Pilosebaceous Unit Research Articles

Light-responsive antibacterial dissolving microneedles loaded with 5-aminolevulinic acid and silver nanoparticles for the treatment of acne

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous unit, which can be aggravated by hyperkeratosis of the pilosebaceous unit, excessive secretion of sebum and the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Traditional drug treatment methods commonly exhibit drawbacks, including bacterial resistance and poor transdermal permeability, resulting in suboptimal efficacy and recurrent infections. Herein, we designed a dual drug-loaded microneedles patch to deliver ALA and silver nanoparticles for acne treatment. The comprehensive treatment of acne is achieved by utilizing the safe and efficient advantages of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT), coupled with the superior antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles. To enhance drug permeability, dissolving microneedles (DMNs) are employed for targeted and efficient drug delivery. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that DMNs loaded with both AgNPs and ALA-PDT (ALA/AgNPs@DMNs) have significant antibacterial activity, along with superior drug loading capacity and penetration. The application of ALA/AgNPs@DMNs in treating acne-affected rats alleviates excessive epidermal keratinization, effectively inhibits bacterial growth, and significantly improves acne symptoms. This suggests that the “dissolving microneedle” formulation holds promise for the treatment and management of acne.

Photodynamic Therapy in Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review

Acne is a multifactorial disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an energy-based treatment shown to be safe in acne vulgaris, although the mechanism of action of PDT in acne is incompletely understood. This review summarizes the clinical features of and treatment efficacy in acne patients treated with PDT. A systematic review of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted. Title, abstract, full-text screening, and data extraction were completed using Covidence. Studies reporting the use of PDT in patients with acne were included while clinical features and treatment responses were extracted. Treatment outcomes were scored as complete response, partial response, and no response. After screening a total of 1122 studies, 82 studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 56 prospective studies, 25 randomized controlled trials, and 1 retrospective study. Results representing 4340 patients with acne (mean age 24.4 years; 52% females) treated with PDT are summarized. Overall, 2154 (50%) participants underwent aminolevulinic acid PDT, 452 (10%) participants underwent methyl aminolevulinate PDT, 28 (<1%) participants underwent daylight PDT, and 1706 (39%) underwent other modalities of PDT. The average follow-up period after study completion was 3 months, ranging from 2 weeks to 13 months. A partial response was observed in treated patients with outcome measures including clinical response, lesion count, pain, recurrence, and patient satisfaction. This systematic review provides preliminary data summarizing the clinical features and treatment efficacy in patients with acne treated with PDT. Our results suggest a partial clinical response when using PDT to manage acne. Future studies should focus on standardizing study protocols and drawing direct comparisons between PDT and other modalities for acne treatment.

Impact of oral isotretinoin on the inflammatory markers: can lymphocyte/HDL-C and platelet/HDL-C ratios be new indicators of inflammation in acne vulgaris patients?

Introduction The effect of isotretinoin on inflammatory markers has been reported with conflicting results. No studies have been reported on the relationship between isotretinoin and lymphocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] ratio (LHR), neutrophil/HDL-C ratio (NHR), or platelet/HDL-C ratio (PHR) in acne patients. Objectives We aimed to investigate how isotretinoin affects the inflammatory markers, including LHR, NHR, and PHR, in acne vulgaris patients. Methods A total of 361 patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris who received systemic isotretinoin for at least six months were included. Complete blood count and biochemical analyses, including monocyte/HDL-C ratio (MHR), NHR, LHR, PHR, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), obtained at the treatment onset and the end of the first, third, and sixth months of treatment were investigated. Results There was no significant difference in MHR and NHR levels between repeated measures. A significant increasing trend was seen in LHR and PHR (P = 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). HDL-C levels gradually and significantly declined during the six months (P < 0.001). Serum NLR, derived NLR, SII, SIRI, MLR, and AISI showed a significant decrease in line with clinical improvement in acne during the six months of therapy (P < 0.05). Conclusions Declining levels of NLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI may indicate the anti-inflammatory effects of isotretinoin on the pilosebaceous unit, whereas increasing levels of LHR and PHR may show systemic inflammatory activity of isotretinoin.

