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Rempel L, Malik RN, Shackleton C, Calderón-Juárez M, Sachdeva R, Krassioukov AV. From Toxin to Treatment: A Narrative Review on the Use of Botulinum Toxin for Autonomic Dysfunction. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:96. [PMID: 38393175 PMCID: PMC10892370 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its regulatory approval over a half-century ago, botulinum toxin has evolved from one of the most potent neurotoxins known to becoming routinely adopted in clinical practice. Botulinum toxin, a highly potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, can cause botulism illness, characterized by widespread muscle weakness due to inhibition of acetylcholine transmission at neuromuscular junctions. The observation of botulinum toxin's anticholinergic properties led to the investigation of its potential benefits for conditions with an underlying etiology of cholinergic transmission, including autonomic nervous system dysfunction. These conditions range from disorders of the integument to gastrointestinal and urinary systems. Several formulations of botulinum toxin have been developed and tested over time, significantly increasing the availability of this treatment for appropriate clinical use. Despite the accelerated and expanded use of botulinum toxin, there lacks an updated comprehensive review on its therapeutic use, particularly to treat autonomic dysfunction. This narrative review provides an overview of the effect of botulinum toxin in the treatment of autonomic dysfunction and summarizes the different formulations and dosages most widely studied, while highlighting reported outcomes and the occurrence of any adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Rempel
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; (L.R.); (R.N.M.); (C.S.); (M.C.-J.); (R.S.)
| | - Raza N. Malik
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; (L.R.); (R.N.M.); (C.S.); (M.C.-J.); (R.S.)
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
| | - Claire Shackleton
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; (L.R.); (R.N.M.); (C.S.); (M.C.-J.); (R.S.)
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
| | - Martín Calderón-Juárez
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
| | - Rahul Sachdeva
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
| | - Andrei V. Krassioukov
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; (L.R.); (R.N.M.); (C.S.); (M.C.-J.); (R.S.)
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
- GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
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Prodan-Barbulescu C, Castiglione L, Burtic SR, Murariu M, Reddy S, Rosca O, Bratosin F, Melania Fizedean C, Krupyshev P, Enatescu I. Longitudinal Assessment of Facial Hyperhidrosis Management: Evaluating the Utility and Quality of Life Improvements following Botulinum Toxin Injection. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:59. [PMID: 38276535 PMCID: PMC10820190 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Facial hyperhidrosis is a debilitating condition that can severely impact the quality of life. This study aimed to assess the long-term utility of Botulinum toxin type A therapy (BTA) for facial hyperhidrosis and its impact on quality of life over a one-year period. Conducted at the Pius Brinzeu Clinical Emergency Hospital in Timisoara, Romania, this longitudinal observational study involved 77 adult patients with primary facial hyperhidrosis. Participants received two sessions of Botulinum toxin injections (50 U IncoBTX-A each) and were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), WHOQOL-BREF, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and a bespoke survey. The study demonstrated significant reductions in HDSS scores from 3.6 ± 0.5 to 1.2 ± 0.8 post-treatment, sustained at 1.3 ± 0.6 at 12 months (p-value < 0.001). DLQI scores markedly decreased from 24.8 ± 4.2 to 6.2 ± 2.1 post-treatment, stabilizing at 6.5 ± 2.5 at 12 months (p-value < 0.001). Sweat production significantly dropped from 0.75 g ± 0.15 to 0.18 g ± 0.07 per 15 min (p-value < 0.001). WHOQOL-BREF scores improved notably in the mental domain from 66.7 ± 6.1 to 70.8 ± 5.2 at 12 months (p-value < 0.001), with physical and social domains also showing significant improvements. Correlation analysis revealed strong negative correlations between DLQI total score and HDSS (rho = -0.72, p-value < 0.001) and sweat production (rho = -0.68, p-value < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated significant predictors for DLQI total score, including HDSS (B Coefficient = -3.8, p-value < 0.001) and sweat production (B Coefficient = -2.2, p-value < 0.001). BTA therapy significantly improved the quality of life in facial hyperhidrosis patients, with lasting effects on symptom severity, sweat production, and quality of life domains. The correlation and regression analyses further substantiated the treatment's impact on both physical and psychological aspects. These findings advocate Botulinum toxin as a viable long-term treatment for facial hyperhidrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalin Prodan-Barbulescu
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.P.-B.); (S.R.B.)
- IInd Surgery Clinic, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department I-Discipline of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Luca Castiglione
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.P.-B.); (S.R.B.)
- Department of General Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Sonia Roxana Burtic
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.P.-B.); (S.R.B.)
- Research Center for Medical Communication, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Murariu
- Department of General Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Shruta Reddy
- Department of General Medicine, SVS Medical College, Yenugonda, Mahbubnagar 509001, Telangana, India;
| | - Ovidiu Rosca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.R.); (F.B.)
