Skin Atrophy Research Articles

Morphological features of a patient with progeroid phenotype

Currently, in medical genetics, there is a significant gap between real medical care and scientific achievements in the field of molecular biological technologies. The diagnosis of hereditary pathology is made infrequently, and genetic knowledge is slowly entering medical practice. Most patients with hereditary disorders are under completely different diagnoses and are treated by specialists according to the principle of the leading clinical symptom, such as, for example, mental retardation, skeletal deformities, ocular pathology, hearing loss, atrophic, ichthyosis-like or psoriasiform skin changes, etc. The clinic of hereditary diseases is often similar to well-known and frequently occurring diseases, since there is a phenotypic similarity of genetically heterogeneous diseases. Misdiagnosis leads to pathogenetically unjustified treatment. In our work, we described a clinical case of progeroid syndrome that confirmed by cytogenetic diagnostics based on the Pavlov University (Saint Petersburg, Russia). The patient has been observed with various dermatological syndromes for 26 years. With a multidisciplinary approach to the verification of hereditary disease, dermatovenerologists and geneticists were able to define the hereditary nature of the skin lesion in the patient and confirm her progeroid syndrome.

Chitosan hydrogels with MK2 inhibitor peptide-loaded nanoparticles to treat atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that lacks ideal long-term treatment options due to a series of side effects, such as skin atrophy, related to the most common treatment prescribed to manage moderate-to-severe AD. In this study, a cell-penetrating MK2 inhibitor peptide YARA (YARAAARQARAKALNRQGLVAA) was loaded into hollow thermo-responsive pNIPAM nanoparticles (NP), which were further incorporated into chitosan hydrogels (H-NP-YARA) to promote local drug delivery, improve moisture and the anti-inflammatory activity. The NPs exhibited high loading efficiency (>50%) and the hydrogel remained porous following NP incorporation as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both nanoparticles and hydrogels were able to improve the release of YARA and sustained release to up to 120 h. The hydrogels and NPs delivered 2 and 4-fold more YARA into viable skin layers of porcine skin in vitro at 12 h post-application than the non-encapsulated compound in intact and impaired barrier conditions. Furthermore, the YARA-loaded NPs (NP-YARA) and H-NP-YARA treatment decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines up to 20 time-fold compared with the non-treated group of human keratinocytes under inflammatory conditions. Consistent with the results in cell culture, the loading of YARA in NP reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α up to 3.3 times in an ex vivo skin culture model after induction of inflammation. A further decrease of up to 17 times-fold was observed with H-NP-YARA treatment compared to the drug in solution. Our data collectively suggest that chitosan hydrogel containing YARA-loaded nanoparticles is a promising new formulation for the topical treatment of AD.

This is how I deal with corticosteroid-induced skin atrophy

This is how I deal with corticosteroid-induced skin atrophy

WATCH VIDEO ABSTRACT: Dermatoporosis: Strategies for Rebuilding the Extracellular Matrix of the Skin.

Dermatoporosis as a disease entity is relatively newly described, the title conceived as recently as 2007. The background of chronic skin fragility, bruising, and atrophy appears to start in some patients as early as their mid-forties, but is full blown over the age of 65 years. The dehydration and fragility of the skin with recurrent bruising and breakdown were initially attributed to increased vessel fragility and permeability thought to be associated with inherent vascular tissue defects in a milieu of increased inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. It has subsequently been demonstrated that this ECM breakdown directly affects the structural support system of the superficial vessels, leading to stretch, increased permeability, and vulnerability to mechanical damage. Add to that the ECM atrophy and general accumulation of non-functional metabolic waste products in the form of fragmented collagen, elastin, and increased circulating glycation end products, and it becomes apparent that much of the problem resides in a structural defect, non-functioning, dehydrated, senescent cellular matrix and unsupported vascular system that presents as dermatoporotic characteristics. This paper describes a strategy of ECM replacement to counteract these foundational deficiencies. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(9): doi:10.36849/JDD.7549.

