The latest medical research on Applied Dermatology
The research magnet gathers the latest research from around the web, based on your specialty area. Below you will find a sample of some of the most recent articles from reputable medical journals about applied dermatology gathered by our medical AI research bot.
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Request AccessPlatelet-rich fibrin: A review of its role as a new treatment in androgenetic alopecia.
J Cosmet DermatolAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is a major cause of hair loss resulting from a complex interplay between various genes and hormones with the result being follicular miniaturization and altered hair cycle dynamics. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has a well-established role as adjunctive therapy in AGA but there are many limitations of it. In an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of PRP, liquid platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) was developed.
This article critically reviews the protocol for the preparation and clinical outcomes of PRF.
The articles published so far in the English language regarding the preparation and clinical outcomes of PRF were reviewed.
Among five studies analyzing various centrifugation speeds and centrifugation times, three of the studies favored low-speed centrifugation, whereas two studies did not support this methodology. A horizontal centrifuge may be preferred over a fixed-angle centrifuge for PRF. Five clinical studies on the use of PRF showed a significant effect on AGA.
At present, there is no consensus regarding the preparation of PRF. Most studies used fixed-angle centrifugation favored low centrifuge speed and less centrifugation time. Larger studies are needed to determine the optimal centrifugation force and time. A horizontal centrifuge may be preferred over a fixed-angle centrifuge due to the higher yield of platelets, and lesser shear trauma to the cells. In addition, larger, well-designed studies are needed to confirm the benefits of PRF over PRP.
Gluteal femoral subcutaneous and dermal adipose tissue in female.
J Cosmet DermatolDuring the sexual maturation, gluteal femoral adipose tissue is subjected to numerous modifications, not observable in other regions, in particular in women and less in men. Other authors described this region, but they used imaging techniques having lower resolution, than MRI proposed in this study. High resolution imaging techniques might provide important and more detailed information about the anatomy of gluteal femoral region.
This study has been performed using 7 T-magnetic resonance imaging and ultrastructural analysis in order to provide accurate description of the subcutaneous adipose tissue and dermis of gluteal femoral region. In this study specimens harvested from cadavers and form living patients have been analyzed.
The results showed the presence of three layers: superficial, middle, and deep, characterized by different organization of fat lobules. High resolution imaging showed the adipose papilla that originates from dermis and protrude in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Adipose papilla is characterized by a peculiar morphology with a basement, a neck and a head and these elements represent the functional subunits of adipose papilla. Moreover, ultrastructural study evidenced the relationship between adipocytes and sweat glands, regulated by lipid vesicles.
This study provides important information about subcutaneous and dermal fat anatomy of gluteal femoral region, improving the past knowledge, and move toward a better understanding of the cellulite physiopathology.
Insulin Resistance Impairs Biological Agents Response in Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Insights from a Prospective Cohort Study in China.
British Journal of Dermatology[www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2000036186].
The objective of this study was to investigate whether IR impairs the treatment response to biologic agents in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
This project was based on a prospective cohort study design. Data for this study were collected from the Shanghai Psoriasis Effectiveness Evaluation CoHort (SPEECH), which is a prospective cohort exploring treatment strategies for psoriasis in China. IR was assessed using the triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI). Psoriasis severity was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Physician's Global Assessment (PGA). Multiple logistic regression was used to explore the differences between patients with high and low levels of IR. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of the study results.
A total of 290 patients were included in the analysis. Based on the median TyG-BMI, the patients were divided into two groups: High and Low. The High group exhibited a higher prevalence of diabetes, higher BMI, fasting blood glucose, and triglyceride compared with the Low group. Further analysis of the treatment efficacy revealed that the High group had lower response rates for PASI 75, PASI 90, and PGA 0/1 after 12 weeks of treatment. In the Low group, 81.94% of patients achieved PASI 75, 58.33% achieved PASI 90, and 75.69% achieved PGA 0/1. However, the proportion of responses at each endpoint was significantly lower in the High group. The impairment in response to PGA 0/1 was more significant in the High group, indicated by lower odd ratios. Subsequent subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis produced consistent results.
IR is associated with lower effectiveness of biologics in patients with psoriasis.
The effects of cholecalciferol and afamelanotide on vitamin D levels in erythropoietic protoporphyria; a multicentre cohort study.
