Increase In Epidermal Thickness Research Articles

Efficacy of a Combination Treatment of Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy and Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor for Atrophic Acne Scars.

Atrophic acne scars (AAS) are disfiguring and permanent changes caused by inflammatory acne. Fractional carbon dioxide is a common ablative device used to treat this condition. However, issues such as unclear effectiveness, frequent treatments, and potential side effects exist. In recent years, recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) has also been frequently reported for its application in the treatment of acne scars. To explore the potential synergistic effect of fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with rhEGF in AAS treatment. We enrolled 15 patients with AAS. They received fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment and were then randomly assigned to receive either rhEGF or a placebo on one side of the face. The procedure was repeated three times, and the results were evaluated using the échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné (ECCA) score and analyzed using the CBS camera system, 3D analysis (3DMD). Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) examination was also conducted. Both sides exhibited significant improvement in the appearance of the acne scars after treatment, as confirmed by the ECCA score, 3DMD data, and CBS texture score. On the rhEGF-treated side, the pore number and epidermal pigment area significantly improved as compared to the control side, whereas no significant differences were observed in the other data. Under RCM, a significant increase in epidermal thickness and appearance of reticular collagen fibers in the dermal layer after treatment was observed. Compared to the sole use of laser, the combination of fractional carbon dioxide laser and rhEGF does not significantly enhance scar therapeutic effects. However, it does shorten the recovery period after laser treatment and improves the pore appearance.

The Role of Vitamin A on the Histology of Skin of Adult Rats After Eposure to UVB

Background: long-term eposure of skin to sun (UV light) may produce different dermatological changes. The aim of this eperiment is to eplore the protective effects of oral vitamin A on skin subjected to UVB. Methods: twenty rats were separated into: group 1 (without UVB eposure), group 2 (eposed to single daily increasing dose of UVB for one week), group 3 (eposed to UVB with oral daily administration of vit A 10000 IU for one week), group 4 (received vit A for one week). The daily doses of UVB were respectively 0.24, 0.36, 0.48, 0.6, 0.72, 0.84 and 0.96 J/cm2. Skin samples were stained with hematoylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome stains, in addition to Melan-A stain for melanocytes. Results: histopathological results in skin of group 2 demonstrated loss of normal architecture with increase in thickness of epidermis, hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis, moreover, skin sections detected increased number of inflammatory cells with damaged hair follicles. The basal layer shows an increase in mitotic division and necrosis, besides, epidermal edema and vascular congestion. Furthermore, collagen fibers were degraded. Immunohistochemical reaction revealed intense positive epression of Melan-A with increased proliferation and activity of melanocytes, while sections of groups 1 and 4 show normal healthy skin and negative Melan-A epression. In contrast, skin of group 3 reveals mild hyperkeratosis with normal keratin layer, in addition, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was dropped and hair follicles were preserved. Collagen bundles were slightly degraded with normal arrangement. Immunohistochemical results of this group show mild positive epression of Melan A. Conclusion: oral administration of vitamin A decreases the toic effect of UVB radiation on skin and reduces its induced pigmentation.

Structural and functional imaging of psoriasis for severity assessment and quantitative monitoring of treatment response using high-resolution optoacoustic imaging

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, characterized by thick scaly plaques. It imposes a notable disease burden with varying levels of severity affecting the quality of life significantly. Current disease severity assessment relies on semi-objective visual inspection based on the Psoriasis Area and Severity index (PASI) score that might not be sensitive to sub-clinical changes. Histology of psoriasis skin lesions necessitate invasive skin biopsies. This indicates an unmet need for a non-invasive, objective and quantitative approach to assess disease severity serially. Herein, we employ multispectral Raster-Scanning Optoacoustic Mesoscopy (ms-RSOM) derived structural and microvascular functional imaging metrics to examine the lesional and non-lesional skin in psoriasis subjects across different severities and also evaluate the treatment outcome in a subject with topical steroids and biologics, such as adalimumab. ms-RSOM derived structural metrics like epidermal thickness and total blood volume (TBV) and microvascular functional information such as oxygen saturation (sO2) are evaluated by spectrally resolving the endogenous chromophores like melanin, oxy-, and deoxy-hemoglobin. Initial findings reveal an elevated sO2 and TBV with severity in lesional and non-lesional psoriasis skin, thus representing increasing inflammation. An increase in epidermal thickness is also noted with the degree of severity, corresponding to the inflammation and increased abnormal cell growth. As a marker to evaluate the treatment response, we observed a decrease in epidermal thickness, sO2, and TBV in a psoriasis patient post-treatment, which is consistent with the decrease in the PASI score from 4.1 to 1.9. We envision that ms-RSOM has a huge potential to be translated into routine clinical setting for the diagnosis of severity and assessment of treatment monitoring in psoriasis subjects.

