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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Combination of topical and oral glutathione as a skin-whitening agent: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The antimelanogenesis effect of topical and oral glutathione has been shown in several in vitro and clinical studies. However, whether combination of topical and oral glutathione is superior to topical or oral monotherapy is unknown. This study aimed to compare the skin-whitening effect of topical and oral glutathione combination therapy against topical and oral monotherapy. METHODS: This double-blind randomized controlled study was done on 46 participants who were divided into two equal groups. Each group received oral placebo and oral glutathione, respectively. All participants were also instructed to apply topical placebo and glutathione to each facial side, respectively. Colorimeter examination was done biweekly using mexameter and chromameter for 8 weeks. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare the results of all groups. RESULTS: The combination group showed significantly lower melanin index (MI) and L* score to placebo (P < 0.05). The mean MI and L* score of the combination group were the highest of all groups. Statistical significance of difference in L* score was reached when the combination group was compared to the oral placebo and topical glutathione group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that topical and oral glutathione were effective skin-lightening agents. Furthermore, combination of topical and oral glutathione might be superior to monotherapy.

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.

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.

Randomized control trial outcomes of tranexamic acid combination serum as a depigmenting agent for the use in healthy individuals.

To compare the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TA) combination serum with hydroquinone, the gold standard in whitening agents for healthy populations. This was a three-arm randomized controlled trial. The subjects were divided into three groups: the first group received 3% TA combination serum (3% TA, 4% galactomyces ferment filtrate, 2% niacinamide, and 4% alpha arbutin), the second group received 2% TA combination serum, and the third group received 4% hydroquinone. One milliliter of each serum was applied on three holes: Hole A, which was located 4 cm from the left cubital fossa, Hole B, which was located 4 cm from the first hole, and Hole C, which was located 4 cm from the right cubital fossa. The skin brightness and pigmentation intensity were evaluated each week for 4 weeks using a chromameter. A total of 44 subjects were recruited for this study. All groups showed a significant improvement in skin brightness and pigmentation intensity after 4 weeks (p < .001). There were no differences between the treatment groups and hydroquinone (p > .05). TA serum (2 and 3%) combined with 4% galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin is an effective depigmenting agent.