Topical verapamil as a scar modulator

Pharmacotherapy for Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars

Keloids (KD) and hypertrophic scars (HTS), which are quite raised and pigmented and have increased vascularization and cellularity, are formed due to the impaired healing process of cutaneous injuries in some individuals having family history and genetic factors. These scars decrease the quality of life (QOL) of patients greatly, due to the pain, itching, contracture, cosmetic problems, and so on, depending on the location of the scars. Treatment/prevention that will satisfy patients' QOL is still under development. In this article, we review pharmacotherapy for treating KD and HTS, including the prevention of postsurgical recurrence (especially KD). Pharmacotherapy involves monotherapy using a single drug and combination pharmacotherapy using multiple drugs, where drugs are administered orally, topically and/or through intralesional injection. In addition, pharmacotherapy for KD/HTS is sometimes combined with surgical excision and/or with physical therapy such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy including brachytherapy, and silicone gel/sheeting. The results regarding the clinical effectiveness of each mono-pharmacotherapy for KD/HTS are not always consistent but rather scattered among researchers. Multimodal combination pharmacotherapy that targets multiple sites simultaneously is more effective than mono-pharmacotherapy. The literature was searched using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Online search engines.

Combined Verapamil-Polydopamine Nanoformulation Inhibits Adhesion Formation in Achilles Tendon Injury Using Rat Model

Introduction

Topical verapamil has been demonstrated to reduce the fibroproliferative scar. Therefore, it was hypothesized that topical verapamil could reduce adhesion formation after tendon repair. The current study aimed to examine the effects of verapamil-loaded polydopamine nanoparticles (VP-PDA NPs) on the adhesion formation of Achilles tendon laceration and repair in a rat model.

Methods

We randomly assigned 72 male Sprague-Dawley rats to the control, the PDA NPs, and the VP-PDA NPs groups (n = 24 per group). The quality of tendon healing was evaluated by the maximal tensile strength four and six weeks after surgery. The degree of tendon adhesion was scored on days 4, 15, 29, and 43 after surgery. The expressions of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagens type I and III were detected through Western blotting or immunohistochemistry at four weeks after surgery.

Results

In vitro release tests revealed that 61.3% of verapamil was released from VP-PDA NPs in four weeks. There was a significant increase in average failure to load in the VP-PDA NPs group (89.27 ± 5.09 N) compared with the PDA NPs group (65.52 ± 2.04 N) (p = 0.003) and the control group (74.52 ± 4.24 N) (p = 0.029). Adhesion scores were significantly reduced in the VP-PDA NPs group at six weeks (3.175 ± 0.08) and four weeks (3.35 ± 0.25) compared with the other groups. Moreover, VP-PDA NPs significantly reduced the expression of vimentin, α-SMA, TGF-β1, and collagens type I and III.

Conclusion

These data suggest that VP-PDA NPs reduced adhesion formation and enhanced tendon healing during rat tendon injury. Since topical verapamil has been used in clinics without side effects, VP-PDA NPs would have direct translation implications. However, its anti-adhesive effects on intrasynovial tendon injury must be examined.

Development of Verapamil Hydrochloride-loaded Biopolymer-based Composite Electrospun Nanofibrous Mats: In vivo Evaluation of Enhanced Burn Wound Healing without Scar Formation

Introduction

Researchers aim for new heights in wound healing to produce wound dressings with unique features. Natural, synthetic, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymers especially in the nanoscale are being employed to support and provide efficient wound management. Economical and environmentally friendly sustainable wound management alternatives are becoming an urgent issue to meet future needs. Nanofibrous mats possess unique properties for ideal wound healing. They mimic the physical structure of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), promote hemostasis, and gas permeation. Their interconnected nanoporosity prevents wound dehydration and microbial infiltration.

Purpose

To prepare and evaluate a novel verapamil HCl-loaded environmentally friendly composite, with biopolymer-based electrospun nanofibers suitable for application as wound dressings providing adequate wound healing with no scar formation.

Methods

Composite nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning of a blend of the natural biocompatible polymers, sodium alginate (SA) or zein (Z) together with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Composite nanofibers were characterized in terms of morphology, diameter, drug entrapment efficiency, and release. In vivo study of the therapeutic efficacy of verapamil HCl-loaded nanofibers on a Sprague Dawley rat model with dermal burn wound was investigated in terms of percent wound closure, and presence of scars.