The Correlation between Sleep Quality and Acne vulgaris Incidence in Medical Students of Universitas Tarumanagara

Background: Acne vulgaris is still occurred among medical students worldwide, with a prevalence range of 34,38% to 97,9%. Acne vulgaris, which affects the pilosebaceous unit, is suspected to be related to sleep quality because it involves many hormones, including melatonin, which is associated to sleep. Melatonin can suppress androgens, which play a crucial role in Acne vulgaris pathogenesis. Besides, some studies said that melatonin has a role to suppress inflammation. Medical students also often experience poor sleep quality. Previous studies on the correlation between sleep quality and Acne vulgaris have shown varied results. Objective: This research was conducted to confirm the correlation between sleep quality and Acne vulgaris. Methods: A total of 195 medical students from Tarumanagara University classes of 2021 and 2022 participated in this study by answering the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Acne vulgaris questionnaires. Samples were taken using non-random consecutive sampling. This research used an analytical observational method with a cross-sectional design. Results: The study found that 92 respondents (47,2%) had good sleep quality, while 103 respondents had poor sleep quality (52,8%). A total of 123 respondents (63,15) experiences Acne vulgaris. Chi-square statistical analysis using SPSS software showed a significant correlation between sleep quality and Acne vulgaris (p-value &lt;0,05; PRR = 1,261; 95% CI = 1,261-1,576). Conclusion: Poor sleep quality can increase the risk of developing Acne vulgaris.

Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents: Scientific Evidence for Optimizing Treatment Regimens via Dermatocosmetics

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common skin pathology in adolescents, it is characterized by chronic recurrent inflammatory process affecting the pilosebaceous units. This disease has significant negative effect on both quality of life and psychosocial well-being, resulting in development of various mental disorders and physical discomfort, including not only typical clinical signs, but also post-acne symptom complex. Nowadays, the paramount importance in disease pathophysiology are changes in the skin microbiome caused by interactions between genetic and exposomal factors leading to increased cutaneous fatty secretion by sebocytes and concomitant dysfunction of the epidermal barrier due to ongoing inflammatory process. Current AV treatment options include topical and systemic therapies with various clinical and pharmacological groups. However, most available options (for dermatovenerologists) can provoke dry skin and irritate sensitive adolescent skin due to additional disruption of epidermal barrier and microbiome composition. All together it significantly reduces patient compliance, and, therefore, reduces the treatment success rate. We have to mention that AV management should be carried out for a long time to prevent the recurrence observed in one third of all cases. It emphasizes the topicality of adequate optimization of treatment regimens used in wide clinical practice. In this context, guidelines for skin care have the leading role. It is crucial part of AV management, and it can not only improve compliance, but also increase the efficacy of prescribed drugs through synergistic interactions. Though, the comprehensive analysis of the available core care products, their composition and the effect of their ingredients on the structural and functional integrity of the skin, is required to ensure such effect.

Soft-tissue keratocyst: report of 3 new cases from Brazil.

To describe the clinicopathological features of 3 new cases of soft-tissue keratocyst (STK) of the buccal mucosa from Brazil. Clinical data from 3 patients diagnosed with STK were obtained from the archives of the Laboratory of Oral Pathology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro- Brazil from 2020 to 2023. Two oral pathologists reviewed conventional hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of each case. Immunohistochemical stainings for CK19, Bcl-2, CD138, D2-40, EMA, and Ki-67 were performed in all cases. Case 1 was a 58-year-old man with a 2-year history of painless swelling of the right buccal mucosa, measuring approximately 5cm. Case 2 was of a 44-year-old man with a painful swelling in the left buccal mucosa lasting 3 years with drainage to the oral cavity. Case 3 was of a 74-year-old woman with a painful swelling in the left buccal mucosa of unknown duration. Microscopic evaluation of all 3 cases revealed a cyst lined with a few cell layers composed of columnar palisading basal cells and a corrugated parakeratin surface. The capsule comprised fibrous connective tissue with variable amounts of blood vessels with hemorrhage, nerve bundles, fat tissue, striated muscle fibers, and the absence of pilosebaceous units. No recurrence was observed after complete surgical removal. All epithelial layers of the 3 cases expressed positivity for CK19 and CD138, the basal cells were positive for Bcl-2 and D2-40, and the superficial epithelial layer was positive for EMA. All cases demonstrated a low proliferation index by Ki-67. This study represents a series of 3 cases of STK that affected the posterior buccal mucosa of middle-aged patients from Brazil, sharing histopathological and immunohistochemical features with odontogenic keratocyst.