British Journal of DermatologyErythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) patients experience lifelong painful photosensitivity resulting in a lack of sunlight exposure. Previous studies have shown that 47-63% of EPP patients suffer from vitamin D deficiency and a high prevalence of osteoporosis. As of 2016 an effective treatment for EPP is available: the alpha-MSH analogue afamelanotide. So far studies on vitamin D levels in EPP have only investigated patients who were not treated with afamelanotide.
To investigate the effects of afamelanotide treatment on vitamin D levels in EPP.
A multi-centre observational cohort study, in adult patients with EPP from the Erasmus Medical Centre, the Netherlands and the University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany. Routinely-collected vitamin D levels between 2005 and 2021 were used for analysis. Patient exposure to cholecalciferol or afamelanotide was categorized into four treatment groups; untreated, cholecalciferol, afamelanotide, and combined treatment. A linear mixed model for longitudinal data was applied to measure the effect of the treatment groups, compared to the untreated, on vitamin D levels.
A total of 230 patients and 1774 vitamin D measurements were included. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency remained high despite afamelanotide treatment: <50 nmol/l in 71.8% of patients, and severe deficiency <30 nmol/l in 48.1%. Afamelanotide treatment alone did not lead to a significant average increase in vitamin D levels (β:0.5, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -3.2 - 4.2). In contrast, cholecalciferol and combined therapy with afamelanotide, led to a significant increase in vitamin D levels (β:11.6, CI: 7.2-15.9 and β:15.2, CI: 12.3-18.1).
Cholecalciferol remains essential for treatment of vitamin D deficiency in EPP, irrespective of new treatment options like afamelanotide. Afamelanotide treatment did not affect vitamin D levels. We suggest that future guidelines include continuous monitoring of vitamin D and prescription of cholecalciferol in all patients with EPP, including those treated with afamelanotide.
Ultrasound Surveillance in Melanoma Management: Bridging Diagnostic Promise with Real-World Adherence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
American Journal of Clinical DermatologyUltrasound surveillance has become the new standard of care in stage III melanoma after the 2017 Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial II (MSLT-II) demonstrated non-inferior 3-year survival compared with complete lymph node dissection.
We aimed to quantify diagnostic performance and adherence rates of ultrasound surveillance for melanoma locoregional metastasis, offering insights into real-world applicability.
Conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically searched the Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception until 11 October 2023. All primary studies that reported data on the diagnostic performance or adherence rates to ultrasound surveillance in melanoma were included. R statistical software was used for data synthesis and analysis. Sensitivity and specificity were aggregated across studies using the meta-analytic method for diagnostic tests outlined by Rutter and Gatsonis. Adherence rates were calculated as the ratio of patients fully compliant to planned follow-up to those who were not.
A total of 36 studies including 18,273 patients were analysed, with a mean age of 56.6 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.11. The median follow-up duration and frequency was 36 and 4 months, respectively. The pooled sensitivity of ultrasound examination was 0.879 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.878-0.879) and specificity was 0.969 (95% CI 0.968-0.970), representing a diagnostic odds ratio of 224.5 (95% CI 223.1-225.9). Ultrasound examination demonstrated a substantial improvement in absolute sensitivity over clinical examination alone, with a number needed to screen (NNS) of 2.95. The overall adherence rate was 77.0% (95% CI 76.0-78.1%), with significantly lower rates in the United States [US] (p < 0.001) and retrospective studies (p < 0.001).
Ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool for locoregional melanoma metastasis. However, the real applicability to surveillance programmes is limited by low adherence rates, especially in the US. Further studies should seek to address this adherence gap.
Open-label topical application of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and acetyl zingerone containing serum improves the appearance of photoaging and uneven pigmentation.
J Cosmet DermatolSkin photoaging and uneven pigmentation are common dermatological concerns. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA) and acetyl zingerone (AZ) are potent antioxidants that have been shown to have anti-photoaging and anti-pigmentation effects. THDA is a more stable and penetrable form of vitamin C. AZ is an antioxidant derived from ginger which has clinical evidence for improving photoaging. However, no studies have assessed how they may synergistically act on the skin.
This study aims to assess whether a serum containing both THDA and AZ can improve photoaging and the appearance of uneven facial pigmentation.
