Prevalence Of Skin Conditions Research Articles

Breakthrough in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Therapy: The Role of Monoclonal Antibodies as a New Hope for Targeted Treatment in Children

Aims: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent skin condition affecting children of all ages and ethnicities. The aim of this review paper is to explore emerging treatments for atopic dermatitis, with a focus on the latest advancements in monoclonal antibody therapy. By evaluating their benefits and potential risks, the review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of their efficacy and safety in managing moderate to severe AD. Highlighting recent progress in targeted therapies, this paper aims to encourage continued research into innovative, effective, and safer options that can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Methods: A systematic review of scientific and medical literature was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Researchers included only studies that mentioned monoclonal antibodies approved by EMA (European Medicines Agency) or that are being currently researched for use in pediatric population with AD. Results: AD is a debilitating health issue both for children and their caregivers. Advances in understanding its pathophysiology have introduced new treatment approaches. Monoclonal antibody therapies provide notable benefits for moderate to severe AD, though more pediatric-specific studies are necessary. Conclusions: Monoclonal antibody therapy appears to be a promising treatment for pediatric patients with moderate to severe AD, effectively reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. Despite the potential distress of injections for young children, their infrequency aids in management. Further research is required to confirm the safety and efficacy of these therapies in children. Ongoing development of new antibodies targeting various aspects of AD is crucial for improving management and outcomes.

Arctiin Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis Against Inflammation and Pyroptosis Through Suppressing TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathways.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent skin condition worldwide. The immune response plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AD. Arctiin (ARC), a natural lignan, has been extensively investigated because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, the impact of ARC on AD remains uncertain. Therefore, this study investigated the therapeutic effects of ARC in AD. AD-like lesions were induced in mice by applying 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The efficacy of ARC in AD was assessed by measuring skin lesion scores and thickness, pathological observation, and serum IgE concentrations. The expression of relevant proteins and genes in the back skin of the mice was assessed. Moreover, the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathways were assessed in HaCaT cells stimulated with TNF-α and IFN-γ. ARC effectively alleviated AD-like dermatitis induced by DNCB in mice, reducing the skin thickness, mast cell infiltration in skin tissue, and serum total IgE levels. In addition, the expression of IL-1β and the mRNA transcription of TSLP and IFN-γ were downregulated. ARC also suppressed the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, and molecular docking confirmed that ARC had exceptional binding properties with TLR4. Moreover, ARC ameliorated pyroptosis by inhibiting the activation of the nod-like receptor protein-3/Caspase-1/GSDMD cascade. ARC has remarkable anti-AD effects by inhibiting inflammation and pyroptosis through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathways. This suggests that ARC has potential as a new drug candidate for treating AD, which provides a novel approach to the clinical management of AD.

The Essential Role of Herbal-based Therapies in Combatting Acne Vulgaris

Inflammation, follicular epidermal hyperproliferation, and Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are the primary causes of acne vulgaris, a prevalent skin condition that affects millions of young adults and adolescents. This intricate pathophysiology leads to various acne symptoms, such as whiteheads and blackheads, inflammatory nodules, and scarring. Among the many traditional allopathic acne therapies that often have serious side effects include hormone therapy, hydroxy acids, oral and topical antibiotics, retinoic acid derivatives, and acne medications. Herbal extracts are becoming more and more well-liked as more holistic, kinder substitutes with fewer side effects. Herbal extracts with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities include Eucalyptus Globulus, Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Origanum vulgare (oregano), and Curcuma longa (turmeric). Because of these qualities, they are considered to be viable candidates for treating different elements of acne etiology, including wound healing, inflammation reduction, and P. acnes growth inhibition. Developing herbal remedies is a viable approach to developing efficient and minimally invasive acne treatments. Medicinal plants and essential oils have a long history of traditional use and the potential to attenuate harmful exposures and lessen drug-induced side effects. Their use in dermatological treatments demonstrates their ability to offer comprehensive and natural solutions for the treatment of acne vulgaris, a common and frequently upsetting skin condition.