Results

Combining PVA with SA or Z improved the electrospinnability and properties of the developed nanofibers. Verapamil HCl-loaded composite nanofibers showed good pharmaceutical attributes favorable for wound healing including, fiber diameter ∼150 nm, high entrapment efficiency (∼80-100%) and biphasic controlled drug release for 24 h. In vivo study demonstrated promising potentials for wound healing without scaring.

Conclusion

The developed nanofibrous mats combined the beneficial properties of the biopolymers and verapamil HCl to provide an increased functionality by exploiting the unique advantages of nanofibers in wound healing at a small dose proved to be insufficient in case of the conventional dosage form.

Pharmaceutical Prophylaxis of Scarring with Emphasis on Burns: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Significance: The worldwide estimate of burns requiring medical attention each year is 11 million. Each year in the United States, ∼486,000 burn injuries receive medical attention, including 40,000 hospitalizations. Scars resulting from burns can be disfiguring and impair functions. The development of prophylactic drugs for cutaneous scarring could improve the outcomes for burns, traumatic lacerations (>6 million/year treated in U.S. emergency rooms), and surgical incisions (∼250 million/year worldwide). Antiscar pharmaceuticals have been estimated to have a market of $12 billion. Recent Advances: Many small molecules, cells, proteins/polypeptides, and nucleic acids have mitigated scarring in animal studies and clinical trials, but none have received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval yet. Critical Issues: The development of antiscar pharmaceuticals involves the identification of the proper dose, frequency of application, and window of administration postwounding for the indicated wound. Risks of infection and impaired healing must be considered. Scar outcome needs to be evaluated after scars have matured. Future Directions: Once treatments have demonstrated safety and efficacy in rodent and/or rabbit and porcine wound models, human testing can begin, such as on artificially created wounds on healthy subjects and on bilateral-surgical wounds, comparing treatments versus vehicle controls on intrapatient-matched wounds, before testing on separate cohorts of patients. Given the progress made in the past 20 years, FDA-approved drugs for improving scar outcomes may be expected.

Verapamil-containing silicone gel reduces scar hypertrophy

A hypertrophic scar is a common dermal fibroproliferative lesion usually treated with topical silicone. Verapamil, a type of calcium channel blocker, is considered a candidate drug for the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Here, we report that the addition of verapamil to topical silicone gel enhances treatment outcomes of hypertrophic scars. Upon creation of hypertrophic scars with the rabbit ear model, varying concentrations of verapamil‐added silicone gel (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/g) were applied daily for 28 days. After the animals were euthanised, microscopic measurement was performed for (a) scar elevation index (SEI), (b) fibroblast count, and (c) capillary count. On gross analysis, features of hypertrophic scars were significantly alleviated in the verapamil‐added groups. On histologic examination, verapamil‐added groups showed (a) reduced SEI (1.93 (1.79‐2.67) for control vs 1.34 (1.21‐1.51) for silicone only and 1.13 (1.01‐1.65) for verapamil‐added silicone), (b) fibroblast count 700.5 (599.5‐838.5) for control, 613.25 (461‐762.5) for silicone only, and 347.33 (182.5‐527) for verapamil‐added silicone), and (c) capillary formation (52 (35.5‐96.5) for control, 46 (28‐64.5) for silicone only, and 39.83(24‐70) for verapamil‐added silicone) (Kruskal‐Wallis test, P < .05). On western blot, expression levels of collagen I protein was lower in the 1 mg/g and 10 mg/g verapamil‐added silicone compared with control. Therefore, we suggest a therapeutic concentration of verapamil‐added silicone gel of at least over 1 mg/g. Further study regarding maximally effective concentration and deeper insight into the mechanism of action should follow.

Use of calcium channel blockers in dermatology: a narrative review

Introduction: Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are commonly used for cardiovascular diseases. The evidence supporting the use of CCB in dermatology is mostly anecdotal and limited to case reports or small case series.Areas covered: This review article is divided into two parts. The first part discusses the therapeutic use of CCB in dermatology. The second part focuses on mucocutaneous adverse reactions due to the administration of CCB.Expert opinion: The use of CCB in dermatology is mainly based on its properties as a vasodilator and the inhibition of muscle contractions, such as pernio, anal fissures, facial wrinkles, and painful leiomyoma. However, there remain other modes of action to explain its clinical use in calcinosis, keloid, pressure ulcer, and fibromatosis. Compared to oral CCB, the lack of systemic side effects would make topical use of CCB an attractive alternative in the treatment of skin diseases, but the evidence for topical CCB is still limited, and there is a lack of standardized topical formulation. The main mucocutaneous adverse effects of CCB include gingival hyperplasia, phototoxicity, eczema, psoriasis and risk of skin cancers. Plausible factors for these adverse events include CCB's photoinstability, aldosterone synthesis inhibition, disturbed calcium homeostasis and immunosuppressive properties.