A study of granulysin and pentraxin 3 genetic polymorphisms and their contribution to acne susceptibility.

This study aims to examine the genetic polymorphisms of the granulysin (GNLY) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) genes and their association with acne in Egypt. Acne vulgaris is classified as a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Clinical, histological, and immunological findings indicate that inflammation is involved in every stage of acne development. GNLY and PTX3 are both involved in the body's immune system and may play a role in the pathophysiology of acne. This case-control study included 180 participants who have acne and 180 healthy controls. Real-time PCR was used to genotype GNLY rs7908 and PTX3 rs2305619 polymorphisms. Genotype occurrence and allelic spreading for both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Regarding rs7908, no statistical difference was observed in the genotype and allele distributions between acne patients and controls. On the other hand, rs2305619 showed a statistical difference in the genotype and allele distributions between acne patients and controls, with a marked prevalence of the GG group and G allele in acne patients. Our study revealed a significant link between the PTX3 rs2305619 and acne susceptibility in Egypt, with the AG + GG genotype strongly predicting acne. In contrast, the GNYL rs7908 polymorphism was not associated with acne. These results highlight a genetic component to acne and suggest that PTX3 rs2305619 could be a key marker for understanding acne susceptibility.

Effectiveness of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum gratissimum for Acne Vulgaris: A Literature Review

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition characterized by inflammation of the pilosebaceous units, predominantly affecting adolescents and young adults. Its multifactorial etiology involves hormonal imbalances, microbial overgrowth, and environmental factors, leading to increased sebum production and inflammation. Conventional treatments often vary in efficacy and tolerability, driving interest in alternative therapies to reduce the severity and recurrence of lesions and enhance appearance, the acne severity. This literature review explores the therapeutic potential of two herbal remedies, Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Ocimum gratissimum (African basil), known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Azadirachta indica is recognized for its rich phytochemical profile, including compounds like nimbin and azadirachtin, which effectively combat acne pathogens such as Cutibacterium acnes. Meanwhile, Ocimum gratissimum exhibits significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, contributing to skin healing and sebum regulation. The combined use of these herbs offers a holistic approach to acne management, targeting multiple aspects of its pathogenesis, including inflammation and microbial imbalance. The therapeutic benefits of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum gratissimum highlight their valuable role in advancing dermatological care and offer promising prospects for individuals seeking holistic and plant-based solutions for acne management. This review emphasizes the potential and effectiveness of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum gratissimum in advancing dermatological care and providing effective, plant-based solutions for acne management. Keywords: Acne vulgaris, azadirachta indica, clove basil, neem, ocimum gratissimum, treatment

The assessment of the minimum inhibitory concentration of Botulinum toxin on Staphylococcal bacteria isolated from Acne vulgaris and validating its impact through Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis

Acne vulgaris (AV) is an inflammation of pilosebaceous unit which commonly occurs in adolescence. Staphylococcus aureus is also involved in AV pathogenesis. This study included isolating and diagnosing 35 samples of bacteria isolated from acne by the aerobic method and dividing them according to their sensitivity to methicillin,10 samples were used in determining the extent of the effect of different concentrations of Botulinum toxin on bacteria using PCR technology. The results obtained 2.5mg/ml as the MIC for the bactria. Botox treatment at 2.5mg/ml demonstrated molecular effects, causing a lack of PCR binding in selected samples. This suggests a potential disruption in gene transcription or DNA degradation, aligning with international studies showcasing Botox's molecular impact on acne-related Staphylococcus aureus, supporting its role in combination therapy for bacterial control. Botox, renowned for cosmetic use, is also under investigation for medical applications like treating acne. Research suggests that Botox may reduce acne by minimizing sebum production and inhibiting bacteria associated with acne, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. Global studies support these findings, revealing potential applications beyond cosmetics, expanding into acne treatment.