Assessing Patient Preferences for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment: A Review Article of Discrete Choice Experiments.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin conditions, characterized by recurrent eczema with varying degrees of erythema, pruritus, xerosis, and pain. Although there are many treatment options for AD, efficacy is limited by poor adherence, especially for topical medications. Patient preferences for certain vehicle formulations and frequencies of administration, as well as patient aversion to certain adverse effects, can negatively impact adherence and treatment success. Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are used to assess preferences in a manner comparable to clinical decision-making. Six discrete choice experiments on AD were analyzed to create a comprehensive data sheet of patient and physician preferences for medication. When choosing a medication, skin clearance, itch relief, and flexible treatments were most important to patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(10):847-851.  doi:10.36849/JDD.8056.

Hand eczema: a review of clinical, dermoscopic and histological features.

Hand eczema (HE) is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition, impacting 15-20% of individuals, with a notable incidence rate of approximately 7.3 cases per 1000 person/years. This condition exhibits significant gender-based variability, with a higher prevalence in females. The clinical presentation of HE is characterized by pruritic erythematous, edematous, weeping plaques, vesicles, and/or bullae, showcasing considerable heterogeneity. A literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Pubmed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The search was conducted using the following key words and medical subject heading (MeSH) terms: "hand," "eczema," "dermatitis," "dermoscopy," and "histology," employing the Boolean term "AND" to combine the research terms for optimal search precision. PRISMA algorithm has been used for article screening. The search scope included manuscripts published up to October 1, 2023. Up to 50% of HE cases are associated with atopic dermatitis, emphasizing the complex interplay between various dermatological conditions. Common subtypes of HE include irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), atopic hand eczema (AHE), and protein contact dermatitis/contact urticaria (PCD). The chronic nature of HE presents a substantial management challenge, often underestimated, leading to delayed treatment and potential progression to chronic hand eczema (CHE). Beyond individual health implications, HE exerts a profound impact on occupational, domestic, social, and psychological aspects, establishing itself as the most prevalent occupation-related skin disease. This paper seeks to establish a comprehensive classification system for HE, integrating clinical, dermoscopic, and histological elements. Dermoscopy, specifically, proves instrumental in distinguishing HE from palmar psoriasis, revealing characteristic features such as yellow scales and irregular vessels. Histopathological findings underscore the dynamic changes observed from acute to chronic stages, while challenges in differentiating hyperkeratotic HE from psoriasis underscore the necessity for a holistic diagnostic approach. Accurate diagnosis and effective management of HE necessitate a holistic perspective that recognizes the inherent complexities of this inflammatory skin disease. By providing a multidimensional classification system, incorporating clinical, dermoscopic, and histological parameters, this paper aimed to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of HE and facilitate improved approaches to its diagnosis and treatment.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Combined With Q-Switched Ruby Laser in the Treatment of Periorbital Hyperpigmentation.

Periorbital hyperpigmentation is a prevalent skin condition that represents a large quantity of cases seen in cosmetic dermatology. Patients tend to be left with pigmentation after Q-switched ruby laser treatment, especially the perioribital area. The study is conducted to compare the effect of PRP injection combined with laser therapy versus laser alone for periorbital hyperpigmentation treatment. In this single-center, case-control study, 30 patients with periorbital hyperpigmentation were allocated to receive PRP injection injection after Q-switched ruby laser or Q-switched ruby laser only, followed by a 12-week and 24-week follow-up visit. Visual analogue scale, Sadick tear trough rating scale, and patients' self-evaluation were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect. The combined group achieved a better improvement in long-term effect and had effect on facial rejuvenation. Patient satisfaction was higher in the combined group. Erythema and mild pain were the most common adverse reactions of both groups. Combining with PRP injection can improve the therapeutic effect of Q-switched ruby laser in treating periorbital hyperpigmentation and lessen the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, indicating a new option for POH treatment.

Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines in the treatment of solar lentigo based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.

