Treatment benefit of electrochemotherapy for superficial squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Treating aggressive superficial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) poses challenges due to invasiveness. Palliative care is recommended for inoperable cases with extensive tumors near vital organs, risking disfigurement or functional impairment. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an emerging cutaneous tumor treatment, but its efficacy against superficial SCC remains uncertain. This study conducts a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis to evaluate ECT's effectiveness against superficial SCC and provide current evidence for clinical practice. METHODS: Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched for studies up to May 2023. The random effects model analyzed complete response (CR) and partial response (PR), with subgroup assessment based on drug dosage, treatment response evaluation, tumor size, primary/recurrent status, and tumor location. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 162 patients and 208 tumors were included. Pooled CR and PR rates for ECT-treated superficial SCC were 66.5% (95% CI 48.4%-82.5%; I2 = 84%) and 20.3% (95% CI 10.5%-32.3%; I2 = 70%), respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated ECT's superiority in treating primary tumors (PR: 70%, CR: 30%) and tumors ≤ 3 cm (PR: 81.3%, CR: 10.1%) compared to recurrent tumors (PR: 56.7%, CR: 36.5%) and tumors > 3 cm (PR: 45.2%, CR: 34.4%). CONCLUSION: This single-arm meta-analysis confirms ECT's efficacy against superficial SCC, especially in primary tumors and those ≤ 3 cm in diameter. The study highlights the impact of tumor location and response evaluation on ECT's benefits, warranting further investigation through additional research.

Inhibition of Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Keloid Fibroblasts By miR-183-5p Through Downregulating EGR1 / Inhibición de la Proliferación, Migración e Invasión de Fibroblastos Queloides por miR-183-5p Mediante la Regulación Negativa de EGR1

SUMMARY: Keloid scar is a unique benign fibroproliferative tumor of the human skin. Previously, it was reported that early growth response 1 (EGR1), a transcription factor, promotes keloid fibrosis; however, the mechanism by which EGR1 modulates keloid formation was not elaborated. In this research, the specific function and the microRNA (miRNA) regulatory network of EGR1 in keloids was examined. Keloid fibroblasts (KFs) were transfected with EGR1-small interfering RNA (siEGR1), EGR1-overexpression plasmid (pcDNA3.1-EGR1), and microRNA (miR-183-5p)-mimics to regulate the expression of EGR1 and miR-183-5p. The study employed dual-luciferase reporter assays to explore the targeting regulation of miR-183-5p on EGR1. Additionally, Western blotting, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, cell count kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell, and wound healing assays, and RNA sequencing were conducted. EGR1 was upregulated in KFs, and EGR1 silencing diminished proliferation, fibrosis, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of cells. In KFs, the expression of miR- 183-5p was reduced, leading to the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conversely, it enhanced apoptosis. By targeting EGR1, miR-183-5p partially counteracted the impact of EGR1 on migration, invasion, and fibrosis in KFs. The findings imply that miR-183-5p suppresses keloid formation by targeting EGR1. As a result, EGR1 holds promise as a potential therapeutic target for preventing and treating keloids.

La cicatriz queloide es un tumor fibroproliferativo benigno único de la piel humana. Anteriormente, se informó que la respuesta de crecimiento temprano 1 (EGR1), un factor de transcripción, promueve la fibrosis queloide; sin embargo, no se explicó el mecanismo por el cual EGR1 modula la formación de queloides. En esta investigación, se examinó la función específica y la red reguladora de microARN (miARN) de EGR1 en queloides. Se transfectaron fibroblastos queloides (KF) con ARN de interferencia pequeño de EGR1 (siEGR1), plásmido de sobreexpresión de EGR1 (pcDNA3.1-EGR1) y miméticos de microARN (miR-183-5p) para regular la expresión de EGR1 y miR-183. -5p. El estudio empleó ensayos de indicador de luciferasa dual para explorar la regulación dirigida de miR-183-5p en EGR1. Además, se realizaron pruebas de transferencia Western, citometría de flujo, qRT-PCR, kit de recuento celular-8 (CCK-8), transwell y curación de heridas, y secuenciación de ARN. EGR1 estaba regulado positivamente en KF, y el silenciamiento de EGR1 disminuyó la proliferación, fibrosis, migración, invasión y apoptosis de las células. En KF, la expresión de miR- 183-5p se redujo, lo que llevó a la inhibición de la proliferación, migración e invasión celular. Por el contrario, mejoró la apoptosis. Al apuntar a EGR1, miR-183-5p contrarrestó parcialmente el impacto de EGR1 en la migración, invasión y fibrosis en KF. Los hallazgos implican que miR-183-5p suprime la formación de queloides al apuntar a EGR1. Como resultado, EGR1 es prometedor como objetivo terapéutico potencial para prevenir y tratar los queloides.

An umbrella review of the use of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, as well as establish an effective treatment protocol and optimal PRP preparation procedure. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wanfang databases from inception to October 29, 2021, using PROSPERO's International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration ID: CRD42022295921). RESULTS: The original literature search revealed 215 reviews; after duplication removal, 89 papers were eliminated, 95 were eliminated after reading the titles and abstracts, and eventually, 28 articles were included after reading the complete text. CONCLUSIONS: PRP treatment for androgenetic alopecia is effective, and we recommend the following: (1) a PRP volume of at least 0.05 ml/cm2 , preferably 0.1 ml/cm2 ; (2) at least three consecutive treatments at an interval of 1 month; (3) intensive therapy is beneficial and can be provided from 3 to 6 months after continuous treatment; (4) objective indicators such as hair diameter, hair count; (5) long-term follow-up.

Efficacy of the Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser in the Treatment of Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Keloid and hypertrophic scars are the most common types of pathological scars. They can cause itching, pain, erythema, and psychological stress due to cosmetic problems, decreasing the quality of life for affected individuals. The neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) multipurpose laser is used to treat pathological scars, and studies have shown that the Nd:YAG laser can markedly improve scarring. AIMS: We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of the Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars. METHODS: A literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang was performed between January 1st, 2010, and July 14th, 2021. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used to evaluate treatment outcomes. We used the R version 4.0.0 software for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The Nd:YAG laser improved the condition of keloid and hypertrophic scars and reduced VSS score (mean difference [MD]: 2.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.08-3.84, p < 0.01). There was no obvious difference in the results between regions. A subgroup analysis by scar type revealed that the curative effect of the Nd:YAG laser on keloid scars (MD: 2.02, 95% CI: 0.58-4.63, p = 0.10) was less marked compared with that on hypertrophic scars (MD: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.58-4.52, p < 0.01). With the combined use of the Nd:YAG laser and other treatment methods, a more significant change in VSS score was noted (MD: 4.28, 95% CI: 2.07-6.49). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis showed that the Nd:YAG laser can improve the condition of keloid and hypertrophic scars and effectively reduce VSS score. Moreover, the curative effect of this approach on keloid scars is less marked compared with that on hypertrophic scars. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A in preventing and treating scars in animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Previous studies have used botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) to improve postoperative and hypertrophic scars; however, there is lack of detailed verification on the safety and effectiveness of this approach. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of BTXA on postoperative hypertrophic scars and its influence on cytokine expression in animal models. A computerised search of different databases was performed, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang, up to 10 March 2021. A meta-analysis was performed using R 4.0.0 based on hypertrophic index, epithelialisation time, wound area, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Eleven studies were included. The meta-analysis showed a significant difference in hypertrophic index (standardised mean difference [SMD] = -2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.50 to -1.76, P < .01), wound area (SMD = -0.54, 95% CI: -1.24 to 0.16, P < .01), and VEGF expression (SMD = -2.56, 95% CI: -3.50 to -1.62, P < .01). This study shows that BTXA is safe and effective in preventing and treating scar hypertrophy in animal models, but excessive doses of BTXA and BTXA to treat large areas should be avoided.

Comparison of primary keloid fibroblast cultivation methods and the characteristics of fibroblasts cultured from keloids, keloid-surrounding tissues, and normal skin tissues / Comparación de los métodos de cultivo de fibroblastos queloides primarios y las características de los fibroblastos cultivados a partir de queloides, tejidos circundantes queloides y tejidos cutáneos normales

SUMMARY: The establishment of primary keloid fibroblast culture has always been a fundamental measure for studying mechanisms of keloid disease. The quality of the primary cell culture can directly affect the results of further experiments. This study was performed to investigate the optimal growth conditions, including the optimal storage time and collagenase treatment time, for in vitro cell culture models and the suitable methods for epidermis-dermis separation in different tissues. Keloid tissues, keloid-surrounding tissues, and normal skin tissues were collected from patients, for primary fibroblast culture. Two methods, tissue explant and collagenase digestion, were deployed and compared. Expression levels of the keloid-related genes α -SMA, Col1, and Col3 were assessed in cells cultured using both methods, to verify the qualities of the primary cells. A comparative analysis was conducted between the two methods and among the three different tissues used. Bacterial and lipid contamination was immediately minimized after the samples were processed. Different methods of epidermis removal and different durations of collagenase digestion were required in different tissues to generate optimal results. Real-time PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of keloid-related genes in cultured fibroblasts correlated to their in vivo expression profile, as previously reported in other studies. The results of this study have revealed several key points in the culture of primary keloid fibroblasts and demonstrated the correlation in gene expression between in vivo keloid fibroblasts and in vitro primary keloid fibroblasts.

RESUMEN: La identificación de un cultivo de fibroblastos queloides primarios, siempre ha sido una medida fundamental para estudiar los mecanismos de la enfermedad queloide. La calidad del cultivo de células primarias puede afectar directamente los resultados de otros experimentos. Este estudio se realizó para investigar las condiciones óptimas de crecimiento, incluido el tiempo óptimo de almacenamiento y el tiempo de tratamiento con colagenasa, para modelos de cultivo celular in vitro y los métodos adecuados para la separación epidermis-dermis en diferentes tejidos. Se recogieron de los pacientes tejidos queloides, tejidos circundantes queloides y tejidos cutáneos normales, para cultivo primario de fibroblastos. Se implementaron y compararon dos métodos, explante de tejido y digestión con colagenasa. Los niveles de expresión de los genes relacionados con queloides α -SMA, Col1 y Col3 se evaluaron en células cultivadas usando ambos métodos, para verificar las cualidades de las células primarias. Se realizó un análisis comparativo entre los dos métodos y entre los tres tejidos diferentes utilizados. La contaminación de bacterias y lípidos se minimizó inmediatamente después de que se procesaron las muestras. Se requirieron varios métodos de eliminación de la epidermis y diferentes tiempos de digestión con colagenasa en los tejidos para generar resultados óptimos. Los resultados de la PCR en tiempo real mostraron que los niveles de expresión de ARNm de genes relacionados con queloides en fibroblastos cultivados se correlacionaban con su perfil de expresión in vivo, como se informó en estudios anteriores. Los resultados de este studio indicaron varios puntos clave en el cultivo de fibroblastos queloides primarios y han demostrado la correlación en la expresión génica entre fibroblastos queloides in vivo y fibroblastos queloides primarios in vitro.