Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Almonds on Facial Wrinkles and Pigmentation.

Background: Almonds have long been studied as a rich source of fatty acids, phytochemical polyphenols and antioxidants such as vitamin E. A recent study compared almond supplementations to a calorie-matched intervention for 16 weeks, yielding statistically significant improvement in wrinkle severity in postmenopausal women with Fitzpatrick skin types I and II that received almonds. This study furthers that assessment with a larger population and duration of 24 weeks to assess the influence of almond consumption on wrinkle severity, skin pigmentation and other skin biophysical profiles.

Lichen planopilaris with significant post-inflammatory pigmentary alteration.

Lichen planopilaris is an uncommon dermatological manifestation of lichen planus of the scalp and results in cicatricial alopecia. We present a patient with lichen planopilaris and significant post-inflammatory pigmentary alteration, confirmed by histopathology. The patient's case represents a clinically important variation from an expected typical pattern of dyschromia at periphery of alopecic zones in lichen planopilaris.

A Systematic Review of Nutrition, Supplement, and Herbal-Based Adjunctive Therapies for Vitiligo.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition that affects people globally anywhere, from <0.1% to more than 8% of individuals. The disease destroys skin melanocytes, resulting in a patchy depigmentation of the skin.

CD4 T cells differentially express cellular machinery for serotonin signaling, synthesis, and metabolism.

CD4 T cells play a major role to orchestrate the immune response. Upon activation, CD4 T cells differentiate into effector T cell (Teff) or regulatory T cell (Treg) subsets that promote or suppress the immune response, respectively. Along with these unique immunological roles, CD4 T cell subsets have specific metabolic requirements and programs that can influence the immune response.

Beyond a neurotransmitter: The role of serotonin in inflammation and immunity.

Serotonin (5-HT), a well-known neurotransmitter in the brain, also plays an important role in peripheral tissues, including the immune system. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that many different types of immune cells express the machinery to generate, store, respond to and/or transport serotonin, including T cells, macrophages, mast cells, dendritic cells and platelets. In addition, there is emerging evidence of a possible connection between T cells, serotonin and mood disorders.