Solar lentigo is a prevalent skin condition that affects a significant number of individuals. Fortunately, certain traditional Chinese medicines and monomers (TCMM) have proven effective in addressing these concerns. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and underlying mechanism of TCMM, a combination of TCM and monomers in repairing solar lentigo. We detected and identified the main compounds of TCM using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and through the approach of network pharmacology, we screened drug and disease targets, visualized networks with Cytoscape software, analyzed targets via Gene ontology and KEGG, clinically validated predictions. In a mouse model, UVB-induced pigmentation was assessed, and the effects of TCMM were evaluated. A clinical trial on 30 patients validated the depigmenting agent. Active ingredients such as MSH, Butylated hydroxytoluen, Valerophenone, and Geranylacetone aid pigmentation treatment. One hundred and forty-three crore targets impact PI3K-Akt, MAPK signaling pathway, ect. pathways. TCMM reduced UVB-induced pigmentation, water loss, epidermal thickness, and melanin. It inhibited TYR, MITF, AKT1, VEGFA, PTGS2, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β. Clinical and microscopic analysis showed significant pigmentation reduction. The treatment of solar lentigo can benefit from the TCMM. By targeting multiple factors and pathways, this approach offers a comprehensive and effective treatment strategy.

IL-22 in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent and chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by a multifaceted pathophysiology that gives rise to diverse clinical manifestations. The management of AD remains challenging due to the suboptimal efficacy of existing treatment options. Nonetheless, recent progress in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of the disease has facilitated the identification of new potential therapeutic targets and promising drug candidates. In this review, we summarize the newest data, considering multiple connections between IL-22 and AD. The presence of circulating IL-22 has been found to correlate with the severity of AD and is identified as a critical factor driving the inflammatory response associated with the condition. Elevated levels of IL-22 in patients with AD are correlated with increased proliferation of keratinocytes, alterations in the skin microbiota, and impaired epidermal barrier function. Collectively, these factors contribute to the manifestation of the characteristic symptoms observed in AD.

Therapeutic effects of chamomile volatile oil nanoemulsion/Bletilla striata polysaccharides gels on atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic skin condition characterized by complex immune responses. Chamomile possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties and has been widely used in treating various skin diseases. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic benefits of chamomile volatile oil nanoemulsion gels (CVO-NEGs) for the treatment of AD. Chamomile volatile oil nanoemulsions (CVO-NEs) were prepared using the phase transition method, yielding spherical nanoparticles with a particle size of 19.07 nm. Subsequently, Bletilla striata polysaccharides were employed to encapsulate CVO-NEs, resulting in the formation of CVO-NEGs. In vivo studies demonstrated that the preparation of CVO-NEGs enhanced the biological activity of volatile oil in AD therapy. Histopathological results indicated that CVO-NEGs reduced skin damage, epidermal thickness, and mast cell infiltration. CVO-NEGs suppressed IgG production and reduced the levels of cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-4, and IFN-γ, in AD mice. Furthermore, flow cytometry revealed that CVO-NEGs were involved in regulating the differentiation of CD4+ T cell subsets. The immune imbalance of Th1/Th2 in AD mice can be controlled, resulting in a reduction in the hypersensitivity reaction caused by excessive Th2 activation. In conclusion, the present study confirms that CVO-NEGs have the potential to serve as an effective alternative treatment for AD.

A Narrative Review of the IL-18 and IL-37 Implications in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis: Prospective Treatment Targets.

Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are prevalent inflammatory skin conditions that significantly impact the quality of life of patients, with diverse treatment options available. Despite advances in understanding their underlying mechanisms, recent research highlights the significance of interleukins IL-18 and IL-37, in Th1, Th2, and Th17 inflammatory responses, closely associated with the pathogenesis of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Hence, IL-18 and IL-37 could potentially become therapeutic targets. This narrative review synthesizes knowledge on these interleukins, their roles in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and emerging treatment strategies. Findings of a literature search up to 30 May 2024, underscore a research gap in IL-37-targeted therapies. Conversely, IL-18-focused treatments have demonstrated promise in adult-onset Still's Disease, warranting further exploration for their potential efficacy in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Helicobacter pylori infection in psoriatic patients and its relation to psoriasis severity: Cross Sectional Study.