Molecular Insights Into the Effects of PLLA-SCA on Gene Expression and Collagen Synthesis in Human 3D Skin Models Containing Macrophages.

Injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) is used for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies, cheek wrinkles, and other facial wrinkles. In contrast to hyaluronan (HA) fillers, PLLA-SCA has a biostimulatory effect by activating resident fibroblasts to produce collagen, but the mechanisms are not known in detail at the molecular level. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the molecular effects of PLLA-SCA in a comprehensive in vitro study. Since PLLA-SCA-dependent collagen production in fibroblasts depends on the interaction with macrophages, we generated novel macrophage-containing 3D skin models. According to the clinical application, PLLA-SCA was injected once into the dermal equivalent of the 3D skin model. Histological analysis showed a significant increase in epidermal thickness in these models after 5 and 14 days. Gene expression profiling revealed an upregulation of integrins and laminins (e.g., LAMA3, ITGA6), which are essential components of the dermal-epidermal junction. In addition, we found an upregulation of cytokines and chemokines (TGFB2, CXCL6, IL1B) at day 14 after PLLA-SCA injection. Interestingly, immunohistochemical analyses exhibited a significantly stimulated collagen I production in our models. These effects might be attributed, at least in part, to the upregulation of IL1B and subsequently CXCL6, which stimulates collagen I synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts as we could demonstrate. Taken together, our data provide for the first time molecular insights into the biostimulatory effects of PLLA-SCA on collagen I production in novel human 3D skin models comprising macrophages. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4):7791.    doi:10.36849/JDD.7791.

A ternary composite hydrogel based on sodium alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose and copper-doped 58S bioactive glass promotes cutaneous wound healing in vitro and in vivo

Hydrogels offer a novel approach to wound repair. In this study, we synthesized a ternary composite using sodium alginate (SA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and copper-doped 58S bioactive glass (BG). According to our mechanical testing results, the composite made of 7 wt% CMC and 7 wt% BG (SA-7CMC-7BG) showed optimal properties. In addition, our in vitro studies revealed the biocompatibility and bioactivity of SA-7CMC-7BG, with a negative zeta potential of −31.7 mV. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed 273-μm-diameter pores, cell adhesion, and anchoring. The SA-7CMC-7BG closed 90.4 % of the mechanical scratch after 2 days. An in vivo wound model using Wistar rats showed that SA-7CMC-7BG promoted wound healing, with 85.57 % of the wounds healed after 14 days. Treatment with the SA-7CMC-7BG hydrogel caused a 1.6-, 65-, and 1.87-fold increase in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), Col I, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, respectively that prevents fibrosis and promotes angiogenesis. Furthermore, interleukin 1β (IL-1β) expression was downregulated by 1.61-fold, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect of SA-7CMC-7BG. We also observed an increase in epidermal thickness, the number of fibroblast cells, and collagen deposition, which represent complementary pathology results confirming the effectiveness of the SA-7CMC-7BG hydrogel in cutaneous wound healing.

The effect of long exposure to uvb rays on histological features of wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) in photoaging model

Introduction: Indonesia is a tropical country with exposure to UV rays from the sun throughout the year, so the Indonesian population is very vulnerable to skin aging, especially extrinsic skin aging due to prolonged exposure to UV rays. This study aimed to determine the effect of long exposure to UVB rays on the thickness of the epidermis, the thickness of the dermis, and the number of blood vessels and sunburn cells in (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar strain. Methods: This research was a post-test-only control group design using 27 rats which were divided into 3 groups, namely: control group K was untreated rats, and treatment groups P1 and P2 were rats exposed to UVB radiation for 3 weeks and 6 respectively exposure weeks. Test the effect on the study using the One-Way ANOVA test and Tukey’s Post Hoc Test. Results: The results indicated an increase in epidermal thickness of groups P1 (44.87 μm) and P2 (56.90 μm) (significant p<0.05). A decrease in dermis thickness occurred in groups P1 (726.91 μm) and P2 (559.40 μm) (significant p<0.05). In the photoaging area, there was an increased amount of sunburn cells in group P1 (6.40) and P2 (11.40) (significant p<0.05). There was a difference in the number of blood vessels between groups K and P2 and groups P1 and P2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: There was an effect of long exposure to UVB rays on histology in rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the photoaging model including the thickness of the epidermis layer and dermis layer, the number of blood vessels, and sunburn cells.

