Striae distensae (SD; stretch marks) are well-recognized skin lesions that occur in a large percentage of the population. Although they rarely cause significant medical concern, they can be a source of extreme physiological stress to affected patients. They occur commonly in pregnancy, puberty and obesity, but also become manifest following various medical conditions and therapeutic interventions. The precise etiological mechanism of SD has yet to be determined, however numerous theories have been proposed and risk factors have been identified. To date, there are many different treatment modalities to improve size and color of striae including diet and exercise, topical and laser therapies and surgery but none have demonstrated a consistent effectiveness. This unmet medical need may be addressed by the use of Pirfenidone. Pirfenidone is a small synthetic non-peptide molecule of low molecular weight (185.2 Daltons) that has been identified to have immuno-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical evidence indicates that Pirfenidone can modulate collagenase and fibroblastic activity by the modulation of cytokines in the wound healing process, such as TFG-β and TNF-α, which lead to effective collagen remodeling. Pirfenidone has exhibited low-toxicity in pre-clinical and clinical studies. These in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that Pirfenidone may be a safe and effective treatment of patients with SD.

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No / In an earlier study, stress lines in primate teeth were found to occur on a recurrent basis, probably corresponding to seasonal fluctuations in environmental parameters, such as food availability (Macho et al., J. Hum. Evol. 30 (1996) 57¿70). In the present study this approach was extended to the study of teeth of extant and extinct mammals, with the specific aim to determine the pattern of seasonality at the Australopithecus anamensis-bearing site at Allia Bay, Kenya. It was found that extant and extinct species, who share similar dietary/ecological adaptations, are comparable in their patterns of stress. Typical browsers/mixed feeders were found to exhibit three recurrent disturbances per year, whereas grazers usually only exhibit two. The average spacing between lines is also comparable between extant and extinct species. Hence, while the severity and predictability of the seasons probably fluctuated during crucial periods of hominin evolution, there is little doubt that all hominins lived in a seasonal environment. At Allia Bay, the pattern of stress lines found in mammals suggests that the environmental conditions in which A. anamensis lived may have been comparable to those found in the Masai Mara today.

M.Tech. / Striae are linear scars in the dermis which arise from rapid stretching of the skin over weakened connective tissue (de Angelis & Adatto, 2010). Striae occur when collagen production cannot keep pace with a sudden growth of the underlying tissues. Striae have no medical consequences but are frequently distressing to those afflicted. These disfiguring marks are usually caused by excessive stretching of the skin that may occur with pregnancy, adolescent growth spurts, obesity and weightlifting (Kang & Arbor, 1998). Striae usually appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, breasts and extremities. Patients’ quality of life can be enhanced with the effective management of these unsightly marks. Modalities of treatments that exist for the treatment of striae have been advocated with varying success and side effects (Manuskiatti et al., 2010). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the topical application of a homoeopathic preparation Thiosinaminum 1X on the appearance of striae. The research was a double-blind placebo controlled study which took place at the Homoeopathy Health Centre which is located at the University of Johannesburg(Doornfontein campus). Forty female participants aged between eighteen and thirty-five were randomly selected to take place in the study. The study was conducted over a period of twelve weeks. On recruitment, the participants were required to read and sign the information sheet (Appendix A) and consent form (Appendix B) assisted by the researcher. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire (Appendix C) to determine contributing factors e.g. duration of the stretch marks, the cause of the stretch marks and any disease that may contribute to the formation of stretch marks. A pertinent case and vital signs were taken at the initial consultation to eliminate any pathologies. All potential participants were required to present with stretch marks on the thighs or buttocks present for at least 6 months prior to the study. The stretch marks needed to have had a minimum length of 50mm and a maximum length of a 100mm. The researcher was responsible for choosing the designated area that was treated. The most distinct striae were selected by the researcher according to criteria for treatment. The researcher took photographs of the treatment areas at the commencement of the study and this was repeated at the end of the study (Appendix I). The length of the most prominent stretch mark (according to criteria) below was also measured on the commencement of the study. To physically iv measure the most prominent stretch mark a string and a ruler was utilized. The same ruler and ball of string was used each time to ensure validity of the results. A new piece of string was cut and tied in a knot at the tip and placed on the stretch mark itself to mould to its shape and thereafter it was placed on a ruler to determine the measurements in millimeters. To ensure that the same stretch mark was measured every time, the researcher measured out the distance between the stretch mark and a defined anatomical point for all the participants. The stretch mark was traced using plotting paper. The participants were required to apply the cream twice daily for the duration of the study. Participants were able to rate their satisfaction on a monthly basis by completing a questionnaire. The results of the study indicated that there was no improvement in the length of striae however there was more improvement in satisfaction ratings throughout the study from the experimental group.

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