Psoriasis is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition that can be recognized by silvery-white scales on plaques and erythematous papules, despite the fact that psoriasis appears to have multiple causes. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been investigated recently as a potential infectious etiological component. The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in psoriatic patients compared to that of healthy controls and determine whether the degree of psoriasis and H. pylori infection were related. The dermatology, venerology, and andrology department at South Valley University Outpatient Clinic carried out this cross-sectional study. Psoriatic patients of both sexes and ages were included. In addition to the control group, H. Pylori antigen was measured from psoriatic and control groups by using H. pylori stool antigen-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (HpSA-ELISA), a test for H. pylori stool antigen. More than 20ng/mL of antigen proved positive, or less than 15ng/mL proved negative. There was a significant difference between psoriatic patients and control regarding H. pylori infection (p=0.046): (30.66%) positive in controls, (45.33%) positive in psoriatic patients. Both groups were matched for age (p=0.908), that is, the mean age of psoriatic patients was 37.44±15.79 years, and the control group was 37.15±15.15 years. Twenty-five psoriatic patients in each group: mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis according to the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score. No significant correlation between H. pylori infection and PASI, age, or duration of illness in psoriatic patients. Patients with psoriasis had greater rates of H. pylori infection but didn't affect the severity of psoriasis.

Role of Trifarotene in the Management of Acne in Indian Patients: Insights From an Indian Dermatology Experts' Meeting.

Acne vulgaris, a prevalent inflammatory skin condition, significantly impacts individuals worldwide, particularly adolescents and adults. Its chronic nature, associated sequelae, and psychosocial impact underscore the substantial burden it poses. Current treatment guidelines primarily address facial acne, with limited guidance on managing truncal acne. Personalized approaches are increasingly recognized as essential for tailoring treatments to individual patient needs. This review integrates insights from an Indian Dermatology Experts' Meeting, featuring perspectives from nine leading dermatologists. Discussions centered on analyzing acne's burden, its effects on quality of life (QoL), unmet needs in management, trifarotene's role in Indian therapy, anticipated challenges, and the importance of ancillary care. The experts highlighted acne's profound impact on patients' QoL and identified gaps in current management guidelines, especially concerning truncal acne. Trifarotene, a fourth-generation topical retinoid approved by the FDA and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for facial and truncal acne, demonstrated safety and efficacy across age groups. This synthesis of expert perspectives underscores the need for personalized acne management. Trifarotene emerges as a promising therapeutic option but challenges remain, particularly in optimizing ancillary care to minimize treatment-related adverse effects. Addressing these issues will enhance treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction in acne management, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches in clinical practice.

Beyond the classic players: Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor member X2 role in pruritus and skin diseases.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis and rosacea are highly prevalent inflammatory skin conditions which impose a significant burden on patients' quality of life. Their pathophysiology is likely multifactorial, involving genetic, immune and environmental factors. Recent advancements in the field have demonstrated the key role of mast cells (MC) in the pathophysiology of these conditions. The Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) has emerged as a promising non-IgE-mediated MC activation receptor. MRGPRX2 is predominately expressed on MC and activated by endogenous and exogenous ligands, leading to MC degranulation and release of various pro-inflammatory mediators. Mounting evidence on the presence of endogenous MRGPRX2 agonists (substance P, cortistatin-14, LL37, PAMP-12 and VIP) and its high expression among patients with CSU, AD, rosacea, psoriasis and chronic pruritus emphasizes the pathogenic role of MRGPRX2 in these conditions. Despite the currently available treatments, there remains a pressing need for novel drug targets and treatment options for these chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Here, we reviewed the pathogenic role of MRGPRX2 and its potential as a novel therapeutic target and provided an update on future research directions.

Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Clindamycin Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles Loaded with Polyurethane Nanofibrous Scaffolds for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.

