Stimulatory effects of poly-para-dioxanone, poly L-lactic acid, polycaprolactone, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/PLLA in rats

Abstract

Numerous fillers are increasingly used for augmenting volume loss and ameliorating facial wrinkles. Collagen stimulants are the most recent next-generation dermal fillers capable of inducing neocollagenesis. To investigate biophysical characteristics, the safety and efficacy of the newly developed combination, poly(L-lactide) or polyl-lactic acid (PLLA) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), were compared with those of poly-para-dioxanone (PPDO), poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL) fillers. PPDO, PLLA, PCL, or PLGA/PLLA was injected into the dorsal skin of 8-week-old rats. Tissue samples were obtained 0, 2, and 4 weeks post treatment for Sirius Red-staining, polarized light microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), and western blotting. The MagBeads Total RNA Extraction Kit was used to isolate total cell RNA. The PLGA/PLLA filler demonstrated similar neocollagenesis and inflammatory response as other collagen stimulants, and showed better biodegradability than PPDO, PLLA and PCL fillers. Our data suggest that the newly developed collagen-stimulating PLGA/PLLA filler may be a safe and effective option for correcting volume loss and rejuvenating photoaging skin.