Histological Changes In Skin Research Articles

Histological Changes in Skin and Subcutaneous Cellular Tissue in Patients with Massive Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery.

Morbid obesity is a public health problem with high social and economic impact. Due to failure in its treatment with traditional weight loss strategies, surgical interventions are usually required, which give rise to massive weight loss. Until now, the studies made are inconclusive regarding the histological changes in the skin caused by massive weight loss, which may later generate post-surgical complications. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the cutaneous histological changes before and after bariatric surgery. Two skin biopsies were taken from nine different patients who underwent bariatric surgery. The first biopsy was taken before the surgical intervention, and the second biopsy was taken a year after the surgery and massive weight loss. Histological analysis was performed using haematoxylin & eosin staining, Weigert's Resorcin-Fuchsin, and Masson's trichrome stain to analyse the percentage of collagen fibres, percentage of fibrosis, percentage of vascularity, vascular layer involvement and adipocyte population. The differences between the biopsies were evaluated with the Student's T test and Mann-Whitney U test, with a p-value of <0.05. Biopsies from post-bariatric patients with MWL showed an increase in fibrosis percentage, and a decrease in collagen fibres, elastic fibres of the dermis, adipocyte population, as well as reduced vascular proliferation. MWL after bariatric surgery gives rise to changes in the skin and subcutaneous cellular tissue. Skin shows an increased fibrosis percentage after massive weight loss. Elastic and collagen fibres become disorganized after massive weight loss. Vascular proliferation is decreased after massive weight loss. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Comparison of Histological Skin Changes After Massive Weight Loss in Post-bariatric and Non-bariatric Patients.

Changes in the skin structure, including the collagen and elastin content, have been reported with massive weight loss (MWL) following bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS) and have been correlated to a higher risk of complications after body-contouring surgery (BCS). This study aimed at comparing the histological characteristics of the skin of patients having surgical MWL (SMWL) post-BMS to those with non-surgical massive weight loss (NSMWL). This prospective study compared the epidermal thickness, and collagen and elastin fibers content in 80 skin biopsies obtained from BCS procedures performed to patients who experienced MWL defined more than 50% of excess weight loss (%EWL) either SMWL (40 biopsies) or NSMWL (40 biopsies). Twenty biopsies in each group were obtained from abdominoplasties and 20 from breast reductions. Epidermal thickness was measured in H&E-stained sections, collagen fibers were assessed using Masson trichrome-stained sections, and elastin fibers were assessed using Modified Verhoeff's stained sections. Image analysis software was used to calculate the fractions of collagen and elastin fibers. This study included 77 patients, 38 SMWL patients, and 39 NSMWL patients. The SMWL group had a significantly higher age (p < 0.001), a longer time interval from intervention (p < 0.001), higher initial weight (p < 0.001), higher initial BMI (p < 0.001), lower current weight (p = 0.005), lower current BMI (p < 0.001), and significantly higher %EWL than NSMWL group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding complications after abdominoplasty (p = 1.000). The elastic fibers content in the dermis was significantly higher in the abdominal region of the NSMWL group than SMWL (p = 0.029). All other parameters showed non-significant differences between NSMWL and SMWL in the skin of abdomen and breast. The SMWL group had a significant reduction in elastic fiber content in the skin of the abdomen compared to the NSMWL group. The collagen content was equally reduced in both groups with non-significant differences in both breast and abdomen regions in both groups.