Epidermolysis bullosa: a tale of two sisters

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a clinically and genetically heterogenous, inherited, mechanobullous disorder characterised by spontaneous or trauma induced blisters over skin and mucous membranes. Four major forms are: EB Simplex, EB Junctional, EB dystrophic and mixed. A 11-year-old and a 9 year old female child, both sisters, accompanied by their father, presented to dermatology OPD, with chief complaints of multiple raw areas over elbows and knees since infancy. There was history of fluid filled lesions which were induced by trauma or friction during handling or while playing. These lesions ruptured on their own or on trauma to form raw areas with crusting which further healed with scarring and small white raised lesions. Also, he gave history of loss of nails following blistering on toes in infancy. No associated systemic complaints were noted. On examination, both of them presented with multiple erosions and ulcers with oozing of blood, few bullae and crusted lesions over elbows, knees and feet. There were multiple atrophic scars and skin coloured to whitish papules [milia] over feet, ankles, elbows and knees. There were loss of nails of toes of both feet. On biopsy, histopathological examination revealed bullae at dermoepidermal junction. Diagnosis of EB junctional was made. EB is a rare inherited disorder. Its management includes prevention and healing of blisters and infection. Psychological support to patients and their families is of prime importance.

Efficacy and Safety of Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) as a Depigmenting Therapy in Extensive Vitiligo

Abstract Background Patients with extensive vitiligo who have residual pigmentation affecting exposed areas especially acral sites or patients with vitiligo universalis often seek depigmentation. At present, there is no ideal depigmenting therapy available. Possible options include; monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) cream, phenol, cryotherapy and Q-switched lasers. Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) has been reported to rarely cause vitiligo as a side effect during the treatment of alopecia areata. Aim The aim of the present work is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DPCP as a depigmenting therapy in extensive Vitiligo. Patients and Methods This is a pilot single arm clinical trial study. Twenty patients with extensive vitiligo were recruited from the vitiligo outpatient clinic of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals. We used DPCP applied topically to residual pigmented patches (sensitization session then therapeutic sessions). Results Depigmentation occurred among 5 patients (25% of cases). Depigmentation occurred in different tested sites including the scalp, forearm and back. Itching and blister formation were the main side effects leading to intolerability to the DPCP treatment. Conclusion Cosmetic result of DPCP depigmentation was acceptable with no skin atrophy. Further studies could be done following other protocols using sensitization dose with less concentrations of DPCP to avoid patients' intolerance to the therapy.

The long-term safety of topical corticosteroids in atopic dermatitis: A systematic review.

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are a first-line treatment for eczema, but there are concerns about their safety when used long-term. To systematically review adverse effects associated with longer-term use of TCS for eczema. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort and case-control studies reporting adverse effects of TCS (comparators: no TCS treatment, other topicals) in patients with eczema were identified. Included studies had greater than one year of follow-up, minimum cohort size of 50 participants, or minimum 50 per arm for RCTs. Evidence was GRADE-assessed. Prospero registration CRD42021286413. We found seven studies (two randomised, five observational); two RCTs (n=2570, including 1288 receiving TCS), two cohort (all received TCS n=148) and three case-control studies (cases n=10322, controls n=12201). Evidence from two RCTS (n=2570, children, three and five years' duration) comparing TCS to topical calcineurin inhibitors found intermittent TCS use probably results in little to no difference in risk of growth abnormalities, non-skin infections, impaired vaccine response and lymphoma/non lymphoma malignancies. The five-year RCT reported only one episode of skin atrophy (n=1213 TCS arm; mild/moderate potency), suggesting TCS use probably results in little to no difference in skin thinning when used intermittently to treat flares. No cases of clinical adrenal insufficiency were reported in 75 patients using mild/moderate TCS in the three-year RCT. Small associations between TCS and type-2 diabetes and lymphoma were identified in two case-control studies compared to no TCS, but the evidence is very uncertain. No long-term studies concerning topical steroid withdrawal or eye problems were identified. This review provides some reassuring data on growth and skin thinning when TCS are used intermittently for up to 5years, but many knowledge gaps remain.