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.R.); (F.B.)
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Camelia Melania Fizedean
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Pavel Krupyshev
- Faculty of General Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Bolshaya Pirogovskaya Ulitsa 2, 119435 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ileana Enatescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Discipline of Childcare and Neonatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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Botulinum Toxin Type A for Treatment of Forehead Hyperhidrosis: Multicenter Clinical Experience and Review from Literature. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060372. [PMID: 35737033 PMCID: PMC9231294 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the forms of idiopathic hyperhidrosis, those involving the forehead have the greatest impact on patients’ quality of life, as symptoms are not very controllable and are difficult to mask for patients. Although the local injection therapy with Incobotulinum toxin type A (IncoBTX-A therapy) can be considered a rational treatment, data from the literature describing both efficacy and safety of the treatment over the long term are poor. The aim of this report is to describe the single-center experience of five patients seeking treatment, for forehead hyperhidrosis with IncoBTX-A. To evaluate the benefits, safety profile and duration of anhidrosis, patients were treated following a standardized procedure and then followed until clinical relapse. The amount of sweating was measured by gravimetric testing, the extension of hyperhidrosis area was measured through Minor’s iodine starch test, and response to the treatment was evaluated using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). In all treated patients, a significant anhidrotic effect was observed 4 weeks after the treatment and lasted for approximately 36 weeks. The reduction in sweat production was associated with significant amelioration of symptoms and quality of life for all treated patients. No serious side effects occurred; one patient complained of a mild transient bilateral ptosis. Although further wider studies are required, our preliminary results seem to encourage the use of IncoBTX-A in forehead hyperhidrosis.
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Uhlig-Reche H, Verduzco-Gutierrez M. Treatment of Secondary Hyperhidrosis of the Intergluteal Cleft with Botulinum Toxin. PM R 2020; 13:100-102. [PMID: 32412168 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Uhlig-Reche
- McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez
- Long School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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5
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Totonchy MB. Onabotulinum Toxin A for Sacral and Intergluteal Cleft Hyperhidrosis. JAMA Dermatol 2020; 156:470-471. [PMID: 32074252 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2019.4757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariam B Totonchy
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Skin Surgery Center, Seattle, Washington
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Bar‐Ilan E, Koren A, Shehadeh W, Mashiah J, Sprecher E, Artzi O. An enhanced transcutaneous delivery of botulinum toxin for the treatment of Hailey–Hailey disease. Dermatol Ther 2019; 33:e13184. [DOI: 10.1111/dth.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Bar‐Ilan
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyTel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Tel‐Aviv Israel
| | - Amir Koren
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyTel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Tel‐Aviv Israel
| | - Wasim Shehadeh
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyTel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Tel‐Aviv Israel
| | - Jacob Mashiah
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyTel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Tel‐Aviv Israel
- Pediatric Dermatology UnitDana Children's Hospital, Tel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Tel‐Aviv Israel
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv University Tel‐Aviv Israel
| | - Eli Sprecher
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyTel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Tel‐Aviv Israel
- Pediatric Dermatology UnitDana Children's Hospital, Tel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Tel‐Aviv Israel
- Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv University Tel‐Aviv Israel
| | - Ofir Artzi
- Department of Dermatology and VenereologyTel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Tel‐Aviv Israel
- Pediatric Dermatology UnitDana Children's Hospital, Tel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Tel‐Aviv Israel
- Dr. Artzi and Associates – Treatment and Research Center Tel‐Aviv Israel
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Guida S, Farnetani F, Nisticò S, Giorgio Mariarosaria C, Babino G, Pellacani G, Fulgione E. New trends in botulinum toxin use in dermatology. Dermatol Pract Concept 2019. [DOI: 10.5826/10.5826/dpc.0804a05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent studies have highlighted new botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) applications in the field of dermatology. Objective: To review current knowledge of BoNT use in dermatology. Methods: The literature of the last 5 years has been reviewed. Results: We describe interesting protocols of BoNT treatment for hyperhidrosis (HH), hypertrophic scars and keloids, Raynaud phenomenon, facial flushing, oily skin, psoriasis, Hailey-Hailey disease, and cutaneous lesions like painful lesions and periorbital syringomas. Conclusions: Several skin conditions eligible for BoNT treatment have been described. After the wide application for HH treatment, scars as well as vascular and inflammatory skin disorders, oily skin and cutaneous lesions represent fields of application of BoNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Guida
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesca Farnetani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Steven Nisticò
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Graziella Babino
- Department of Dermatology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pellacani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fulgione
- Department of Dermatology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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8
