Single or Daily Application of Topical Curcumin Prevents Ultraviolet B-Induced Apoptosis in Mice.

Curcumin is a natural ingredient with antioxidant effects, widely studied as a treatment for various types of cancer. However, its effects on ultraviolet radiation have not been fully explored. The effects of single or daily application of 0.1-100 µM curcumin on cell apoptosis in ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced mice were tested using an experimental double-blind posttest design with a control group and two research models: a single application of curcumin before a single UVB exposure and daily application of curcumin for 7 days before a single UVB exposure on the seventh day. Apoptotic cells were counted using a tunnel system kit. The number of apoptotic cells under a single or daily application of curcumin for 7 days was significantly lower than that of the UVB controls (p ≤ 0.05). The number of apoptotic cells decreased with the increasing concentration of curcumin, and the maximum effect was observed at 100 µM. Daily application of topical curcumin was superior in preventing apoptosis (mean apoptotic cell count of 14.86 ± 1.68) compared with a single application (17.46 ± 0.60; p = 0.011). Topical curcumin can act as a potential photoprotective agent in preventing cutaneous malignancies due to UVB radiation. Further studies are warranted, especially in humans.

Modified H-plasty in large basal cell carcinoma defect reconstruction on the forehead.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy worldwide. Surgical removal is considered the gold standard treatment. However, large defects following excisional surgery can pose a significant challenge for reconstruction, especially in cases where primary closure is not possible. In these cases, skin flaps may be used. Most traditional skin flaps are limited by design to take advantage of only one region of relative skin excess. This paper reports a case of a large forehead defect following BCC excision that was successfully reconstructed by a modified Hplasty involving a U-plasty and rotation-advancement flap. Maintenance of aesthetics without impaired function is the aim of closure defects with combined flaps.

Prevalence of the HLA-Cw6 genotype and zinc deficiency in psoriasis vulgaris patients in Indonesia.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis vulgaris is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease influenced by genetic and immunologic factors, including micronutrient deficiencies. The HLA-Cw6 gene and zinc level have been separately studied in psoriasis patients, yielding inconsistent findings. A descriptive study regarding HLA-Cw6 allele expression, zinc levels, and their direct correlation in Indonesia is lacking. METHODS: This prospective case-control study involved 33 psoriasis patients and 33 age- and sex-matched control patients at the dermatology clinic affiliated with Hasanuddin University in South Sulawesi in 2021. Cases were classified into mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis according to Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. An EDTA tube was used to take a 5 ml blood sample, followed by analysis for PCR of the HLA-Cw6 allele and a colorimetric assay to measure zinc level. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between HLA-Cw6 and zinc level and psoriasis disease severity. RESULTS: Among the 33 psoriatic patients enrolled in this study, three (9.1%) of the cases were classified as mild psoriasis, 10 (30.3%) were classified as moderate psoriasis, and 20 (60.6%) were classified as severe psoriasis. The HLA-Cw6 allele was detected in 93.9% of psoriasis cases and in 3% of control patients (p < 0.001). The HLA-Cw6 allele was detected consecutively in 66.7%, 90.0%, and 100% of mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis patients, respectively. Zinc levels were lower in psoriasis patients compared to controls (16.85 ± 3.55 vs. 13.74 ± 3.78 µmol/l). Severe psoriasis patients exhibited the lowest average zinc level (14.76 ± 1.40 µmol/l, 15.48 ± 4.20 µmol/l, and 12.72 ± 3.56 µmol/l in mild, moderate, and severe patients, respectively). The mean zinc level in HLA-Cw6-positive patients was 13.68 µmol/l, and 14.6 µmol/l in HLA-Cw6-negative patients (p = 0.495). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the presence of HLA-Cw6 allele expression and decreased serum zinc levels in psoriasis patients compared to controls. Both factors demonstrated associations with psoriasis disease severity.

Anti-inflammatory effects of banana (Musa balbisiana) peel extract on acne vulgaris: In vivo and in silico study.

Objective: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common problem with a relatively high incidence rate among Asian people. The potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of banana peels have been demonstrated in previous studies but have not been studied in cases of AV. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the protective effects of banana (Musa balbisiana) peel extract (MBPE) against AV. Methods: Thirty rats were divided into five groups (n = 6 rats per group): an AV group, AV group treated with 0.15% MBPE, AV group administered 0.30% MBPE, AV group administered 0.60% MBPE, and AV group administered clindamycin (the standard drug treatment). We assessed nodule size, bacterial count, histopathology, and cytokine levels (IL-1α, IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-8). Enzyme linked immunoassays were used to measure the cytokine levels. In addition, we performed molecular docking studies to determine the interactions between phytochemicals (trigonelline, vanillin, ferulic acid, isovanillic acid, rutin, and salsolinol) via the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. Results: All MBPE treatment groups, compared with the AV group, showed suppression of both bacterial growth and proinflammatory cytokine production, as well as resolved tissue inflammation. The nodule size was significantly suppressed in the groups receiving the two highest doses of MBPE, compared with the AV group. However, the pharmacological action of MBPE remained inferior to that of clindamycin. Docking studies demonstrated that rutin was the phytocompound with the most negative interaction energy with TLR2 or NF-κB. Conclusions: Our results indicated that MBPE has anti-inflammatory effects against AV, by suppressing nodule formation, inhibiting bacterial growth, and decreasing proinflammatory cytokine production.

Active compounds in kepok banana peel as anti-inflammatory in acne vulgaris: Review article.

Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the pilosebaceous units characterized by recurrent comedones, erythematous papules and pustules. The disease is benign however may produce scarring, erythema, and hyperpigmentation resulting in physical and psychological problems. Conventional therapy may reduce the symptoms of AV nevertheless, has a possibility of resistance, unwanted side effects, and has high cost. Thus, utilizing natural remedies may be a useful. Methods: The data in this study were collect by search the keyword combinations of medical subject heading (mesh) of "inhibition", "antimicrobial", "banana peel", "acne vulgaris" and "antiinflammation" and relevant reference lists were manually searched in PubMed, EMBRASE and Scopus database. All relevant articles in data base above were included and narratively discussed in this review article. Objective: To discuss the bioactive potential of banana peel as an inflammatory modulator in acne vulgaris. Results: Banana peel contains many bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic and non-phenolic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, carotene, and cyanidin) which are pivotal in removing inflammatory products by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting protease inhibitors from oxidative damage, and preventing fibroblasts degradation. Banana peel also contains anti-inflammatory agents such as trigonelline which inhibits bacterial enzymes and nucleic acid synthesis; isovanillic acid which suppresses TNF-α production; and ferulic acid which inhibits the production of proinflammatory signaling and cytokines. Conclusion: Banana peel contains many bioactive compounds which demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties through several processes of the inflammatory pathway. However further research is needed to confirm this finding.

The Use of Autologous Serum in Dermatology.

Autologous serum is a component taken from patient's blood after centrifugation to be used for the same patient. Lately, growth factors (GF) found in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used as an alternative therapeutic modality in various medical fields. The benefits of using autologous serum effectively include reduced risk of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions as well as the reduced risk of transmission of infectious diseases; however, in practice, the availability of products with GF is still limited. This study aimed to review the latest evidences of using autologous serum therapy in dermatology. We searched and screened the study papers of past 5 years (2015 - 2020) through Pubmed Medline for the following topic: "Risks and benefits of autologous serum in the field of dermatology." The initial search obtained 333 papers, of which only 14 met the inclusion criteria: these included five papers on dermatology, seven on ophthalmology, and one paper each on plastic surgery and orthopedics. PRP serum contains GF, vitamins, hormones, and other components. GF contained in PRP is an effective therapeutic modality to be used in dermatology for wound healing, skin rejuvenation, acne scar, and androgenic alopecia. (SKINmed. 2022;20:97-104).

Topical Curcumin as Chemoprotector Against Photoproducts Production: The Role of Cyclobutyl Pyrimidine Dimers, 8-Hydroxy2'Deoxyguanosine Expression and Epidermal Hyperplasia in Acute and Chronic UVB-Induced Mice.

Background: Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure leads to formation of photoproducts leading to cellular damage. Prevention using sunscreen can sometimes be inadequate and can be an economic burden. Recent studies have suggested the photoprotective effect of curcumin. Objective: To examine the acute and chronic photoprotective effect of topical curcumin, using cyclobutyl pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and 8-hydroxy2'deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) expression as markers of DNA-induced damage, and epidermal hyperplasia on UVB-induced mice. Methods: Three treatment groups were established. Group A (negative control) consisted of 5 mice, Group B and C were further divided into two categories to assess acute and chronic effects of topical curcumin and UVB radiation. Each consisted of six subgroups of five mice. Subgroup 1; UVB exposure only (positive control) subgroup 2; acetone and UVB exposure, subgroup 3-6; topical curcumin application of 100nM, 1µM, 10µM, and 100µM concentrations, respectively. In Group C, there were two categories that received 3x/week UVB exposure for three weeks which effects were being observed at 24 hours and 10 days after the last exposure. The topical curcumin dose was 2mg/mL/cm2 applied 30 minutes prior to 343mJ/cm2/day UVB irradiation. Skin biopsy was done one hour after the last UVB exposure for immunohistochemical and histopathology examinations. Results: Topical curcumin showed a limited yet robust protective effect against CPD and 8-OHdG expression in Group B, while in Group C all concentrations showed significant CPD and 8-OHdG inhibition after 10 days of UVB exposure. The 10µM and 100µM concentrations showed the best epidermal hyperplasia inhibition effect (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in terms in efficacy either in single nor daily application. Conclusion: Topical curcumin can prevent the formation of the photoproducts CPD and 8-OHdG and epidermal hyperplasia in both acute and chronic exposure in UVB-induced mice.

A diagnostic challenge in an atypical variant of microcystic adnexal carcinoma mimicking ulcerative basal cell carcinoma: a case report and brief literature review.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare adnexal tumor with eccrine and pillar differentiations with a localized and aggressive nature, often misdiagnosed as other dermatoses. The most common clinical manifestations of MAC are yellowish or skin-colored papules, nodules, and plaques. However, in some rare cases an atypical manifestation such as ulceration that resembles malignancies such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can also occur. Diagnosis of MAC mainly relies on the aid of histopathology. Due to potential infiltration to other structures such as in perineural invasion, wide surgical excision or Mohs micrographic surgery is the preferred surgical option. We report the case of a 75-year-old male patient with ulcerative lesion on the forehead that clinically resembled BCC in addition to typical dermoscopic findings of BCC. However, histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of MAC, prompting physicians to be more aware of this condition when encountering chronic ulcerative lesions. After wide excision and a 1-year follow-up, the patient exhibited no signs of recurrences and will continue long-term follow-up.

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides mimicking leprosy successfully treated with oral and topical corticosteroids: a new great imitator?

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (HMF) is a rare variant of patch stage MF, which is often misdiagnosed. A 35-year-old male presented with non-pruritic white patches on his chest that had been present for 10 years. The patient had previously been treated for leprosy without any improvement. Physical examination showed well-defined multiple hypopigmented patches and macules on the chest, posterior trunk, and gluteus, with some lesions exhibiting anhidrosis and central erythema. The result of sensibility examination was unclear. Slit-skin-smear examination for acid-fast bacilli and anti-phenolic-glycolipid-1 examination were negative. Histopathological examination showed Pautrier microabscesses. The patient was diagnosed with HMF and was treated with 16 mg methylprednisolone b.i.d., topical application of desoximetasone, and 1% methoxsalen lotion followed by sun exposure. A significant improvement was observed during the following 6 months. This case shows that HMF needs to be considered in patients presenting with chronic unexplained hypopigmented patches to avoid unnecessary treatment and progression to more advanced stages.

Coexistence of tuberculous chancre on a chronic nonhealing wound and bilateral submandibular scrofuloderma.

Cutaneous tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis with varied clinical features depending on the dissemination route and host immune status. Scrofuloderma is a type of cutaneous tuberculosis that often occurs in locations where there is an infected lymph node or bone underneath, whereas tuberculous chancre often appears in sites that are prone to trauma. Although several cases have been reported, the coexistence of more than one type of cutaneous tuberculosis is very rare. We report a 21-year-old immunocompetent male with a chronic nonhealing lesion on the left tibia followed by bilateral purulent ulcers on the submandibular area. Acid-fast bacilli examination was positive for M. tuberculosis, and the patient was diagnosed with tuberculous chancre and scrofuloderma, respectively. This case showed the importance of high clinical suspicion of cutaneous tuberculosis and the possibility of the coexistence of more than one type of cutaneous tuberculosis in order to avoid misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.

Erythema annulare centrifugum: a rare case report.

Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is a rare skin disease that is thought to be caused by interactions between inflammatory cells, mediators, and foreign antigen substances. It typically starts as erythematous macules or urticarial papules that enlarge peripherally to form an arcuate or polycyclic plaque. Symptomatic relief is the main therapy for this disease because no effective treatment is yet available. We report the case of a 50-year-old male with reddish pruritic patches on both arms, around the thighs, on the abdomen, and on the buttocks. The complaint started 3 years prior to treatment and often recurred. Fungal examination was negative, and histopathological examination supported a diagnosis of EAC. The patient was prescribed a topical corticosteroid, topical antifungal, and antihistamine. Although the lesion only showed minimal improvement, the patient experienced significant reduction in pruritus with no occurrence of new lesions. Despite being a rare disease, EAC must be considered when encountering an annular erythematous plaque.

Successful basal cell carcinoma defect reconstruction using combination of rotation and advancement flap: Two case reports.

Defects resulting from surgical procedure may be challenging to reconstruct depending on the size and location. In case of large defects, primary closure is often not possible and thus requires skin flap or graft. In such cases, skin flap is advantageous as it produces a similar color and texture with the surrounding tissue. Skin flap techniques such as advancement flap, rotation flap dan transposition flap are useful in closing small defects. In moderate to large-sized defects, especially in areas with high tension, a combination of more than one type of flap might be necessary. This report describes two cases of large defects on the temple and cheek following basal cell carcinoma excisional surgery which were successfully closed using a combination of rotation and advancement flaps. Both patients showed excellent functional and cosmetic outcome.

Cutaneous lesions as the first manifestation of breast cancer: a rare case.

Cutaneous metastases due to internal malignancies are rare but, in some cases, may present as the first manifestation of an undiagnosed malignancy. A 62-year-old female presented with itchy reddish patch on the left neck which spread to the left shoulder, arm, breast, and back four weeks prior to admission. Ten days later, vesicles emerged, ruptured, and ulcerated. The patient denied any history of breast lump. Skin biopsy showed diffuse dermal nests of tumor cells infiltrating to the collagen bundles and fat tissue, which was consistent with cutaneous metastasis from the breast cancer. The patient refused further workup and treatment and eventually passed away. This case showed the importance of conducting a comprehensive evaluation in cutaneous lesions presenting with early or sudden onset, rapid evolution, tendency to bleed, that do not resolve with treatment.

Lymphedema resulting from filariasis successfully treated by surgery.

Filariasis is an infectious disease caused by a filarial worm infection transmitted by mosquito bites. The disease can result in reduced work productivity, disability and social stigma. This disease transmission process begins when a mosquito bite and suck the blood containing the microfilaria. Filarial infections have been grouped into three categories based on their location diseases of the disease: (1) lymphatics, (2) skin, and (3) body cavities. Morbidity is almost entirely due to the species that cause lymphatic diseases, and skin diseases to a lesser degree. A 28-year-old male came with a chief complaint of swollen right leg since four years ago which worsened in the last three months. Upon physical examination, edema, fibrosis, and hyper-pigmented plaques were present on the right lower extremity. The blood microfilariae examination was positive for Wuchereria bancrofti. The lymphedema did not resolve despite of antifilarial treatment and surgery was eventually performed to resect the fibrous tissue and subcutaneous edema. The patient responded well to the treatment with a significant reduction in the edema. No complication was present until two years after surgery.

Nail Fold Dermatoscopic Findings in Scleroderma Patients.

CASE 1: A 28-year-old woman with previously excellent health presented with pain, swelling, and stiffness on the face and hands, which had persisted for over 18 months. She had initially experienced intermittent pain in both knees. Skin hardening spread to both hands until the fingers could no longer be straightened. There were intermittent pain and skin hardening on the cheeks extending to the neck. These were accompanied by breathing difficulty, especially during high-intensity activity.

Unusual clinical manifestation of seborrheic keratosis on the scalp successfully treated with topical trichloroacetic acid: an atypical case report.

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are benign tumor of the skin. They can occur anywhere, except the palms and soles. SKs commonly present as multiple, pigmented papules which is classically described as verrucous stuck-on papules or plaques. A case with multiple nodular appearance is a rare case and to our knowledge has never been reported. Here we report a rare case of multiple SKs on the scalp. On clinical evaluation, multiple, erythematous hyperkeratotic nodules were present. Dermoscopic and histopathological examination supported SKs. The patient was successfully treated with topical application of 80% TCA solution.

Unusual clinical manifestation of epidermoid cyst mimicking basal cell carcinoma / Presentación clínica inusual de quiste epidermoide imitando un carcinoma basocelular

Epidermoid cyst is a type of cutaneous cyst commonly found in daily practice. The facial area is the most common area for emergence of this benign condition. Simple extirpation is usually performed to remove epidermoid cysts. However, in rare cases, epidermoid cysts can evolve into malignancies such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or can mimic them, which adds difficulty when making a proper diagnosis. In cases of doubt, histopathology plays a key role in aiding diagnosis. This case report is about a 33-year-old woman with suspected nodular lesion that mimicked BCC, but after histopathological analysis was confirmed to be epidermoid cyst

El quiste epidermoide es un tipo de quiste cutáneo que se encuentra frecuentemente en la práctica diaria. El área facial es el área más común para la aparición de esta lesión benigna. La extirpación quirúrgica simple es el procedimiento habitual para eliminar los quistes epidermoides. Sin embargo, en casos raros, los quistes epidermoides pueden evolucionar en neoplasias malignas como el carcinoma basocelular (CCB) o pueden imitarlos, lo que añade dificultad al hacer un diagnóstico adecuado. En caso de duda, la histopatología desempeña un papel clave en la ayuda al diagnóstico. Este informe de caso trata sobre una mujer de 33 años con sospecha de lesión nodular que imitaba el CCB, pero después de que se confirmó con el análisis histopatológico, que se trataba de un quiste epidermoide.

Large basal cell carcinoma defect closure on the lateral cheek using multiple advancement flaps / Cierre de defecto por carcinoma de células basales en la mejilla lateral usando múltiples flaps de avance

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). It grows slowly and very rarely metastasizes but can cause substantial morbidity due to its tendency to relapse and locally invasive nature, especially when located on the face. Excision surgery is still the gold standard treatment for primary BCC and is usually followed by reconstruction procedure. Skin flap techniques vary widely, one of which is flap advancement technique. The main benefit of flap advancement technique is the ability to hide the excision line, thus resulting in an aesthetically sound outcome. We report a case of 72-year-old female with hyperpigmented plaque brownish lump on the left lateral cheek. A diagnosis of igmented basal cell carcinoma had been confirmed through histopathological examination. The patient was treated with wide excision surgery and the defectwas closed by multiple advancement flaps. Follow-up after three months showed excellent cosmetic and functional outcome.

El carcinoma basocelular (CBC) es el tipo más común de cáncer de piel no melanoma. Crece lentamente y rara vez hace metástasis, pero puede causar una morbilidad sustancial debido a su ubicación en la cara, tendencia a la recidiva y su comportamiento invasivo local. La cirugía de escisión sigue siendo el tratamiento estándar de oro para el CBC primario y generalmente se acompañan de procedimientos reconstructivos. Las técnicas de flap varían ampliamente, una de las cuales es la técnica de avance del colgajo. El principal beneficio de la técnica de avance es la capacidad de ocultar la línea de escisión y, por lo tanto, se obtiene un resultado más estético. En este artículo reportamos el caso de una mujer de 72 años con placa hiperpigmentada y abultada en su mejilla lateral izquierda. Se había confirmado un diagnóstico de carcinoma de células basales pigmentadas mediante un examen histopatológico. El paciente fue tratado con una amplia cirugía de escisión y el defecto fue cerrado por múltiples colgajos de avance. El seguimiento después de tres meses mostró un excelente resultado cosmético y funcional.

Fechamento de um grande defeito do dorso nasal por retalho de avanço crescente bilateral da região malar ao nariz / Closure of a large nasal dorsum defect using a bilateral crescent advancement flap from the malar region to the nose

O fechamento de grandes defeitos no dorso nasal é um desafio para o dermatocirurgião. As alternativas para reparar o defeito são enxertos e alguns retalhos de pele, como o retalho de avanço crescente, que utiliza incisões em crescente no sulco nasolabial para acomodar o excesso de tecido. Esse retalho apresenta melhores resultados em defeito nas regiões lateral do nariz, alar e dobra nasolabial. Relatamos um grande defeito do dorso nasal em uma mulher de 65 anos, reconstruído com sucesso com o retalho de avanço crescente bilateral da região malar ao nariz. A paciente apresentou excelente resultado cosmético.

The closure of large defects on the nasal dorsum is a challenge for dermatologic surgeons. The alternatives to repair the defect are a skin graft and some forms of skin flaps. One particular defect closure technique is the crescentic advancement flap, which uses crescent incisions at the nasolabial fold to accommodate the excess tissue. This flap is best used if the defect is in the lateral nose, alar, and nasolabial fold. We report a large defect of the nasal dorsum in a 65-year-old woman that was successfully reconstructed using bilateral cheek-to-nose crescentic advancement flap. The patient showed excellent cosmetic and outcome.