Chelsea Shope, BA1*, Laura Andrews, BS1, Alan Snyder, MD MSCR2, Manuel Valdebran MD3

1College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina

2Department of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina

3Department of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, Division of Pediatric Dermatology Medical University of South Carolina

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2022/2.1150 View / Download Pdf

Jose Manuel Carrascosa1, Francisco José Rebollo2*

1Hospital Universitario Germans Trias I Pujol, Badalona, Spain

2Pfizer SLU, Madrid, Spain

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2022/1.1149 View / Download Pdf

Katieli da Silva Souza Campanholi1*, Ranulfo Combuca da Silva Junior 1, Gustavo Braga 1,3, Flávia Amanda Pedroso de Morais 1,2, Rodolfo Bento Balbinot2, Wilker Caetano 1

1Chemistry Department, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Parana, Brazil.

2Department of basic health sciences, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Parana, Brazil.

3Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Parana, Telemaco Borba, Parana, Brazil.

The therapeutic benefits of copaiba oil-resin have encouraged its use in developing dermatological emulsions. Here, the anti-inflammatory, healing, antimicrobial, analgesic, and permeation-promoting properties of this medicinal oil are shown by reviewing articles from 2005 to 2021. Their properties encourage research to develop an herbal medicinal effective in treating skin diseases and cutaneous leishmaniasis.

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2022/1.1148 View / Download Pdf

Loren E Hernandez, BS1*; Fabio Stefano Frech, BS1; Noreen Mohsin, BS1; Isabella Dreyfuss, BS2; Keyvan Nouri, MD, MBA1

1Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA

2Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

Nodular melanoma is the second most common subtype of melanoma. Unlike other subtypes, nodular melanoma is characterized by early vertical growth rather than the typical initial radial growth of most melanomas. As a result, nodular melanoma presents clinically in a more aggressive phenotype. Given its more aggressive nature and intrinsic ability to mimic benign lesions, a modified acronym has been developed to allow clinicians to better evaluate, diagnose and treat nodular melanoma in earlier stages. Surgical excision with wide margins is the gold standard of nodular melanoma therapy; however, an emphasis in early detection, diagnosis, staging, and treatment needs to be emphasized among clinicians due to its dismal prognosis in later stages, as compared to other subtypes. A better understanding of the molecular pathophysiology that allows nodular melanoma to act aggressively very early in diagnosis is necessary for the development of therapeutics that may effectively target lesions in more advanced stages.

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/3.1144 View / Download Pdf

Toni O. Mortimer, Rachel Morris, Abigail Schekall, Kai Barlow, Kim L. O’Neill* 

Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In the U.S. alone, almost 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer each year and just over a quarter of those diagnosed will pass away from the disease. Skin cancers are the most common forms of cancer. Early detection of cancer and cancer biomarkers enables clearer understanding of cancer progression in a patient and more effective treatments in response to the disease. Clinically relevant biomarkers are not only tools for early diagnosis of cancer but may also prove useful as immune targets for various immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibody-based therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. This review provides a brief overview of the rescue pathway enzyme thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) and its history and biology, as well as discusses its role as a biomarker and potential immune target.

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/3.1143 View / Download Pdf

Margaret A. Kaszycki1*, Jonathan Leventhal2 

1Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine

2Yale School of Medicine

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy, and their use in combination with radiation therapy (RT) has become increasingly utilized to optimize positive outcomes. The cutaneous adverse reactions from RT as well as ICIs are both well documented; however, in combination these cutaneous toxicities can be exacerbated. ICIs and RT may work synergistically to create an enhanced immune response against the tumor cells. This synergistic effect has been reported to occur both locally at the site of RT, as well as systemically via an abscopal effect. Fortunately, this combination of treatment does not increase the incidence of cutaneous reactions, although several cases have reported enhanced skin toxicity at the site of RT. RT is thought to create an ‘immunocompromised skin district’ or localized immune dysregulation in irradiated skin. This review summarizes previously published case reports and discusses the cutaneous adverse reactions from ICI and RT combination therapy. Properly identifying ICI and RT induced skin reactions depends on several factors including patient history, sequence of therapies, timing of reaction, and histological findings. Skin reactions from combination therapy can range in severity and include ICI-induced radiation recall dermatitis, as well as uncommon presentations of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, lichen planus, and bullous pemphigoid which are localized to or enhanced within areas of prior radiation exposure. It is important for oncologists and dermatologists alike to be aware of the spectrum of reactions associated with ICI and RT.