Efficacy of Oregano Extract Ointment on Fibroblast Cells and Epidermis in Albino Rats with Excisional Wound Model

This study aimed to determine the effect of oregano extract ointment therapy on the number of fibroblast cells and the epidermal thickness in excised wounds. The experimental animals used were 20 male Wistar strain albino rats, 12 weeks old, weighing 100–150 g, divided into 5 treatment groups i.e., (C-) not excised and without ointment, (C+) excised and without ointment, and the treatment group were excised using a 5 x 5 mm biopsy punch and treated with oregano extract ointment using concentrations of (T1) 3%, (T2) 6% and (T3) 9% twice daily for 14 days in an excised wound. The variables observed in this study were the number of fibroblast cells and the epidermal thickness by the HE staining method then measured using ImageJ. Data analysis used the One-Way ANOVA test followed by the Tukey test (p < 0,05). The results showed a decrease in the number of fibroblast cells and an increase in the epidermal thickness in the 6% concentration ointment. This study concluded that the administration of oregano extract ointment with a concentration of 6% was the optimal concentration in accelerating the final proliferative phase, characterized by a decrease in fibroblast cells and an increase in epidermal thickness.

Biological effects of air pollution on the function of human skin equivalents.

The World Health Organization reports that 99% of the global population are exposed to pollution levels higher than the recommended air quality guidelines. Pollution-induced changes in the skin have begun to surface; however, the effects require further investigation so that effective protective strategies can be developed. This study aimed to investigate some of the aging-associated effects caused by ozone and particulate matter (PM) on human skin equivalents. Full-thickness skin equivalents were exposed to 0.01 μg/μL PM, 0.05 μg/μL PM, 0.3 ppm ozone, or a combination of 0.01 μg/μL PM and 0.3 ppm ozone, before skin equivalents and culture medium were harvested for histological/immunohistochemical staining, gene and protein expression analysis using qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. Markers include MMP-1, MMP-3, COL1A1, collagen-I, 4-HNE, HMGCR, and PGE2. PM was observed to induce a decrease in epidermal thickness and an enhanced matrix building phenotype, with increases in COL1A1 and an increase in collagen-I protein expression. By contrast, ozone induced an increase in epidermal thickness and was found to induce a matrix-degrading phenotype, with decreases in collagen-I gene/protein expression and increases in MMP-1 and MMP-3 gene/protein expression. Ozone was also found to induce changes in lipid homeostasis and inflammation induction. Some synergistic damage was also observed when combining ozone and 0.01 μg/μL PM. The results presented in this study identify distinct pollutant-induced effects and show how pollutants may act synergistically to augment damage; given individuals are rarely only exposed to one pollutant type, exposure to multiple pollutant types should be considered to develop effective protective interventions.

PCSK9 inhibition interrupts the cross-talk between keratinocytes and macrophages and prevents UVB-induced skin damage

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is an enzyme that promotes the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptors. It is involved in hyperlipidemia as well as other diseases, such as cancer and skin inflammation. However, the detailed mechanism for PCSK9 on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin lesions was not clear. Thus, the role and possible action mechanism of PCSK9 in UVB-induced skin damage in mice were studied here using siRNA and a small molecule inhibitor (SBC110736) against PCSK9. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a significant increase in PCSK9 expression after UVB exposure, indicating the possible role of PCSK9 in UVB damage. Skin damage, increase in epidermal thickness, and keratinocyte hyperproliferation were significantly alleviated after treatment with SBC110736 or siRNA duplexes, compared with that in the UVB model group. Notably, UVB exposure triggered DNA damage in keratinocytes, whereas substantial interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation was observed in macrophages. Pharmacologic inhibition of STING or cGAS knockout significantly reduced UVB-induced damage. In the co-culture system, supernatant from UVB-treated keratinocyte induced IRF3 activation in macrophages. This activation was inhibited with SBC110736 and by PCSK9 knockdown. Collectively, our findings reveal that PCSK9 plays a critical role in the crosstalk between damaged keratinocytes and STING activation in macrophages. The interruption of this crosstalk by PCSK9 inhibition may be a potential therapeutic strategy for UVB-induced skin damage.

