The use of botulinum toxin in the management of burns itching: Preliminary results

Hong

2017

Toxins

Since its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2002 for glabellar wrinkles, botulinum toxin (BTX) has been widely used to correct facial wrinkles. As a result, many consider BTX synonymous with cosmetic dermatology. Recent studies indicate that BTX elicits biological effects on various skin cell types via the modulation of neurotransmitter release, and it seems that BTX has a wider zone of dermatologic influence than originally understood. Clinicians and researchers are now beginning to explore the potential of BTX beyond the amelioration of facial lines and encouraging results are seen with BTX in a variety of skin conditions. In this paper, we review novel dermatological indications of BTX which includes (but not limited to) scar prevention, facial flushing, post-herpetic neuralgia and itch. These areas show great promise, but there is definite need for larger, double-blinded, randomized control trials against established treatments before BTX becomes a clinical reality.

Section: Off-label Use Of Btx In Dermatologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Botulinum Toxin in the Field of Dermatology: Novel Indications

Hong

2017

Toxins

“…In addition, it appears that VAMP8, rather than the neuronal and BoNT sensitive VAMP1/2, is involved in the secretory process of mast cells [ 177 ]. However, local BoNT/A1 has been reported to reduce mast cell degranulation in rodents [ 178 ] and reduce burn-induced itching in humans [ 179 ]. Although involvement of SNARE proteins in the release of mediators from neutrophils and macrophages has been demonstrated, the direct effect of BoNT/A1 on this release thus far has not been adequately explored.…”

Section: Effects Of Peripherally Delivered Botulinum Toxins On Nocmentioning

confidence: 99%

Current Status and Future Directions of Botulinum Neurotoxins for Targeting Pain Processing

Pellett

Yaksh

Ramachandran

2015

Toxins

Current evidence suggests that botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) A1 and B1, given locally into peripheral tissues such as skin, muscles, and joints, alter nociceptive processing otherwise initiated by inflammation or nerve injury in animal models and humans. Recent data indicate that such locally delivered BoNTs exert not only local action on sensory afferent terminals but undergo transport to central afferent cell bodies (dorsal root ganglia) and spinal dorsal horn terminals, where they cleave SNAREs and block transmitter release. Increasing evidence supports the possibility of a trans-synaptic movement to alter postsynaptic function in neuronal and possibly non-neuronal (glial) cells. The vast majority of these studies have been conducted on BoNT/A1 and BoNT/B1, the only two pharmaceutically developed variants. However, now over 40 different subtypes of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) have been identified. By combining our existing and rapidly growing understanding of BoNT/A1 and /B1 in altering nociceptive processing with explorations of the specific characteristics of the various toxins from this family, we may be able to discover or design novel, effective, and long-lasting pain therapeutics. This review will focus on our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms whereby BoNTs alter pain processing, and future directions in the development of these agents as pain therapeutics.

“…Thus, targeting these SNARE proteins should break the crosstalk link between sensory neurons and skin cells. In this perspective, SNARE‐inactivating agents, such as botulinum neurotoxins, have shown promising in certain itchy diseases which include lichen simplex chronicus, psoriasis and rosacea, meralgia paresthetica, and post‐burn (Akhtar & Brooks, ; Boozalis, Sheu, Selph, & Kwatra, ; Heckmann, Heyer, Brunner, & Plewig, ; Perez‐Perez et al, ; Salardini, Richardson, & Jabbari, ; Wallengren & Bartosik, ; Weinfeld, ; Zanchi et al, ). Altogether, these findings highlight the importance of SNARE as a therapeutic target in the treatment of chronic itch diseases.…”

Section: Potential Therapeutic Targets For Bnp Signalling In Itchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interventions in the B‐type natriuretic peptide signalling pathway as a means of controlling chronic itch

Meng

Chen

Wang

2020

British J Pharmacology

Chronic itch poses major health care and economic burdens worldwide. In 2013, B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was identified as an itch‐selective neuropeptide and shown to be both necessary and sufficient to produce itch behaviour in mice. Since then, mechanistic studies of itch have increased, not only at central levels of the spinal relay of itch signalling but also in the periphery and skin. In this review, we have critically analysed recent findings from complementary pharmacological and physiological approaches, combined with genetic strategies to examine the role of BNP in itch transduction and modulation of other pruritic proteins. Additionally, potential targets and possible strategies against BNP signalling are discussed for developing novel therapeutics in itch. Overall, we aim to provide insights into drug development by altering BNP signalling to modulate disease symptoms in chronic itch, including conditions for which no approved treatment exists.