Pigmentation and Scaring Management after Hypodermoclysis, a Case Report

Hypodermoclysis is the continuous subcutaneous infusion of a parenteral solution into dermal tissue, which is typically associated with skin lesions and cosmetic issues in the majority of patients. Scarring and pigmentation are two of the potential skin lesions after hypodermoclysis. The way skin diseases and cosmetic issues are treated has altered dramatically as a result of laser technology. This is the first article to our knowledge that describes the treatment of pigmentation and scarring produced by Hypodermoclysis cutaneous damage by using laser treatment. It was vital to select the appropriate endpoint, technology, and configuration parameters. The lesion was completely resolved after five months of treatment with four laser sessions. The first session used a fractional Er-Yag laser to perform cold ablation. The remaining sessions used 1064 and 585 nm Nd-Yag Q-switch lasers to operate in the nanosecond region. To minimize the danger of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), the treated region was prepped between laser treatments with 4% hydroquinone (HQ) cream. Our protocol may reduce scars and pigmentation while minimizing adverse effects and downtime.

Preconditioning process for dermal tissue decellularization using electroporation with sonication

Decellularization to produce bioscaffolds composed of the extracellular matrix (ECM) uses enzymatic, chemical, and physical methods to remove antigens and cellular components from tissues. Effective decellularization methods depend on the characteristics of tissues, and in particular, tissues with dense, complex structure and abundant lipid content are difficult to completely decellularize. Our study enables future research on the development of methods and treatments for fabricating bioscaffolds via decellularization of complex and rigid skin tissues, which are not commonly considered for decellularization to date as their structural and functional characteristics could not be preserved after severe decellularization. In this study, decellularization of human dermal tissue was done by a combination of both chemical (0.05% trypsin-EDTA, 2% SDS, 1% Triton X-100) and physical methods (electroporation, sonication). After decellularization, the content of DNA remaining in the tissue was quantitatively confirmed, and the structural change of the tissue and the retention and distribution of ECM components were evaluated through histological and histochemical analysis, respectively. Conditions of the chemical pretreatment that increase the efficiency of physical stimulation as well as decellularization, and conditions for electroporation and sonication without the use of detergents, unlike the methods performed in previous studies, were established to enable the complete decellularization of the skin tissue. The combinatorial decellularization treatment formed micropores in the lipid bilayers of the skin tissues while removing all cell and cellular residues without affecting the ECM properties. Therefore, this procedure can be widely used to fabricate bioscaffolds by decellularizing biological tissues with dense and complex structures.

Tpl2 contributes to IL-1β-induced IL-8 expression via ERK1/2 activation in canine dermal fibroblasts

In autoimmune diseases, fibroblasts produce and secrete various cytokines and act as sentinel immune cells during inflammatory states. However, the contribution of sentinel immune cells (i.e. dermal fibroblasts) in autoimmune diseases of the skin, such as atopic dermatitis, has been obscure. The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β) induces the expression of chemokines, such as interleukin 8 (IL-8), in autoimmune diseases of the skin. IL-8 induces the activation and recruitment of innate immune cells such as neutrophils to the site of inflammation. IL-1β-mediated induction of IL-8 expression is important for the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases; however, the intracellular singling remains to be understood. To elucidate the mechanism of the onset of autoimmune diseases, we established a model for IL-1β-induced dermatitis and investigated MAPK signaling pathways in IL-1β-induced IL-8 expression. We also identified that a MAP3K Tpl2 acts as an upstream modulator of IL-1β-induced ERK1/2 activation in dermal fibroblasts. We observed an increase in the expression of IL-8 mRNA and protein in cells treated with IL-1β. ERK1/2 inhibitors significantly reduced IL-1β-induced IL-8 expression, whereas the inhibitor for p38 MAPK or JNK had no effect. IL-1β induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was attenuated in the presence of an ERK1/2 inhibitor. IL-1β failed to induce IL-8 expression in cells transfected with siRNA for ERK1, or ERK2. Notably, a Tpl2 inhibitor reduced IL-1β-induced IL-8 expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. We confirmed that the silencing of Tpl2 in siRNA-transfected fibroblasts prevented both in IL-1β-induced IL-8 expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Taken together, our data indicate the importance of Tpl2 in the modulation of ERK1/2 signaling involved in the IL-1β-induced development of autoimmune diseases affecting the dermal tissue, such as atopic dermatitis.

Morphology and Anatomy of Branch–Branch Junctions in Opuntia ficus-indica and Cylindropuntia bigelovii: A Comparative Study Supported by Mechanical Tissue Quantification

The Opuntioideae include iconic cacti whose lateral branch–branch junctions are intriguing objects from a mechanical viewpoint. We have compared Opuntia ficus-indica, which has stable branch connections, with Cylindropuntia bigelovii, whose side branches abscise under slight mechanical stress. To determine the underlying structures and mechanical characteristics of these stable versus shedding cacti junctions, we conducted magnetic resonance imaging, morphometric and anatomical analyses of the branches and tensile tests of individual tissues. The comparison revealed differences in geometry, shape and material properties as follows: (i) a more pronounced tapering of the cross-sectional area towards the junctions supports the abscission of young branches of C. bigelovii. (ii) Older branches of O. ficus-indica form, initially around the branch–branch junctions, collar-shaped periderm tissue. This secondary coverage mechanically stiffens the dermal tissue, giving a threefold increase in strength and a tenfold increase in the elastic modulus compared with the epidermis. (iii) An approximately 200-fold higher elastic modulus of the vascular bundles of O. ficus-indica is a prerequisite for the stable junction of its young branches. Our results provide, for both biological and engineered materials systems, important insights into the geometric characteristics and mechanical properties of branching joints that are either stable or easily detachable.