Development and Evaluation of Herbal Antiacne Gel Formulation Using Curcumin Phytosomes .

Acne vulgaris is a persistent inflammatory condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit that manifests as various skin lesions, including papules, comedones, cysts, pustules, and abscesses. Curcumin, extracted from Curcuma longa rhizomes (Family: Zingiberaceae), is identified for its potent antioxidant, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to develop an herbal antiacne gel formulation incorporating bioactive curcumin in phytosomes. The formulated gel was evaluated for several physicochemical properties, including pH, spreadability, viscosity, drug content, etc. Additionally, the optimized gel formulation was tested for its in-vitro antiacne action against Propionibacterium acnes. Results showed that developed antiacne gel containing curcumin phytosomes was comparable to a commercially available antiacne product. Stability studies demonstrated that the formulated product remained stable for three months under accelerated stability conditions as per ICH guidelines.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Dapsone vs Benzoyl Peroxide in Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris Treatment: A Retrospective Study

Aim: Acne vulgaris is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit and a chronic inflammatory process. This study aimed to compare topical 5% dapsone and 10% benzoyl peroxide in terms of efficacy, side effects, and patient satisfaction in mild to moderate acne. Material and Methods: The patients who applied to the dermatology outpatient clinic with the complaint of acne between June 20, 2022, and September 20, 2022, and were diagnosed with mild and moderate acne vulgaris, were retrospectively evaluated. Forty-eight patients in the dapsone group and 53 in the benzoyl peroxide group were included in this study. Results: At the end of the treatment, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of ISGA values and improvement percentage in ISGA, improvement was higher in the dapsone group (both p=0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the percentage decrease in lesion counts of closed comedones, papules and pustules, inflammatory and total lesions (decreasement was higher in the dapsone group, p=0.038 for closed comedones, p=0.006 for total lesions and p&amp;lt;0.001 for others). There was no dissatisfied patient in the group using dapsone (p&amp;lt;0.001). Among the side effects, erythema was more common during the whole treatment, and dryness and burning-stinging sensation were higher at the end of the first month in the benzoyl peroxide group. Conclusion: Topical 5% dapsone is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate acne and is safe in terms of side effects compared to topical 10% benzoyl peroxide.

ADOLESCENTS KNOWLEDGE ON THE USE OF COSMETIC AND DERMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF ACNE VULGARIS

Acne vulgaris is a common, chronic, inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that affects most teenagers with inflammatory lesions on the face and trunk. They are mainly caused by increased sebum production, hyperkeratinization of the follicle, inflammation, hormonal changes, misuse of cosmetic and dermatological preparations. This condition is more common in adolescents, but it also occurs in patients in their twenties and thirties too. These changes in the skin affect emotional stress and quality of life. Dermocosmetics play a special role in the care and treatment of acne-prone skin. A series of complementary dermocosmetics are available, which include products with cleansing, active, soothing and moisturizing properties. Dermocosmetics formulated with active substances can be used in acne monotherapy based on the effectiveness of specific active ingredients in alleviating acne symptoms without any adverse effects reported so far. Effective skincare serves not only as a preventative measure by addressing the underlying causes of acne, but also helps mitigate the negative effects of pharmacological therapy and helps manage complications such as scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This study aims the evaluation of the awareness of adolescents in relation to the treatment of acne and their knowledge about the use of cosmetic and dermatological preparations. Based on our results 40% of teenagers didn’t consult a dermatologist but used preparations that they see on social media and that their effectiveness was lower than 30%. 38% of the teenagers have used the therapy and the food regime that the dermatologist recommended which lead to a 75% effectiveness on treatment, 12% have used lotions recommended by their pharmacists and didn’t follow the food regime from which they had an effectiveness of only 42%. We also noticed that the patients who followed the instructions of the dermatologist and the pharmacist had more efficiency, while the others had less efficiency. From this we can conclude that any change in the skin for better efficiency should be managed by a dermatologist.

Hubungan Kualitas Tidur dengan Derajat Keparahan Acne Vulgaris pada Siswa-Siswi Kelas X di Sma Muhammadiyah 2 Bandar Lampung Provinsi Lampung Tahun 2024

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial chronic skin condition, characterized by inflammation in the pilosebaceous units, such as the formation of comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, which typically present on the face, upper body, and upper arms. Sleep quality is defined by an individual's capacity to sleep adequately and achieve the necessary amount of rest. This study aims to identify the correlation between sleep quality and the severity of acne vulgaris among tenth grade students at Muhammadiyah 2 Senior High School of Bandar Lampung, Lampung Province in 2024.The research adopts a quantitative approach and analytical survey method with a cross-sectional design. The study population includes all 285 tenth-grade students at Muhammadiyah 2 Senior High School of Bandar Lampung, Lampung Province in 2024. A total of 74 respondents were selected using the Slovin formula based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a purposive sampling technique. The data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and observations of the severity of acne vulgaris. Data analysis was conducted using univariate and bivariate analyses with the non-parametric chi- square test, utilizing SPSS version 26.The study revealed that 50 respondents (67.6%) had poor sleep quality, while 24 respondents (32.4%) experienced a moderate severity of acne vulgaris. The analysis indicates a significant correlation between sleep quality and the severity of acne vulgaris among tenth-grade students at Muhammadiyah 2 Senior High School in Bandar Lampung, Lampung Province in 2024, with a p-value of 0.000 ≤ 0.05. The results of this research provide useful information and may serve as a supplementary resource for future research.

A chlorin e6 derivative-mediated photodynamic therapy for mild to moderate acne: A prospective, single-blind, randomized, split-face controlled study

BackgroundAcne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of a chlorin e6 derivative-mediated photodynamic therapy (STBF-PDT) in the treatment of mild to moderate acne patients. MethodsIn this prospective patient single-blind randomized split-face controlled study, patients diagnosed with mild to moderate acne were treated with four sessions of STBF-PDT on one-half of the face, while the other half were treated with the same dose of red-light treatment without photosensitizer. Follow-up assessment including the skin lesion clearance rate, facial fluorescence scattering spots on VISIA Porphyrins mode, and skin physiological parameters was conducted before and after treatment as well as 2 and 4 weeks after the final treatment. ResultsA total of 26 patients were recruited, of which 22 patients completed this study. STBF-PDT is significantly effective in improving lesions in patients with acne. The clearance rate of total lesions was 67.42±8.51 % in the STBF-PDT group and 41.05±11.97 % in the control group 4 weeks after the treatment (P < 0.001). The average clearance rate of inflammatory lesions was 84.41±7.13 % in the STBF-PDT group and 50.10±13.91 % in the control group, with a statistically significance (P < 0.0001). The skin sebum of the STBF-PDT side was significantly lower than that on the control side. There was no obvious adverse reaction especially no pain or reactive acne. ConclusionSTBF-PDT may be a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate acne and can significantly inhibit sebum secretion.

Psychosocial Impact of Acne in Adolescents: Prevalence, Contributing Factors, and Management Approaches

Objectives: Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by bacteria that leads to the destruction of the pilosebaceous units on the face and body. This condition, particularly prevalent among adolescents, can have negative psychosocial effects. This study examines the psychological aspects of acne and its related mental health disorders. Methods: This research was conducted as a review study, investigating the psychosocial impacts of acne on adolescents and management strategies. Using reputable scientific databases and a combination of relevant keywords, 1200 articles were identified, and after screening, 33 articles were selected for final analysis. Data from the selected articles were analyzed through narrative synthesis, and article quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Acne has multiple psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, reduced self-esteem, and body image disturbances. These effects are particularly prominent in adolescents due to hormonal and social changes during puberty. Additionally, misconceptions about the causes and exacerbating factors of acne often lead to delays in receiving appropriate treatment. Conclusion: Acne is not only a skin disease but also a psychosocial challenge that requires a multifaceted management approach. Addressing the psychological dimensions of patients and providing accurate education can improve their quality of life.

