The Role of Thermal Water in Chronic Skin Diseases Management: A Review of the Literature

The benefits of thermal water in different diseases have been known since ancient times. Over the past decades, a re-assessment of the use of mineral water for the treatment of several pathologic conditions has taken place around the world. Today, water therapy is being practiced in many countries that have a variety of mineral springs considerably different in their hydrogeologic origin, temperature, and chemical composition. Thermal water and balneotherapy offer several advantages: this approach needs no chemicals or potentially harmful drugs; there are almost no side effects during and after treatment, and there is a low risk to the patient’s general health and well-being. However, it is difficult to evaluate the efficacy of this therapeutic approach in clinical practice due to the complexity of molecular mechanisms underlying its efficacy. Here we review the current knowledge of the chemical, immunological, and microbiological basis for therapeutic effects of thermal water with a specific focus on chronic inflammatory skin diseases. We also describe recent evidence of the major dermatologic diseases that are frequently treated by balneotherapy with a remarkable rate of success. Moreover, we discuss the potential role of balneotherapy either alone or as a complement to conventional medical treatments.

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Psoriasis: From Pathogenesis to Pharmacological and Nano-Technological-Based Therapeutics

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22094983 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (9) ◽

pp. 4983

Author(s):

Robert Gironés Petit ◽

Amanda Cano ◽

Alba Ortiz ◽

Marta Espina ◽

Josefina Prat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Skin Diseases ◽

Related Factors ◽

Inflammatory Skin Diseases ◽

Multifactorial Diseases ◽

Age Related ◽

Innovative Therapies ◽

Disease Site ◽

Chronic Skin ◽

Chronic Skin Diseases

Research in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases, such as skin dermatitis and psoriasis, has experienced some relevant breakthroughs in recent years. The understanding of age-related factors, gender, and genetic predisposition of these multifactorial diseases has been instrumental for the development of new pharmacological and technological treatment approaches. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms behind the pathological features of psoriasis, also addressing the currently available treatments and novel therapies that are under clinical trials. Innovative therapies developed over the last 10 years have been researched. In this area, advantages of nanotechnological approaches to provide an effective drug concentration in the disease site are highlighted, together with microneedles as innovative candidates for drug delivery systems in psoriasis and other inflammatory chronic skin diseases.

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Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation in Inflammatory Chronic Skin Diseases

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells10123559 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 3559

Author(s):

Maddalena Napolitano ◽

Gabriella Fabbrocini ◽

Fabrizio Martora ◽

Vincenzo Picone ◽

Paola Morelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor ◽

Skin Diseases ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Receptor Activation ◽

Cell Physiology ◽

Inflammatory Skin Diseases ◽

Aryl Hydrocarbon ◽

Chronic Skin ◽

Chronic Skin Diseases

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is an evolutionary transcription factor which acts as a crucial sensor of different exogenous and endogenous molecules Recent data indicate that AhR is implicated in several physiological processes such as cell physiology, host defense, proliferation and differentiation of immune cells, and detoxification. Moreover, AhR involvement has been reported in the development and maintenance of several pathological conditions. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have accumulated highlighting the regulatory role of AhR in the physiology of the skin. However, there is evidence of both beneficial and harmful effects of AHR signaling. At present, most of the evidence concerns inflammatory skin diseases, in particular atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa. This review examines the role of AhR in skin homeostasis and the therapeutic implication of its pharmacological modulation in these cutaneous inflammatory diseases.

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Caveolin as a Universal Target in Dermatology

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21010080 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 80

Author(s):

Ilja L. Kruglikov ◽

Philipp E. Scherer

Keyword(s):

Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽

Glucocorticoid Receptors ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Skin Diseases ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Inflammatory Skin Diseases ◽

Caveolin 1 ◽

Active Involvement ◽

Inflammatory Skin

Caveolin-1 is strongly expressed in different dermal and subdermal cells and physically interacts with signaling molecules and receptors, among them with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), matrix metalloproteinases, heat shock proteins, toll-like and glucocorticoid receptors. It should therefore be heavily involved in the regulation of cellular signaling in various hyperproliferative and inflammatory skin conditions. We provide an overview of the role of the caveolin-1 expression in different hyperproliferative and inflammatory skin diseases and discuss its possible active involvement in the therapeutic effects of different well-known drugs widely applied in dermatology. We also discuss the possible role of caveolin expression in development of the drug resistance in dermatology. Caveolin-1 is not only an important pathophysiological factor in different hyperproliferative and inflammatory dermatological conditions, but can also serve as a target for their treatment. Targeted regulation of caveolin is likely to serve as a new treatment strategy in dermatology.

