Botox: Beauty and Brains

Authors

Donell Deremer, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Cosmetic Dermatology

Advisor

Thomas Colletti

Abstract

Beauty, Brains & Botox Botulinum toxins (BTX), predominately BotulinumtoxinA, has been used for medical and aesthetic purposes since 1997. With nearly eight billion treatments performed worldwide for aesthetic purposes alone, there is extensive post-market experience with this drug. The known mechanism of action (MOA) of the local neurotransmitter blockade of acetylcholine lasts approximately 90 days. However, patients frequently report symptom and wrinkle-relief beyond the 90 day period. There is extensive evidence that peripherally injected BTX, even at low aesthetic doses, induces structural and functional changes in the human brain. The MOA in the central nervous system (CNS) is presently unclear, with several proposed hypotheses to include the Social Feedback Hypothesis (SFH), Facial Feedback Hypothesis (FFH) and Emotional Proprioception (EP), Monoamine Theory and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Peptide (BDFP), and Neuronal Transport Hypothesis. With the ability to modify the CNS, BTX for aesthetic use may become a novel treatment for CNS disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Over 30% of persons diagnosed with MDD had inadequate response to first-line treatments. Over 30% of persons diagnosed with MDD attempt suicide. BotulinumtoxinA may offer a relatively inexpensive and effective method for treatment of MDD. Keywords: botox, botulism toxin, botulinum toxin, onabotulinum toxin, BTX, depression, CNS, FFH, EP, neuronal transport These courses are provided through the FEMA Emergency Management Institute: Go to: https://training.fema.gov/is/searchis.aspx?search=pds to access the course. The following courses are due (4 of 7 total; last three are due in week 11)  IS-120.c An Introduction to Exercises  IS-230.e Fundamentals of Emergency Management  IS-235.c Emergency Planning  IS-240.c Leadership and Influence Your FEMA SID is: 0006646975 Your FEMA SID has also been emailed to deremed424@lynchburg.edu

Recommended Citation

Deremer D. Botox: Beauty and Brains. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 4(1).