Abstract: The invention is based on the finding that calcium ions and proteolytic enzymes, particularly papain, act in a synergetic way in the regeneration of skin and connective tissues. Thus, such a combination of active principles can be used for the preparation of culture media for cutaneous and/or connective tissue biopsies, which allow for the maintenance of the biopsies under viable conditions for periods of over 6 months, even for over 3 years, as well as for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions or medical devices for the treatment of diseases in which the regeneration of cutaneous and connective tissues is beneficial (for instance, injuries and wounds, keloids, paradontopathies, conjunctivitis, nasal and ear polyps, cellulite, human and animal dermatitis), and for the preparation of cosmetic compositions that in particular have an anti-ageing effect on the skin.

Abstract: What is described is a use of an antidepressant compound, preferably belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), for regenerating the integumentary system and/or for stimulating the growth, the original trophism and/or original pigmentation of the corresponding cutaneous appendages, particularly body hair and/or head hair, in mammals. For this purpose, the antidepressant can be formulated in a cosmetic preparation, a pharmaceutical composition, a medical device, or in the form of a culture medium, alone or in combination with a further active ingredient such as a proteolytic enzyme and/or a vitamin.

Abstract: A composition for in vitro use as a culture medium or in vivo use as a pharmaceutical composition or a medical device, capable of accelerating the differentiation of stem cells into cells with a chondrocytic phenotype and of restoring the original trophism of chondrocytes, is described. The composition comprises, in combination, at least one proteolytic enzyme, at least one growth factor and at least one from a sugar, an amino acid, a vitamin factor, a vitamin, a nucleotide and a nucleoside, in a physiologically acceptable carrier or diluent. A method of differentiating stem cells in cells having a chondrocytic phenotype, the cells obtained by the method and their uses, for example in human or animal cell therapy, for example by CBMP (Cellular Based Medicinal products) are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and products comprising at least one proteolytic enzyme adapted to promoting the restoration of original trophism of the integumentary apparatus, the original pigmentation and stimulating the growth thereof and, particularly, improving the viability of the pilifer follicles, even in scar tissue areas.