Skin irritation assessment and potential mechanism of Capparis spinosa L. fruits

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn China, Capparis spinosa L. fruits (CSF) are often used topically in Uyghur folk medicine in treating rheumatic diseases with remarkable efficacy. However, it has noticed severe skin irritation after a short time application with high dose of CSF, which limited long-term clinical use. To date, there is almost no research related to skin irritation of CSF.Aim of the study: This study was intended to perform the first systematic assessment of morphological and histological changes in skin after stimulation with CSF. Furthermore, potential irritant components in CSF and related mechanisms were explored by in vitro transdermal techniques, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Materials and methodsSkin changes after single and multiple stimulations with CSF were observed and subjected to skin irritation response scoring, irritation strength assessment, and histopathological analysis. In addition, in vitro transdermal technology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation were used to further exploit underlying skin irritant components and possible mechanisms of action. ResultsCSF induced significant morphological (erythema and edema) and histological (epidermal thickening and inflammatory infiltration) changes in skin of mice, which were similar to the clinical presentation of irritation contact dermatitis (ICD). The ethyl acetate fraction of CSF (CFEAF) was the main source of CSF-induced skin irritation. Kaempferol, flazin, and gallic acid were potential major irritant compounds. Moreover, CFEAF, kaempferol, flazin, and gallic acid could increase the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) to promote skin inflammation. The potential mechanism of CSF-induced skin irritation may be activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, including phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 (p65) and nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitor alpha (IκBα). ConclusionKaempferol, flazin, and gallic acid are potential skin irritant components from CSF. Altogether, they induce skin irritation responses through promoting the release of the inflammatory factors TNF-α and ICAM-1, as well as activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, IL-17A may be an important pro-inflammatory factor in skin irritation.

Determination of postmortem interval (PMI) using histological changes in the cattle skin – A preliminary investigation

The estimation of the Postmortem interval (PMI) holds significant importance in forensic medicine, prompting continuous efforts to establish standardized methods for accuracy. Surprisingly, in the field of veterinary science, there remains a noticeable dearth of research dedicated to estimating the Postmortem interval. Addressing this research gap would undoubtedly enhance our understanding and expertise in veterinary forensics. Currently, there is no existing research on estimating the postmortem interval using histological changes in animal skin. This study involved collecting skin samples from the metatarsal region of 25 cattle carcasses at various postmortem intervals (0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h) in Puducherry, India. The skin samples were processed using routine histological techniques and special staining methods, such as modified Alcian-Periodic Acid Schiff's (Alcian-PAS) staining and Masson Trichrome (MST), to further analyze the histological changes. Histological changes in the skin showed a normal appearance of the epidermis up to 4 h after death, followed by vacuolations and extensive degeneration leading to complete disintegration. In the dermis, rarefaction and collagenolysis were observed at 8 h post-death, progressing to complete fragmentation at 24 h post-death. The sebaceous glands remained normal until 24 h post-death, then showed autolytic changes resulting in complete disintegration at 48 h post-death. The sweat gland remained normal until 24 h post-death, after which degenerative changes were evident. After death, the hair follicles looked normal up to 8 h, but after that, changes like vacuoles and degeneration were observed. The study scored the skin based on these changes, finding that the dermis showed the strongest correlation with the postmortem interval (PMI), followed by the hair follicle and epidermis. Overall, histological variations in the skin are a reliable indicator for estimating the PMI in cattle carcasses.

Interspecific differences and ecological correlations of ultraviolet radiation tolerance in low- and high-altitude fishes

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a ubiquitous environmental factor and with complex and diverse effects on organisms, and the UVR tolerance of species varies due to selection, adaptation and evolution. This study aimed to improve our understanding of the interspecific differences in UVR tolerance of fishes. First, we compared skin histology between high-altitude fishes and their low-altitude relatives. Second, we assessed the skin histological changes of 22 fish species after UVR exposure and quantified their damage levels. Finally, the factors affecting the difference in UVR tolerance among fishes were studied. Thin or absent scales was a common characteristic of high-altitude fishes in different taxonomic groups, but other skin structure parameters (the thickness of the dermis and epidermis, the size and number of mucous and club cells) did not show convergence. After UVR exposure, the size and number of mucous cells and club cells in the experimental fishes were generally reduced, but the changes in epidermal and dermal thickness varied among species. The change rata of melanin area was strong negatively correlated with the level of damage, indicating that increased melanin was helpful to reduce UVR damage. On the whole, the skin histological changes of high-altitude fishes after UVR exposure did not differ from those of low-altitude fishes. However, the epidermis and dermis of Gymnocypris eckloni and Oncorhynchus mykiss, which had the highest UVR tolerance, were nonpathologically thickened, indicating that they may contribute to UVR tolerance. There were significant interspecific differences in UVR tolerance among the experimental fishes, with high-altitude and cold water fishes showing stronger UVR tolerance. Interestingly, some low-altitude cold water fish (e.g., O. mykiss) also showed high UVR tolerance, suggesting that besides high-altitude adaptation, low-temperature adaptation also may play an important role in organismal adaptation to UVR.

