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Biomedicines
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State-of-the-Art Molecular and Translational Medicine in Japan
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State-of-the-Art Molecular and Translational Medicine in Japan

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 3482

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Takemichi Fukasawa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
Interests: systemic sclerosis; Psoriasis; atopic dermatitis; myositis; sle; vasculitis; b cells; T cells
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, molecular and translational research has been carried out on various diseases. Many biologics targeting inflammatory cytokines and molecularly targeted drugs such as JAK inhibitors have emerged. The mechanisms of action and research on these drugs are advancing at a tremendous pace.

This Special Issue compiles cutting-edge research from Japan, focusing on state-of-the-art information on various diseases from a molecular viewpoint. We warmly welcome research and review articles concerning a variety of factors relating to skin diseases, including their genetic/epigenetic regulation, therapy, and prevention. In this Special Issue, we aim to present the latest information on such diseases, from their basic mechanisms to therapies.

Dr. Takemichi Fukasawa
Guest Editor

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • molecular and translational research
  • targeting inflammatory cytokines
  • targeted drugs
  • skin diseases
  • basic mechanisms
  • novel therapies

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1005 KB  
Article
Effects of Intravitreal Methotrexate Injection on Choroidal Structure in Intraocular Malignant Lymphoma and Identification of Prognostic Factors for Central Nervous System Lymphoma Development
by Masayuki Yamada, Ryoji Yanai, Mariko Egawa and Yoshinori Mitamura
Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010169 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 448
Abstract
Background: Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) often presents with features resembling uveitis and is commonly associated with central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL). Intravitreal methotrexate (IVMTX) is widely used as local therapy; however, objective markers for treatment response and prognosis remain limited. This study investigated [...] Read more.
Background: Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) often presents with features resembling uveitis and is commonly associated with central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL). Intravitreal methotrexate (IVMTX) is widely used as local therapy; however, objective markers for treatment response and prognosis remain limited. This study investigated choroidal structural changes after IVMTX via enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) and explored prognostic indicators for subsequent CNSL development. Methods: This retrospective study included 18 patients (27 eyes) with VRL treated with IVMTX at Tokushima University Hospital between 2006 and 2021. EDI-OCT was conducted at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after IVMTX. Choroidal thickness and luminal and stromal areas were quantified through image binarization. The stromal/choroidal area (S/C) ratio and its association with CNSL onset were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean number of IVMTX injections administered over 3 months was 5.9 ± 1.3. Foveal retinal thickness did not significantly change, whereas foveal choroidal thickness significantly decreased from 275.8 ± 15.8 µm at baseline to 257.5 ± 14.7 µm at 1 month (p < 0.01). Total choroidal and stromal areas, particularly in the outer choroidal layer, were significantly decreased after IVMTX (p < 0.0001), whereas the luminal area in the inner layer modestly reduced (p < 0.05). The S/C ratio significantly declined at 1 month post-treatment (p < 0.001). Patients who developed CNSL within 2 years of VRL onset demonstrated higher baseline S/C ratios (p < 0.05). Conclusions: IVMTX induces measurable reductions in choroidal areas and stromal proportion, indicating decreased inflammatory infiltration. The baseline S/C ratio observed on EDI-OCT is a potential noninvasive biomarker of VRL activity and a prognostic indicator for early CNSL development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular and Translational Medicine in Japan)
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8 pages, 1230 KB  
Communication
Topical Application of OJI-204 Alleviates Skin Dryness, Dry Skin-Induced Itch, and Mechanical Alloknesis
by Sumika Toyama, Tomoya Nakamura, Mitsutoshi Tominaga and Kenji Takamori
Biomedicines 2025, 13(3), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13030556 - 21 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1996