Acne vulgaris, a prevalent skin condition, arises from an imbalance in skin flora, fostering bacterial overgrowth. Addressing this issue, clindamycin molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles (Clin-MIP) loaded onto polyurethane nanofiber scaffolds were developed for acne treatment. Clin-MIP was synthesized via precipitation polymerization using methacrylic acid (MAA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as functional monomers, crosslinkers, and free-radical initiators, respectively. MIP characterization utilized Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) before being incorporated into polyurethane nanofibers through electrospinning. Further analysis involved FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in vitro release studies, and an ex vivo study. Clin-MIP showed strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus, with inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 0.39 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively. It significantly dropped the bacterial count from 1 × 108 to 39 × 101 CFU/mL in vivo and has bactericidal activity within 180 min of incubation in vitro. The pharmacodynamic and histopathology studies revealed a significant decrease in infected animal skin inflammation, epidermal hypertrophy, and congestion upon treatment with Clin-MIP polyurethane nanofiber and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) conducive to acne healing. Consequently, the recently created Clin-MIP polyurethane nanofibrous scaffold. This innovative approach offers insight into creating materials with several uses for treating infectious wounds caused by acne.

THE USE OF SUBCISION IN CONJUNCTION WITH FRACTIONAL CARBON DIOXIDE LASER TO IMPROVE ATROPHIC ACNE SCARS

Objective: Acne is a prevalent skin condition affecting a wide range of age groups, often leading to severe scarring if left untreated. The use of subcision combined with fractional CO2 laser therapy has been posited as a potentially more effective treatment method for atrophic acne scars compared to standalone laser treatment. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted at Asha Derma Clinic, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, from 30th March 2023 to 30th March 2024. Thirty patients with ice pick and rolling-type atrophic acne scars were enrolled. Participants were treated on one side of their face with five sessions of fractional CO2 laser and on the other side with one session of subcision with fractional CO2 laser combined with four sessions of fractional CO2 laser alone. Outcomes were assessed through scar improvement and patient satisfaction at 1, 2, and 6 mo post-treatment, with data analysis performed using ANOVA and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: Significant improvements were observed in both recovery levels and patient satisfaction. The combined method showed higher recovery percentages (40-65%, Mean±SD: 54.7±7) compared to the laser alone (30-55%, Mean±SD: 43±11.1), with a p-value of 0.0005. Patient satisfaction also favored the combined method (1.8-3, Mean±SD: 6.6±1.2) over laser treatment alone (1.6-4, Mean±SD: 5.2±1.8), with a p-value of 0.0007. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that subcision combined with fractional CO2 laser therapy significantly enhances recovery levels and patient satisfaction in the treatment of atrophic acne scars, suggesting a robust advantage of integrating both treatments.

THE ANALYSIS STUDY OF EFFECTIVENESS OF VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION IN ATOPIC DERMATITIS: A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a prevalent skin condition with a 10 lifetime prevalence, affecting 15-20 of children and 1-3 of adults globally. Atopic dermatitis is often multimorbid and more prone to allergic disorders. Vitamin D (VD) deficiency has been linked to an increase in allergy disorders and atopic dermatitis worldwide, suggesting that VD supplementation may play a role in the improvement of atopic dermatitis. The aim: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in atopic dermatitis. Methods: By comparing itself to the standards set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020, this study was able to show that it met all of the requirements. So, the experts were able to make sure that the study was as up-to-date as it was possible to be. For this search approach, publications that came out between 2014 and 2024 were taken into account. Several different online reference sources, like Pubmed, SAGEPUB, and ScienceDirect, were used to do this. It was decided not to take into account review pieces, works that had already been published, or works that were only half done. Results: In the PubMed database, the results of our search brought up 60 articles, whereas the results of our search on SAGEPUB brought up 2017 articles, and our search on ScienceDirect brought up 2023 articles. In the end, we compiled 6 papers, 4 of which came from PubMed, one of which came from ScienceDirect, and one of which came from SagePub. We included six research that met the criteria. Conclusion: In conclusion, administration of vitamin D supplement can improve atopic dermatitis. It is more advisable to give it for 3 months.