This open-label study was conducted on 35 healthy individuals aged 21-55. All subjects were instructed to use three to five drops of the topical serum (Power-C Serum, Image Skincare, Lantana, FL) daily for 12 weeks. Videomicroscopy and high-resolution photography and various skin biophysical measurements were taken at baseline, 1, 4, and 12 weeks. Outcomes included skin tone and pigmentation, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin smoothness, firmness, and elasticity.
Compared to baseline, the results at 12 weeks revealed significant decreases in skin pigmentation (p < 0.0001), decreased fine lines and wrinkles (p < 0.0001), and increased smoothness (p < 0.0001), firmness (p < 0.0001), and elasticity (p < 0.0001). Additionally, transepidermal water loss was significantly decreased at 4 weeks compared to baseline (p = 0.01), indicating an increased epidermal barrier integrity.
Overall, these findings provide evidence for the combined use of THDA and AZ to address skin photoaging and dyspigmentation changes.
The influence of social media on public attitudes and behaviors towards cosmetic dermatologic procedures and skin care practices: A study in Saudi Arabia.
J Cosmet DermatolSocial media has fostered a landscape where trends, ideals, and beauty standards have significantly proliferated. Images of flawless skin, sculpted features, and curated aesthetics inundate user feeds, potentially shaping their self-perceptions and aspirations. The rise of influencers, dermatologist social media engagement, and beauty campaigns sharing skincare routines and product recommendations wield substantial influence over individual appearance-related decisions.
The main aim of this study is to determine the pattern of behavior in using social media to seek dermatological procedures and skin care routine.
We conducted a nationwide, online cross-sectional study targeting the general Saudi population. Our survey aimed to understand participant social media behaviors and gather insights into skincare products, cosmetic procedures, and makeup habits.
Gender-related differences emerged in seeking skincare advice. Females preferred dermatologists on social media (p < 0.001) and beauty influencers (p < 0.001), whereas men leaned towards pharmacists (p < 0.001). Women displayed stronger engagement with dermatologist social media reputation regarding non-cosmetic concerns (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001), and social media impact on cosmetic decisions (p = 0.001). They frequently sought dermatologists on social media before appointments (p = 0.001), whereas men emphasized dermatologists' fame (p = 0.024). Common cosmetic barriers included high costs (62.5%), complications (40.3%), and trust issues (40.2%). Women underwent various cosmetic procedures (p < 0.05), influenced by social media in their decisions and skincare routines.
Our study reveals significant gender-based disparities in seeking skincare advice. Women rely on social media, clinics, friends, and beauty influencers, whereas men prefer pharmacists. Additionally, women depend on dermatologists' social media reputation and conduct thorough pre-appointment research. Their heightened social media engagement links to skincare practices and influences cosmetic procedure considerations based on age and usage frequency.
Bioinformatics-based analysis of the relationship between plasminogen regulatory genes and photoaging.
J Cosmet DermatolUltraviolet radiation causes skin photoaging by producing a variety of enzymes, which impact both skin health and hinder beauty. Currently, the early diagnosis and treatment of photoaging remain a challenge. Bioinformatics analysis has strong advantages in exploring core genes and the biological pathways of photoaging.
To screen and validate key risk genes associated with plasminogen in photoaging and to identify potential target genes for photoaging.
Two human transcriptome datasets were obtained by searching the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the mRNAs in the GSE131789 dataset were differentially analyzed, and then the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to find out the strongest correlations. Template genes, interaction analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), modular genes with the most WGCNA correlations, and genecard database genes related to plasminogen were performed, and further Kyoto genes and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) pathway analysis. Two different algorithms, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and support vector machines-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), were used to find key genes. Then the data set (GSE206495) was validated and analyzed. Real-time PCR was performed to validate the expression of key genes through in vitro cellular experiments.
IFI6, IFI44L, HRSP12, and BMP4 were screened from datasets as key genes for photoaging and further analysis showed that these genes have significant diagnostic value for photoaging.
IFI6, IFI44L, HRSP12, and BMP4 play a key role in the pathogenesis of photoaging, and serve as promising potential predictive biomarkers for photoaging.
Efficacy and safety of nemolizumab and topical corticosteroids for prurigo nodularis: Results from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II/III clinical study in patients aged ≥13 years.
British Journal of DermatologyPrurigo nodularis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, adversely affects the quality of life of affected individuals. Current treatment options for prurigo nodularis in Japan are limited.
To evaluate the optimal dose, efficacy, and safety of long-term treatment with nemolizumab in patients with prurigo nodularis in Japan.
In a 16-week, double-blind, phase II/III study, patients aged ≥13 years with prurigo nodularis were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to nemolizumab 30 mg, 60 mg, or placebo groups, with concomitant topical corticosteroids, every 4 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the percentage change in the weekly mean Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS) score (range, 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating worse itching) from baseline to week 16. Secondary efficacy end points assessed the impact of treatment on pruritus, prurigo nodularis severity, sleep, and quality of life.
At week 16, the least-squares mean percentage change from baseline in the PP-NRS score was -61·1% in the nemolizumab 30 mg group (n = 77), -56·0% in the 60 mg group (n = 76), and -18·6% in the placebo group (n = 76). Differences between both nemolizumab groups and placebo were significant; the difference between the 30 mg and placebo groups was -42·5% (95% confidence interval [CI], -51·9 to -33·1; P<0·0001), and between the 60 mg and placebo groups was -37·4% (95% CI, -46·7 to -28·1; P<0·0001). Nemolizumab-treated patients also had greater improvements in the number and severity of prurigo nodules, and in sleep and quality of life compared with the placebo group. Both nemolizumab doses were well tolerated.
Improvements in prurigo nodularis were greater following nemolizumab treatment, despite continuation of topical corticosteroids in both groups. (Funded by Maruho; jRCT number, 2011200017.).
Mitigation of retinol-induced skin irritation by physiologic lipids: Evidence from patch testing.
J Cosmet DermatolThere is a dearth of effective treatments to counter retinol-induced skin irritation.
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of three potential mitigants: (i) phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate (PLG), (ii) a physiologic lipid mixture (PLM) comprised of ceramide three and cholesterol, and (iii) niacinamide, in ameliorating irritation instigated by retinol.
An occlusive human patch test, spanning 5 days, was undertaken on 18 Chinese participants aged between 23 and 40. It was designed as a randomized, double-blind, and vehicle-controlled study. Clinician erythema assessment (CEA) and instrumental evaluations were employed pre and post-test. Subsequently, a 4-week consumer in-use test, randomized and double-blind in nature, was executed to substantiate the soothing effects of PLG.
Data from CEA and bioengineering assessments revealed that, in comparison to the vehicle control, both 2% PLG and 5% PLM notably curbed retinol-induced skin erythema and inflammation. Notably, PLG outperformed PLM. Conversely, 3% niacinamide did not offer relief against retinol-induced discomfort. The subsequent consumer in-use test affirmed that treatments with 2% PLG were better tolerated than those with the vehicle alone.
To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first confirmation that physiologic lipids effectively mitigate retinol-induced irritation. Given their capacity to counter retinol-induced irritation, physiologic lipids, particularly PLG, are recommended for incorporation in retinol regimens. Additionally, the Visia-CR a* value can serve as a robust objective measure for interpreting patch test outcomes.
The efficacy of enoxolone in reducing erythema and pain after laser treatment: A randomized split-face pilot study.
J Cosmet DermatolEnoxolone, derived from licorice, possesses potent anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, its effectiveness in alleviating post-laser reactions has not been extensively studied.
This randomized split-face pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of enoxolone on skin following laser treatment.
Ten healthy subjects underwent non-ablative 1550 nm Er:Glass fractional laser treatment and then randomly applied a moisturizer without enoxolone on one side of the face and a dermo-cosmetic formular containing 2% enoxolone mixed with the same moisturizer on the other side. The erythema index (EI), clinician's erythema assessment (CEA), and pain scores were recorded at 30 min, 60 min, and 24 h posttreatment.
The group treated with enoxolone showed significantly lower EI and CEA compared to the control group at 24 h posttreatment. Additionally, pain scores were notably reduced in the enoxolone-treated group 30 min after treatment.
This study suggests that dermo-cosmetic formular containing 2% enoxolone is effective in reducing erythema and pain following laser treatment.
Use of biologics for psoriasis in solid organ transplant recipients.
Australasian Journal of DermatologyBiologics have significantly advanced the treatment of inflammatory disorders, including psoriasis. However, their use in immunosuppressed patients...