Implication of High-mobility group box-1 and skin post mortem changes in estimation of time passed since death: Animal and human study.

Determination of postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the goals of the forensic autopsy. The study aimed to correlate the postmortem skin changes and High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) alterations in serum and skin immunohistochemical staining with time since death. We used animal and human specimens; forty adult male albino rats were dissected to obtain samples at PMI (0, 3, 6, 12, 24h); forty human medicolegal autopsy cases with a known time of death (within the first 24h PMI). Cases were classified into 5 groups according to the PMI: I (0h); II (≤3h); III (4 to 6); IV (7 to 12); V (13 to 24) hour intervals after death; blood and full-thickness skin samples were collected from both models. Results showed a significant time-dependent elevation in serum HMGB1 levels along with its overexpression in immunohistochemically stained skin tissue. Also, the degree of histopathological changes in epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis progressively increased with PMI in both models. The timetable of postmortem skin histological changes, serum HMGB1 concentration, and immunoexpression for HMGB1 proteins in skin tissues has a profile that could serve as actual and simply convenient parameters for accurate determination of postmortem intervals in both models. HMGB1 displayed a pivotal role in the estimation of PMI at the examined periods.

Olive Oil/Pluronic Oleogels for Skin Delivery of Quercetin: In Vitro Characterization and Ex Vivo Skin Permeability.

The main objective of this study was to prepare and characterize oleogel as potential carrier for quercetin skin delivery. The formulations were prepared by adding olive oil (5–30%) to Pluronic F127 hydrogel and were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, viscosity in vitro quercetin release and stability, and were compared with that of Pluronic F127 hydrogel. The selected formulation was characterized for its interaction possibility, ex vivo skin permeation and skin histological changes and safety. The particle sizes ranged from 345.3 ± 5.3 nm to 401.5 ± 2.8 nm, and possessed negative charges. The viscosities of the formulations were found in the range of 6367–4823 cps with inverse proportionality to olive oil percentage while the higher percentages showed higher quercetin release. Percentages of 25% and 30% olive oil showed instability pattern under the conditions of accelerated stability studies. Differential scanning calorimetry verified the existence of quercetin in micellar aggregation and the network in the case of hydrogel and oleogel respectively. Ex vivo skin permeation showed an improved skin permeation of quercetin when 20% olive oil containing oleogel was used. Skin histology after 10 days of application showed stratum corneum disruption and good safety profile. Based on these findings, the proposed oleogel containing 20% olive oil denotes a potential carrier for topical delivery of quercetin.

Histological changes in human skin 32\xa0days after death and the potential forensic significance

To observe the histological changes in human skin within 32 days after death to explore its potential significance in forensic practice. The intact full-thickness skin and subcutaneous tissue from the sternum of eight corpses were placed in an environment of 4–6 °C for 4 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, 60 h, 72 h, 84 h, 96 h, 6 d, 8 d, 10 d, 12 d, 16 d, 20 d, 24 d, 28 d, and 32 d. Then, the whole layer of the skin was stained with haematoxylin & eosin. The histological morphology of the epidermis, dermis and appendages (sweat glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands) was observed under an light microscope. The epithelial nucleus condensed at 24 h after death, and cell lysis was exhausted after 20 days. The post-mortem changes in the dermis occurred later than that of the epidermis (72 h), but after epidermal changes started, the change was more rapid. At 16 d, the layers had become homogenized. The epidermis and dermis had completely separated 24 d after death. The changes in the sweat glands appeared earlier (24 h) and disappeared later (32 days); the sebaceous glands and hair follicles began to undergo degenerative changes at 96 h after death, and at approximately 20 d, only their contour remained. There were individual and structural differences in the post-mortem histological changes in the skin. At 4–6 °C ambient temperature, some structures of the human skin still exist for a long time after death, and these structures can be used to identify the source of the tissue; post-mortem histological changes in the skin occur at specific times, which can be used to help infer the time of death. A comprehensive observation of changes in the skin composition/structure is required to comprehensively analyse possible death times.