Impact of topical nifedipine on wound healing in animal model (pig)

Background

The human skin is an extremely sophisticated and evolved organ that covers the whole body. External agents or the patient’s own diseases can cause skin injuries that can challenge healthcare professionals and impose high social, economic and emotional costs.

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of topical nifedipine on skin wound healing, specifically on polymorphonuclear cells, vascular proliferation, and collagen.

Methods

We used three pigs, and created eight injuries in the dorsal region of each animal. We applied 1%, 10%, and 20% concentration nifedipine creams to four of the wounds in animals 1, 2, and 3 respectively and treated the other twelve wounds with saline solution 0.9% only. We analyzed the presence of polymorphonuclear cells, vascular proliferation, and collagen at six different times (days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28).

Results

The evaluation of polymorphonuclear levels showed mild cell activity at all times in the control group, while in the nifedipine groups, marked levels were more frequent at all times during the experiment. There was a 4.84-fold increase in the chance of marked vascular proliferation (p = 0.019) and, at the same time, a decrease in collagen formation (OR 0.02 / p = 0.005) in animal 3.

Conclusions

Topical NFD may have an impact on skin wound healing mechanisms. Our study showed that polymorphonuclear cells and vascular proliferation increased. We also demonstrated that collagen formation decreased. Therefore, topical NFD may have a positive impact on skin wound healing. Additional studies are needed to confirm our results.

Efficacy and safety of verapamil vs triamcinolone acetonide for keloids and hypertrophic scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars remains a challenge. Although triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) is one of the most common and effective treatments for keloids and hypertrophic scars, TAC is not effective in some patients, and some may even experience adverse outcomes. Verapamil might be considered a safe alternative to TAC. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of verapamil and TAC for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars. Three databases (Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL database) were electronically searched from 1997 to December 2019. Article selection was limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs). Two authors independently assessed the selection of studies, risk of bias, and extracted the data. Mean differences (MDs) were computed for continuous variables, risk ratios (RRs) were computed for dichotomous variables, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for both assessments. Five RCTs were included, comprising a total of 215 patients (273 scars). Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) parameters (such as height, vascularity, pliability, and pigmentation) were reported as the outcome measures and provided detailed values in four studies. No significant differences were observed between verapamil and TAC in the reduction of height (MD 0.57, 95% CI -0.94 to 2.08, P = .46), vascularity (MD 0.30, 95% CI -0.42 to 1.02, P = .41), pliability (MD 0.67, 95% CI -1.12 to 2.47, P = .46), and degree of pigmentation (MD 0.14, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.69, P = .61). Adverse outcomes were reported in four studies. The results showed that the incidence of telangiectasia and skin atrophy that used verapamil was significantly lower than that for TAC. Concerning the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars, even though verapamil was safer than TAC, TAC worked faster than verapamil. Furthermore, we did not find any clear evidence that verapamil was more or less effective than TAC. Considering the high degree of safety of verapamil, we suggest that verapamil might be used as an alternative treatment when TAC results in adverse outcomes.

Keloids: Current and emerging therapies

Keloids are pathological scars that grow over time and extend beyond the initial site of injury after impaired wound healing. These scars frequently recur and rarely regress. They are aesthetically disfiguring, can cause pain, itching, discomfort as well as psychological stress, often affecting quality of life. Many treatment modalities, including surgical and non-surgical, have been explored and have been reported to be beneficial; however, none have been absolutely satisfactory or optimal for the treatment of all keloid subtypes to date. This poses a major challenge to clinicians. Often, a combinational therapeutic approach appears to offer the best results with higher patient satisfaction compared to monotherapy. The aetiopathogenesis of keloids is not fully elucidated; however, with recent advances in molecular biology and genetics, insight is being gained on the complex process of scar formation and hence new therapeutic and management options for keloids. In this paper, we explore the literature and summarise the general concepts surrounding keloid development and review both current (corticosteroids, surgical excision, silicone-based products, pressure therapy, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil) and emerging (stem cell therapy, mitomycin C, verapamil, interferons, bleomycin, botulinum toxin type A and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) treatments. Increased knowledge and understanding in this area may potentially lead to the discovery and development of novel therapeutic options that are more efficacious for all keloid types.