Insinuate Orbital Cellulitis Associated With Diesel Explosion-Induced Injury

Background: Diesel-related orbital cellulitis is uncommon, it has an insinuate appearance whereas develops aggressively, leading to severe vision loss or poor reconstruction. Here we present a case of diesel explosion-associated eyelid trauma with toxic orbital cellulitis, who at last obtained relatively sound vision and appearance after several rounds of surgeries, which is rarely seen for the trauma itself. Case presentation: A 33-year-old male was injured in the right eye by diesel engine explosion. He was initially treated for right eye eyelid laceration however the trauma developed into toxic orbital cellulitis on the next day. Orbital debridement and removing of the orbital residual diesel fluid was performed on him immediately. However, on the second day necrosis developed in the eyelid and sub-dermal tissue. Therefore he received another orbital debridement to remove the necrotized tissue and awaited the subsequent right eyelid skin grafting surgery. The patient finally got his right eye vision saved as well as maintaining a relatively sound structure of the eyelid.Conclusion: Timely debridement and removing the residual diesel in the orbit is necessary for the recovery of patient with diesel-related toxic orbital cellulitis.

3D-SeboSkin Model for Human ex vivo Studies of Hidradenitis Suppurativa/Acne Inversa

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease. Its pivotal pathogenetic event is believed to be the occlusion of the hair follicle generating a perifollicular lympho-histiocytic inflammation. However, knowledge of the exact HS pathogenesis requires further research. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To develop a human HS model applicable in preclinical research which could help to understand the pathophysiology of HS and to determine the action of therapeutic candidates. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The 3D-SeboSkin technology was applied to maintain explants of involved and uninvolved skin of HS patients ex vivo for 3 days. Detection of differential expression of previously detected HS biomarkers was performed by immunohistochemistry in a group of female patients (<i>n</i> = 9, mean age 37.2 ± 8.4 years). <b><i>Results:</i></b> The application of the 3D-SeboSkin model preserved the structural integrity of lesional and perilesional HS skin ex vivo, as previously described for healthy skin. Moreover, the HS 3D-SeboSkin setting maintained the differential expression and pattern of several HS biomarkers (S100A9, KRT16, SERPINB3) in epidermal and dermal tissue and the appendages. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> We have validated HS 3D-SeboSkin as a reproducible, human model, which is appropriate for preclinical lesional and perilesional HS skin studies ex vivo.

Comparison of Membrane Depth Determination Techniques for Active Ingredient Skin Penetration Studies Using Microdialysis

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The skin is a major physical barrier to the environment, and thus, percutaneous delivery of active ingredients to the dermal target site faces a unique set of hurdles. The efficacy of these active ingredients is governed by their release into the underlying epidermal and dermal tissue, especially when administered topically. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study was to understand if different physicochemical properties influence the skin penetration of active ingredients and the depth to which they penetrate into the dermis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A microdialysis (MD) setup was used to compare the percutaneous penetration in superficial and deep implanted MD membranes in porcine skin. The precise MD membrane depth was determined using histological sectioning paired with microscopy, ultrasound, and a novel computed tomographic approach. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In study A, the measured depth of the superficial and deep implanted MD membranes was compared using histological sectioning, ultrasound, and computed tomography. Experimental determination of the depth up to which penetration occurs was found to be crucial to percutaneous penetration studies. In study B, the lipophilic differences of the active ingredients and its influences on the penetration was tested using hydrophilic caffeine and lipophilic LIP1 as model compounds, which have an identical molecular weight with different lipophilic characteristics. It is assumed that the lipophilic characteristics of active ingredients influence their penetration and thus governs the concentration of these molecules reaching their target site. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The transdermal penetration of caffeine was found to exceed that of LIP1 through the hydrophilic environment of the dermis. Thus, the findings of this study show that the precise MD dermis localization and the physicochemical properties, such as lipophilicity, influence the penetration rate of active ingredients and lay the foundation for creating optimized transdermal delivery systems.

Topical delivery of curcumin-loaded transfersomes gel ameliorated rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting NF-κβ pathway

Aim: To fabricate and evaluate curcumin-loaded transfersomes (Cur-TF) for the targeted delivery and enhanced therapeutic efficacy of curcumin for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Modified thin-film hydration method was used to prepare Cur-TF which were then embedded into carbopol-934 gel. They were further evaluated through in vitro techniques and in an in vivo arthritis model. Results: Cur-TF had optimal particle size, spherical morphology, high encapsulation efficiency and sustained drug release profiles. The Cur-TF gel had better in vitro skin penetration than plain curcumin. In vivo findings demonstrated improved clinical, histological and x-ray scores and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines through NF-κβ inhibition. Conclusion: Cur-TF gel delivered curcumin to the arthritic dermal tissue through a topical route and demonstrated promising therapeutic efficacy by significantly alleviating complete Freud's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis.