Effects of ozone therapy applied topically, by bagging, or both on the healing of clean wounds induced in rat's skin.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ozone therapy applied topically and/or by bagging on the healing of clean wounds induced in rat's skin. METHODS: One hundred and twenty male rats of about 16 weeks old was divided into five groups: G1) saline solution (0.9%); G2) sunflower oil; G3) ozonated sunflower oil; G4) ozone bagging; G5) association of ozonated sunflower oil and ozone bagging. The wounds were evaluated through macroscopic, morphometric, histopathologic, and tensile strength analyses. RESULTS: Analysis among groups showed a lower percentage of wound contraction in G1 compared to G4 only in M7D. The tensile strength of the wounds showed differences among groups in the seventh (M7D) and the 14th (M14D) postoperative day, and among time points in G1 (M14D > M7D). The elongation of the wounds showed differences in G3 (M7D > M14D). Histological evaluation of the wounds showed significant change in bleeding, mixed to mononuclear infiltrate, congestion, and tissue disorganization for tissue organization between groups and time points. CONCLUSIONS: Ozone therapy applied topically and/or by bagging was not deleterious to the healing of clean wounds induced in rat's skin, but ozone bagging showed the best contribution to the healing process.

Role of histopathological, serological and molecular findings for the early diagnosis of treatment failure in leprosy.

BACKGROUND: Treatment failure (TF) in leprosy following multidrug therapy (MDT) presents a significant challenge. The current World Health Organization (WHO) fixed-duration MDT regimen, based on lesion count, might not be adequate. Leprosy lacks clear-cut objective cure criteria, and the predictive value of post-MDT histopathological findings remains uncertain. This study aims to identify predictive factors for TF among leprosy patients who have completed the WHO-recommended MDT. METHODS: An analysis was conducted on 80 individuals from a national leprosy reference center, comprising 40 TF cases (with a mean relapse at 13.0 months) and 40 controls (with a mean of 113.1 months without disease signs). Various epidemiological and clinical-laboratory parameters were assessed post-MDT. RESULTS: In skin samples, the presence of foamy granuloma (OR = 7.36; 95%CI2.20-24.60; p = 0.0012) and histological bacillary index (hBI) ≥ 1+ (OR = 1.55; 95%CI1. 22-1.99; p = 0.0004) were significantly associated with TF, with odds ratios of 7.36 and 1.55, respectively. Individuals who experienced TF had a mean hBI of 3.02+ (SD ± 2.02), while the control group exhibited a mean hBI of 1.8+ (SD ± 1.88). An hBI ≥ 3 + showed a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 78% for TF detection (AUC: 0.75; p = 0.0001). Other histopathological features like epithelioid granulomas, and skin changes did not show significant associations (p > 0.05). Additionally, higher anti-phenolic glycolipid-I (anti-PGL-I) ELISA index (EI) levels were linked to a 1.4-fold increased likelihood for TF (OR = 1.4; 95%CI1.13-1.74; p = 0.0019). A mean EI of 4.48 (SD ± 2.80) was observed, with an EI ≥ 3.95 showing a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 59% for TF detection (AUC: 0.74; p = 0.0001). Moreover, the presence of Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) DNA in real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was associated with a 3.43-fold higher likelihood of TF. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that concurrent presentation of neural/perineural lymphocytic infiltrate, foamy granuloma, hBI ≥ 1+, and EI ≥ 1 markedly increased the likelihood of TF by up to 95.41%. CONCLUSION: Persistence of nerve-selective lymphocytic infiltrate, foamy granulomas, and bacilli in skin biopsies, and elevated EI post-MDT, may serve as predictive factors for identifying individuals at higher probability of TF.

The DNA sensor AIM2 mediates psoriasiform inflammation by inducing type 3 immunity.

Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease characterized by abnormal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and activation of immune cells. However, the molecular driver that triggers this immune response in psoriatic skin remains unclear. The inflammation-related gene absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) was identified as a susceptibility gene/locus associated with psoriasis. In this study, we investigated the role of AIM2 in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. We found elevated levels of mitochondrial DNA in patients with psoriasis, along with high expression of AIM2 in both the human psoriatic epidermis and a mouse model of psoriasis induced by topical imiquimod (IMQ) application. Genetic ablation of AIM2 reduced the development of IMQ-induced psoriasis by decreasing the production of type 3 cytokines (such as IL-17A and IL-23) and infiltration of immune cells into the inflammatory site. Furthermore, we demonstrate that IL-17A induced AIM2 expression in keratinocytes. Finally, the genetic absence of inflammasome components downstream AIM2, ASC, and caspase-1 alleviated IMQ-induced skin inflammation. Collectively, our data show that AIM2 is involved in developing psoriasis through its canonical activation.

Unveiling inflammatory biomarkers in multibacillary leprosy: the role of lymphocyte-platelet ratio in predicting leprosy reactions.

Leprosy is a neglected contagious disease that causes physical disability and episodes of inflammation, called leprosy reactions. There are currently no consolidated laboratory markers that can predict or confirm the diagnosis of leprosy reactions, negatively impacting the progression of the disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of inflammatory biomarkers in a population of patients with multibacillary leprosy. This prospective study in a northeastern capital involved 67 new cases of multibacillary leprosy, assessing inflammatory biomarkers at diagnosis. Histopathology, qPCR, slit skin smear microscopy, and laboratory tests, including CRP-albumin, neutrophil-lymphocyte, lymphocyte-monocyte, platelet-lymphocyte ratios, and systemic immune-inflammation index, were conducted. Statistical analysis utilized Stata version 16.0®, employing Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Poisson regression (5% significance). The population, mainly young brown men with low socioeconomic status, borderline leprosy, and and degree of physical disability one, saw 19.4% experiencing leprosy reactions. Standard multibacillary multidrug therapy was administered to all. Ratios and index values exceeding medians were prevalent (46.3-47.8%). Assessing biological markers against leprosy reactions revealed a positive relation between reactions and lymphocyte-platelet ratio (p = 0.05) and a positive trend with the systemic immune-inflammation index (p = 0.06). Patients with reactions were 1.3 times more likely to exhibit an elevated lymphocyte-platelet ratio. The lymphocyte-platelet ratio emerged as a potential indicator for recognizing leprosy reactions. Further research is essential to validate these findings, aiming for earlier detection of leprosy reactions.

Erythema nodosum as an atypical dermatological manifestation of HTLV-1 infection: A case report and literature review.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of several pathologies, and some of them are not investigated, resulting in a lack of literature that impacts the correct diagnosis. Skin manifestations, such as HTLV-1-associated infectious dermatitis (IDH), are common in patients living with HTLV-1 but could not be the only one. Here, we report for the first time a patient infected with HTLV-1, without previous diagnosis of HTLV-1-related diseases, presenting erythema nodosum (EN). Given the patient's long-term asymptomatic carrier status, the emergence of EN underscores the importance of considering HTLV-1 in the differential diagnosis when encountering EN, especially in endemic regions.

Polyphenol hydroxytyrosol present olive oil improves skin wound healing of diabetic mice.

The imbalance in oxidant production and chronic inflammation are the main mechanisms that lead to the detrimental effects of diabetes on skin wound healing. Thus, administration of antioxidants could improve diabetic wound healing. This study aimed to understand the effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or hydroxytyrosol (HT) in skin wound healing under diabetic conditions. Skin wounds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were topically treated with HT. Some diabetic animals were fed with a diet rich in EVOO. Wounds were harvested 7 days later. In in vitro assays, fibroblasts and macrophages were treated with high levels of glucose and HT. The EVOO or HT promoted wound closure and collagen deposition in diabetic mouse wounds. The EVOO or HT reduced the number of infiltrated neutrophils, tumour necrosis factor-α, lipid peroxidation, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in diabetic mouse wounds. The EVOO or HT also increased the number of macrophages with anti-inflammatory phenotype and interleukin-10 in diabetic mouse wounds. In the in vitro assays, HT promoted the fibroblast migration, collagen gel contraction, and switched macrophages to an anti-inflammatory phenotype under high glucose conditions. In conclusion, the diet supplementation with EVOO or topical application of HT promotes skin wound healing under diabetic conditions and can be a possible therapeutic tool for the treatment of those lesions.

Evaluation of enteral and parenteral hyaluronic acid in induced ischemic skin flaps in rats: a double-blinded and randomized study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA) derived from bacterial fermentation through enteral and parenteral routes in ischemic skin flaps induced in rats, using clinical and histological exams; and interleukins (IL) as tissue inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS: Sixty-four male adults Wistar rats with ischemic skin flaps on the dorsum were randomized into four groups, based on the treatment protocol: subcutaneous administration of saline solution (0.9%) (GI); oral administration of distilled water (GII); subcutaneous administration of HA (0.3%) (GIII); and oral administration of HA (1%) (GIV). Flaps of all groups were comparable regarding clinical and macroscopic evaluation, histological examination, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. RESULTS: A lower percentage of necrosis was identified in flaps treated with subcutaneous administration of HA (0.3%). The pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, epidermis thickness, blood vessels, and inflammatory cells showed statistically significant inter-group and intra-group differences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High molecular HA (1,400 ~ 2,000 kDa) administrated by subcutaneous or oral route exhibited beneficial effects in ischemic skin flaps of rats. However, subcutaneous administration of HA (0.3%) showed better results in terms of the percentage of necrosis and epithelialization.

IL-17 in skin infections and homeostasis.

Interleukin (IL) 17 is a proinflammatory cytokine belonging to a structurally related group of cytokines known as the IL-17 family. It has been profoundly studied for its contribution to the pathology of autoimmune diseases. However, it also plays an important role in homeostasis and the defense against extracellular bacteria and fungi. IL-17 is important for epithelial barriers, including the skin, where some of its cellular targets reside. Most of the research work on IL-17 has focused on its effects in the skin within the context of autoimmune diseases or sterile inflammation, despite also having impact on other skin conditions. In recent years, studies on the role of IL-17 in the defense against skin pathogens and in the maintenance of skin homeostasis mediated by the microbiota have grown in importance. Here we review and discuss the cumulative evidence regarding the main contribution of IL-17 in the maintenance of skin integrity as well as its protective or pathogenic effects during some skin infections.

The GBA1 K198E Variant Is Associated with Suppression of Glucocerebrosidase Activity, Autophagy Impairment, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Damage, and Apoptosis in Skin Fibroblasts.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial, chronic, and progressive neurodegenerative disorder inducing movement alterations as a result of the loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the pars compacta in the substantia nigra and protein aggregates of alpha synuclein (α-Syn). Although its etiopathology agent has not yet been clearly established, environmental and genetic factors have been suggested as the major contributors to the disease. Mutations in the glucosidase beta acid 1 (GBA1) gene, which encodes the lysosomal glucosylceramidase (GCase) enzyme, are one of the major genetic risks for PD. We found that the GBA1 K198E fibroblasts but not WT fibroblasts showed reduced catalytic activity of heterozygous mutant GCase by -70% but its expression levels increased by 3.68-fold; increased the acidification of autophagy vacuoles (e.g., autophagosomes, lysosomes, and autolysosomes) by +1600%; augmented the expression of autophagosome protein Beclin-1 (+133%) and LC3-II (+750%), and lysosomal-autophagosome fusion protein LAMP-2 (+107%); increased the accumulation of lysosomes (+400%); decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) by -19% but the expression of Parkin protein remained unperturbed; increased the oxidized DJ-1Cys106-SOH by +900%, as evidence of oxidative stress; increased phosphorylated LRRK2 at Ser935 (+1050%) along with phosphorylated α-synuclein (α-Syn) at pathological residue Ser129 (+1200%); increased the executer apoptotic protein caspase 3 (cleaved caspase 3) by +733%. Although exposure of WT fibroblasts to environmental neutoxin rotenone (ROT, 1 µM) exacerbated the autophagy-lysosomal system, oxidative stress, and apoptosis markers, ROT moderately increased those markers in GBA1 K198E fibroblasts. We concluded that the K198E mutation endogenously primes skin fibroblasts toward autophagy dysfunction, OS, and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that the GBA1 K198E fibroblasts are biochemically and molecularly equivalent to the response of WT GBA1 fibroblasts exposed to ROT.

VL-HIV co-infection with Leishmania containing skin lesions resembling para-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniases are a group of neglected vector-borne infectious diseases that are among the six priority endemic diseases worldwide. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe clinical manifestation, characterized by systemic and chronic visceral involvement and high mortality in immunosuppressed and untreated patients. VL can be complicated into post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), and when dermatologic disorders occur simultaneously with active VL, an intermediate clinical form called para-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (para-KDL) occurs. This clinical form is of great epidemiological relevance, as humans act as a source of infection for vectorial transmission. In the Americas, Brazil is among the seven countries responsible for more than 90% of VL cases, though reports of PKDL and para-KDL are rare. This paper presents three cases of VL-HIV co-infection with Leishmania-containing skin lesions resembling para-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. The cases were investigated by the team from the Infectious Diseases Department of University Hospital (HUMAP/UFMS) in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The three patients exhibited skin lesions where amastigote forms of L. (L.) infantum were identified. All cases exhibited similar clinical manifestations of para-KDL, including fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, and disseminated skin lesions. The study described the prevalence of comorbidities, the incidence of VL relapse, and the therapeutic regimen in relation to the outcomes. The study underscores the importance of follow-up and secondary prophylaxis in patients with VL, which are essential for the efficacy of the treatment. Furthermore, the study provides insight into the potential epidemiological profile of para-KDL cases in Brazil, which contributes to the development of more efficient clinical management strategies for patients.

A review of lobomycosis and lobomycosis-like skin disease in cetaceans worldwide, with new data from the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Lobomycosis, also called paracoccidioidomycosis ceti, is a chronic mycotic cutaneous disease affecting odontocetes. Lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) has a clinical presentation consistent with lobomycosis but lacks a histological and molecular diagnosis. We review the literature on lobomycosis aetiology, clinical signs and pathogenesis, species affected and geographic distribution and examine the factors influencing the presence, transmission and prevalence of the disease, to better understand its ecology. In addition, we provide unpublished information on LLD in two common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) communities inhabiting the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Lobomycosis and LLD occur in Delphinidae from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans between 33°N and 35°S. Primary risk factors include habitat, sex, age, sociality, and pollution. In dolphins from the Americas and Japan, lobomycosis is caused by Paracoccidioides ceti, family Ajellomycetaceae. The disease is characterized by cutaneous granulomatous lesions that may occur anywhere on the body, grow to large size, and may ulcerate. Histologically, the lesions consist of acanthosis and histiocytic granulomas between the skin and subcutaneous tissues, with inflammatory changes that extend deep into the dermis. Multiple yeast cells with a double refringent layer stained positive using Gomori-Grocott methenamine silver in the dermis of a T. truncatus from Ecuador diagnosed with LLD since 2011, a first record for the Southeast Pacific. Injuries may enable the entry of P. ceti into the dermis while skin contact likely favours transmission, putting males at higher risk than females. Lobomycosis and LLD may have a negative impact on small communities already threatened by anthropogenic factors.

We review lobomycosis and lobomycosis-like disease in cetaceans and give new information for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Caused by Paracoccidioides ceti, the disease affects several dolphin species worldwide, including in Ecuador, for which we present a first record.

Obesity alters the macrophages' response to Leishmania major in C57BL/6 mice.