Multifaceted targeting of cationic liposomes via co-delivery of anti-IL-17 siRNA and corticosteroid for topical treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the skin to alter its structure and physiology and express the phenotypic function of abnormal epidermal cell growth through a cascade of molecular, and cellular intervention. The histological changes in skin include inflammation, scaling, hyperproliferation of epidermis resulting in thickening of the skin, under the influence of altered immunopathogenesis. The zone of activity for the therapeutic targeting of psoriasis is viable epidermis involving various cellular events regulating the whole progression of the disease manifestation. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of psoriasis through the systemic route would be imprecise and associated with numerous side effects. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules have emerged as a powerful class of therapeutics for treating psoriasis. However, successful targeted delivery of necked siRNA into the skin is hampered due to physicochemical features, proneness to enzymatic degradation, and unavailability of effective delivery carriers. The steroidal medications are the most preferred choice among existing conventional topical formulations; however, they also have their drawbacks like poor aqueous solubility, deprived drug penetration across the skin, reduced half-life, dose-dependent side effects, and reduced patient compliance. In the present study, we hypothesize the development of a liposomal gel formulation for co-delivery of siRNA (siRNA against IL-17A) and a steroidal drug (Clobetasol propionate) to target different pathogenic events of psoriasis leading to the accomplishment of synergistic therapeutic effect. Since a sequence of events simultaneously occurs during the pathogenesis of psoriasis, synergistic blends of siRNA and corticosteroid would ensure a multi-targeted treatment that would act through a diverse range of mechanisms, ultimately leading to the enhancement of therapeutic effect. Therefore, exploiting the full therapeutic potential of these therapeutics. Thus, the present work suggests a novel, innovative, and promising idea for accomplishing effective treatment of psoriasis.

Histological changes in skin and gill of fresh water EUS infected fish Channa punctatus

Histopathology is an important diseases diagnostic tool. Penetration into the host is the first step for a microbial agent to mutiply and invade the vital organs of its host. Like all animals fishes suffers from environmental, stress, which is followed by pathogenic attacks and parasitic afflictions causing Epizootic Ulcerative syndrome (EUS). Histological investigations of tissues of EUS infected fish Channa punctatus showed an eroded epidermis, necrosis of skeletal muscles and intense granulomatous inflammation, infiltration of mixed inflammatory cells in muscular as well as submuscular layers of the skin. Also a characteristic focal grannular granuloma in the gill lamellae was noticed. The electron microscopic observations, of the tissue cells of the fishe showed viruses like Parvovirus even at a red spot stage. Thus, it can be said that Viruses being crystalline in nature have cellular penetrating power &amp; the EUS infection follows the phyllogenetic evolution in life in true sense i.e. RNA virus followed by Bacterial cell and then Fungus. Thus, the presence of EUS in Channa punctatus is confirmed histologically.

Postmortem changes in skin appendages-A histological study

Introduction: The importance of estimating time since death was discussed through centuries, even in the most unsophisticated social setups in different parts of the world. Hair, nails, sweat and sebaceous glands are known as the appendages of the skin .They are of epithelial origin and along with the skin, forms the integumentary system. The study aims at looking into the histological changes that occurs during the decomposition process as an attempt to calculate the time since death. Objectives: To observe various histological changes in skin and its appendages. To study time relation between these histological changes and postmortem interval. Materials and Methods: 30 skin samples from human cadavers are collected where actual time of death is known, from Yenepoya Medical college mortuary. Skin samples (1 x 2 cm) from the anterior chest were collected, parallel to the longitudinal midline incision. Tissues were fixed in 10% formalin, embedded in paraffin wax, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H and E) and sweat glands for periodic acid-Schiff (alcian-PAS). The skin samples were observed under light microscope for the changes in the following structures: sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. Result: Sebaceous glands and Hair follicle showed minimal changes that are difficult to correlate with PMI. Changes in sweat glands shared an intermediate status between the other two groups in this study which can be sought for in relation with the relation with dermis and epidermis for correlation. Sweat gland PAS staining proved to be of no definite value in this study. This study proves that histology of skin and its appendages is a powerful tool in determining time since death. Conclusion: This study will be helpful in determination of the time since death from the changes in skin appendages. Keywords: Postmortem Interval.

Antiphotoaging Potential of Extracts of Yin-Tonic Herbal Medicine in Skin Cell and Human Skin Equivalent.

Yin-tonic herbal medicines have been shown to possess properties that make skin healthy by nourishing within various organs of the body. However, the antiphotoaging effect of these medicines on the skin has not been fully studied. Photoaging occurs with prolonged sun exposure and causes skin damage and aging, with depletion of the dermal extracellular matrix and chronic alterations in skin structure, such as wrinkles. In this study, we assessed the antiphotoaging effects of eight yin-tonic herbal medicines on human skin cells and skin equivalents. The levels of type I procollagen and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in ultraviolet B- (UVB-) irradiated CCD-986sk fibroblasts were measured, and then three medicines were chosen based on screening results. Using UVB-irradiated human skin equivalents, we evaluated the effect of three yin-tonic herbal medicines on histological changes of skin, epidermal and dermal thickness, and MMP-1 production. Furthermore, we observed collagen fiber content and protein expression of filaggrin in UVB-irradiated human skin equivalents. Yin-tonic herbal medicines increased type I procollagen levels and decreased the production of MMP-1 in UVB-irradiated CCD-986sk fibroblasts. The three selected yin-tonic herbal medicines recovered the collagen content and filaggrin expression via MMP-1 downregulation in UVB-irradiated human skin equivalents. Our results show that yin-tonic herbal medicines can prevent skin photoaging by reduction of MMP-1 levels and increasing the expression of moisturizing factors. Based on these results, we suggest that yin-tonic herbal medicines have the potential to be used as helpful agent for skin photoaging.

Histological features of skin and subcutaneous tissue in patients with breast cancer who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and their relationship to post-treatment edema.

Lymphedema is a major complication of treatment for breast cancer. Although chemotherapy can cause lymphedema, there have been few reports about histological changes in skin and subcutaneous tissue after chemotherapy. The aim of our study was to determine whether chemotherapy affects blood and lymphatic vessels in the skin and subcutaneous fat and to investigate the relationship between these changes and extent of post-chemotherapy edema. We compared histological findings in skin and subcutaneous fat of mastectomy specimens from 38 patients who had received NAC (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) and 56 who had not (non-NAC) attending our institution from 2007 to 2016. Patients whose tumor may have affected the area examined were excluded. Blood and lymphatic vessels were identified by CD31 and D2-40, respectively. We assessed microvessel density (MVD), lymphatic microvessel density (MLVD), lumen cross-sectional area (LA), and amount of endothelium (AE) in blood and lymphatic vessels. To minimize surgical effects, we measured edema, defined as ≥ 15% thicker dorsal subcutaneous tissue than baseline, on the contralateral side. MVD, LA, and AE of blood vessels were greater and MLVD not significantly different in the skin of NAC patients than in that of non-NAC patients. MVD was greater and AE of blood vessels less in subcutaneous fat of NAC patients than in that of non-NAC patients. Patients with edema had significantly less AE of blood vessels in skin than did those without it. These pathological findings can help to identify patients who will develop edema and improve their treatment.

Treatment of a Severe Pediatric Lyell Syndrome with Amniotic Membrane: Case Report and Histological Findings

Background: Lyell Syndrome (TEN, Toxic epidermal necrolysis) represents a medical emergency particularly in pediatric patients in whom the massive skin damage can quickly lead to multi-organ dysfunction and death. Prompt restoration of the physiologic mucosal/cutaneous barrier is mandatory. The use of amniotic membranes has been described in the treatment of ophthalmic Lyell Syndrome, but its use has not yet been adopted for the management of larger cutaneous wounds. Study Hypothesis: Here we report the use of amniotic membranes in a pediatric case of severe Lyell Syndrome with complete skin surface, ocular and mucosal involvement with life threating presentation. Methods: A 7-year old female was admitted to our Burn Centre for severe cutaneous/mucosal exfoliation (100% Total body surface area, TBSA) as a result of an adverse reaction to ibuprofen administration. Supportive fluid administration, cardiac-pulmonary assistance and pain management were complemented by serial grafting of amniotic membranes on all affected areas to provide coverage of the exfoliated skin/mucosa. Biopsies were obtained to monitor histological skin changes. Results: The patient showed an excellent response to amniotic membrane treatment, with rapid restoration of mucosal and cutaneous layers in the grafted areas. This resulted in a decreased need for dressing changes, avoidance of additional surgeries and a reduced dependence on supportive therapy. Lower pain levels than usually expected led to a reduced need for narcotic pain medications and allowed for early physical rehabilitation and a short hospital stay. Histology confirmed evidence of topical immune-modulation in treated areas (reduction of inflammatory infiltrate). Conclusion: As we tested in numerously TEN and burn pediatric injuries Amniotic membranes with their regenerative and immune-modulatory effects may represent an life saving treatment even in the worst cases of pediatric Lyell syndrome.