Clinical Effectiveness of Benzoyl Peroxide and Clindamycin Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Papulopustular Acne

Acne is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition affecting 9% of the global population. Its impact on quality of life and self-esteem leads to depression and anxiety. Combination regimen may be effective in treating acne. Objective: To assess the clinical effectiveness of a fixed-dose combination of 1% clindamycin and 5% benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of mild to moderate papulopustular acne. Methods: An observational prospective study was conducted from June 2023 to December 2023 in the dermatology department of Niazi Welfare Foundation Teaching Hospital, Sargodha. 72 patients with mild to moderate papulopustular acne were monitored. A gel containing a combination of 1% clindamycin and 5% benzoyl peroxide was applied once daily for 12 weeks. Descriptive statistics was used for demographic variables. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the treatment effects at a significance level, p-value<0.05. Adverse effects related to therapy were shown as bar chart. Results: Findings of the study showed that during therapy in the period between the 3rd and 6th weeks, the proportion of patients who achieved excellent improvement increased by 25% from 40/72 (55.5%) to 57/72 (79.1%) respectively p < 0.05. Conclusions: The study concluded that the combination of 1% clindamycin and 5% benzoyl peroxide was effective in treating mild to moderate papulopustular acne.

Dermatological changes in a prospective cohort of acutely ill, hospitalised Malawian children, stratified according to nutritional status

RationaleSince the first documentation of skin changes in malnutrition in the early 18th century, various hair and skin changes have been reported in severely malnourished children globally. We aimed to...

Antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of limpasu (Baccaurea lanceolata) pericarpium with the ultrasound assisted extraction method against Propionibacterium acne

Background: Acne, a prevalent skin condition, can arise from factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle, dietary habits, hormonal imbalances, and bacterial infections. Propionibacterium acnes is a notable bacterium responsible for acne. In South Borneo, the pericarpium of the limpasu plant (Baccaurea lanceolata) is traditionally used to treat acne. Objective: This study aims to scientifically validate the empirical antibacterial effects of limpasu pericarpium against Propionibacterium acnes, as reported by the communities in South Borneo. Methods: The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method was utilized to extract compounds from limpasu pericarpium. The antibacterial activity of the limpasu pericarpium extract was evaluated using the disc diffusion method at concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% w/v. Clindamycin served as the positive control, and 1% DMSO was the negative control. Results: The lowest concentration (20%) fell within the strong activity category, producing a clear zone diameter of 18.76 mm. Higher concentrations (40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) demonstrated more potent antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones of 23.23 mm, 26.06 mm, 26.93 mm, and 27.33 mm, respectively. Notably, 60% to 100% concentrations exhibited greater inhibitory effects than the positive control, clindamycin, which had an inhibition zone of 25.23 mm. Conclusion: The study confirms the antibacterial properties of limpasu pericarpium against Propionibacterium acnes, supporting the traditional claims of its efficacy by the South Borneo communities.

Preclinical evaluation of Janus Kinase inhibitors in atopic dermatitis: Insights from an oxazolone-induced mouse model

Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition affecting a substantial proportion of the population. However, the lack of robust preclinical evidence of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in AD treatment necessitates the development of more effective therapies, including those repurposed from other indications. Thus, we aimed to establish a preclinical evaluation system targeting JAK inhibitors to explore their effectiveness and mechanism of action in AD mouse model. We utilized an oxazolone (OXA)-induced AD mouse model to assess the effects of JAK inhibitors. Ear thickness, IgE and MPO levels were measured regularly. At the end of study, spleen weights were measured, and ear tissues were processed for cytokine analysis and pathological evaluation. Additionally, flow cytometry was utilized to analyze immune cells in auricular draining lymph nodes (DLN). Following OXA challenge, temporal changes in the immune system were observed, characterized by increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, immune cell infiltration in auricular DLN, and elevated IgE and MPO levels. Treatment with JAK inhibitors led to a reduction in AD-associated features and resulted in decreased immune cell infiltration and alterations in specific molecular features. Our study successfully established a preclinical mouse model for AD, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of skin inflammation, immunomodulation, and the pharmacodynamics of test articles in the context of AD.