appearance of 12 patients were almost normal with slight scars.The facial surgery area of 2 patients were uneven and nearly recovered to normal facial appearance by tissue transplantation and photoelectric therapy.Conclusions For the NTM patients caused by invasive procedures such as injection,the comprehensive treatment program,which combined scientific debridement surgery and systematically targeted drug treatment,not only can effectively cure NTM infection,but also minimize secondary injury and restore the patients' appearance,which is worthy of clinical application.