Clinical features, fungal load, coinfections, histological skin changes, and itraconazole treatment response of cats with sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis

Zoonotic sporotrichosis caused by the fungus Sporothrix brasiliensis is usually severe in cats. This study investigated the associations between clinical features, fungal load, coinfections, histological skin changes, and response to itraconazole in cats with sporotrichosis caused by S. brasiliensis. Fifty-two cats with skin lesions and a definitive diagnosis of sporotrichosis were treated with itraconazole for a maximum period of 36 weeks. The animals were submitted to clinical examination and two subsequent collections of samples from the same skin lesion for fungal diagnosis and histopathology, as well as serology for feline immunodeficiency (FIV) and leukaemia (FeLV) viruses. Thirty-seven (71%) cats were clinically cured. Nasal mucosa lesions and respiratory signs were associated with treatment failure. Cats coinfected with FIV/FeLV (n = 12) had a lower neutrophil count in the lesion. A high fungal load in skin lesions was linked to young age and treatment failure, as well as to a longer time of wound healing, poorly formed granulomas and fewer neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes in these lesions. These results indicate that itraconazole is effective, but nasal mucosal involvement, respiratory signs and high fungal loads in skin lesions are predictors of treatment failure that will assist in the development of better treatment protocols for cats.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Juice Shows Antioxidant Activity against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis-Induced Oxidative Stress in Female BALB/c Mice.

Leishmania species are parasites that multiply within phagocytes and cause several clinical diseases characterized by single or multiple ulcerations. One of the complications that can induce tissue damage and the resulting scars is caused by secondary bacterial infections. Studies to find new, effective, and safe oral drugs for treating leishmaniasis are being conducted since several decades, owing to the problems associated with the use of antimonials available. Previously, the antiparasitic and antioxidant properties of Punica granatum (pomegranate, P. granatum) have been reported. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the antileishmanial activity of pomegranate aqueous juice in vitro and in female BALB/c mice. A 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in Leishmania major promastigotes and alterations in the antioxidant status, liver function, and skin histological changes in L. major-infected mice orally treated with pomegranate juice alone and in combination with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, were used to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity of pomegranate juice, respectively. Oral P. granatum juice treatment significantly reduced the average size of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions compared with that of the untreated mice. This antileishmanial activity of P. granatum was associated with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathological evaluation proved the antileishmanial activity of P. granatum, but did not reveal changes in the treated animals, compared to the positive control. In conclusion, P. granatum shows high and fast antileishmanial activity probably by boosting the endogenous antioxidant activity.

Defining the actinic keratosis field: a literature review and discussion.

Despite the chronic and increasingly prevalent nature of actinic keratosis (AK) and existing evidence supporting assessment of the entire cancerization field during clinical management, a standardized definition of the AK field to aid in the understanding and characterization of the disease is lacking. The objective of this review was to present and appraise the available evidence describing the AK cancerization field, with the aim of determining a precise definition of the AK field in terms of its molecular (including genetic and immunological), histological and clinical characteristics. Eight European dermatologists collaborated to conduct a review and expert appraisal of articles detailing the characteristics of the AK field. Articles published in English before August 2016 were identified using PubMed and independently selected for further assessment according to predefined preliminary inclusion and exclusion criteria. In addition, a retrospective audit of patients with AK was performed to define the AK field in clinical terms. A total of 32 review articles and 47 original research articles provided evidence of sun-induced molecular (including genetic and immunological) and histological skin changes in the sun-exposed area affected by AK. However, the available literature was deemed insufficient to inform a clinical definition of the AK field. During the retrospective audit, visible signs of sun damage in 40 patients with AK were assessed. Telangiectasia, atrophy and pigmentation disorders emerged as 'reliable or very reliable' indicators of AK field based on expert opinion, whereas 'sand paper' was deemed a 'moderately reliable' indicator. This literature review has revealed a significant gap of evidence to inform a clinical definition of the AK field. Therefore, the authors instead propose a clinical definition of field cancerization based on the identification of visible signs of sun damage that are reliable indicators of field cancerization based on expert opinion.