Hydrocortisone-Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for Controlled Topical Delivery: Formulation Design Optimization and In Vitro and In Vivo Appraisal.

The barrier functionalities of the skin offer a major but not insuperable hindrance for fabrication of skin delivery effective systems. This work aimed to develop an optimized lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticle and assess the skin delivery effectiveness of hydrocortisone (9.872 ± 0.361 × 10-3 cm2/h) of a drug through the skin from an optimized formulation when compared with a drug solution. Meanwhile, histological examination after topical application of the optimized formulation showed a safe increase in epidermal thickness. In vivo, the optimized formulation showed promising anti-inflammatory activity in a croton oil-induced ear rosacea model. As an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, these findings propose that the use of lipomers could be a promising strategy to improve the topical effectiveness of hydrocortisone acetate (HCA) against inflammatory diseases. Collectively, these results support our view that lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles can proficiently deliver hydrocortisone to the skin in treating skin inflammatory conditions.

Chronic psychological stress aggravates psoriasis-like skin inflammation via overactivation of β2-adrenoceptor and nuclear factor kappa B pathways.

The relationship between psoriasis severity and psychological stress has been described in several studies. However, the mechanism by which chronic stress exacerbates psoriasis is not completely understood. This study aimed at investigating whether chronic psychological stress can aggravate psoriasis-like skin inflammation. Mice were subjected to a restraint stress model and topically treated with imiquimod (IMQ). Differentiated human keratinocytes were treated with high epinephrine levels and IMQ in vitro. Stress aggravated macroscopic features and the increase in epidermal thickness induced by IMQ in mouse skin. The increase in NF-κB and IL-17A expression induced by IMQ was potentiated by chronic stress in mouse skin. The skin of stressed mice treated with IMQ showed higher levels of β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR). In human keratinocytes, high epinephrine levels exacerbated the increase in the levels of β2-AR and IL-17A induced by IMQ. β-AR antagonist reversed the effects of chronic stress in IMQ-induced inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, stress-stimulated overactivation of the β2-AR and NF-κB pathways potentiates a Th1/Th17 profile leading to an exacerbation of psoriasis.

Delivery of a peptide/microRNA blend via electrospun antimicrobial nanofibres for wound repair

Downregulation of microRNA-31 (miR-31) and microRNA-132 (miR-132) has been associated with delayed wound healing. Therefore, it was hypothesised that intracellular delivery of miR-31 and miR-132, both as individual and blend formulations, could promote tissue repair. The use of a blend could minimise potential toxicity and achieve synergistic effects, thus maximising the therapeutic effect. miR-31 and miR-132 were condensed with a 30-mer positively charged amphipathic peptide, RALA, to form nanocomplexes with an average size <200 nm and zeta-potential ≥10 designed to facilitate cellular internalisation. This enabled a fold increase in miR-31 and miR-132 expression of ≥100,000 in a murine fibroblast cell line (NCTC-929) and a skin human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), with intracellular delivery >70% for individual and blend formulations. Moreover, incubation with the nanocomplexes increased the migration of HaCaT cells ≥25% at 4 and 8 h post-incubation, as well as downregulation of EMP-1 and RASA1 and HB-EGF and RASA1, target genes for miR-31 and miR-132, respectively. Electrospinning was then employed to produce an alginate/polyvinyl alcohol/ciprofloxacin nanofibrous wound patch to facilitate the controlled delivery of the nanocomplexes. Nanofibres were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to improve stability in aqueous solvents, and they were proven to be biocompatible with antimicrobial activity without cellular attachment to avoid injury upon removal. RALA/miR nanoparticles were incorporated to the nanofibrous wound dressing and in vivo wound healing studies using C57BL/6J mice demonstrated a >60% acceleration in the wound closure rate at Day 7 post-wounding, a ≥1.5 increase in epidermal thickness, and a ≥2 increase in blood vessel count with respect to commercial and untreated controls. Taken together, this data proves that delivery of RALA/miR-31 and RALA/miR-132 from an alginate/polyvinyl alcohol/ciprofloxacin nanofibrous wound dressing constitutes an advanced therapy for wound healing, by accelerating wound closure and improving healed tissue quality. Statement of significanceIn this study, we report for the first time the use of the RALA peptide to deliver two miRNA 31 & 132 simultaneously from an electrospun patch. Both miRs have been shown to be downregulated in wounds and this study endeavoured to deliver a blend of the miRs from a nanofibre patch. Electrospinning was used to produce an alginate/polyvinyl alcohol/ciprofloxacin wound patch to enable controlled delivery of the miRs without cellular attachment to the wound with the added benefit of anti-microbial activity. Application of the nanofibre patch loaded with the blended RALA/miR nanoparticles demonstrated a synergistic effect with acceleration of wound closure rate, a significant increase in epidermal thickness and blood vessel count with respect to commercial and untreated controls.