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A New Insight into the Potential Role of Tryptophan-Derived AhR Ligands in Skin Physiological and Pathological Processes

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22031104 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 1104

Author(s):

Monika Szelest ◽

Katarzyna Walczak ◽

Tomasz Plech

Keyword(s):

Kynurenic Acid ◽

Skin Diseases ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Continuous Exposure ◽

Inflammatory Skin Diseases ◽

Transcription Profiles ◽

Skin Physiology ◽

The Impact

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in environmental responses and xenobiotic metabolism, as it controls the transcription profiles of several genes in a ligand-specific and cell-type-specific manner. Various barrier tissues, including skin, display the expression of AhR. Recent studies revealed multiple roles of AhR in skin physiology and disease, including melanogenesis, inflammation and cancer. Tryptophan metabolites are distinguished among the groups of natural and synthetic AhR ligands, and these include kynurenine, kynurenic acid and 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ). Tryptophan derivatives can affect and regulate a variety of signaling pathways. Thus, the interest in how these substances influence physiological and pathological processes in the skin is expanding rapidly. The widespread presence of these substances and potential continuous exposure of the skin to their biological effects indicate the important role of AhR and its ligands in the prevention, pathogenesis and progression of skin diseases. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of AhR in skin physiology. Moreover, we discuss the role of AhR in skin pathological processes, including inflammatory skin diseases, pigmentation disorders and cancer. Finally, the impact of FICZ, kynurenic acid, and kynurenine on physiological and pathological processes in the skin is considered. However, the mechanisms of how AhR regulates skin function require further investigation.

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Molecule guided laser ablation as a novel therapeutic strategy to control itch

10.1101/225391 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Linda Nocchi ◽

Mariangela D’Attilia ◽

Nainika Roy ◽

Rahul Dhandapani ◽

Andrei Traista ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Near Infrared ◽

Skin Diseases ◽

New Technology ◽

Skin Damage ◽

Inflammatory Skin Diseases ◽

Novel Technology ◽

Near Ir ◽

Chronic Skin ◽

Chronic Skin Diseases

AbstractItch is a major symptom of many chronic skin diseases that can exacerbate inflammation by provoking excessive scratching and causing skin damage. Here we develop a novel technology to control itch through molecular guided delivery of a phototoxic agent and near infrared (IR) illumination of the skin. Exploiting the selective binding of the pruritogen Interleukin-31 to itch sensing cells, we generate an engineered IL31SNAPligand derivative (IL31K138A-SNAP) that binds to cells but does not evoke signaling or provoke scratching when injected in vivo. Conjugation of IL31K138A-SNAPto the photosensitizer IRDye®700DX phthalocyanine (IR700) and injection of the skin results in long-term reversal of scratching behavior evoked by IL31 upon near IR illumination. We further develop a topical preparation of IL31K138A-SNAP-IR700 that strikingly, reverses behavioral and dermatological indicators in mouse models of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) and the genetic skin disease Familial Primary Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis (FPLCA). We demonstrate that this therapeutic effect results from selective retraction of itch sensing neurons in the skin, breaking the cycle of itch and disruption of the skin’s barrier function. Thus, molecule guided photoablation is a powerful new technology for controlling itch and treating inflammatory skin diseases.

