Effect of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor gel on repair of rosacea skin lesions: A randomized, single-blind and vehicle-controlled study

Development of an animal model for rosacea‑like skin lesions caused by Demodex

To develop an animal model of rosacea-like skin lesions caused by Demodex mites, a suspension of Demodex mites was injected into the skin of Japanese rabbits. The pathology of the skin lesion was assessed using H&E staining after 4 weeks of modeling. The skin lesions observed after 4 weeks were further treated with the recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF) gel. Untreated lesions in the same rabbit were considered as the blank control. Erythema papules were observed in the model rabbit skin and could be observed most clearly in the 2nd week. Lumpy foreign bodies, telangiectasia and granuloma-like structure were observed in the model rabbit in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd weeks, respectively. An organized granuloma-like structure was observed in the 4th week. The color of the skin lesions became lighter than that of the self-control after 4 weeks of rbFGF treatment. In conclusion, the model of Demodex-induced rosacea-like skin lesions can be developed through intradermal injection of suspension of Demodex mites into Japanese rabbits. The model can mimic the phenotype of skin lesions and histopathological manifestations in the Demodex mite-positive patient with rosacea.

Acupoint Massage plus Recombinant Bovine Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Ophthalmic Gel and Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation on Visual Quality, Corneal Refraction, and Aesthetic Outcome in Patients with Pterygium

Objective

To investigate the clinical study of acupoint massage combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF) ophthalmic gel combined with limbal stem cell transplantation on visual quality, corneal refraction, and aesthetic outcome in patients with pterygium.

Methods

Sixty patients with pterygium treated in People's Hospital of Lujiang County from March 2018 to May 2021 were randomized into the control group and the research group by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The control group received rbFGF plus limbal stem cell transplantation. The research group was treated with acupoint massage additionally.

Results

The total clinical effective rate in the study group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05); after treatment, the modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff and Strehl ratio (SR) levels in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the tear film-related objective scatter index (TF-OSI) was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05); corneal horizontal curvature and corneal vertical curvature in the study group after treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group, and corneal astigmatism degree (CAD) levels were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05); the levels of the break-up time (BUT) and Schirmer test (SIT) in the study group were significantly higher after treatment, compared with the control group (P < 0.05); and the incidence of adverse manifestations in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Acupoint massage combined with rbFGF ophthalmic gel combined with limbal stem cell transplantation is effective in clinical treatment of pterygium.

Improved telangiectasia and reduced recurrence rate of rosacea after treatment with 540 nm-wavelength intense pulsed light: A prospective randomized controlled trial with a 2-year follow-up

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 540 nm-wavelength intense pulsed light (IPL) for the treatment of telangiectasia in late-stage rosacea. Between July 2013 and January 2016, patients with rosacea who tested positive for Demodex folliculorum were recruited. Patients received anti-mite therapy and were then randomly apportioned to receive either three 540 nm-IPL treatments at 4-week intervals (IPL group), or no treatment (control group). Telangiectasia was assessed by the same clinician at baseline and at follow-up intervals over 2 years, where ≥90% clearance of telangiectasia was considered to indicate effective treatment. The rates of effective treatment, improvement (≥30% clearance) and recurrence (original or neo-location) were compared in both groups. After 33 patients were lost during follow-up, the IPL and control groups were comprised of 107 and 120 patients for the final analysis, respectively. The rates of effective treatment and total efficacy in the IPL group (66.36 and 95.33%, respectively) were found to be significantly higher compared with those of the control group (0 and 30.83%, respectively). By contrast, the rates of recurrence were found to be lower in the IPL group (8.41%) compared with the control group (48.33%). Redness-to-blisters associated with IPL treatment (9.7% of analyzed patients) subsided within one week and hyperpigmentation (1.9%) within 3 months. To conclude, treatment with 540 nm-IPL improved facial telangiectasia in late-stage rosacea that remained after sequential anti-mite therapy and effectively reduced the recurrence of rosacea. The present study was registered into the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under the title ‘Sequential therapy for mites folliculitis’ (Trial registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-15006451; approved May 27, 2015).