The role of IL-17 and Th17 cells in keloid pathogenesis.

Keloids are characterized histologically by excessive fibroblast proliferation and connective tissue deposition, and clinically by scar tissue extending beyond the original site of skin injury. These scars can cause pruritus, pain, physical disfigurement, anxiety, and depression. As a result, keloid patients often have a diminished quality of life with a disproportionate burden on ethnic minorities.

Systematic review of dupilumab safety and efficacy for treatment of keloid scars.

Keloids, characterized by excessive scar formation following dermal inflammation, pose a therapeutic challenge due to high recurrence rates. Radiation therapy, contraindicated in children, can minimize recurrence post-surgical removal. Dupilumab, which inhibits the pro-fibrotic interleukin-4/interleukin-13 axis, may effectively manage keloids when intralesional corticosteroid injections are unsuccessful.

Updates on the Molecular Basis of Photoaging in All Skin Types.

Photoaging is a complex, ongoing process that clinically manifests as cutaneous rhytides, atrophy, laxity, dyspigmentation, telangiectasias, roughness, and mottled appearance of the skin. There is an abundance of research establishing the mechanism of ultraviolet (UV) - induced photodamage as it is a significant source of photoaging and skin cancers. While UV damage is known to induce photoaging, it is important to understand how other forms of light radiation also contribute to this process.

Investigating the Relationship Between Acne and Vasodilatory Medications in a Hospital-Wide Adult Population.

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic dermatological condition characterized by obstruction and inflammation of pilosebaceous units. Recent research on a different dermatologic condition has demonstrated that the use of vasodilatory medications is associated with a decreased relative risk of rosacea. This finding is significant due to the overlapping inflammatory pathways involved in rosacea and acne.

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of topicals for actinic keratosis field therapy.

Cutaneous field cancerization in dermatology describes the anatomic region of photodamaged skin with actinic keratoses (AKs) or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) that is surrounded by cellular atypia, forming a dysplastic field. The concept of field cancerization is especially relevant in dermatology, as actinic keratoses and the surrounding dysplastic region can progress to carcinomas, necessitating the treatment of the field. Recent research has focused on field-directed therapy using topical agents.

Blue light aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy downregulates cell division and proliferation pathways in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment for actinic keratosis (AK) and has been studied as a treatment for noninvasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). PDT induces apoptosis and necrosis in AKs and cSCC. 5-ALA blue light PDT may modulate gene expression and pathways in surviving cells.

Near-infrared light does not induce DNA damage in human dermal fibroblasts.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) can be used to treat a range of conditions in dermatology. PBM refers to the changes induced by red (RL, 620-700 nm) and near-infrared (NIR, 700-1440 nm) light. Light radiation-induced DNA damage is a major contributor to aging and skin cancer.

The Association Between Herpes Simplex Virus and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant public health concern, affecting more than 6 million Americans; and currently, there are no cure or effective treatment options. The underlying etiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood, presenting a barrier to therapy. A substantial amount of data exists associating infection with Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and AD.

Cutaneous effects of photobiomodulation with 1072 nm light.

Photobiomodulation, also known as low-level light therapy, has gained popularity in treating a variety of dermatologic and non-dermatologic conditions. The near-infrared (NIR) portion ranging from 700 to 1440 nm has a broad spectrum but most current research focuses on relatively shorter wavelengths. To date, clinical research regarding the application of 1072 NIR is limited to treatments for infections and photorejuvenation treatment in females.

Visible red light does not induce DNA damage in human dermal fibroblasts.

Visible red light (RL) therapy is a rapidly expanding treatment option for dermatological conditions, including acne, psoriasis and chronic wounds. It is currently unknown if high fluences of RL induce DNA damage via reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress or other pathways. Our lab previously demonstrated that RL generates ROS in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs).

Red Light Phototherapy Using Light-Emitting Diodes Inhibits Melanoma Proliferation and Alters Tumor Microenvironments.

