Protective Potential of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. Roots against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Pulmonary Injury in Rats and Its In Vitro Antiviral Effect

Diseases and infections of the respiratory tract are common global causes of morbidity and mortality. Our study attempts to elucidate a novel remedy for respiratory ailments, in addition to identifying and quantifying the metabolites of Saussurea costus root extract (SCRE) using HPLC. Then, in vitro antiviral and in vivo lung protective effects were elucidated. The in vitro antiviral potential of SCRE was analyzed via plaque assay against the low pathogenic human coronavirus (HCoV-229E) and human influenza virus (H1N1). The value of the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of SCRE against HCoV-229E and H1N1 influenza virus were 23.21 ± 1.1 and 47.6 ± 2.3 µg/mL, respectively. SCRE showed a histological improvement, namely a decrease in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and caspase-3 immunoexpression in in vivo cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Moreover, there was a considerable decline in microRNA-let-7a gene expression and a significant rise in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression, with a marked decrease in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Molecular docking studies revealed that the major constituents of SCRE have a good affinity for caspase-3, HO-1, and iNOS proteins. In conclusion, a traditional plant SCRE could be a promising source of novel therapeutic agents for treating and protecting respiratory tract diseases. More future investigations should be carried out to reveal its efficacy clinically.

Fractional microneedling radiofrequency in striae alba: Do growth factors add value?

BACKGROUND

Various treatment modalities have been applied to treat striae alba (SA) with low satisfaction rate. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) provides deep dermal coagulation, thereby inducing collagen synthesis and tissue tightening. The addition of platelet-derived lyophilized growth factors may add to the effect of FMR.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of FMR alone or combined with lyophilized growth factors in the treatment of SA.

METHODS

In this left-right comparative study, 25 patients suffering from SA on the abdomen received four sessions of FMR with lyophilized growth factors on one side and with saline (as placebo) on the other side at 4 weeks interval. Photographic and biopsy documentation of the progress of the SA was carried out before the start of the treatment and 4 weeks after the last session. Calculation of the width of SA before treatment and after 4 sessions was done by Adobe Photoshop CS6.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in SA width after treatment in both the lyophilized growth factors (P = <.0001) and placebo sides (P = <.0001), the lyophilized growth factors being superior (P = .002). Patient satisfaction was more on the lyophilized growth factors (LGF) side (P = .034). Erythema and hyperpigmentation were less on the lyophilized growth factors side. Histopathologically, both showed improvement with no difference between LGF and placebo (epidermal thickness (P = .456), collagen content (P = .297), elastin content (P = .239)).

CONCLUSION

The combination of FMR and lyophilized growth factors improves SA outcome.