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Kelly Atherton BS1*, Latiffa Smith BS2, Alan Snyder MD MSCR3, John Plante MD MSCR3, Dirk Elston MD3

1College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; College of Graduate Studies, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

2College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

3Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/3.1138 View / Download Pdf

Jose Salgado Borges1,2*, C. Vergés2, J. Lima1, March de Ribot F2,3

1Clinsborges. Porto, Portugal

2Department of Ophthalmology. Hospital Universitario Dexeus. Area Oftalmológica Avanzada. Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña. Barcelona, Spain.

3Department of Ophthalmology. Girona Hospital, Girona University. Girona, Spain.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) are medical-esthetical procedures that emit light at a wavelength of 500 – 1200 nm, interacting with epidermal and dermal tissues. IPL is a relatively new treatment of growing popularity thanks to its versatility and efficacy, mainly in dermatology and recently also in ophthalmology. These devices are used to treat dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, rosacea, and periocular lesions with outstanding results.

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/3.1139 View / Download Pdf

Vianna V. Broderick, Linda J. Cowan*

*James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and Clinics, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/2.1136 View / Download Pdf

María A. Rodríguez-Santiago*, Javier García-Marín, Alfredo Lamela-Domenech, María Vega-Martínez

Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, USA

There is a well-known shortage of racial diversity in medical textbooks and literature contributing to race-based health care inequalities1. We present the case of a black puertorrican 58-year-old female who developed a painful non-pruritic blistering ulcer in the inner oral mucosa with associated erythema six months prior to the evaluation. She was misdiagnosed on multiple occasions leading to a rapid progression of the disease, and subsequently, her death. Lack of images in medical textbooks and scarce literature describing initial presentation per-skin-tone of Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) in patients with dark skin color led to misdiagnosis, delay in treatment, and thus, this catastrophic outcome. This case report describes the appearance of PV in patients with dark skin tone and serves as an educational resource by providing images of a rare skin disease in people with dark skin. The purpose of this case report is to fill major gaps in medical literature, highlight the importance of timely recognizing PV in patients with dark skin, and to create awareness among physicians.

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/2.1137 View / Download Pdf

Ann Q. Tran, MD1, 2*, Wendy W. Lee, MD, MS1

1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL

2Manhattan Eye Ear Throat Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY

Facial aging associated with volume loss can be addressed with soft tissue fillers. This minimally invasive technique has quickly gained popularity and is commonly performed in many outpatient settings. The composition of injectable dermal fillers includes marketed hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, polylactic acid, silicone and polymethylmethacrylate. Complications, such as vision loss, are rare, but can result in a devastating and irreversible sequala from iatrogenic vascular occlusion. Understanding the facial anatomy, specific filler characteristics, and having a safe injection technique is crucial to assure optimal aesthetics results while avoiding complications. Injectors need to be able to recognize early complications and treat them appropriately, especially if vision loss is encountered. This review will focus on vision loss from fillers, techniques to prevent such complications and possible treatment strategies.

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/1.1134 View / Download Pdf

Michael Sheetz

Welch Chair of Biochemisty, Molecular Mechanomedicine Program, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA

Although there is a general appreciation of the mechanical abilities of cells in creating the forms in nature, we understand relatively little about how the mechanobiology of cells can affect behavior. Recent studies of the effects of mechanical activity indicate that exercise and other physical perturbations can inhibit cancer progression and performance loss in aging. Thus, the tumor cell and senescent cell states are mechanically different from normal cells. New tools to measure cellular forces and the downstream biochemical changes that result from mechanical signaling have enabled the description of the matrix rigidity sensor that is missing in the vast majority of tumor cells. Tumor cells no longer form tumors upon its restoration; whereas normal cells have unregulated growth when the sensor is depleted. Further, mechanical strain of tumor cells will cause apoptosis and may have effects on keratinocyte and melanocyte tumors. This could explain some of the anti-tumor benefits of physical activity. In the case of aging, the negative effects of senescent cells on their neighbors appear to be reversed by small but not large mechanical strains in skin. Thus, cells in the tumor or senescent states respond specifically to mechanical perturbations and a deeper understanding of the important aspects of mechanobiology can be used in therapies to augment biochemical therapies to benefit the patient.

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/1.1132 View / Download Pdf

Lourdes Franco1*, Ana M Marchena2, Ana B Rodríguez2

1Department of Physiology (Neuroimmunophysiology and Chrononutrition Research Group), Faculty of Medicine, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.

2Department of Physiology (Neuroimmunophysiology and Chrononutrition Research Group), Faculty of Science, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.