Efficacy of ultraphonophoresis with an enzyme gel with high transcutaneous and proteolytic activity in patients with atrophic skin scars: a prospective interventional cohort comparative study

Introduction. The trend towards an increase in peacetime and wartime injuries and the frequent formation of severe cicatricial dysplasia dictate the need to develop an effective, universal, and widely available method for the prevention and correction of fibrotic skin deformities applied by doctors of various specialties: dermatocosmetologists, physiotherapists, and rehabilitologists. In addition to persistent irreversible structural damage and a visible skin defect, patients are concerned about itching and other subjective sensations in the scar area. Physical methods of correction using transdermal deliveries of enzyme fibromodulatory drugs are scientifically substantiated and are widely used in the rehabilitation period of patients with scars of various origins. Meanwhile, the therapeutic possibilities of influencing the subjective sensations of this group of patients remain only partially studied up to date. Materials and methods. A prospective interventional cohort comparative study of the efficacy and safety of using the ultraphonophoresis technique with an enzyme gel with a high transcutaneous and proteolytic ability in patients with atrophic skin scars was carried out. The study included 56 patients with a diagnosis of «atrophic scars» (ICD-10 Chapter XII: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, L90). The entire sample was divided into groups with developing (n=27) and mature (n=29) scars. As a result of random distribution, the study subgroups (groups 1, 3 n=14 and n=15) and comparison subgroups (groups 2, 4 n=13 and n=14), in which the patients were prescribed topical therapy with traditionally used anti-scar drugs, were formed. During the study, clinical, instrumental, and medico-sociological research methods were used. Results. In the study groups, a high safety profile of gel ultraphonophoresis procedures and more significant changes in the macro-relief of the scar, instrumental indicators, and quality of life indicators have been established. Conclusion. The method of ultraphonophoresis with an enzyme gel with high transcutaneous and proteolytic activity in patients with atrophic skin scars has been scientifically substantiated and tested. The effectiveness of the treatment complex is 84–88 %.

Une acrocyanose asymétrique révélatrice d'une borréliose de Lyme tardive

Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans is a manifestation of late disseminated Lyme borreliosis with an initial inflammatory or oedematous phase followed by definitive skin atrophy without treatment. The right knowledge of its initial inflammatory presentation, as well as the availability of confirmatory diagnostic tests and its treatment allow an early management.

Optimization of treatment of vulvar scleroatrophic lichen with using modern laser technologies

