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Latest Advances in Skin Disease: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2024) | Viewed by 10531

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
Interests: acne; actinic keratosis; atopic dermatitis; Behcet’s disease; bullous pemphigoid; hidradenitis suppurativa; rosacea; skin cancer; pemphigus; psoriasis; urticaria

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As advances in science and technology have progressed, we have gained a deeper understanding of skin diseases. Recent developments in the field of dermatology have produced new medications and biologics for conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa, thereby accelerating research in the field of dermatology. Therefore, there is a growing need to systematically compile the latest insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of and treatment strategies for skin diseases. 

In this vein, we invite submissions to this Special Issue under the title 'Latest Advances on Skin Disease: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies'. We encourage authors to contribute research papers that highlight advancements in the etiology of and treatment approaches to various skin conditions. 

Dr. Young Bok Lee
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • acne
  • actinic keratosis
  • atopic dermatitis
  • Behcet’s disease
  • bullous pemphigoid
  • hidradenitis suppurativa
  • rosacea
  • skin cancer
  • pemphigus
  • psoriasis
  • urticaria

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2011 KiB  
Article
No Evidence of Gut Microbiota Alteration in Psoriasis Patients Switching to Brodalumab after Loss of TNFα Inhibition Effect
by Admir Vižlin, Ylva Andersch Björkman, Yadhu Kumar, Maria Göthe, Martin Gillstedt and Amra Osmančević
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7745; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147745 - 15 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1293
Abstract
Biological agents used to treat severe psoriasis may alter the gut microbiota, though current knowledge is limited. This study examines whether switching from TNFα inhibitors, from which patients had reduced or lost effect, to brodalumab, an IL-17 inhibitor, affects the gut microbiota in [...] Read more.
Biological agents used to treat severe psoriasis may alter the gut microbiota, though current knowledge is limited. This study examines whether switching from TNFα inhibitors, from which patients had reduced or lost effect, to brodalumab, an IL-17 inhibitor, affects the gut microbiota in patients with psoriasis and how these changes correlate with the clinical variables of psoriasis severity and depressive symptoms. Fecal samples from patients were collected before the treatment switch and 12 weeks after the switch and were analyzed for the microbiota composition using next-generation sequencing targeting the V3–V5 region of the 16S rRNA gene, followed by bioinformatics analysis. No significant changes in overall gut microbiota composition were observed after the treatment switch, although individual variations in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were noted, and no significant correlations with clinical variables were found. These findings suggest that short-term changes in gut microbiota in patients with psoriasis are limited and that dysbiosis may be influenced by the interplay of various microbial populations rather than specific taxa. This study provides a foundation for further research into the effects of biological treatments on the gut microbiota in patients with psoriasis. Full article
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21 pages, 7518 KiB  
Article
Characterization of High and Low IFNG-Expressing Subgroups in Atopic Dermatitis
by Sophia Wasserer, Manja Jargosch, Kristine E. Mayer, Jessica Eigemann, Theresa Raunegger, Görkem Aydin, Stefanie Eyerich, Tilo Biedermann, Kilian Eyerich and Felix Lauffer
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 6158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116158 - 3 Jun 2024
Viewed by 991
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, with an increasing number of targeted therapies available. While biologics to treat AD exclusively target the key cytokines of type 2 immunity, Janus kinase inhibitors target a broad variety of [...] Read more.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, with an increasing number of targeted therapies available. While biologics to treat AD exclusively target the key cytokines of type 2 immunity, Janus kinase inhibitors target a broad variety of cytokines, including IFN-γ. To better stratify patients for optimal treatment outcomes, the identification and characterization of subgroups, especially with regard to their IFNG expression, is of great relevance, as the role of IFNG in AD has not yet been fully clarified. This study aims to define AD subgroups based on their lesional IFNG expression and to characterize them based on their gene expression, T cell secretome and clinical attributes. RNA from the lesional and non-lesional biopsies of 48 AD patients was analyzed by RNA sequencing. Based on IFNG gene expression and the release of IFN-γ by lesional T cells, this cohort was categorized into three IFNG groups (high, medium, and low) using unsupervised clustering. The low IFNG group showed features of extrinsic AD with a higher prevalence of atopic comorbidities and impaired epidermal lipid synthesis. In contrast, patients in the high IFNG group had a higher average age and an activation of additional pro-inflammatory pathways. On the cellular level, higher amounts of M1 macrophages and natural killer cell signaling were detected in the high IFNG group compared to the low IFNG group by a deconvolution algorithm. However, both groups shared a common dupilumab response gene signature, indicating that type 2 immunity is the dominant immune shift in both subgroups. In summary, high and low IFNG subgroups correspond to intrinsic and extrinsic AD classifications and might be considered in the future for evaluating therapeutic efficacy or non-responders. Full article
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14 pages, 3904 KiB  
Article
Investigation into the Anti-Acne Effects of Castanea sativa Mill Leaf and Its Pure Ellagitannin Castalagin in HaCaT Cells Infected with Cutibacterium acnes
by Stefano Piazza, Giulia Martinelli, Nicole Maranta, Carola Pozzoli, Marco Fumagalli, Vincenzo Nicolaci, Elisa Sonzogni, Luca Colombo, Enrico Sangiovanni and Mario Dell’Agli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094764 - 27 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1176
Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder affecting many young individuals, marked by keratinization, inflammation, seborrhea, and colonization by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). Ellagitannins, known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, have not been widely studied for their anti-acne effects. Chestnut [...] Read more.
Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder affecting many young individuals, marked by keratinization, inflammation, seborrhea, and colonization by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). Ellagitannins, known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, have not been widely studied for their anti-acne effects. Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill., C. sativa), a rich ellagitannin source, including castalagin whose acne-related bioactivity was previously unexplored, was investigated in this study. The research assessed the effect of C. sativa leaf extract and castalagin on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) infected with C. acnes, finding that both inhibited IL-8 and IL-6 release at concentrations below 25 μg/mL. The action mechanism was linked to NF-κB inhibition, without AP-1 involvement. Furthermore, the extract displayed anti-biofilm properties and reduced CK-10 expression, indicating a potential role in mitigating inflammation, bacterial colonization, and keratosis. Castalagin’s bioactivity mirrored the extract’s effects, notably in IL-8 inhibition, NF-κB inhibition, and biofilm formation at low μM levels. Other polyphenols, such as flavonol glycosides identified via LC-MS, might also contribute to the extract’s biological activities. This study is the first to explore ellagitannins’ potential in treating acne, offering insights for developing chestnut-based anti-acne treatments pending future in vivo studies. Full article
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Review

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23 pages, 1237 KiB  
Review
Comprehensive Insights into Keloid Pathogenesis and Advanced Therapeutic Strategies
by Hyun Jee Kim and Yeong Ho Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8776; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168776 - 12 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1558
Abstract
Keloid scars, characterized by abnormal fibroproliferation and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) production that extends beyond the original wound, often cause pruritus, pain, and hyperpigmentation, significantly impacting the quality of life. Keloid pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, immune response dysregulation, and aberrant wound-healing [...] Read more.
Keloid scars, characterized by abnormal fibroproliferation and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) production that extends beyond the original wound, often cause pruritus, pain, and hyperpigmentation, significantly impacting the quality of life. Keloid pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, immune response dysregulation, and aberrant wound-healing processes. Central molecular pathways such as TGF-β/Smad and JAK/STAT are important in keloid formation by sustaining fibroblast activation and ECM deposition. Conventional treatments, including surgical excision, radiation, laser therapies, and intralesional injections, yield variable success but are limited by high recurrence rates and potential adverse effects. Emerging therapies targeting specific immune pathways, small molecule inhibitors, RNA interference, and mesenchymal stem cells show promise in disrupting the underlying mechanisms of keloid pathogenesis, potentially offering more effective and lasting treatment outcomes. Despite advancements, further research is essential to fully elucidate the precise mechanisms of keloid formation and to develop targeted therapies. Ongoing clinical trials and research efforts are vital for translating these scientific insights into practical treatments that can markedly enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by keloid scars. Full article
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34 pages, 1376 KiB  
Review
Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Emerging Therapies
by Hyun Jee Kim and Yeong Ho Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5302; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105302 - 13 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4670
Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition that can present across different ages but predominantly affects adolescents and young adults. Characterized by various lesion types, the pathogenesis of acne is complex, involving genetic, hormonal, microbial, and inflammatory factors. This review comprehensively addresses current [...] Read more.
Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition that can present across different ages but predominantly affects adolescents and young adults. Characterized by various lesion types, the pathogenesis of acne is complex, involving genetic, hormonal, microbial, and inflammatory factors. This review comprehensively addresses current and emerging acne management strategies, emphasizing both topical and systemic treatments, procedural therapies, and dietary modifications. Key topical agents include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and other specialized compounds. Systemic options like antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and retinoids offer significant therapeutic benefits, particularly for moderate to severe cases. Procedural treatments such as laser devices, photodynamic therapy, chemical peels, and intralesional injections present viable alternatives for reducing acne symptoms and scarring. Emerging therapies focus on novel biologics, bacteriophages, probiotics, and peptides, providing promising future options. This review underscores the importance of personalized approaches to treatment due to the multifaceted nature of acne, highlighting the potential of innovative therapies for improving patient outcomes. Full article
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