Skin plays an important role in the protection of our body. It can be damaged by environmental factors, and it suffers from progressive morphological and physiological disorders with time. Melatonin and Lycopene have a lot of properties which protect our skin. In this review, we have investigated about how these substances can help to prevent damage and repair the skin.

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/1.1126 View / Download Pdf

Inge J. Veldhuizen1-2#, Frederieke F.M. Theelen1#, Maarten J. Ottenhof1, Rene R.J.W. van der Hulst2, Maarten M. Hoogbergen1*

1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands

2Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands

#These authors contributed equally to this work and are co-first authors

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/1.1133 View / Download Pdf

Mónica Ibáñez Barceló1*, Antonia Teresa Vila Mas2, Ana Estremera Rodrigo3, Antonio Juan Mas1

1Rheumatology Department, Hospital Son Llàtzer, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

2Dermatology Department, Hospital Son Llàtzer, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

3Radiology Department, Hospital Son Llàtzer, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

DOI: 10.29245/2767-5092/2021/1.1128 View / Download Pdf

Alicia Roso1, Mickael Puginier1*, Mathilde Bergal1, Frederic Nunzi2, Alain Alonso3

1Seppic, 50 boulevard National, CS 90020, 92257 La Garenne Colombes Cedex, France

2Groupe IDEA Lab - Site Montesquieu, 5 rue Jacques Monod, 33652 Martillac, France

3EPISKIN, 4 rue Alexander Fleming, 69007 Lyon, France

Considering all topical applications, products target very different body areas including mucosa, healthy or impaired skin with many specific characteristics in the epithelium composition, structure and barrier functionality. In vitro reconstructed human tissue models are recognized as being sensitive and reliable in preclinical studies. On top of validated methods for skin irritation, new and predictive experimental protocols can be designed to address specific applications. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the behavior of ingredients with a well-known tolerance profile for specific applications using 3D human reconstructed models: gingival and vaginal focusing on mucosa tolerance, “immature” epidermis intended to be closer to baby skin, and a fourth epidermis model with a physically impaired barrier function. Ingredients with a key function were applied at usual doses and compared to controls and formulation benchmarks to challenge the predictivity of the models.

The analysis of the results of each in vitro model demonstrated their greater sensitivity compared to the standard reconstructed human epidermis, making it possible to evaluate the tolerance of ingredients and select a well-tolerated dosage according to the local application area. The multiparametric approach designed for the “immature” and “impaired” epithelia models enriched basic irritation information with cellular, morphological and functional effects evaluations. It was therefore possible to identify some infra-clinical reactions and study the ingredient mechanisms.

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Charalambos Costeris1*, Maria Petridou2, Yianna Ioannou1

1School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Cyprus

2Department of Psychology University of Cyprus

Background: At early developmental stages, patients’ sense of self develops under the influence of dermatological disorders and can affect how young patients perceive themselves, as well as the way they interact with those around them. Objective: To investigate the influence of dermatological disorders on self-esteem and perceived social support in two groups of patients with severe visible facial acne and with non-visible psoriasis/eczema. Design: The study engaged patients during their visit to the Dermatologist to seek treatment (prior to dermatological treatment phase), and at a six-month follow-up, when their treatment was completed (post-dermatological phase). Setting: Patients from two Cypriot cities were diagnosed with acne, psoriasis/eczema by their Dermatologists and were encouraged to participate in the study. Participants: 162 adult participants (18-35 years) took part in the study (n = 54 patients with severe visible facial cystic acne; n = 54 patients with non visible psoriasis and eczema; and n = 54 participants without dermatological disorder - control group). Measurements: A sociodemographic questionnaire was administered to all participants. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-40) were administered prior to and at post-dermatological treatment phase. Results: All dermatological patients showed lower self-esteem and lower perceived social support, compared to the control group. Moreover, patients with acne appeared to have lower levels of self-esteem and perceived social support at both research phases and in comparison with the other groups. Conclusion: Patients’ self-esteem and perceived social support need to be psychologically evaluated before dermatological treatment, as well as after its completion. Findings suggest a comprehensive psychological support during the course of dermatology treatment.

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Peter Sweeney, Kyle Vaughn, Hai-Feng Ji*

Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

Hydrogels show great potential as biocompatible materials with a wide variety of applications. This includes, but is not limited to, wound dressings, signal detection, tissue repair, and adhesives. This minireview focuses on the recent development of highly stretchable hydrogels for wound healing applications. The hydrogels reviewed display high elasticity and self-healing properties that increase their longevity when in use.