Background. Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, which is characterized by focal skin atrophy of the vulva and mucous membranes. It leads to deformation of the perineum. The prevalence of VLS in children is up to 0.1%, among the adults — 3%. The average age of the first symptoms appearance in girls is 5.4 years, in women — 55.1 years. The diagnosis of VLS is made on the base of anamnesis, assessment of pubertal development, physical examination of the external genitalia, advanced vulvoscopy and vaginoscopy, bacteriological, bacterioscopic and cytological studies of vaginal wet mount, assessment of the hormonal profile. The treatment methods include high-potency steroids as the initial treatment, usage of diode, fractional CO2 and erbium lasers with different wavelengths and injections of platelet-rich plasma to improve the regeneration processes of the affected tissue by improving collagenogenesis, vasculogenesis, production of proteoglycans and glycoproteins.
 The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of photodestruction with a manual diode laser of the Dornier Medilas D LiteBeam, wavelength of 940 nm, minimum power in pulsed mode on the girls’ vulva mucosa with various types of VLS during neutral and preadolescent age. To obtain the results there were analyzed criteria including the size of the lesion after photodestruction therapy, the disappearance of cracks and angiomatosis in the LS area. The objectives of the complex therapy of VLS in girls were elimination of itching, decrease of the inflammatory changes, improvement of the skin and mucosa blood supply, and stimulation of local immunological mechanisms.
 Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the base of the gynecological department of Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital. The effectiveness of the laser-induced thermotherapy with a wavelength of 940 nm, minimum power in pulsed mode on the vulva of VLS girls of neutral and preadolescent periods as a part of the complex therapy was evaluated. Ninety 5 to 13 year VLS patients took part in the trial. They were divided into 3 groups. The first group included 30 patients (average age 7.5 ± 1.1) with atrophic form of lichen treated with a laser with a wavelength of 940 nm. The second group consisted of 30 patients (average age 6.8 ± 1.3) with erythematous-edematous lichen, who were treated with a laser with a wavelength of 635 nm. The third group included 30 patients (average age 7.3 ± 1.2) with erosive and ulcerative form of VLS, who received high-potency corticosteroids therapy. 
 Results. The treatment results in the three subgroups of VLS patients show a diode laser with a wavelength of 940 nm therapy to be the most effective. After the first treatment course 27 (90%) patients in the first group showed a positive trend with a decrease in itching and burning, pink-color presence in vulva mucousа, a decrease of the skin pigmentation area and an increase in the elasticity of the skin. After 2 courses, 29 (96.7%) patients had positive trend. The second most effective method of treatment is photodestruction with a 635 nm wavelength laser. After the 4 courses (two hospitalisations), 25 (83,3%) patients noted a decrease in itching and in a “tightening” feeling. In 24 (80%) patients there was an improvement in the condition of the mucous membranes of the vulva. Reduction of edema was observed in 23 (76.7%) patients by the time of an examination in 3 weeks after the last therapy course. However, it was not possible to completely restore the mucous membranes of the vulva in patients of this group. The least effective — drug therapy with high-potency steroids. 8 (26.7%) patients noted positive dynamics only by the 4th day therapy, 11 (36,7%) by the time of the 3 weeks after the initial application of the ointment, 12 (40%) by the 2nd month. In 5 (16.7%) patients, the visible condition of the mucous membranes did not change, the number of bleeding ulcers decreased minimally.
 Conclusions. The results of the trial indicate the high efficiency of laser therapy of VLS in children compared with the topical glucocorticoids treatment. The duration of the therapy and condition of the external genitalia after treatment depends on the histological form and stage of VLS. According to our study, laser therapy contributes to the remission onset in pediatric patients with different types of VLS in the shortest possible time after the photodestruction procedure.

REDD1 (regulated in development and DNA damage1) modulates the glucocorticoid receptor function in keratinocytes.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases despite significant adverse effects including skin atrophy. Effects of GCs are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a well-known transcription factor. Previously, we discovered that one of the GR target genes, REDD1, is causatively involved in skin atrophy. Here, we investigated its role in GR function using HaCaT REDD1 knockout (KO) keratinocytes. We found large differences in transcriptome of REDD1 KO and control Cas9 cells in response to glucocorticoid fluocinolone acetonide (FA): both the scope and amplitude of response were significantly decreased in REDD1 KO. The status of REDD1 did not affect GR stability/degradation during self-desensitization, and major steps in GR activation-its nuclear import and phosphorylation at activating Ser211. However, the amount of GR phosphorylated at Ser226 that may play negative role in GR signalling, was increased in the nuclei of REDD1 KO cells. GR nuclear import and transcriptional activity also depend on the composition of GR chaperone complex: exchange of chaperone FKBP51 (FK506-binding protein 5) for FKBP52 (FK506-binding protein 4) being a necessary step in GR activation. We found the increased expression and abnormal nuclear translocation of FKBP51 in both untreated and FA-treated REDD1 KO cells. Overall, our results suggest the existence of a feed-forward loop in GR signalling mediated by its target gene REDD1, which has translational potential for the development of safer GR-targeted therapies.

Analysis of Opportunities and Prospects of Lipofilling Method in Patients with Atrophic Skin Scarring: A Literature Review

Analysis of Opportunities and Prospects of Lipofilling Method in Patients with Atrophic Skin Scarring: A Literature Review

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita: Incidence of extracutaneous manifestations and a proposed clinical definition.

