Tissue Engineering of Lips and Muco-Cutaneous Junctions: In Vitro Development of Tissue Engineered Constructs of Oral Mucosa and Skin for Lip Reconstruction

We report for the first time the fabrication of a three-dimensional tissue structure containing, in a continuous layer, the morphological features of a lip: epidermal skin, vermillion, and oral mucosa. This tissue engineered muco-cutaneous (M/C) equivalent was manufactured using human oral and skin keratinocytes grown on an acellular, nonimmunogenic dermal equivalent (AlloDerm-) to produce a tissue equivalent with similar anatomic and handling properties as native human lips. Confirmation of the structural composition of the construct was performed using routine histology and immunohistochemistry by identification of epithelial markers that are differentially expressed in separate anatomic areas of the lips. These full-thickness human lip skin equivalents can be used in surgical lip reconstruction in individuals suffering from lip loss from cancer, congenital deformations, and injuries after accidents. We propose this technique can be used as a general basis for tissue engineering of M/C junctions in other parts of the body, such as anus and vagina.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/90465/1/ten-2Etec-2E2011-2E0406.pd

Glaucoma induced by periorbital topical steroid use - a rare complication

Eye complications arising during systemic and ophthalmic steroid use are well known. In contrast, there is little highlighting the similar risks associated with topical steroid use around the eyelids. We now describe a 29-year-old lady who used topical steroids in prolonged fashion throughout most of her life for severe eczema, with the recent application of large quantities of potent steroid continuously for one month, including to the periorbital region. Soon after, she presented to her ophthalmologist with severe bilateral glaucoma and irreversible visual loss attributed to the steroid use. Here we emphasise the possible risks of periorbital topical steroid use, as well as the importance of patient education and ophthalmological follow-up