LAY SUMMARY

Keloids are problematic scars that are difficult to treat and manage. The aetiopathogenesis of keloids is not clear; however, recent advances in molecular biology and genetics are beginning to shed light on the underlying mechanisms implicated in keloid scar formation which will hopefully lead to the development of treatment options for all keloid types. This review summarises current and emerging therapies.

Increased calcium channel in the lamina propria of aging rat

The alterations of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in lamina propria of the vocal folds are important changes that are associated with decreased vibrations and increased stiffness in aging vocal fold. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in gene expression of lamina propria using next generation sequencing (NGS) in young and aging rats and to identify genes that affect aging-related ECM changes for developing novel therapeutic target molecule. Among the 40 genes suggested in the NGS analysis, voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) subunit alpha1 S (CACNA1S), VGCC auxiliary subunit beta 1 (CACNB1), and VGCC auxiliary subunit gamma 1 (CACNG1) were increased in the lamina propria of the old rats compared to the young rats. The synthesis of collagen I and III in hVFFs decreased after si-CACNA1S and verapamil treatment. The expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and -8 were increased in hVFFs after the treatment of verapamil. However, there was no change in the expression of MMP-2 and -9. These results suggest that some calcium channels may be related with the alteration of aging-related ECM in vocal folds. Calcium channel has promising potential as a novel therapeutic target for the remodeling ECM of aging lamina propria.

Comparison of Fractional CO2 Laser, Verapamil, and Triamcinolone for the Treatment of Keloid

Objective: Scar biology is a territory less understood. The search for ideal treatment of keloid continues. The aim of this study was to compare the role of CO₂ laser, triamcinolone (TAC), and verapamil in the treatment of keloid. Approach: A randomized parallel-group study was conducted in which 60 patients were randomly allocated to three groups from May 2017 to April 2018. First group received fractional CO₂ laser therapy, second group received triamcinolone, and third group received intralesional verapamil. Outcomes were evaluated using Vancouver scar scale score at 3 weekly intervals for 6 months. Results: There was a reduction in scar height, vascularity, and pliability in all the three groups. However, pigmentation was not completely resolved by any of the three modalities. The response was fastest in case of triamcinolone followed by verapamil and laser, which was statistically significant. There was reduction in pain and pruritus in all the three groups and lesser injection site pain with verapamil. There was some amount of charring with CO₂ laser. Innovation: Our study provides evidence that TAC has the fastest response in treating keloids when compared to other modalities. Scar pigmentation is the parameter that is not completely resolved by TAC, verapamil, or CO₂ laser. Conclusion: The study revealed that fractional CO₂ laser and verapamil are as efficient as triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) for treating keloids, except it takes longer for laser and verapamil to act compared to TAC. Verapamil can be used as an alternative treatment modality that is cost-effective with minimal adverse effects.

Effects and safety of triamcinolone acetonide-controlled common therapy in keloid treatment: a Bayesian network meta-analysis

Background

Triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) is used frequently in the treatment of keloid scars, but has presented controversial results. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of TAC compared with other common therapies used in keloid treatment.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases were searched until January 2018. Key data were extracted from eligible randomized controlled trials. Both pairwise and network meta-analyses were conducted for synthesizing data from eligible studies.

Results

Ten randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. The relative risk of keloids associated with seven adjuvants was analyzed, including placebo, pulsed dye laser (PDL), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), silicone, verapamil, TAC+5-FU and TAC+5-FU+PDL. Patients treated with the following adjuvants appeared to not have significantly reduced risk of keloid in relation to those treated with TAC: placebo (OR=1.86, 95% CI 1.12–2.61), PDL (OR=1.32, 95% CI 0.53–3.30), 5-FU (OR=1.13, 95% CI 0.48–2.68), silicone (OR=1.28, 95% CI 0.59–2.78), verapamil (OR=1.86, 95% CI 0.67–5.14), TAC+5-FU (OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.38–1.58) and TAC+5-FU+PDL (OR=0.80, 95% CI 0.16–4.03). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve values for each adjuvant were as follows: TAC, 59.9%; placebo, 17.4%; PDL, 46.3%; 5-FU, 48.9%; silicone, 56.2%; verapamil, 84.7%; TAC+5-FU, 68.5% and TAC+5-FU+PDL, 18.1%.