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) is a capillary malformation characterized by congenital, reticulated, well-demarcated dark blue, red-purple, or violaceous macules or plaques, with a coarse fixed livedo pattern. Nearly always, contiguous areas of skin atrophy and/or ulceration are present. CMTC is usually localized but may rarely be generalized. Such generalized cases may be a feature of Adams-Oliver syndrome (AOS). The nosologic confusion surrounding the term CMTC and uncertainty about the risk of associated abnormalities hinders the appropriate workup of patients and prognostic counseling for families. We hypothesized that the risk of associated anomalies in children with localized CMTC is very low. We performed a literature review and retrospective review of patients with CMTC to propose a more precise clinical definition and ascertain the risk of associated anomalies. We included 78 patients determined to have a diagnosis of CMTC based on consensus. The majority of patients had localized CMTC. Most patients with generalized CMTC met the criteria for the diagnosis of AOS. The associations found in patients with localized CMTC were mostly dermatological, with atrophy, ulcerations, or erosions present in 71%. Extracutaneous findings were present in 34.4% of patients and consisted mainly of extremity asymmetry (24.5%) that improved over time. Our study showed a very low frequency of extracutaneous anomalies among patients with localized CTMC, ipsilateral limb discrepancy being the most common. We did not find a strong association with any other visceral anomalies that would justify routine evaluation in patients with localized CMTC.

PS08 Skin lightening product use among British Indian immigrants: a qualitative study exploring causes and consequences

Abstract Cosmetic, topical skin-lightening products (SLPs) containing steroids, hydroquinone and mercury are available to Indian consumers without dermatological supervision. The World Health Organization discourages such SLP use, recognizing scar tissue formation, skin atrophy, localized infection, chemical burn and renal/hepatic impairment as adverse effects. Despite legislation restricting the sale of unlicensed SLPs in the UK, they remain accessible to British Indians through illegal importation. The current literature focuses on the high prevalence of unsupervised SLP use in India, documenting its psychodermatological and physical harm. However, no research has explored the causes and consequences of its use among British Indian communities, despite notable variances in culture. This qualitative study addresses the research gap to inform future management of unsafe SLP use. After ethical approval was granted, 24 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted. Participants were recruited using maximum variation and snowball sampling through national radio and social media advertising, to encourage generalizability. Transcripts and field notes were analysed using conventional thematic and deviant case analysis, using NVivo 12 software. Two interdependent sets of themes influencing SLP use emerged. The first set, titled ‘Causes of SLP use’, included the following themes: ‘British cultural influence’, ‘product accessibility’ and ‘Indian beauty standards’. The second set, titled ‘Consequences of SLP use’, included the following themes: ‘financial’, ‘social’, ‘intrapersonal’, ‘physical’, ‘societal’ and ‘psychological’. Participants felt the Indian beauty standard derives from caste, religion, colonialism, Ayurvedic medicine and Indian media, which together heavily depict fair skin as superior, encouraging SLP use. This was further facilitated by frequent advertising on Indian television channels and social media, and the abundance and affordability of SLPs in South Asian stores in the UK. Participants persistently used SLPs, despite experiencing burning and patchy dyspigmentation as common adverse effects. Open internalized racism within the community instilled shame and stigma against those with darker skin, encouraging SLP use. Participants believed this was less common among second- and third-generation British Indians, discouraging SLP use, due to increased assimilation into British culture and improved media representation of people of colour. Participants agreed that SLP use negatively impacts on personal identity but identified its potential to elevate social desirability. This study newly highlights the significant negative psychodermatological impact of unsupervised SLP use among the British Indian community. As a factor propagating internalized racism, this study identifies a need to control illegal SLP importation and provide community-wide education on unsafe SLP use. These management strategies should be evaluated in future research.

P11 Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans: a sign of late lyme disease