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Cabreus P, Swartling C, Rystedt A. Postmenopausal craniofacial hyperhidrosis treated with botulinum toxin type B. J Dermatol 2019; 46:874-878. [PMID: 31373068 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Hyperhidrosis can seriously impair patients' quality of life. Medical history, including heredity and hyperhidrosis during youth, as well as current age and time elapsed since menopause, is important to consider when distinguishing between postmenopausal hyperhidrosis and vasomotor symptoms to enable adequate treatment. This report concerns a subgroup of eight postmenopausal patients participating in a randomized controlled trial regarding botulinum toxin (Btx) type B treatment in craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Even though the sample size is small and the enrolment is not yet completed, the promising data collected hitherto are interesting to present in advance because this subtype of craniofacial hyperhidrosis is often underrecognized and challenging to treat. Patients were randomized to receive Btx type B or placebo. Measurements were performed before treatment and 3 ± 1 weeks after. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score was improved for all patients after Btx type B treatment (n = 3) with a median decrease of 9 points (90% median improvement). The placebo group (n = 5) had a median increase of 2 points (-18% median decline). When the same group (n = 5) received Btx type B (open) the DLQI score decreased with a median of 7 points compared with baseline (91% median improvement). Treatment-related adverse events were temporary and did not prevent improvement of life quality. Furthermore, background data evaluation uncovered interesting findings regarding vasomotor symptoms in relation to postmenopausal hyperhidrosis. In conclusion, the results indicated that Btx type B seems to be a safe and effective treatment in postmenopausal craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Further research is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carl Swartling
- Hidrosis Clinic, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology and Venereology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Guida S, Farnetani F, Nisticò SP, Mariarosaria CG, Babino G, Pellacani G, Fulgione E. New trends in botulinum toxin use in dermatology. Dermatol Pract Concept 2018; 8:277-282. [PMID: 30479855 PMCID: PMC6246063 DOI: 10.5826/dpc.0804a05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have highlighted new botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) applications in the field of dermatology. Objective To review current knowledge of BoNT use in dermatology. Methods The literature of the last 5 five years has been reviewed. Results We describe interesting protocols of BoNT treatment for hyperhidrosis (HH), hypertrophic scars and keloids, Raynaud phenomenon, facial flushing, oily skin, psoriasis, Hailey-Hailey disease, and cutaneous lesions like painful lesions and periorbital syringomas. Conclusions Several skin conditions eligible for BoNT treatment have been described. After the wide application for HH treatment, scars as well as vascular and inflammatory skin disorders, oily skin and cutaneous lesions represent fields of application of BoNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Guida
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesca Farnetani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Steven P Nisticò
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Graziella Babino
- Department of Dermatology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pellacani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fulgione
- Department of Dermatology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Giordano CN, Matarasso SL, Ozog DM. Injectable and topical neurotoxins in dermatology: Indications, adverse events, and controversies. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017; 76:1027-1042. [PMID: 28522039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The use of neuromodulators for therapeutic and cosmetic indications has proven to be remarkably safe. While aesthetic and functional adverse events are uncommon, each anatomic region has its own set of risks of which the physician and patient must be aware before treatment. The therapeutic usages of botulinum toxins now include multiple specialties and multiple indications. New aesthetic indications have also developed, and there has been an increased utilization of combination therapies to combat the effects of global aging. In the second article in this continuing medical education series, we review the prevention and treatment of adverse events, therapeutic and novel aesthetic indications, controversies, and a brief overview of combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seth L Matarasso
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - David M Ozog
- Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.
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Kostrzewa RM, Kostrzewa RA, Kostrzewa JP. Botulinum neurotoxin: Progress in negating its neurotoxicity; and in extending its therapeutic utility via molecular engineering. MiniReview. Peptides 2015; 72:80-7. [PMID: 26192475 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While the poisonous effects of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) have been recognized since antiquity, the overall actions and mechanisms of effects of BoNT have been elucidated primarily over the past several decades. The general utility of BoNT is described in the paper, but the focus is mainly on the approaches towards negating the toxic effects of BoNT, and on the projection of an engineered BoNT molecule serving as a Trojan Horse to deliver a therapeutic load for treatment of a host of medical disorders. The BoNT molecule is configured with a binding domain, a zinc-dependent protease with specificity primarily for vesicular proteins, and a translocation domain for delivery of the metalloprotease into the cytoplasm. The anti-toxin approaches for BoNT include the use of vaccines, antibodies, block of BoNT binding or translocation, inhibition of metalloprotease activity, impeded translocation of the protease/catalytic domain, and inhibition of the downstream Src signaling pathway. Projections of BoNT as a therapeutic include its targeting to non-cholinergic nerves, also targeting to non-neuronal cells for treatment of hypersecretory disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis), and treatment of hormonal disorders (e.g., acromegaly). Still in the exploratory phase, there is the expectation of major advances in BoNT neuroprotective strategies and burgeoning utility of engineered BoNTs as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Kostrzewa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 70577, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
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