The mixture composed of CaHa tends to restore the contractile properties of WF to the same level as NF. Therefore, this study shows that CaHa has positive overall effects on aging.

Background: Wrinkles are characterized by changes in the organization and structure of the dermis. Human wrinkle fibroblasts (WF) have a different functional behaviour in comparison with normal-aged fibroblasts (NF). Decreases in migration capacities and collagen I synthesis are observed. Mitochondrial function is impaired with an increase in lactate production during aging. Sculptra^® (poly-L-lactic acid: PLLA), a biodegradable synthetic polymer, is used for subcutaneous volume restoration. Thus we decided to investigate different fibroblast functions when placed in contact with PLLA. Objectives: The potential of PLLA to compensate for the reduction of metabolic activity, to restore the migration capacity of WF and to inhibit the lactate production, was investigated and compared to NF. Methods: Two different skin samples were used from each of the three women’s facelift (one inside a face wrinkle and one from normal aged skin). Collagen I, lactate productions and proliferation capacities were investigated on monolayer cultures. Migration properties were evaluated using three-dimensional collagen lattices. Results: PLLA increased collagen I synthesis, restored migration capacities and tended to decrease lactate production in WF, whereas PPLA stimulated proliferation in NF and tended to improve the migration of NF. Conclusion: These results suggested that PLLA from Sculptra^® acted as a stimulus for collagen production in WF and that it is suitable for correcting skin depressions, such as wrinkles

Human amniotic membrane (HAM) has biological properties which are useful for wound healing. HAM is notably one of the therapeutic alternatives for venous leg ulcer care. Indeed, a prospective clinical study has demonstrated that cryopreserved HAM transplantation for leg ulcer is feasible, safe and has beneficial effects: 80 % of the patients had a significant clinical response. Nevertheless, at the end of the 3-month follow-up period, only 20 % of the ulcers were totally closed. The aim of this work was to create and characterize a model of epidermized HAM. The method of HAM desepithelialization was validated by histology, immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. Then, de-epithelialized HAM was seeded with primary keratinocytes. After 21 days of culture, 15 at the air-liquid interface, the model obtained was analyzed histologically and by immunohistochemistry. The amniotic basement membrane was preserved during enzymatic desepithelialization of HAM. Primary keratinocytes proliferated on HAM: the model obtained showed involucrin expression and had a good basement membrane. As re-epithelialization is an important step for ulcer closure, a model of epidermized HAM could be used to speed up the healing of such wounds.

The original model of dermal equivalent presented herein may be a useful tool for clinical use and as an in vitro model for toxicological/pharmacological research.