Abstract Borrelia infection manifests a variety of signs and symptoms, and its insidiousness and heterogeneity mean that its diagnosis can be delayed. We describe two patients from south-east Scotland who presented with unilateral asymptomatic atrophic areas of skin discoloration. The first was a 71-year-old woman, who presented with a 4-month history of a nonprogressive, mottled, erythematous rash involving her right thigh, buttock and calf. Case 2 was a 56-year-old woman with a 2-year history of an erythematous area of atrophic skin involving the medial aspect of her left thigh and shin. Histology from case 1 showed a normal epidermis with a largely ‘top-heavy’ superficial and deep, predominantly interstitial and focally perivascular, lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, with a predominance of mononuclear histiocytes and with focal extension to deep reticular dermis. Scattered plasma cells were identified, but eosinophils were not a prominent feature. Well-formed granulomas were absent, as were interface dermatitic activity and vasculitic changes. On close questioning, each patient remembered ‘insect’ bites in the vicinity of the cutaneous changes, although neither recalled rashes that could have been consistent with erythema chronicum migrans. In both cases, serology confirmed infection with Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) and diagnoses of acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) were made. Both patients responded well to oral treatment with doxycycline. ACA is a cutaneous sign of late-stage Lyme disease and is caused by ongoing active skin infection by tick-borne bacteria of the Lyme disease group of Borrelia species. The tick bite has usually occurred months or years before symptom onset. Typically, there is an early, unilateral inflammatory stage with bluish-red discoloration of the skin and an oedematous appearance. This is followed by an atrophic stage where the skin becomes thin and wrinkled (‘cigarette paper’-like), with the loss of epidermal and dermal structures. Histological features usually include marked atrophy of the epidermis and dermis, loss of adnexal structures and an absence of elastic tissue. A band-like lymphocytic infiltration with plasma cells and mast cells is seen in the dermis, especially in the early stage of disease. Laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme borreliosis in the UK have risen steadily since reporting began in 1986. ACA is likely to be underdiagnosed and, if there is a clinical suspicion, a detailed history, careful skin examination, Borrelia serology and skin biopsy should be undertaken. Early recognition and treatment reduce the risk of irreversible skin changes and systemic symptoms.

Vitamin D in Keloids: An alternative to steroids?

Madam, Keloids are wound healing scars with well-demarcated overgrowth of fibrotic tissue, mainly involving excessive collagen proliferation produced by fibroblasts. They extend beyond the original injury site, and are associated with pain and pruritus (1,2). Few treatments available few for Keloids include occlusive dressings, compression therapy and intralesional corticosteroid injections (1). Triamcinolone acetate, a corticosteroid injection, is considered the first line treatment as it possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-mitotic activities, which reduce scar volume and prevent a recurrence. However, approximately 50percent of keloids are considered to be steroid resistant (3, 4). Moreover, as per literature, the usage of intralesional corticosteroid injections can cause several local and systemic adverse effects such as telangiectasias, skin necrosis, skin and subcutaneous fat atrophy, and Cushing’s syndrome (5) In light of the above, researchers are keen on finding other treatment modalities for treating these lesions, and among them Vitamin D, is being investigated. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that normally plays a role in regulating serum calcium, inhibiting cellular proliferation and promoting cell differentiation and apoptotic activities. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-B), an inflammatory marker, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of keloids. TGF-B is believed to be inhibited with localised Vitamin D. Furthermore, Vitamin D deficiency plays a significant role in keloidogenesis, a process mediated by dysregulation of koebnerisin, an antimicrobial polypeptide (2). A study was conducted recently, where 40 adults, aged 18 to 60 years, were administered intralesional Vitamin D, on keloids sized atleast 5 cm, with sessions carried out every week for a maximum of 3-4 sessions. This study showed a highly significant reduction in the Vancouver Scar Scale, a scarring scoring system (1). However, further trials, specially comparative studies, are needed to effectively weigh in the efficacy of Vitamin D over steroids. Advantages of Vitamin D are evident and promising so far – it’s cost-friendly, and shows mild side effects such as burning, pain, swelling and tenderness that shortly disappears on its own.

A pilot study evaluating the anti-aging benefits of a CO2 -emitting facial mask.

Since 1936, injectable carboxytherapy has been used for the treatment of circulatory issues and lack of tissue trophism. In the last 25 years, it has been applied to aesthetic issues, especially those related to the signs and symptoms of skin aging. Presently, carboxytherapy is available as a combination of transcutaneous gels that produce CO2 with benefit for atrophic skin. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a topical carboxy mask on facial photoaging after short term use of 4 weeks and long term use of 10 weeks. The short term study was conducted for 14 days after 3 times weekly application of the facial mask for 1 h followed by a regression phase with evaluations at days 21 and 28. 11 healthy female subjects age 45-75 years were enrolled. Subjects applied the facial mask for 45 min, 3 times per week during the 2-week treatment period. The long term study was conducted for 10 weeks on 35 subjects 35-65 years with mild to moderate facial photoaging of Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI. Subjects underwent photography, elasticity, hydration, and VAS questionnaire assessments. The short term 4 week study demonstrated improvement in laser-Doppler measured blood flow and skin hydration. The long term 10 week study demonstrated improvement in firmness (16%, p = 0.001), sagging (9%, p = 0.023), and overall skin appearance (12%, p = 0.002). These findings were supported by the retraction time decrease at week 10 (-10%, p = 0.05). The combination of two gels produced the liberation of CO2 , which improved short term skin hydration after 4 weeks of use and improved longer term skin elasticity after 10 weeks of use.