Conclusion

There were no differences between the efficacy of TAC and other common therapies in keloid treatment. TAC also acts as an effective alternative modality in the prevention and treatment of keloids. Incorporating adjuvants particularly verapamil appeared to be significantly associated with a decreased risk of keloids.

Comparative effect and safety of verapamil in keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are the most common types of pathological scarring. Traditionally, keloids have been considered as a result of aberrant wound healing, involving excessive fibroblast participation that is characterized by hyalinized collagen bundles. However, the usefulness of this characterization has been questioned. In recent years, studies have reported the appropriate use of verapamil for keloids and hypertrophic scars.

METHODS

Searches were conducted on the databases Medline, Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from 2006 to July 2016. State12.0 was used for literature review, data extraction, and meta-analysis. Treatment groups were divided into verapamil and nonverapamil group. Nonverapamil group includes steroids and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Total effective rates include cure rate and effective rate. Cure: skin lesions were completely flattened, became soft and symptoms disappeared. Efficacy: skin lesions subsided, patient significantly reduced symptoms. Inefficient definition of skin was progression free or became worse. Random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Six studies that included 331 patients with keloids and hypertrophic scars were analyzed. Analysis of the total effective rate of skin healing was performed. The total effective rates in the two groups were 54.07% (verapamil) and 53.18% (nonverapamil), respectively. The meta-analysis showed that there was no difference between the two groups. We also compared the adverse reactions between the verapamil treatment group and the steroids treatment group in two studies, and the result indicated that the verapamil group showed less adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION

There were no differences between the application of verapamil and nonverapamil group in keloids and hypertrophic scars treatment. Verapamil could act as an effective alternative modality in the prevention and treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars. A larger number of studies are required to confirm our conclusion.

Topical Application of a Silicone Gel Sheet with Verapamil Microparticles in a Rabbit Model of Hypertrophic Scar

BACKGROUND

The authors developed a novel treatment based on the topical application of a silicone gel sheet containing verapamil microparticles. The ability of these silicone gel sheets to inhibit hypertrophic scar in a rabbit ear wound model was examined.

METHODS

Ten New Zealand White rabbits with a total of 80 wounds in both ears were used in this study. The rabbits were divided into five groups (control; silicone gel sheet; and silicone gel sheet plus 0.25, 2.5, and 25 mg of verapamil per gram). Histopathologic findings were quantified.

RESULTS

The mean scar elevation index, fibroblast counts, and capillary counts differed significantly among the five groups (p < 0.05). The median scar elevation index was significantly lower in the silicone gel sheet plus 2.5 mg of verapamil per gram group than in the silicone gel sheet group (1.2 versus 2.2). The median number of fibroblasts was significantly lower in the silicone gel sheet plus 0.25 mg of verapamil per gram group than in the silicone gel sheet group (172.5 versus 243). In the median number of capillary lumina, there was no significant difference between the silicone gel sheet group and the silicone gel sheet plus 0.25, 2.5, and 25 mg of verapamil per gram groups (28.5, 18, 20, and 18, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Topical application of a silicone gel sheet with verapamil microparticles may be a novel, effective treatment method for hypertrophic scar, but its safety and efficacy in humans must be tested in clinical trials.

Role of verapamil in preventing and treating hypertrophic scars and keloids

Keloid and hypertrophic scars are difficult to manage and remain a therapeutic challenge. Verapamil has shown a great potential in the management of keloid and hypertrophic scars. Comparing with conventional corticosteroid injections, verapamil could improve the appearance of keloid and hypertrophic scars, and is associated with a lower incidence of adverse effects. Is verapamil an effective alternative modality in the prevention and treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars? The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of verapamil in preventing and treating keloid and hypertrophic scars. Searches were conducted in Medline, EMbase and Cochrane databases from 1974 to January 2015. The selection of articles was limited to human subjects. Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or cluster-randomised trials or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing the efficacy of verapamil with conventional treatments were identified. The results showed that verapamil could improve keloid and hypertrophic scars, and was not significantly different from conventional corticosteroid injections. Few adverse effects were observed. However, this result should be considered carefully, as most of the included studies have a high risk of bias because of issues with randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, incomplete outcomes and selective reporting. In conclusion, verapamil could act as an effective alternative modality in the prevention and treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars. More high-quality, multiple-centre, large-sample (RCTs) are required to define the role of verapamil in preventing and treating keloid and hypertrophic scars.