Acne Medications

Sirolimus (SRL) allows to minimize the use of cyclosporine (CsA), but de novo administration after transplantation is associated with various complications. We report a prospective, open-label, multicenter randomized study to evaluate conversion from a CsA-based regimen to a SRL-based regimen 3 months after transplantation.

One hundred ninety-two of a total of 237 patients were eligible at 3 months to be converted to SRL (n = 95) or to continue CsA (n = 97). All patients were also given mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and oral steroids, planned to be discontinued at month 8.

The primary endpoint, the clearance estimated according to Cockcroft and Gault at week 52, was significantly better in the SRL group (68.9 vs. 64.4 mL/min, p = 0.017). Patient and graft survival were not statistically different.

The incidence of acute rejection episodes, mainly occurring after withdrawal of steroids, was numerically but not statistically higher in the SRL group (17% vs. 8%, p = 0.071).

Sixteen patients discontinued SRL, mainly for adverse events (n = 11), and seven patients discontinued CsA for renal failure or acute rejection. Significantly, more patients in the SRL group reported aphthous, diarrhea, acne scar medications and high triglyceride levels.

Conversion CsA to SRL 3 months after transplantation combined with MMF is associated with improvement in renal function.


"Efficacy on renal function of early conversion from cyclosporine to sirolimus 3 months after renal transplantation: concept study."
Am J Transplant. 2009 May; 9(5): 1115-23Lebranchu Y, Thierry A, Toupance O, Westeel PF, Etienne I, Thervet E, Moulin B, Frouget T, Le Meur Y, Glotz D, Heng AE, Onno C, Buchler M, Girardot-Seguin S, Hurault de Ligny B

In this study we aim to document the use of animal species in traditional medicine and healing practices in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil. While widespread and of great importance to large population that has limited access to contemporary medicine, such practices are poorly understood and the potential value of medicinal animal species largely unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Based on interviews with merchants of medicinal animals, we calculated the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) to determine the consensus over which species are effective for particular ailments, as well as the species relative importance to determine the extent of potential utilization of each species.

RESULTS:
We describe the therapeutic effects of 36 animal species used medicinally. The zootherapeutical products sold commercially are used to treat 40 health problems that were classified into 10 broad categories. We also highlight those species valued for their effectiveness against a range of ailments. The highest ICF value (0.91) was cited for diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, which include relief of symptoms such as topical acne scar medications and furuncles.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:
This study demonstrates that many animal species play an important role in healing practices. Animals provide the raw materials for remedies prescribed clinically and are also used in the form of amulets and charms in magic-religious rituals and ceremonies. The medicinal value of animal species depends on the local knowledge that exists within user communities and therefore the conservation of animal species is imperative to the preservation of local medicinal knowledge and culture.


Commercialization of animal-derived remedies as complementary medicine in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 May 4; Alves RR, Neto NA, Brooks SE, Albuquerque UPAIM OF THE STUDY

Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2009 May; 6(5): 465-83Trapasso E, Cosco D, Celia C, Fresta M, Paolino DBACKGROUND: Retinoids represent an old class of bioactives used in the treatment of different skin pathologies (such as acne and psoriasis) and in the treatment of many tumors. Unfortunately, they present several side effects, i.e., burning of skin and general malaise after systemic administration and they are very unstable after exposition to light. METHODS: One of the most promising new approaches for reducing the side effects of retinoids while improving their pharmacological effect is the use of drug-delivery devices. This review explains the current status of retinoid drug transport, which has been developing over the last few years, explaining the modification of their biopharmaceutical properties in detail after encapsulation/inclusion in vesicular and polymeric systems. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Different colloidal and micellar systems containing retinoid drugs have been realized furnishing important potential advancements in traditional therapy.

Int J Dermatol. 2009 May; 48(5): 498-505Yahya HBACKGROUND: Community-based studies of acne vulgaris conducted in many parts of the world show that it is very common in adolescents but little is known from Africa. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 539 randomly selected students aged 11-19 years in a secondary school in Kaduna, Nigeria were administered a questionnaire to assess self-report of acne, its severity and impact; beliefs and perceptions of causes, and treatments used. 418 students were later examined to detect and grade acne severity. RESULTS: 274 (50.8%) were male while 265 (49.2%) were female. Mean age for respondents was 16 years. 320 students (59.4%) self-reported acne. Of 418 students examined, 379 had acne giving a prevalence of 90.7%. There was no significant gender difference in prevalence at all ages of adolescence. Prevalence of acne increased with age (76.7% at age 10-13 years; 88.2% at age 14-16 years; 97.1% at age 17-19 years). 353 of 379 (93.1%) had mild acne while 26 of 379 (6.9%) had moderate acne. The severity of acne was similar in boys and girls. 47.7% of students reported feeling "very sad/unhappy" about their acne although in more than 70% of those who self-reported, this did not interfere with relationship with family, friends or school work. Diet was the commonest factor believed to cause acne. Cleansing agents were the most commonly used treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Acne vulgaris is very common in Nigerian adolescents, although it is mild acne in most.