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Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

Biochemical Society Transactions ◽

10.1042/bst20190312 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 429-439 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jorge Gago ◽

Danilo M. Daloso ◽

Marc Carriquí ◽

Miquel Nadal ◽

Melanie Morales ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Main Role ◽

Mesophyll Conductance ◽

Future Studies ◽

Cell Structures ◽

Leaf Tissues ◽

Change Framework ◽

Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

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The Constructive Thinking Inventory: Factorial Structure in Healthy Individuals and Patients with Chronic Skin Diseases

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759.14.3.226 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 226-233 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jürgen Hoyer ◽

Mechthild Averbeck ◽

Thomas Heidenreich ◽

Ulrich Stangier ◽

Karin Pöhlmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skin Diseases ◽

Principal Component ◽

Initial Study ◽

Statistical Independence ◽

Constructive Thinking ◽

Global Factor ◽

Emotional Coping ◽

Factor Congruence ◽

Chronic Skin ◽

Chronic Skin Diseases

Epstein's “Constructive Thinking Inventory” (CTI) was developed to measure the construct of experiential intelligence, which is based on his cognitive-experiential self-theory. Inventory items were generated by sampling naturally occurring automatic cognitions. Using principal component analysis, the findings showed a global factor of coping ability as well as six main factors: Emotional Coping, Behavioral Coping, Categorical Thinking, Personal Superstitious Thinking, Esoteric Thinking, and Naive Optimism. We tested the replicability of this factor structure and the amount of statistical independence (nonredundancy) between these factors in an initial study of German students (Study 1, N = 439) and in a second study of patients with chronic skin disorders (Study 2, N = 187). Factor congruence with the original (American) data was determined using a formula proposed by Schneewind and Cattell (1970) . Our findings show satisfactory factor congruence and statistical independence for Emotional Coping and Esoteric Thinking in both studies, while full replicability or independence could not be found in both for the other factors. Implications for the use and further development of the CTI are discussed.

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Prospective Memory Development Across the Lifespan

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040/a000380 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 162-173 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sascha Zuber ◽

Matthias Kliegel

Keyword(s):

Prospective Memory ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Present Model ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cognitive Factors ◽

Everyday Functioning ◽

Integrative Framework

Abstract. Prospective Memory (PM; i.e., the ability to remember to perform planned tasks) represents a key proxy of healthy aging, as it relates to older adults’ everyday functioning, autonomy, and personal well-being. The current review illustrates how PM performance develops across the lifespan and how multiple cognitive and non-cognitive factors influence this trajectory. Further, a new, integrative framework is presented, detailing how those processes interplay in retrieving and executing delayed intentions. Specifically, while most previous models have focused on memory processes, the present model focuses on the role of executive functioning in PM and its development across the lifespan. Finally, a practical outlook is presented, suggesting how the current knowledge can be applied in geriatrics and geropsychology to promote healthy aging by maintaining prospective abilities in the elderly.

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Molecular Mechanisms of Obesity-Linked Cardiac Dysfunction: An Up-Date on Current Knowledge

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells10030629 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 629

Author(s):

Jorge Gutiérrez-Cuevas ◽

Ana Sandoval-Rodriguez ◽

Alejandra Meza-Rios ◽

Hugo Christian Monroy-Ramírez ◽

Marina Galicia-Moreno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Cardiac Dysfunction ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Peroxisome Proliferator ◽

White Adipocyte ◽

Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors ◽

And Oxidative Stress

Obesity is defined as excessive body fat accumulation, and worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. Excess of free fatty acids (FFAs) and triglycerides in obese individuals promote ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver, skeletal muscle tissue, and heart, among others, inducing insulin resistance, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (T2D), atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). These diseases are promoted by visceral white adipocyte tissue (WAT) dysfunction through an increase in pro-inflammatory adipokines, oxidative stress, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and adverse changes in the gut microbiome. In the heart, obesity and T2D induce changes in substrate utilization, tissue metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, leading to myocardial fibrosis and ultimately cardiac dysfunction. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are involved in the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, also improve insulin sensitivity, triglyceride levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the molecular mechanisms involved in obesity-linked CVD pathophysiology, considering pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and hormones, as well as the role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and PPARs. In addition, cell lines and animal models, biomarkers, gut microbiota dysbiosis, epigenetic modifications, and current therapeutic treatments in CVD associated with obesity are outlined in this paper.

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