The Fountain of Youth: Second Skin

INTRODUCTION:

Scientists at Harvard and M.I.T. have conducted pilot studies where they made a 'second skin' for their 170 subjects to use and test out. The chemicals used to make up this skin were FDA approved (safe chemicals) and so far, there is yet to be a complaint of skin irritation or allergic reactions. The researchers stated that the film (the thin piece second skin) can be soaked with either sweat or water without washing away. It can last for over a day. The aim of this study is to treat eczema, psoriasis, and many other skin conditions by covering dry itchy patches with a film that moistens and soothes. (A)

 Have scientists done the unthinkable? Have they found the fountain of youth? Researchers have made a large collection of siloxanes by modifying molecular features such as the chain length to get the ones with the properties they wanted. Siloxanes, in their basic form is one atom of oxygen linked to two atoms of silicon which form polymers (long chains of repeating units). 

The researchers of the study conducted a two-step process whereby a polymer, clear liquid, is first applied to the skin. The chains are not that strong so the application of a product that links these chains together is needed. Through the modification of the chemistry and relationships between these chains. Researchers were able to vary the properties of the second skin depending on how it will be used, making it more or less permeable. A more permeable second skin might be used for under eye bags while a less permeable one might hold a medication in place. It can be removed with a solution that dissolves the polymer.(A)

“I think it is brilliant,” said Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, professor of biomedical engineering at Columbia, who was not involved in the research. “What they have done is design a clever biomaterial that recapitulates the properties of young and healthy skin. They can use it as sort of a Band-Aid over old and aging skin and get very significant results.” (A)

The concept of a 'second skin' was formed in the mind of Dr. Rox Anderson, a dermatology professor at Harvard Medical School over 10 years ago. Living Proof had been working on a polymer to be used as a hair product. The union of these two could not have been more perfect since dermatologists also know alot about hair. This is where the idea for making a polymer for skin was born. 

As people age, skin begins to lose its elasticity and beings to sag and wrinkle. (A)

 

Apparently, the skin can last for more than one day. This second skin is made of hundreds of polymers that is safe, easily spreadable, effective adherence, and making it look like normal healthy skin. However, I do have my doubts about this 'second skin'; How comfortable is it on your skin? What are the possible negative effects of this second skin? Its only a temporary solution to sagging skin. What if people want something more permenant like botox? The good news is, is that this study and the results from it have created a starting point for which future scientists can continue to do research.

Links:
(A)http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/10/health/second-skin-aging-wrinkles.html?_r=0

*Please note! These images are not mine. They were found on various tumblr sites! If any are yours please let me know so that I can give you credit for them! Also the people in the images have no relation to the diseases, illnesses, or cancers I write about. Thanks so much & enjoy~
 http://kissthemgoodbye.net/horrors/thumbnails.php?album=32&page=9

Herpes Virus to Cure Cancer

Introduction:

The United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a first-of-its-kind drug that uses a modified version of the herpes virus to infiltrate and reduce the size of cancer tumors. (The HSV or Herpes Simplex Virus produces cold sores with individuals infected with HSV-1 and genital herpes with those that have the HSV-2 infection.

These viruses are not only contagious but incurable.) (B) Amgen Incorporations have produced a drug called 'Imlygic' (that is injectable) which will be used on cancerous tumors. Malignant melanoma (aka: skin cancer tumors) that cannot be surgically removed as well as those who suffer from metastatic malignant melanomas (cancer has started to spread to other parts of the body or metastasizing) are to be injected with Imlygic. (B)

Research:

New medicines known in the medical or research field as immuno-therapies or immune-oncology have the ability to use the immune system of the human body to aid in attacking cancer cells. Approved by the FDA, these drugs have brought one of the very first significant advances in patient survival for specific cancer types such as lung cancer and melanoma. (A) Injected directly into tumor tissues, the herpes virus slips through and kills cancer cells.


Once inside, the HSV-1 uses its own receptors to target and bind to the surface of the host cell membrane. Next, an 'entry pore' is developed where the virus can now inject its genetic material into the cell filtrating to the cell's nucleus. Subsequently, the host cell is now -hijacked by the virus- being forced to replicate its genetic viral code, host cell then bursts (now destroyed) and the new viral particles are released. This is the process that will be used to destroy cancerous tumor cells with a modified version of HSV-1. Presence of HSV-1 will trigger the immune system which will also end up aiding in the attack of the tumor. (B)

So how does this process affect melanoma cells specifically? Well, what the drug T-VEC (aka: talimogene laherparepvec) does is that is divides repeatedly into copies until the cancer cell membranes burst. As this is happening, the gene snippet produces a protein that stimulates the immune system to respond and ultimately kill melanoma cells of tumors.(A)

Results: 

Although, this drug with the modified HSV-1 (the virus which causes cold sores) have shown groundbreaking results, the FDA stresses that it does not extend life. Results of the study showed that 16% that were injected with the drug did not show a dramatic increase in life expectancy. The effect only lasted 6 months. These patients' tumors shrunk compared to the 2% of patients who took more conventional cancer drugs. Regulators stressed that Imlygic had no effect on melanoma that had spread to the brain, lungs or other internal organs.(A)

Trading one disease for another- Is it really worth it?

Links:
(A) http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/oct/28/us-approval-for-drug-that-turns-herpes-virus-against-cancer
(B)http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/herpes-virus-recruited-fight-against-skin-cancer

*These images do not belong to me! They were found on various tumblr sites! If any are yours please let me know so that I can give you credit for them~ Thanks so much~!