Risk of skin atrophy induced by short-term topical corticosteroid use in atopic dermatitis lesional skin: A systematic review

Risk of skin atrophy induced by short-term topical corticosteroid use in atopic dermatitis lesional skin: A systematic review

Enhancing Prosthetic Control through High-Fidelity Myoelectric Mapping with Molecular Anchoring Technology.

Myoelectric control utilizes electrical signals generated from the voluntary contraction of remaining muscles in an amputee's stump to operate a prosthesis. Precise and agile control requires low-level myoelectric signals (below 10% of maximum voluntary contraction, MVC) from weak muscle contractions such as phantom finger or wrist movements, but imbalanced calcium concentration in atrophic skin can distort the signals. This is due to poor ionic-electronic coupling between skin and electrode, which often causes excessive muscle contraction, fatigue and discomfort during delicate tasks. To overcome this challenge, a new strategy called molecular anchoring has been developed to drive hydrophobic molecular effectively interact with and embed into stratum corneum for high coupling regions between ionic fluxes and electronic currents. The use of hydrophobic poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) gel has resulted in an interface impedance of 20 kΩ, which is 1/100 of a commercial acrylic-based electrode, allowing the detection of ultralow myoelectric signals (∼1.5% MVC) that approach human limits. With this molecular anchoring technology, amputees operated a prosthesis with greater dexterity, as phantom finger and wrist movements w ere predicted with 97.6% accuracy. This strategy provides the potential for a comfortable human-machine interface when amputees accomplish day-to-day tasks through precise and dexterous myoelectric control. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Glucocorticoid effects in the regenerating fin reflect tissue homeostasis disturbances in zebrafish by affecting Wnt signaling.

As a treatment for various immune-mediated diseases, the use of glucocorticoids as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents is common practice. However, their use is severely hampered by the risk of the development of adverse effects such as secondary osteoporosis, skin atrophy, and peptic ulcer formation. The exact molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying those adverse effects, which involve most major organ systems, are not yet fully understood. Therefore, their investigation is of great importance to improve treatment regimens for patients. Here, we investigated the effects of the glucocorticoid prednisolone on cell proliferation and Wnt signaling in homeostatic skin and intestinal tissue and compared them to the anti-regenerative effects in zebrafish fin regeneration. We also investigated a potential recovery from the glucocorticoid treatment and the impact of short-term treatment with prednisolone. We identified a dampening effect of prednisolone on Wnt signaling and proliferation in highly proliferative tissues, namely the skin and intestine, as well as reduced fin regenerate length and Wnt reporter activity in the fin. The presence of the Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf1 was enhanced in prednisolone treated skin tissue. A decreased number of mucous producing goblet cells was observed in the intestine of prednisolone treated zebrafish. Unexpectedly, proliferation in bone forming osteoblasts of the skull, homeostatic scales, as well as the brain was not decreased, opposite to the observed effects in the skin, fin, and intestine. Short-term treatment with prednisolone for a few days did not significantly alter fin regenerate length, skin cell proliferation, intestinal leukocyte number and proliferation of intestinal crypt cells. However, it affected the number of mucous-producing goblet cells in the gut. Likewise, discontinuation of prednisolone treatment for a few days saved the skin and intestine from a significant reduction of skin and intestinal cell proliferation, intestinal leukocyte number and regenerate length, but did not rescue goblet cell number. The suppressive effects of glucocorticoids in highly proliferative tissues may be relevant in the context of their therapeutic applications in patients with inflammatory diseases.