Mechanistic Basis for the Translation Inhibition of Cutibacterium acnes by Clindamycin

Inflammation and the Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, which is implicated in acne pathogenesis and pilosebaceous unit inflammation, are the main targets of antibiotic-based therapy against acne vulgaris (acne). The most widely used antibiotics in acne therapy are tetracyclines, macrolides, and lincosamides. Unfortunately, C. acnes bacteria over the past several decades have demonstrated increased resistance to these antibiotics, particularly to clindamycin. The precise knowledge of how antibiotics interact with their clinical target is needed to overcome this problem. Toward this goal, we determined the structure of clindamycin in complex with the ribosome of Cutibacterium acnes at 2.53 Å resolution using cryogenic electron microscopy. The galactose sugar moiety of clindamycin interacts with nucleotides of the 23S rRNA directly or through a conserved network of water-mediated interactions. Its propyl pyrrolidinyl group interacts with the 23S rRNA through van der Waals forces. Clindamycin binding to the Cutibacterium acnes ribosome interferes with both: proper orientation of the aminoacyl group of the A-site bound tRNA that is needed for peptide bond formation and with the extension of the nascent peptide. Our data are important for advancing understanding of antibiotic resistance and development of narrow- spectrum antibacterial drugs, which is an urgent need for contemporary antibiotic stewardship.

A Mouse Model for Conditional Expression of Activated β-Catenin in Epidermal Keratinocytes

We report the generation and characterization of the K5: CAT bigenic mouse in which the constitutively activated form of β-catenin (ΔN89 β-catenin) is conditionally expressed in cytokeratin-5 (K5) positive epidermal keratinocytes. Following short-term doxycycline intake during the telogen resting phase, the adult K5: CAT bigenic develops enlarged pilosebaceous units that expand deep into the dermis, an expansion usually observed during the anagen growth phase. Prolonged doxycycline treatment results in significant thickening and folding of the K5: CAT epidermis. During this persistent induction period, there is clear evidence of increased keratinocyte proliferation, particularly in the epidermal basal cell layer and the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. This unscheduled increase in cellular proliferation likely explains the decrease in hair density observed in the K5: CAT mouse following persistent doxycycline intake. Numerous hyperplastic endometrioid cysts, which display cornification toward their lumens, are also observed during this treatment period. Remarkably, de-induction of ΔN89 β-catenin expression through doxycycline withdrawal results in a marked reversal of the skin phenotype, suggesting that these morphological changes are dependent on continued signaling by β-catenin and/or its downstream molecular mediators. Joining a small group of mouse models for conditional β-catenin signaling, our K5: CAT mouse model will be particularly useful in identifying those molecular mediators of β-catenin that are responsible for initiating and maintaining these phenotypic responses in the K5: CAT skin. Such studies are predicted to shed more light on β-catenin signaling in epidermal epithelial morphogenesis, hair follicle cycling, and hair growth pathologies.

Presence of Demodex spp. on the face and scalp in patients affected by papulopustular rosacea of face.

The increased proliferation of Demodex mites in the pilosebaceous unit can be the cause of rosacea flare-ups on the face. Signs and symptoms of the scalp (e.g., itching, dandruff) have sometimes been reported in patients with papulopustular rosacea of face; they may be due to a proliferation of Demodex mites on the scalp. To study the Demodex mites count, a standardized skin surface biopsy was performed on the cheek and on the scalp. Microscopic examination and molecular identification of Demodex were performed. Pearson's χ2 Test or Fisher's Exact Test were used to test for any association between categorical variables and outcome. Patients affected by papulopustular rosacea had a greater frequency of Demodex-positive standardized skin surface biopsy than controls at the scalp (35.0% vs. 0%, P=0.033), at the face and/or at the scalp (50% vs. 10%, P=0.032). Demodex positive patients with a Demodex-positive face sample were more frequently found to have a Demodex-positive scalp sample (P=0.035). The predominant species was found to be Demodex folliculorum (92.6% of samples); the species Demodex brevis was identified only in 7.4% of samples. Demodex folliculorum is more frequently found on the scalp and face of patients with rosacea than controls, even though it is not statistically associated with scalp symptoms. The scalp may be a reservoir area for Demodex mites which could migrate on the face again after an acaricidal treatment.

