Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Promote Facial Rejuvenation? Revising the Latest Evidence in a Narrative Review.

Facial aging is characterized by progressive macroscopic, histological, and molecular changes. Due to its regenerative and rejuvenating properties, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a facial antiaging agent has gained popularity over the last decade. In order to gather and evaluate the latest evidence focusing on the effect of PRP on facial skin rejuvenating, a search through MEDLINE (PubMed) using relevant keywords, inclusion, and exclusion criteria was performed.

Unusual Extensive Physiologic Pigmentation of the Tongue: A Case Report.

The deposition of colored endogenous or exogenous substances in the tissues of the tongue may result in pigmented lesions of the lingual mucosa. The accurate identification of the underlying condition can be difficult to achieve and relies mainly on patient history and clinical and histological evaluation. We present the case of a 30-year-old male referred to our hospital with a chief complaint of extensive pigmentation of the lingual dorsum.

Pilomatrixoma Recurring as Giant Form.

Pilomatrixoma is a benign skin tumor that originates from the hair matrix. It usually appears in children and young adults and is preferably in the head and neck region. It clinically presents as an asymptomatic firm, solitary subcutaneous mass of less than 3 cm.

Acute Myocardial Response to Stretch: What We (don't) Know.

Myocardial stretch, as result of acute hemodynamic overload, is one of the most frequent challenges to the heart and the ability of the heart to intrinsically adapt to it is essential to prevent circulatory congestion. In this review, we highlight the historical background, the currently known mechanisms, as well as the gaps in the understanding of this physiological response. The systolic adaptation to stretch is well-known for over 100 years, being dependent on an immediate increase in contractility-known as the Frank-Starling mechanism-and a further progressive increase-the slow force response.

Titin mutations: the fall of Goliath.

Titin (TTN), the largest protein in the human body, forms powerful elastic filaments along the sarcomere of cardiomyocytes. This multifunctional protein is involved in numerous cellular processes, including sarcomeric assembly, stabilization and mechanosensing. Along physiological sarcomere lengths, TTN is also the most important determinant of the passive tension of cardiac muscle.

Revisiting the slow force response: the role of the PKG signaling pathway in the normal and the ischemic heart.

Introduction: The myocardial response to acute stretch consists of a two-phase increase in contractility: an acute increase by the Frank-Starling mechanism and a gradual and time-dependent increase in force generated known as the slow force response (SFR). The SFR is actively modulated by different signaling pathways, but the role of protein kinase G (PKG) signaling is unknown. In this study we aim to characterize the role of the PKG signaling pathway in the SFR under normal and ischemic conditions.

The effects of angiotensin II signaling pathway in the systolic response to acute stretch in the normal and ischemic myocardium.

Acute myocardial stretch elicits a biphasic increase in contractility: an immediate increase, known as Frank-Starling mechanism (FSM), followed by a progressive increase, regarded as slow force response (SFR). In this study, we characterized the contractile response to acute stretch from 92 to 100% Lmax in rabbit papillary muscles (n=86) under normoxic and ischemic conditions, and its modulation by angiotensin II signaling pathway. Under normoxia, the FSM was independent of Na(+)/H(+)-exchanger, reverse mode of Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger (r-NCX), AT1 receptor, AT2 receptor and PKC.