Bioengineered polyester nanoparticles for the synergistic treatment of androgenic alopecia the suppression of 5α-reductase and knockdown of androgen receptor.

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a common disease that negatively affects patients' physical and mental health. AGA can be treated with drugs that improve the perifollicular microenvironment, such as 5α-reductase inhibitors (e.g.

Role of Circular RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Malignant Melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. Thus, efficient diagnosis and treatment methods are crucial for advanced melanoma. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been regarded as a 'splicing noise' in the past decades.

A Two-In-One Nanoprodrug for Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Enhanced Sonodynamic Therapy.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is garnering considerable attention in cancer treatment due to its non-invasive nature and the potential of spatiotemporal control. However, the high level of glutathione (GSH) in cancer cells can alleviate the SDT-mediated ROS-damages, resulting in a reduced SDT effect. Here, a two-in-one nano-prodrug for photoacoustic imaging-guided enhanced SDT against skin cancers is synthesized.

Identification of Hub Genes of Keloid Fibroblasts by Coexpression Network Analysis and Degree Algorithm.

Background: Keloid is a benign dermal tumor characterized by abnormal proliferation and invasion of fibroblasts. The establishment of biomarkers is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of keloids.

Methods: We systematically identified coexpression modules using the weighted gene coexpression network analysis method (WGCNA).

The Prognostic Value of LncRNA SLNCR1 in Cancers: A Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This meta-analysis was performed to identify the prognostic value of SLNCR1 in multiple cancer types.

Methods: Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Medline, BioMed Central, Springer, Science Direct, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), were searched for relevant studies up to August 2021, and the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to assess the relationship between SLNCR1 expression and overall survival (OS).

Results: 12 studies with a total of 1155 patients with 9 different types of cancers were included in this meta-analysis.

Effect of EG00229 on Radiation Resistance of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) is a pleiotropic receptor that interacts with multiple ligands and their receptors and plays a critical role in the process of tumor metastasis and radiation resistance in endothelial cells and tumor cells. In this study, we sought to investigate the mechanistic role of NRP1 in the radiation resistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and the role of EG00229 (an inhibitor of NRP1) on reversing radiation resistance. A549 and H1299 NSCLC cells were used to construct radiation resistance models.

Suppression effect of a dual cancer-specific oncolytic adenovirus on luciferase-labeled human melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Background: To explore the suppressive effect of Apoptin-loaded oncolytic adenovirus (Ad-VT) on luciferase-labeled human melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: The stable luciferase-expressing human melanoma cells A375-luc or M14-luc were obtained by transfecting the plasmid pGL4.51 and selection with G418, followed by luciferase activity, genetic stability and bioluminescence intensity assays.

A sulfur dioxide polymer prodrug showing combined effect with doxorubicin in combating subcutaneous and metastatic melanoma.

Melanoma, as the most aggressive and treatment-resistant skin malignancy, is responsible for about 80% of all skin cancer mortalities. Prone to invade into the dermis and form distant metastases significantly reduce the patient survival rate. Therefore, early treatment of the melanoma in situ or timely blocking the deterioration of metastases is critical.

Stem cell membrane-coated isotretinoin for acne treatment.

Background: Topical isotretinoin is commonly used to treat acne. However, topical isotretinoin has side effects and can hardly permeate through the stratum corneum, the most important skin barrier. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of nanoparticles as stable carriers with great curative effects, low side effects, and strong transdermal ability.

Stem Cell Membrane-Coated Au-Ag-PDA Nanoparticle-Guided Photothermal Acne Therapy.

The polydopamine coating on Au-Ag nanoparticles (Au-Ag-PDA) possess excellent photothermal conversion efficiency after absorbing near-infrared laser light. After the stem cell membrane (STCM) encapsulates Au-Ag-PDA (Au-Ag-PDA@STCM), the nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit less cytotoxicity, and further optimizing their efficiency in photothermal therapy. The photothermal activity of Au-Ag-PDA@STCM has not yet been reported.