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The skin is an important barrier that protects against invasion by foreign substances and retains water in the body. Several skin diseases involve dry skin due to a disrupted skin barrier, and most skin diseases that appear on dry skin are [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The skin is an important barrier that protects against invasion by foreign substances and retains water in the body. Several skin diseases involve dry skin due to a disrupted skin barrier, and most skin diseases that appear on dry skin are accompanied by itch. Dry skin-induced itch and mechanical alloknesis reduce quality of life. Sulfated hemicellulose (i.e., pentosan polysulfate sodium), similar to heparin, is a compound belonging to the sulfated polysaccharide family; however, in contrast to heparin, it is derived from plant materials. We herein investigate the effects of the topical application of OJI-204, a sulfated hemicellulose made by purifying and chemically synthesizing hemicellulose, on dry skin in a mouse model. Methods: The mouse model of dry skin was generated using a mixture of acetone and ether with water. Either OJI-204 (3% or 10%) or 0.3% heparinoid, PBS (control), was applied twice a day to the acetone and diethyl ether/water (AEW)-treated area. The degree of skin dryness was evaluated by measuring transepidermal water loss and stratum corneum hydration. Scratching behavior was recorded the day before AEW treatment and the day after the final day, and an alloknesis assay was performed on the day after the final day. Results: We found that 3% or 10% OJI-204 attenuated dry skin conditions (erythema/hemorrhage, scarring/dryness, edema, and excoriation/erosion) and itchiness more effectively than 0.3% heparinoid. Furthermore, the degree of dryness improved to the same degree as that with heparinoid. OJI-204 also significantly reduced dry skin-induced spontaneous itch and mechanical alloknesis. Conclusions: These results suggest the potential of OJI-204 as a therapeutic or preventive agent for dry skin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular and Translational Medicine in Japan)
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9 pages, 791 KB  
Brief Report
Tattoo-Associated Sarcoid-like Uveitis: A Multicenter Registry Study
by Ryoji Yanai, Yuko Misaki, Mariko Egawa, Shido Nagaki, Kumi Shirai, Toshikatsu Kaburaki, Suguru Nakagawa, Yukako Hiramatsu, Kinya Tsubota, Yoshihiko Usui, Sho-Hei Uchi, Takanori Aoki, Kenji Nagata, Chie Sotozono, Shiori Kuramoto, Nobuyo Yawata, Koh-Hei Sonoda and on behalf of Multicenter Tattoo-Associated Sarcoid Uveitis Registry institutions in the Japanese Ocular Inflammatory Association
Biomedicines 2026, 14(3), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14030702 - 18 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Background: This study aims to characterize the clinical features and outcomes of tattoo-associated sarcoid-like uveitis using a multicenter uveitis registry given the limited existing data. Design: This is a retrospective study. Participants: Ten patients (20 eyes) diagnosed with tattoo-associated sarcoid-like [...] Read more.
Background: This study aims to characterize the clinical features and outcomes of tattoo-associated sarcoid-like uveitis using a multicenter uveitis registry given the limited existing data. Design: This is a retrospective study. Participants: Ten patients (20 eyes) diagnosed with tattoo-associated sarcoid-like uveitis took part in the study. Methods: The data of patients newly evaluated at participating registry centers from January 2000 to June 2025 were reviewed. Demographic data, treatments, visual acuity, recurrence, glaucoma/intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering therapy, extraocular involvement, and histologic confirmation were extracted when available. Main Outcome Measures: Recurrence, glaucoma/IOP-lowering therapy, extraocular involvement, and change in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) from presentation to final follow-up were measured. Results: Seven (70%) patients were male, and the patients’ mean age was 35.1 ± 7.8 years. All patients exhibited bilateral ocular involvement. Histologic confirmation at the tattoo site was documented in five (50%) patients. The mean logMAR visual acuity was 0.12 ± 0.31 at presentation and 0.16 ± 0.42 at the final follow-up (median follow-up: 20 months). All patients received topical corticosteroids; periocular steroids were administered in seven cases (70%), oral systemic steroids in four (40%), adalimumab in two (20%), and cyclosporin in one (10%). Seven cases (70%) developed uveitis recurrence, and eight received glaucoma/IOP-lowering therapy (80%). Extraocular inflammation affected the skin/tattoo in seven patients (70%) and the axillary lymph nodes in one (10%). This finding is definitive; however, this is also true even when the organ/body part is plural (e.g., lungs). Conclusions: Tattoo-associated sarcoid-like uveitis often follows a chronic course with frequent recurrence and uveitic glaucoma. Thus, close ophthalmic monitoring and coordinated systemic evaluation may be warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular and Translational Medicine in Japan)
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