Ozenoxacin suppresses sebum production by inhibiting mTORC1 activation in differentiated hamster sebocytes.

Acne vulgaris is a complex condition involving factors that affect the pilosebaceous unit. A primary manifestation of acne pathology is the development of comedones, often linked to the overproduction of sebum resulting from 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) and insulin activity. Ozenoxacin is a topical quinolone that exhibits potent antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). It is commonly used to treat acne associated with this bacterium; however, its effect on sebum production within the sebaceous glands remains unclear. In this study, the effects of ozenoxacin on sebum production were examined using insulin- and 5α-DHT-differentiated hamster sebocytes. Ozenoxacin showed a dose-dependent inhibition of lipid droplet formation and triacylglycerol (TG) production, which is a major component of sebum. In addition, it suppressed the expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, and perilipin-1 mRNA, all important factors involved in sebum synthesis, in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, ozenoxacin decreased phosphorylated 40S ribosomal protein S6 levels downstream of the mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), without altering the phosphorylation of Akt, an upstream regulator of mTORC1, in both insulin- and 5α-DHT-treated hamster sebocytes. Interestingly, nadifloxacin, but not clindamycin, exhibited a similar suppression of sebum production, albeit with lesser potency compared with ozenoxacin. Furthermore, a topical application of a 2% ozenoxacin-containing lotion to the auricle skin of hamsters did not affect the size of the sebaceous glands or epidermal thickness. Notably, it decreased the amount of TG on the skin surface. The results provide novel insights into the sebum-inhibitory properties of ozenoxacin, indicating its potential efficacy in controlling microbial growth and regulating sebum production for acne management.

Comparative study on efficacy of benzoyl peroxide with adapalene versus plain adapalene in the treatment of acne vulgaris

BACKGROUND Acne vulgaris is a dermatological disorder of pilosebaceous unit, characterized by formation of comedones and inflammatory lesions. It is one of the most common skin manifestations among adolescents, also affecting the adult population. The treatment of acne basically involves reduction of lesions and prevention of permanent scarring. The current line of treatment for mild to moderate acne is topical medications with antimicrobials and retinoids. The present study assessed the efficacy of combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide in comparison to adapalene for topical treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to compare the clinical efficacy of topical adapalene and topical adapalene with benzoyl peroxide in treatment of mild to moderate cases of acne vulgaris. METHODOLOGY A prospective, comparative study was carried out among 84 patients with mild and moderate acne vulgaris visiting the Department of Dermatology, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Bhaktapur, Nepal from December 2019 till March 2021. The patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups. Group A received topical adapalene whereas Group B received topical adapalene with benzoyl peroxide. The efficacy of treatment in both groups were determined based on the reduction of total lesion count. Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions were counted at 4th week, 8th week and 12th week. RESULTS All patients were assessed according to Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) and grouped as mild and moderate. The most frequent age group affected by acne vulgaris was 18-22 years. The mean age was 22.15 ± 5.315. Females (64.30%) were affected more commonly than males (35.7%). Majority of patients presented with moderate or inflammatory acne lesions. The face (90.5%) was most commonly affected site by acne vulgaris. The number of patients enrolled in the study were 84 out of which 63 (75%) completed the study. It was found that the reduction of non-inflammatory, inflammatory and total lesion count from the baseline were highly significant in between and both the group (P&lt;0.001). A total of 52.4% had very good result of the treatment, 44.4% of them had good result and remaining 3.2% of the patients’ result was fair. However, the efficacy of benzoyl peroxide with adapalene was found to be better than adapalene alone. CONCLUSIONThis study concluded that topical benzoyl peroxide with adapalene is more efficacious to treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris.