Antioxidants in Photoaging: From Molecular Insights to Clinical Applications.

Photoaging (PA) is considered a silent disease affecting millions of people globally and is defined as skin damage due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun. Physiologically, the skin is in a state of renewal and synthesis of components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, exposure to UVR affects the production of the ECM, and the functioning and response of skin cells to UVR begins to change, thus expressing clinical and phenotypic characteristics of PA. The primary mechanisms involved in PA are direct damage to the DNA of skin cells, increases in oxidative stress, the activation of cell signaling pathways responsible for the loss of skin integrity, and cytotoxicity. The medical and scientific community has been researching new therapeutic tools that counteract PA, considering that the damage caused by UVR exceeds the antioxidant defense mechanisms of the skin. Thus, in recent years, certain nutraceuticals and phytochemicals have been found to exhibit potential antioxidant and photoprotective effects. Therefore, the main objective of this review is to elucidate the molecular bases of PA and the latest pharmaceutical industry findings on antioxidant treatment against the progression of PA.

Successfully Nonsurgical Epidermoid Cyst Management with Recombinant Hydrolytic Enzymes: A Case Report.

Introduction: Epidermoid cysts (E.C.s), also known as sebaceous cysts, are benign asymptomatic subepidermal nodules filled with keratin material. These cysts originate from the follicular infundibulum, which when obstructed by keratin, results in cyst formation. Conventionally, E.C.s have been managed surgically with a high success rate and minimal complications. In this report, we present the successful resolution of an E.C. using a minimally invasive technique involving the intralesional injection of recombinant hydrolytic enzymes like hyaluronidase, collagenase, and lipase. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented to the clinic with a mass on her right cheek that had been evolving for over 10 years. Skin and soft tissue ultrasound confirmed the presence of an E.C. of 9.3×6.6 × 9.3 mm. Owing to the size and location of the cyst, a decision was made to infiltrate the lesion with recombinant enzymes. Remarkably, significant clinical improvement was observed on Day 21, and complete dissolution of the E.C. occurred 40 days after the initial intervention. Importantly, no recurrences were observed during the 4-year follow-up period. Conclusion: Intralesional administration of hydrolytic enzymes represents an innovative technique in the management of E.C.s. However, further controlled studies are required to determine the efficacy and safety of this procedure.