Multifaceted amelioration of cutaneous photoageing by (0.3%) retinol.

Although retinol skin care products improve the appearance of photoaged skin, there is a need for an effective retinol concentration that provides skin benefits without irritation. To compare the efficacy of topical 0.1%, 0.3% and 1% retinol in remodelling the cutaneous architecture in an in vivo experimental patch test study, and to determine tolerance of the most effective formulations when used in a daily in-use escalation study. For the patch test study, retinol products were applied under occlusion, to the extensor forearm of photoaged volunteers (n=5; age range 66-84 years), and 3 mm skin biopsies obtained after 12 days. Effects of different retinol concentrations, and a vehicle control, on key epidermal and dermal biomarkers of cellular proliferation and dermal remodelling were compared to untreated baseline. Separately, participants (n=218) recorded their tolerance to 0.3% or 1% retinol over a six-week, approved regimen, which gradually increased the facial applications to once nightly. Retinol treatment induced a stepwise increase in epidermal thickness and induced the expression of stratum corneum proteins, filaggrin and KPRP. 0.3% retinol and 1% retinol were comparably effective at inducing keratinocyte proliferation in the epidermis, whilst reducing e-cadherin expression. Fibrillin-rich microfibril deposition was increased following treatment with 0.3% and 1% retinol (p < 0.01); other dermal components remained unaltered (e.g., fibronectin, collagen fibrils, elastin), and no evidence of local inflammation was detected. The in-use study found that 0.3% retinol was better tolerated than 1% retinol, with fewer and milder adverse events reported (χ2 (1)=23.97; p < 0.001). This study suggests that 1% and 0.3% retinol concentrations were similarly effective at remodelling photodamaged skin in an in vivo model of long-term use. Use of 0.3% retinol in the escalation study was associated with fewer adverse reactions when applied daily. Hence, 0.3% retinol may be better tolerated than 1% retinol, thereby allowing longer-term topical application.

Preventative Effects of Antioxidants against PM10 on Serum IgE Concentration, Mast Cell Counts, Inflammatory Cytokines, and Keratinocyte Differentiation Markers in DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis Mouse Model.

Particulate matter (PM) can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and skin aging. We investigated the effects of antioxidants such as dieckol, punicalagin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), resveratrol, and Siegesbeckiae Herba extract (SHE) against PM < 10 μm (PM10) on serum IgE concentration, mast cell counts, inflammatory cytokines, and keratinocyte differentiation markers in a 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model. Seven-week-old BALB/c mice were sensitized with 2% DNCB. Atopic dermatitis-like lesions were induced on the mice with 0.2% DNCB. Antioxidants and PM10 were applied to the mice for 4 weeks. PM10 increased the serum IgE concentration and spleen weight in mice, and all antioxidants downregulated these parameters. Histological examination showed an increase in epidermal thickness and mast cell counts in response to PM10, and all antioxidants showed a decrease. PM10 upregulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17α, IL-25, IL-31 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in mice, and all antioxidants inhibited the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines. ELISA showed the same results as real-time PCR. PM10 downregulates the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers, including loricrin and filaggrin, in mouse keratinocytes and antioxidants prevented the downregulation of the keratinocyte differentiation markers. Conclusively, PM10 aggravated the DNCB-induced mouse model in serum IgE concentration, mast cell counts, inflammatory cytokine, and keratinocyte differentiation markers. In addition, antioxidants modulated changes in the DNCB-induced mouse model caused by PM10.

Combination 5-Fluorouracil and Microneedling Therapy for Wound Modification: A Histological Murine Study

Purpose: Microneedling has been shown to enhance the efficacy of topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for the treatment of dermatologic malignancies that along with our anecdotal clinical success of combination treatments for scar modification led the authors to investigate the effect of 5-FU and microneedling on wound healing. The current study evaluates the clinical and histological impact of topical 5-FU and microneedling therapy, separately, and in combination in a murine model. Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial in which 20 mice were randomized to 4 treatment groups: group 1 (n = 5) controls, group 2 (n = 5) microneedling alone, group 3 (n = 5) 5-FU alone, and group 4 (n = 5) combination 5-FU and microneedling. The interventions of interest were carried out on postoperative day 5, 10, 15, and 20 after wound induction. The clinical and histological wound appearance was graded by blinded oculoplastic surgeons and a blinded dermatopathologist, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using a Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn test for individual comparisons of treatment groups. Results: Blinded grading of the wound healing appearance at early, intermediate, and late healing time points demonstrated a statistically significant difference at the intermediate time point only. Histological analysis demonstrated a relative increase in epidermal thickness, dermal inflammation, and fibrosis in the combination treatment group. Statistically significant differences among the groups were identified in the degree of lymphocytic inflammation and for the amount of granulomatous inflammation. Discussion: This study was the first of its kind to investigate combination treatment with 5-FU and microneedling on a histopathologic level. In a murine model, this combination treatment resulted in increased degrees of wound inflammation and fibrosis relative to controls, and each treatment alone suggesting a histological basis that may relate to clinical impact, although future study in this area, to better understand the impact of these changes, is needed. Conclusion: Combination treatment with 5-FU and microneedling results in a histological increase in the degree of wound inflammation and fibrosis relative to controls and each treatment alone.

In vivo optical coherence tomography in assessment of suspicious facial lesions: A prospective study

BackgroundSkin cancer continues to be the most common cancer in the Caucasian population. Over the past two decades, researchers around the world started assessing the possibility of diagnosing tissue pathologies by using optical systems. In this study, we aimed to use in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology to describe the morphologic features of normal and pathologic skin conditions. Materials and methodsIn this study, 72 patients with suspected skin pre-cancer/cancer were recruited. The lesions were subjected to in vivo OCT scanning using compact size probe. The main scanned areas were the centre of the lesion, periphery of the lesion and control reading at least 2cm from the lesion periphery but within the same dermatomal distribution. Following assessment, each lesion was surgically excised. All acquired OCT images were correlated with the corresponding histopathology images to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate co-localisation of abnormal lesion on both OCT image and pathology slide. This was achieved in every resected lesion. ResultsHistopathological analysis revealed that of the 96 macroscopically suspicious scanned lesions 26 were actinic keratosis (AK), 51 were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and 19 were cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Different layers of healthy skin can be distinguished with clear demarcation between the epidermis and papillary dermis. An increase in epidermal thickness was observed in OCT images in AK that appeared relatively hyperintense. Cutaneous SCC was characterized by hypoechoic signal free spaces within the dermis and damaged of dermal-epidermal junction. BCCs were visualized as hypoechoic structures but showed a mixed echogenicity. Solid nodular BCC appeared as single or multiple areas with no clear arrangement surrounding low-reflectivity lobular structures surrounded. Cystic structures were identifiable by signal-free areas adjacent to healthy skin. Sensitivity and specificity for in vivo OCT in diagnosing these lesions were impressive, based on this small sample size. ConclusionsOCT have shown that there are qualitative differences in OCT image features of skin with varying degrees of pathology, and between normal and pathological skin. This study indicates that in vivo OCT shows a good promise as a useful optical diagnostic technique in diagnosing skin pathologies.

Autologous nanofat injection in treatment of scars: A clinico-histopathological study.

Scars are the unfortunate outcome of most injuries and some diseases. Its psychological impact on patients can deeply affect their quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of autologous nanofat injection in improving the aesthetic outcome of scars, combined with histopathological correlation of the response. Thirty patients with scars of different etiologies undergone one session of nanofat injection and evaluation was done 6months after the session. Efficacy of treatment was assessed clinically using Vancouver scar scale by two independent blinded dermatologists and histopathologically using image analysis system. The age of enrolled patients ranged from 18 to 40years old. There was a statistically significant improvement on the total Vancouver scar scale regarding the height and pliability of the scars. Pathological evaluation showed an increase in epidermal thickness, increased number and density of collagen and elastic fibers along with neovascularization. Evidenced by clinical and pathological improvement, autologous nanofat injection is an effective strategy for treating scars of different etiologies.

