Immune profile of hyaluronic acid hydrogel polyethylene glycol crosslinked: An in vitro evaluation in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Efficacy and Safety of Neauvia Intense in Correcting Moderate-to-Severe Nasolabial Folds: A Post-Market, Prospective, Open-Label, Single-Centre Study

Purpose

 This prospective, single-center study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of NEAUVIA Intense, a PEG cross-linked polymeric hydrogel, in correcting moderate-to-severe nasolabial folds (NLF) in a routine clinical setting. The study investigates the aesthetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and adverse events associated with the injectable filler.

Patients and Methods

Seventy patients were initially enrolled, with 60 meeting study parameters. The post-market study involved a single session treatment, employing NEAUVIA Intense on each side of the NLF. Assessments utilized the Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale (MFWS), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and Visual Analogical Scale (VAS).

Results

 The study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in tissue depression immediately post-injection (p < 0.001), with sustained effects up to 6 months. MFWS assessments revealed that responder patients were 96.6% immediately after treatment, 76.6% one month, 48.3% after 3 months, and 28.3% at 6 months (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant change in the frequency distribution of MFWS scores post-treatment (p < 0.001), with the majority of patients experiencing improvement in tissue depression. Maximum improvement was observed at 30- and 90-days post-treatment based on GAIS assessments. Patient and physician satisfaction, measured by VAS, remained stable over time, with fluctuations at 4 and 24 weeks after treatment (p < 0.001, Anova; p < 0.05, Wilcoxon). Throughout the entire follow-up duration of the patients enrolled in the study, no adverse effects related to the use of the product were observed.

Conclusion

 NEAUVIA Intense proved to be an effective solution for correcting NLF, providing significant and lasting improvements in tissue depression and aesthetic outcomes. The study underscores the necessity for continuous assessment in aesthetic medicine to align outcomes with evolving patient expectations and optimize long-term results. The findings contribute to the understanding of this specific hydrogel filler and highlight the broader context of injectable fillers in comprehensive facial aesthetic strategies.

Reduction of IL-6, IL-8 and β2-ADRENOCEPTOR mRNA levels in circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes after adenotonsillectomy in children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) affects approximately 1-5% of children and is linked to cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurobehavioral complications. Dysregulation of inflammatory process and sympathetic nervous system overstimulation leading to increased catecholamine production may contribute to OSAS pathogenesis. Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils (PMN), key cells in the inflammatory process, express adrenergic receptors, including β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), which modulate their functions through an autocrine/paracrine loop. In this pilot study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between OSAS severity, ADRB2 expression in PMN and patient's inflammatory profile before and after adenotonsillectomy.

PATIENTS/METHODS

In this pilot study we enrolled OSAS pediatric patients in which ADRB2, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression levels were evaluated in circulating PMN by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

9 OSAS pediatric patients, ranged from 3 to 8 years of age, were enrolled in the study. We found that adenotonsillectomy significantly reduced ADRB2 as well as IL-6, IL-8 mRNA expression levels in PMN.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings offer valuable insights into the underlying immune and inflammatory mechanisms of OSAS and open the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Efficacy of Pegylated Hyaluronic Acid Filler Enriched with Calcium Hydroxyapatite: A 24-Week Post-Market, Observational, Prospective, Open-Label, Single-Center Study

Recently, thanks to the greater discovery of the mechanisms of facial aging, an alternative to invasive plastic surgery has found space with less invasive aesthetic procedures, also based on an increasingly pressing request. We are specifically referring to dermal filler injection into or under the skin which leads to immediate rejuvenation and aesthetic improvements. In this study, we wanted to analyze the results obtained through the use of NEAUVIA Organic Stimulate, particularly with regard to its effectiveness, which is a cross-linked polymeric hydrogel, containing stabilized sodium hyaluronate 26 mg/mL and calcium hydroxyapatite (1%), glycine and L-proline in buffer pyrogen-free water, in its main indication, namely, the temporary correction of congenital and acquired deficiencies of the soft tissues of the face by intradermal injection. Initially, 70 patients were enrolled, but 10 did not complete the study due to non-observance of the investigation rules, so they were excluded from the protocol. The collected data demonstrate an efficient mechanical effect of the pegylated polymeric acid matrix enriched with low concertation of calcium hydroxyapatite and in accordance with other evidence in vitro and in vivo, and the mechanical support of the interstitial connective space improves the homestays of the anatomical layer rebalancing the physiological activity of the dermis cells.

Evaluation of the Safety of Neauvia Stimulate Injectable Product in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases Based on Histopathological Examinations and Retrospective Analysis of Medical Records

The aim of this study was to test the effect of hyaluronic acid cross-linked with polyethylene glycol containing micronized portions of calcium hydroxyapatite (Neauvia Stimulate) on both local tissue and systemic consequences, which are crucial from the perspective of long-term safety, in patients suffering from Hashimoto's disease. This most common autoimmune disease is a frequently mentioned contraindication to the use of fillers based on hyaluronic acid as well as biostimulants based on calcium hydroxyapatite. Broad-spectrum aspects of histopathology were analyzed to identify key features of inflammatory infiltration before the procedure and 5, 21, and 150 days after the procedure. A statistically significant effect on the reduction of the intensity of the inflammatory infiltration in the tissue in relation to the state before the procedure was demonstrated, combined with a reduction in the occurrence of both antigen-recognizing (CD4) and cytotoxic (CD8) T lymphocytes. With complete statistical certainty, it was demonstrated that the treatment with Neauvia Stimulate had no effect on the levels of these antibodies. All this corresponds with the risk analysis that showed no alarming symptoms during the time of observation. The choice of hyaluronic acid fillers cross-linked with polyethylene glycol should be considered justified and safe in the case of patients suffering from Hashimoto's disease.