Tumor Suppressive Function of NQO1 in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Cells.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common cancer that significantly decreases the quality of life. It is known that external stimulus such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces cutaneous SCC via provoking oxidative stress. NAD(P)H dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) is a ubiquitous flavoenzyme that functions as a guardian against oxidative stress.

Photothermal effects of NaYF:Yb,Er@PE@FeO superparamagnetic nanoprobes in the treatment of melanoma.

The study aimed to synthesize superparamagnetic NaYF:Yb,Er@PE@FeO upconversion nanoprobes and to study their photothermal effects for the treatment of malignant melanoma. Morphological characteristics of the synthesized nanoprobes were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Their biocompatibility and biodistribution profiles were assessed through blood routine/biochemistry tests and the inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectrometry-based analysis of tissue metal elements.

UCP2 gene polymorphisms in obesity and diabetes, and the role of UCP2 in cancer.

Mitochondria are the primary sites for ATP synthesis and free radical generation in organisms. Abnormal mitochondrial metabolism contributes to many diseases, including obesity, diabetes and cancer. UCP2 is an ion/anion transporter located in mitochondrial inner membrane, and has a crucial role in regulating oxidative stress, cellular metabolism, cell proliferation and cell death.

Antitumor Effect of Albendazole on Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Cells.

Drug repurposing and/or repositioning is an alternative method to develop new treatment for certain diseases. Albendazole was originally developed as an anthelmintic medication, and it has been used to treat a variety of parasitic infestations. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of albendazole and putative action mechanism.

Inhibition of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Induced Sebum Production by Bilobetin in Cultured Human Sebocytes.

Background: Sebocytes are the major cells of sebaceous gland. The essential role of sebocytes is the production of sebum, a specific lipid mixture, that covers the body surface and provides the barrier function. At puberty, sebum production increases under the effects of various stimuli including androgens and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

Inhibition of Poly(I:C)-Induced Inflammation by Salvianolic Acid A in Skin Keratinocytes.

Background: Skin keratinocytes participate actively in inducing immune responses when external pathogens are introduced, thereby contributing to elimination of pathogens. However, in condition where the excessive inflammation is occurred, chronic skin disease such as psoriasis can be provoked.

Objective: We tried to screen the putative therapeutics for inflammatory skin disease, and found that salvianolic acid A (SAA) has an inhibitory effect on keratinocyte inflammatory reaction.

Efficient Treatment of Infection Using the Antibody Elicited by Recombinant Phage Nanofibers.

Antifungal therapy is used to treat sporotrichosis. However, there are several limitations in this therapy, such as development of drug resistance and potential health risks including liver injury. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of antibody against the hybrid phage nanofibers displaying KPVQHALLTPLGLDR (phage-KR) in a fungal-infected mouse model.

Associations Between IL-10 Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: According to relevant reports, interleukin-10 (IL-10), as a multifunctional anti-inflammatory cytokine, has a critical influence in cancer development. A meta-analysis was carried out regarding the relationships among the -592 A/C, -1082 G/A, and -819 T/C polymorphisms as well as the susceptibility to skin squamous cell carcinoma (sSCC), melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Materials And Methods: A meta-analysis was carried out on the inter-relationships among the -592 A/C, IL-10-1082 G/A, and -819 T/C polymorphisms as well as the susceptibility to sSCC, melanoma, and BCC.

Recombinant Phage Elicits Protective Immune Response against Systemic S. globosa Infection in Mouse Model.

Sporothrix globosa is a type of fungus that typically infects immunocompromised patients. Its prevention continues to pose a challenge. A 70-KDa glycoprotein (Gp70) of Sporothrix has been previously reported to protect host against infection from this fungus.

Inhibition of collagen synthesis by IWR-1 in normal and keloid-derived skin fibroblasts.

Aims: Keloid is a benign tumor that is characterized by the hyperproliferation of dermal fibroblasts and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) especially the collagen. Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is implicated in the pathogenesis of keloid. In this study, we investigated the effects of IWR-1, a small molecule inhibitor for Wnt/β-catenin signaling via the inhibition of tankyrase, on production of collagen and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in dermal fibroblasts.