(1) Improvement in the appearance of wrinkles with topical transforming growth factor  1 and L-ascorbic acid. Ehrlich, Michelle; Rao, Jaggi; Pabby, Anju; Goldman, Mitchel P. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Preceptorship Program, Dermatology/Cosmetic Laser Associates of La Jolla Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA. Dermatologic Surgery (2006), 32(5), 618-625. Publisher: Blackwell Publishing, Inc., CODEN: DESUFE ISSN: 1076-0512. Journal written in English. CAN 146:168790 AN 2007:22218

Abstract

Facial rhytides are a common cosmetic concern. Surgical treatment effects dramatic improvement; however, the assocd. risk and cost may be prohibitive. Recent focus is on developing topical products contg. biol. active ingredients for at-home therapy. Our study examines the effects of a topical cream contg. transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-1), L-ascorbic acid, and Cimicifuga racemosa ext. (CRS) (Topix Pharmaceuticals, North Amityville, NY, USA). In the first arm of the study, 12 subjects were randomized to apply CRS to the left or right side of their face and a cream contg. L-ascorbic acid and C. racemosa in silicone base (vitamin C [Vit C]) to the contralateral side twice daily for 3 mo. In the second arm of the study, 20 subjects were randomized to apply CRS to the left or right side of their face and Tissue Nutrient Soln. Recovery Complex (TNS) (SkinMedica, Carlsbad, CA, USA), a product contg. a variety of growth factors including VEGF, PDGF-A, G-CSF, HGF, IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-1 (Nouricel-MD) without L-ascorbic acid, C. racemosa ext., or silicone base, to the contralateral side of their face twice daily for 3 mo. Digital photographs were scored by study-blinded physicians, and self-assessments were completed by all subjects at baseline and at the conclusion of the protocol. CRS and TNS were well tolerated, and all subjects completed the 3-mo protocol for the CRS vs. Vit C arm of the study. Physicians rated success in facial wrinkling scores on the CRS-treated side of the face for 27 of 31 subjects. Responders showed, on av., 21.7% improvement in physician-rated wrinkle scores. The mean improvement in the group of 31 patients as a whole was 12%. Eighteen of 31 subjects reported a noticeable improvement on their CRS-treated side. Both CRS and TNS demonstrate significant success between baseline and 3-mo scores, and both growth factor products are superior to Vit C. Patients preferred CRS over TNS. CRS is effective in minimizing the appearance of facial rhytides. The success of the CRS product is largely attributable to the incorporation of TGF-1.

(2) Maximizing coronary disease risk reduction using nicotinic acid combined with LDL-lowering therapy. Brown, B. Greg. Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. European Heart Journal Supplements (2005), 7(Suppl. F), F34-F40. Publisher: Oxford University Press, CODEN: EHJSFT ISSN: 1520-765X. Journal; General Review written in English. CAN 143:431803 AN 2005:889563

Abstract

A review. Treatment with statins markedly reduces levels of LDL-cholesterol, and large, well-designed evaluations of these agents have demonstrated redns. in cardiovascular event rates of .apprx.20-40%. Addnl. therapeutic strategies will be required to make further inroads into the substantial residual burden of cardiovascular disease in statin-treated patients. Epidemiol. studies over several decades and outcome studies with agents that raise levels of this lipoprotein (nicotinic acid or fibrates) have established low HDL-cholesterol as an important therapeutic target. Combining agents which decrease LDL-cholesterol and increase HDL-cholesterol within a single regimen might provide a means of improving cardiovascular prognosis beyond that possible with statins alone. Six randomized clin. trials involving treatment with nicotinic acid in combination with a statins or bile acid sequestrant have demonstrated regression, or markedly slowed progression, of atherosclerosis in patients at high risk of a cardiovascular event. Three of these trials, the HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study, the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study, and the Armed Forces Regression Study, have assocd. these benefits with significant improvements in clin. outcomes. Correcting low HDL-cholesterol in statin-treated patients may provide a means to achieve the next leap forward in the management of cardiovascular disease.