Simple Technique for Microscopic Evaluation of Active Cellular Invasion into 3D Hydrogel Constructs

Materials that are evaluated for bioengineering purposes are carefully tested to evaluate cellular interactions with respect to biocompatibility and in some cases cell differentiation. A key perspective that is often considered is the ability for decellularized synthetic or natural based matrices to facilitate cell migration or tissue ingrowth. Current methods of measuring cell migration range from simple scratch assays to Boyden chamber inserts and fluorescent imaging of seeded spheroids. Many of these methods require tissue processing for histological analysis and fixing and staining for imaging, which can be difficult and dependent on the stability of the hydrogel subject. Herein we present a simple platform that can be manufactured using 3D printing and easily applied to in vitro cell culture, allowing the researcher to image live cellular migration into a cellular materials. We found this to be an adaptable, cheap, and replicable technique to evaluate cellular interaction that has applications in the research and development of hydrogels for tissue engineering purposes.

The protective effect of manganese superoxide dismutase from thermophilic bacterium HB27 on hydrochloric acid-induced chemical cystitis in rats

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) from thermophilic bacterium HB27 (name as Tt-SOD) on chemical cystitis.

Methods

Control and experimental rats were infused by intravesical saline or hydrochloric acid (HCl) on the first day of the experiments. Saline, sodium hyaluronate (SH) or Tt-SOD were infused intravesically once a day for three consequent days. On the fifth day, the rats were weighted and sacrificed following a pain threshold test. The bladder was harvested for histological and biochemical analyses.

Results

Tt-SOD could reduce the bladder index, infiltration of inflammatory cells in tissues, serum inflammatory factors and SOD levels, mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in tissues, and increase perineal mechanical pain threshold and serum MDA and ROS levels in HCl-induced chemical cystitis. Furthermore, Tt-SOD alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress by the negative regulation of the NF-κB p65 and p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Intravesical instillation of Tt-SOD provides protective effects against HCl-induced cystitis.

Non-Surgical Touch-Up with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Following Facial Reconstructive Surgery

The use of hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable fillers has become increasingly widespread in facial recontouring and rejuvenation. We report our experiences to emphasize the role of HA fillers as tools beyond aesthetic treatments in cases of post-surgical facial sequelae. HA fillers are generally used for aesthetic rejuvenation, but one potential new horizon could be their application in trauma, reconstructive, and craniofacial surgery. This study was conducted retrospectively, evaluating medical reports of patients treated at the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, for lip incompetence, trauma, oncological, reconstructive, and craniosynostosis surgery sequelae. Visual analog scale (VAS) evaluation was performed to assess patient satisfaction. No major complications (i.e., impending necrosis or visual loss) were reported. Bruising and swelling was reported for 48 h after lip injection. At the immediate VAS evaluation, 67% of the patients were “extremely satisfied” and 33% “satisfied”. In those 33%, VAS scores changed to “extremely satisfied” at 6–9 weeks and 3–6 months of VAS evaluation (contextually to improvement in tissue flexibility, elasticity, and aesthetic appearance). Results indicate that this minimally invasive approach achieves a high level of aesthetic enhancement, improving patient satisfaction. The concept of HA filler applications could be a frontier that may be applicable to other areas of reconstructive facial plastic surgery.

ASIA syndrome symptoms induced by gluteal biopolymer injections: Case-series and narrative review

Background

The number of plastic surgery procedures have been rising in the last few years. The morbi-mortality due to illegal use of biopolymers is a public health problem. One of the clinical consequences, foreign body modelling reaction, may be a precursor of ASIA (Autoimmune/Inflammatory disease induced by adjuvants) syndrome.The objective of this article is to present a case-series study of patients who developed ASIA syndrome following gluteal injection with biopolymers and emphasize the importance of toxic exposure in triggering autoimmune responses. A surgical technique used on some of the patients in the study is described.

Methods

A group of thirteen patients, diagnosed with foreign body modelling reaction, who developed ASIA syndrome confirmed by approved criteria was followed between May 2016 and May 2018. The "Butterfly Wings Technique," a new surgical procedure for patients who have medium to severe compromise, was used on five of them.A narrative literature review was done to look for subjects with ASIA syndrome and gluteal biopolymer infiltration.

Results

All the patients in the present case-series with foreign body modelling reaction developed ASIA syndrome. Some of them had a background of familial autoimmunity. Five of the patients were surgically treated and saw a clinical improvement after the extraction of the biopolymer with the proposed technique.The narrative literature review identified 7 articles related to the disease through the database search.

Conclusions

We suggest that foreign body modelling reaction should be considered a precursor to ASIA syndrome. New research projects will be needed in the future to evaluate the factors that determine when ASIA syndrome is triggered in a patient with this reaction.