Acitretin-Conjugated Dextran Nanoparticles Ameliorate Psoriasis-like Skin Disease at Low Dosages

Biodegradable Biopolymeric Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications-Challenges and Future Outlook

Biopolymers are polymers obtained from either renewable or non-renewable sources and are the most suitable candidate for tailor-made nanoparticles owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and immunogenicity. Biopolymeric nanoparticles (BPn) can be classified as natural (polysaccharide and protein based) and synthetic on the basis of their origin. They have been gaining wide interest in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, imaging and cancer therapy. BPn can be synthesized by various fabrication strategies such as emulsification, ionic gelation, nanoprecipitation, electrospray drying and so on. The main aim of the review is to understand the use of nanoparticles obtained from biodegradable biopolymers for various biomedical applications. There are very few reviews highlighting biopolymeric nanoparticles employed for medical applications; this review is an attempt to explore the possibilities of using these materials for various biomedical applications. This review highlights protein based (albumin, gelatin, collagen, silk fibroin); polysaccharide based (chitosan, starch, alginate, dextran) and synthetic (Poly lactic acid, Poly vinyl alcohol, Poly caprolactone) BPn that has recently been used in many applications. The fabrication strategies of different BPn are also being highlighted. The future perspective and the challenges faced in employing biopolymeric nanoparticles are also reviewed.

Cannabinoid Compounds as a Pharmacotherapeutic Option for the Treatment of Non-Cancer Skin Diseases

The endocannabinoid system has been shown to be involved in various skin functions, such as melanogenesis and the maintenance of redox balance in skin cells exposed to UV radiation, as well as barrier functions, sebaceous gland activity, wound healing and the skin's immune response. In addition to the potential use of cannabinoids in the treatment and prevention of skin cancer, cannabinoid compounds and derivatives are of interest as potential systemic and topical applications for the treatment of various inflammatory, fibrotic and pruritic skin conditions. In this context, cannabinoid compounds have been successfully tested as a therapeutic option for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, atopic and seborrhoeic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, asteatotic and atopic eczema, uraemic pruritis, scalp psoriasis, systemic sclerosis and venous leg ulcers. This review provides an insight into the current literature on cannabinoid compounds as potential medicines for the treatment of skin diseases.

ALA-PDT combined with oral acitretin in the treatment of refractory condyloma acuminatum in anal canal

BACKGROUND

Condyloma acuminatum (CA) of the anal canal is difficult to treat and subject to relapse.. We investigated the effects of aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) combined with oral acitretin during therapy of refractory CA in the anal canal. We also conducted a clinical retrospective study for the treatment of intra-anal CA.

METHODS

A total of 101 patients diagnosed with intra-anal CA were enrolled. All patients underwent liquid nitrogen cryotherapy as a basic treatment until visible wart clearance. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the treatment modality after cryotherapy. ALA-PDT group with 51 patients was given ALA-PDT treatment, and ALA-PDT plus acitretin group with 50 patients was given ALA-PDT treatment combined with oral acitretin. The cure rate, recurrence rate, and adverse reactions of the two groups were analyzed and recorded.

RESULTS

The cure rate in the ALA-PDT plus acitretin group was 94% (47/50), which was significantly higher than 80.4% (41/51) in ALA-PDT group. The recurrence rate in the ALA-PDT plus acitretin group was 6% (3/50), which was lower than 19.6% (10/51) in ALA-PDT group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

ALA-PDT combined with oral acitretin is effective and safe in the treatment of refractory CA in anal canal, and with further study may become an option for these patients.