Adaptive Morphophysiological Features of Neottia ovata (Orchidaceae) Contributing to Its Natural Colonization on Fly Ash Deposits

In previous decades, some species of the Orchidaceae family have been found growing in man-made habitats. Neottia ovata is one of the most widespread orchids in Europe, however it is quite rare in Russia and is included in several regional Red Data Books. The purpose of this study was to compare the chemical composition and morphophysiological parameters of N. ovata from two forest communities of the Middle Urals, Russia: natural and transformed (fly ash dump of Verkhnetagil’skaya Thermal Power Station) for determining orchid adaptive features. The content of most of the studied metals in the underground parts (rhizome + roots) of N. ovata was considerably higher than in the leaves, which diminished the harmful effect of toxic metals on the aboveground organs. The adaptive changes in the leaf mesostructure of N. ovata such as an increase in epidermis thickness, the number of chloroplasts in the cell, and the internal assimilating surface were found for the first time. The orchids from the fly ash deposits were characterized by a higher content of chlorophyll b and carotenoids than plants from the natural forest community that evidenced the compensatory response on the decrease in chlorophyll a. The ability of N. ovata from the transformed habitat to maintain a relatively favorable water balance and stable assimilation indexes further contribute to its high viability. The study of orchid adaptive responses to unfavorable factors is necessary for their successful naturalization and introduction into a new environment.

Photochemoprotective Potential of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Eugenia hiemalis Leaves and Its 2,6-Di-O-galloylarbutin Isolate Against UVB-Induced Photodamage.

Intense and constant exposure to UVB radiation can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which are associated with many cutaneous disorders, including photoaging and skin cancer. Antioxidant plant materials that are rich in polyphenols, such as the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) from Eugenia hiemalis leaves, and phenolic compounds represent a promising approach to protect the skin against UVB-induced damage. The present study evaluated the photochemoprotective potential of the EAF and its 2,6-di-O-galloylarbutin (1) isolate. The EAF and the phenolic antioxidant (1) reduced UVB-induced L929 fibroblast death. The EAF prevented UVB-induced damage in fibroblasts by inhibiting the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, especially in pretreated cells. Topical treatment with an emulsion with 1% EAF prevented/attenuated UVB-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in the skin in hairless mice by controlling the increase in myeloperoxidase activity, reducing superoxide anion production, maintaining radical-scavenging ability and ferric reducing power, and controlling the depletion of reduced glutathione and catalase levels. The EAF also inhibited the increase in epidermal thickness, mast cell infiltration, the number of sunburn cells and collagen fiber destruction that were triggered by UVB. The invitro and invivo results indicated that the EAF is a bioactive agent that is able to protect the skin against the harmful effects of UVB.

Microneedling With and Without Vitamin C versus Fractional CO2LASER in Treating Abdominal Striae Distensae Alba: A ComparativeClinical and Histopathological Study

AbstractBackground: Striae distensae, a common skin condition,represent linear dermal scars accompanied by epidermalatrophy.Aim of Study: The aim of this prospective self controlledcomparative study is to evaluate and compare between micro-needling only, microneedling with topical vitamin C 15%application and fractional CO2 LASER in treatment of ab-dominal striae distensae alba.Patients and Methods: This prospective self-controlledcomparative study included 30 patients with abdominal striaedistensae alba (five patients skipped the study). Samplingmethod equation and program: MedCalc® version 12.3.0.0 (Ostend, Belgium)was used for calculation of sample size,statistical calculator based on 95% confidence interval andpower of the study was 80% with a error 5%. Type of samplingwas simple random sampling.All patients were from the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic,Ain-Shams University Hospitals in the period from December2016 till July 2017.This study was approved by the Research Ethical Com-mittee of Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams University. Allpatients signed an informing written consent with full infor-mation about the description of the procedure of treatment,possible side effects and photo documentation.Results: Microneedling in combination with vitamin C isan effective, safe and low-cost therapy treatment modalityfor abdominal striae distensae alba Addition of topical vitamin C increases the treatment outcome. It is easy to perform with no observable side effects or serious complications and results in great patient satisfaction with high induction of both collagen and elastin and increase in epidermal thickness and rete ridges.Although fractional CO2 LASER has been proven to play a role in collagen and elastin induction but the presence of complications as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation leads to decrease in patient satisfaction.