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Shane M. Swink, D.O., M.S.1*, Tanya Ermolovich, D.O.1,2

1Division of Dermatology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA

2Advanced Dermatology Associates, Ltd., Allentown, PA

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Ufuk Koca Caliskan*, Methiye Mancak Karakus

Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany 06330 Etiler, Ankara, Turkey

Transdermal drug delivery system is an administration route, where active molecules are administered through the skin with advantages of a lesser amount of hepatic first pass effect, constant plasma drug concentration and safety. The skin has a barrier function for the passage of medicines as well as toxic molecules, thus, permeation boosters/enhancers are used to increase the permeability of medication through the skin. In this mini review, recent studies on essential oils that can be used to increase skin penetration in transdermal applications and the possible mechanisms of their effects are reviewed. Essential oils increase skin penetration by interacting with the stratum corneum (SC). They were found to be successful in increasing skin penetration of both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. Moreover, essential oils do not accumulate in the body since they are volatile, and also are easily discharged from the body through feces and urine. They are preferred because essential oils are natural, mostly do not damage the skin while increasing skin penetration, less toxic, and less allergenic.

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Arthe Rajarajaran, Arivuoli Dakshanamoorthy*

Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University, Chennai

The challenge which grows over time in the chronic wound healing is a self-care wound dressing. These wounds have unfavourable impact on patients wellbeing and also challenging to the health economy. The wound healing requires a complex series of physiological and immunological processes with adequate nutrition. Any derangement of immune signals at any stage can lead to impaired wound healing which alters the key transition point that lies between the inflammatory and proliferation phase that destroys the components of Extracellular matrix. The Extracellular matrix is responsible for regulating the growth factors and its receptors that are important for wound healing. To boost up the growth factor signalling and accelerating the chronic wound healing, a new biomimetic approach of mimicking the role of extracellular matrix helps in the development of instructive wound dressing. Thus this review deals in discussing the tremendous activity of the Natural polysaccharide called β-glucan on wound healing signalling which may help in mimicking the role of extracellular matrix.

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Amit Shivaji Kerure1, Shaurya Roahtgi2*, Shashank Bansod3, Umesh Bilewar4

1Consultant dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Amit Kerure skin clinic, Navi Mumbai 400703, Maharashtra, India

2Consultant dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon. Dr. Shaurya’s skin clinic, A6, Ratandeep CHS, SV road, Andheri west, Mumbai-400058

3Consultant dermatologist and hair restoration surgeon, Hi-Tech Skin clinic and hair transplant Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

4Consultant dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon, Ozone clinic, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

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Kanthi Bommareddy1, Rabah Alreshq1, David Jones2, Gurpreet Singh1*

1Department of Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208

2Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis, formerly known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is an IgA-mediated small-vessel vasculitis that predominantly affects children with an incidence of 10-20 per 100,000 per year. It is very unusual in adults; however, cirrhosis has been associated with immunoglobulin A vasculitis because of the cirrhotic liver’s inability to metabolize circulating IgA complexes, resulting in systemic deposition particularly in the skin and kidney. In cirrhosis, the most common causes of acute kidney injury are those of prerenal azotemia including hepatorenal syndrome followed by intrarenal causes. Our very rare case of kidney injury in a cirrhotic patient is due to deposition of circulating IgA complexes. We present a very rare case of palpable purpura and acute kidney injury consistent with immunoglobulin A vasculitis in an adult with alcoholic cirrhosis. This patient’s skin and renal findings improved with oral prednisone.

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Irène Tatischeff*

Honorary CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France) and UPMC (Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France) Research Director; Founder of RevInterCell (www.revintercell.com), a Scientific Consulting Service, Orsay, 91400, France

Cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are newly uncovered messengers for intercellular communication. They are released by almost every cell type in the three domains of life, i.e. Archea, Bacteria and Eukarya. They are known to mediate important biological functions and to be increasingly involved in cell physiology and in many human diseases, especially cancers. The aim of this review is threefold: (1) to stress the outstanding characteristics of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) as Intercellular Communication Messengers; (2) to focus on some interesting papers searched in PubMed, specifically dealing with EV involvement in skin physiology and in a few important skin diseases treated in dermatology; (3) to mention the potential of EVs as future theranostic agents for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of some major skin illnesses, such as Melanoma and Merkel Cell Carcinoma - an ongoing goal for achieving skin-devoted liquid biopsy and future individual patient precision medicine. However, many challenging points about EV research must still be resolved before reaching this promising perspective.

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Whitney M. Longmate*

Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA

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