Are TRPA1 and TRPV1 channel-mediated signalling cascades involved in UVB radiation-induced sunburn?

Burn injuries are underappreciated injuries associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation has dramatic clinical effects in humans and is a significant public health concern. Although the mechanisms underlying UVB exposure are not fully understood, many studies have made substantial progress in the pathophysiology of sunburn in terms of its molecular aspects in the last few years. It is well established that the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), and vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels modulate the inflammatory, oxidative, and proliferative processes underlying UVB radiation exposure. However, it is still unknown which mechanisms underlying TRPV1/A1 channel activation are elicited in sunburn induced by UVB radiation. Therefore, in this review, we give an overview of the TRPV1/A1 channel-mediated signalling cascades that may be involved in the pathophysiology of sunburn induced by UVB radiation. These data will undoubtedly help to explain the various features of sunburn and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to better treat it.

Efficacy of Topical Antimicrobial Agents Against Bacterial Isolates From Burn Wounds

Topically applied antimicrobials are key to the prevention of infection and mortality in the acute burn population. The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro effectiveness of commercially available topical antimicrobials, as well as topical preparations that were compounded in our burn care institution. One-hundred twenty microorganisms were tested against these topical antimicrobials and in vitro effectiveness was observed. Results showed that compounded preparations of 1:1:1 + Double Antibiotic (1 part bacitracin: 1 part silver sulfadiazine: 100,000 units/g nystatin + 5 mg/g neomycin sulfate + 500 units/g polymyxin B) and 3:1 + Double Antibiotic (3 part bacitracin: 1 part silver sulfadiazine + 5mg/g neomycin sulfate + 500 units/g polymyxin B) were effective against 100% of the isolates tested. Other topical agents showed moderate effectiveness, thus demonstrating the need for multiple topical agents to reach a broad spectrum of microorganisms. However, the development of topical antimicrobial resistance needs further study.

A Review of the Most Impactful Published Pharmacotherapy-Pertinent Literature of 2017 and 2018 for Clinicians Caring for Patients with Burn or Inhalation Injuries

Staying current and evaluating literature related to pharmacotherapy in burn or inhalation injury can be difficult as burn care teams are multidisciplinary and pertinent content can be spread across a plethora of journals. The goal of this review is to critically evaluate recently published pharmacotherapy-pertinent literature, assist practitioners staying current, and better identify potential future research targets. Twelve board-certified clinical pharmacists with experience caring for patients with burn and inhalation injuries reviewed and graded scientific literature published in 2017 and 2018. An MeSH-based search revealed 1158 articles related to burns, which were published during the 2-year period. One-hundred fifty one were determined to be potentially related to pharmacotherapy. After exclusions, only 82 (7%) remained for scoring, and the top 10 comprehensively presented. More than half of the reviewed manuscripts were assessed as lacking a significant impact on pharmacotherapy. There is a need for higher impact literature to support pharmacotherapy-pertinent treatment of such complex patients.