Background: Total annual cancer rates have decreased due to improved treatment and prevention. However, the incidence of melanoma is rising, and not all patients respond to immune and targeted approaches. Therefore, we sought to determine the efficacy of red light (RL) phototherapy in preclinical models of melanoma.

Symptom Resolution and Recurrent Urinary Incontinence Following Removal of Painful Midurethral Slings.

Objective: To evaluate pain improvement and recurrent stress incontinence (SUI) following painful synthetic midurethral sling (MUS) removal.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent synthetic MUS removal at our institution from 2009-2016 for the indication of pain. We recorded sling type (transobturator vs retropubic), complete vs partial removal, and presenting symptoms.

Home-based devices in dermatology: a systematic review of safety and efficacy.

There is increasing demand for home-based devices for the treatment of dermatologic conditions and cosmesis. Commercially available devices include intense pulsed light, laser diodes, radiofrequency, light-emitting diodes, and ultraviolet B phototherapy. The objective of this report is to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of home-based devices for the treatment of skin conditions.

Transcriptome analysis of human dermal fibroblasts following red light phototherapy.

Fibrosis occurs when collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation replace healthy tissue. Red light (RL) may improve skin fibrosis via photobiomodulation, the process by which photosensitive chromophores in cells absorb visible or near-infrared light and undergo photophysical reactions. Our previous research demonstrated that high fluence RL reduces fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and migration.

Visible light. Part II: Photoprotection against visible and ultraviolet light.

Cutaneous photobiology studies have focused primarily on the ultraviolet portion of the solar spectrum. Visible light (VL), which comprises 50% of the electromagnetic radiation that reaches the Earth's surface and, as discussed in Part I of this CME, has cutaneous biologic effects, such as pigment darkening and erythema. Photoprotection against VL includes avoiding the sun, seeking shade, and using photoprotective clothing.

Visible light. Part I: Properties and cutaneous effects of visible light.

Approximately 50% of the sunlight reaching the Earth's surface is visible light (400-700 nm). Other sources of visible light include lasers, light-emitting diodes, and flash lamps. Photons from visible light are absorbed by photoreceptive chromophores (e.

The history of medical education: a commentary on race.

The institution of medicine was built on a foundation of racism and segregation, the consequences of which still permeate the experiences of Black physicians and patients. To predict the future direction of medical inclusivity, we must first understand the history of medicine as it pertains to race, diversity, and equity. In this Commentary, we review material from publicly available books, articles, and media outlets in a variety of areas, including undergraduate medical education and professional medical societies, where we found an abundance of policies and practices that created a foundation of systemic racism in medical training that carried through the career paths of Black physicians.

The Vascular Component of Melasma: A Systematic Review of Laboratory, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Evidence.

Background: Melasma is a common acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation, classically manifesting as symmetric brown patches on the face. Although the exact pathogenesis is not fully understood, vascular abnormalities have been implicated in melasma.

Objective: To evaluate the laboratory and clinical evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of antivascular agents for the treatment of melasma.

High-fluence light emitting diode-red light inhibits cell cycle progression in human dermal fibroblasts.

Skin fibrosis is a debilitating feature of several systemic and dermatologic diseases. While current treatment options carry significant risk of side effects and recurrence, high-fluence light emitting diode-generated red light (LED-RL) is an alternative therapeutic that is safe, non-invasive, and accessible. We previously demonstrated LED-RL decreases fibroblast proliferation, a key pathogenic component of fibrosis.

Pain Resolution and Recurrent Prolapse Rates Following Vaginal Mesh Removal.

Objective: To evaluate pain resolution and recurrent prolapse following removal of painful pelvic organ prolapse (POP) mesh.

Methods: This was an IRB-approved retrospective review of patients who underwent POP mesh removal from 2009 to 2018 for the primary indication of pain and/or dyspareunia. Factors of interest included mesh type, complete versus partial removal, presenting symptom(s), and recurrent prolapse.