Efficacy of two plant extracts against acne vulgaris: Initial results of microbiological tests and cell culture studies

Summary

Background

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease characterized by increased sebum production, inflammation, and colonization of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) on pilosebaceous follicles.

Aims

To determine the efficacy of two different plant extracts against P. acnes and to analyze the gene expression levels of IL‐1α, SRD5A1, and TNFα in HaCaT cells treated with these plant extracts.

Methods

Anti‐acne extract 1 (AE1) consisted of Juglans regia (walnut husk), Myrtus communis (myrtle leaves), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomilla flowers), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle leaves), and Rosa damascena (rose flowers). Anti‐acne extract 2 (AE2) contained Brassica oleracea var. botrytis (broccoli) and B. oleracea var. italica (cauliflower). The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were tested on two different P. acnes strains: the reference strain of P. acnes (ATCC 51277) and the clinical isolate from a patient. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined using the broth dilution method. Human keratinocyte cells were used for in vitro tests. Gene expression analyses were performed with RT‐qPCR.

Results

The MIC values of the extracts were below 1/2048 µg/mL. In the gene expression analysis, AE1 increased the expression level of TNFα (1.1719, P < 0.0001), suppressed the expression level of IL‐1α, SRD5A1 (0.0588, P = 0.0231; 0.3081, P = 0.0351), respectively. AE2 suppressed gene expression level of IL‐1α, SRD5A1, TNFα (0.3815, P = 0.0254; 0.3418, P = 0.0271; 0.1997, P = 0.0623).

Conclusions

Both herbal extracts demonstrated strong antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activity in this preliminary trial. In conclusion, the topical application of these botanical extracts can be good candidates for local acne treatment.

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Reconstruction of the Nose

Nasal reconstructive techniques have advanced significantly over the past 50 years. Modern techniques in nasal reconstruction are based on the nasal aesthetic subunits. In order to achieve ideal outcomes, reconstructive surgeons must consider differences in tissue qualities across the nasal aesthetic subunits and formulate reconstructive plans based on these differences. Local flaps, skin grafts, and several types of interpolated flaps comprise the most commonly used techniques for nasal reconstruction. Defects that involve structural or internal lining defects require reconstruction of significantly higher complexity.

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Reconstruction of the Ear

Skin cancer is a common indication for reconstructive surgery of the ear. The unique anatomy of the external ear makes the restoration of form and function challenging for the reconstructive surgeon. This article reviews the relevant anatomy of the ear, defines the goals of reconstruction, outlines the assessment of defects based on location, and describes specific surgical techniques useful in auricular reconstruction.

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Reconstruction of the Cheek

The goal of cheek reconstruction is to restore an illusion of "normal." Attention must be directed toward the contralateral cheek skin color, texture, thickness, and contour, because this serves a template for reconstruction. The cheek is a peripheral facial subunit and largely frames the more central subunits (eyelids, nose, lips). As such, avoiding distortion or disfigurement of the central subunits is of paramount importance. The cheek possesses significant tissue laxity, elasticity, and mobility, thus allowing for the vast majority of cheek defects to be addressed with primary closure, local flaps, or locoregional flaps.

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Contents

Jeffrey S. Moyer

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Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the gold standard for treating various cutaneous tumors. MMS has evolved into a single-day, outpatient procedure. The tumor is excised, mapped, and processed with frozen, horizontal sections for immediate histologic evaluation. The process is repeated as necessary until the tumor is completely removed, with maximal conservation of normal tissue. Evaluation of 100% of the surgical margin allows for exceptional cure rates. The Mohs surgeon is trained in tumor excision, histopathology interpretation, and surgical reconstruction. The use of MMS is often part of a multidisciplinary approach to treating cutaneous tumors.

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Contributors

J. REGAN THOMAS, MD

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