Upregulation of epidermal gap junctional proteins in patients with venous disease.

Leg ulceration is a feared complication of venous insufficiency. It is not known whether varicose veins predispose skin to poor wound healing. The expression pattern of gap junctional protein connexin, a known marker of poor wound healing, was investigated across various stages of venous disease. Patients undergoing intervention for varicose veins were assessed according to the Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification of varicose veins. Paired 4-mm punch biopsies were taken from above the ankle (pathological) and above the knee (control). Tissues were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and for connexin 43, connexin 30 and connexin 26. Forty-eight paired biopsies were taken (12 each for CEAP class C0, C2, C4 and C6). The pathological skin showed progressive epithelial hyperthickening, an increase in the number and depth of rete ridges, increased inflammation and loss of dermal architecture with disease progression from C4 onwards. The overall absolute connexin expression and mean connexin expression per cell in the pathological skin similarly increased across the CEAP classes from as early as C2. Increasing levels of connexin in control skin were also noted, indicating progression of the disease proximally. Connexin 43 expression showed the strongest positive correlation between pathological and control skin. Connexins were overexpressed in patients with simple varicose veins, with a stepwise increased expression through venous eczema to ulceration. Connexin 43 is a potential biomarker for venous disease. This finding suggests that varicose veins predispose skin to poor wound healing. Surgical relevance The overexpression of connexins, a family of gap junctional proteins, is known to cause poor healing in venous leg ulceration. It is not known whether there is any association with superficial venous disease. Here, connexin proteins were overexpressed in patients with uncomplicated varicose veins, before histological skin changes. Connexin could be a biomarker of venous disease progression.

Urtica thunbergiana prevents UVB-induced premature skin aging by regulating the transcription factor NFATc1: An in vitro and in vivo study

Exposure to UV radiation is the primary cause of skin photoaging. UV damage is a result of increases in MMPs activity and degradation of collagen, resulting in wrinkle formation. Although the antioxidant potential of Urtica species is well known, the protective effects of Urtica thunbergiana against UVB-irradiated photoaging have not been explored. To examine the anti-photoaging effects of Urtica thunbergiana leaf extract (UT), levels of intracellular ROS, MMPs, IL-6, procollagen type 1, and TGF-β1 were investigated in UVB-irradiated NHDFs. We also examined anti-wrinkle effects of UT by measuring physiological and histological skin changes in hairless mice. Our data showed that UVB exposure decreased the level of phosphorylated NFATc1. One active component of UT, chlorogenic acid (CGA), regulated NFATc1 dephosphorylation to a similar extent as tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor. Our results suggest that UT and its active component, CGA, have the potential to prevent UVB-induced premature skin aging by regulating NFATc1.

Forensic study of skin postmortem changes as a supplementary test to determine postmortem interval (first 78 hours)

Introduction. Determining the postmortem interval is usually based on macroscopic-morphological criteria (cadaveric phenomena); some other objective methods are often difficult to access in daily practice; therefore we analyze the usefulness of the histopathological examination of the skin as a supplementary method for determining the postmortem interval. Materials and methods. 23 patients and 92 skin biopsies were analyzed. All samples were taken in a maximum time of 6 h postmortem. Biopsies were classified into 4 groups according to the postmortem interval, with 23 biopsies in each group: 1 (1 to 6 h.); 2 (25 to 30 h.); 3 (49 to 54 h.); 4 (73 to 78 h); 21 histological criteria were analyzed with Fisher test and principal component analysis. Results. Skin biopsies of 23 corpses (mean age 51.6 years, 15 males and 8 females) were studied. 21 histological criteria were analyzed by Fisher test; statistical significance (p &lt;0.001) with a reliability of 94.61% was achieved in 15 parameters. With the 15 selected parameters, a principal component analysis established that there were differences among the 4 analyzed groups. Conclusions. The skin histological changes may be used as a supplementary parameter in the forensic evaluation of the early postmortem interval.