Obesity is a global pandemic associated with several comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. It is also a predisposing factor for infectious diseases, increasing mortality rates. Moreover, diet-induced obesity can cause metabolic fluctuations that affect macrophage differentiation in various organs. In this sense, we investigated how bone marrow-derived macrophages and tissue-resident macrophages in the skin, which have been differentiated in a host with metabolic syndrome and with previous inflammatory burden, respond to Leishmania major infection. Our findings suggest that bone marrow-derived macrophages from obese C57BL/6 mice, even when cultivated in vitro with inflammatory stimuli, are more susceptible to L. major. These macrophages produce less tumor necrosing factor (TNF) and nitric oxide (NO) and show higher arginase activity. Furthermore, obese mice infected with an intermediate dose of L. major in the skin had more severe lesions when analyzed for ulceration, diameter, thickness, and parasite burden. The increase in lesion severity in obese mice was associated with a higher frequency of tissue-resident macrophages, which are less efficient in killing parasites. We also used CCR2-/- mice, which predominantly have tissue-resident macrophages, and found that lesion resolution was delayed in association with CCR2 deficiency. Additionally, obesity potentiated tissue damage, resulting in higher frequency of tissue-resident macrophages. Our results demonstrate that obesity can alter macrophage responses to infection, leading to increased susceptibility to L. major and more severe cutaneous leishmaniasis. These findings may have important implications for managing obesity-related infections and the development of new therapies for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Dermoscopy as a clinical tool for the diagnosis of demodicosis: a retrospective intrapatient case-control study.

Dermoscopy has been used for the non-invasive diagnosis of demodicosis. Several studies have evaluated the usefulness of this tool in the diagnosis, however, there are differences in the gold standard (SSSB or KOH test) and criteria of positivity used between studies. Added to this, is the lack of controls and objective quantification of the usefulness of dermoscopic signs in clinically observable and relevant ranges. To validate the usefulness of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of demodicosis by calculating the performance indicators for the different dermoscopic signs. Retrospective intrapatient case-control study, which included adults with suspicion of demodicosis. Dermoscopic photographs and scraping of healthy and lesional skin were obtained. Samples were analyzed microscopically by trained personnel. Photographs were evaluated by determining the presence of Demodex tails (DT), dilated follicular openings (DFO) and dilated blood vessels (DBV) in pre-defined ranges. 64 patients were included (total = 256 samples); the presence of demodex on skin scraping was seen in 69%. Under dermoscopy, the presence of DT in range 11-20/field had a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 12.10 (95%CI 6.52-22.45) and negative LR 0.32 (95%CI 0.23-0.45). Combined and dichotomized performance for at least one positive sign under dermoscopy (DT > 10/field, DFO > 10/field or DBV > 50% of the field): positive LR 7.14 (95%CI 4.80-10.62) and negative LR 0.11 (95%CI 0.06-0.22). The presence of DT, DFO or DBV has a high correlation with a positive mite test, so the diagnosis of demodicosis could be made only through dermoscopy.

Histopathological findings and diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, confirmed by PCR, in an endemic region of Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is difficult, and the correct use of histopathological criteria can be useful in clinical practice. The present study evaluates the association between histopathological findings and the results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in clinically suspected cases of CL. METHODOLOGY: Skin samples were received in a laboratory from an endemic region of Brazil for over nine years. Associations were analyzed by means of the Chi square test with a 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Of the 222 examined samples, 190 (85.6%) tested positive by PCR. All 25 cases identified by microscopic examination also tested positive by PCR. Except for the more intense inflammatory infiltrate, all other evaluated histological variables (ulceration, epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, presence of granuloma, neutrophils, histiocytes, lymphocytes, plasmocytes, and necrosis) were not significantly associated with PCR positivity. CONCLUSIONS: The intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate is a good indicator of the occurrence of CL. Histopathological aspects are useful to increase the predictive values of CL diagnoses, but PCR is still necessary to confirm or exclude the disease.

Improved brachial skin hydration and appearance with hyperdiluted calcium hydroxylapatite.

INTRODUCTION: The search for minimally invasive treatments for areas not covered by clothing, such as the arms, has increased, particularly to combat flaccidity resulting from factors such as aging and weight loss. This study evaluated the efficacy of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), an injectable biostimulator, in improving flaccidity and hydration of the skin of the arms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six women between 40 and 50 years old with visible signs of brachial flaccidity were selected. Calcium hydroxyapatite was injected into the arms in a 1:4 dilution (1.5 mL per side), with subjective evaluation based on the GAIS score and objective hydration analysis using corneometry. RESULTS: After a single application of CaHA, there was a significant increase in skin hydration (12.2%), objectively assessed by corneometry. Patient and physician satisfaction was high, evidenced by visible improvements in photographs and by the GAIS score. No significant adverse events were reported, demonstrating the safety of the procedure. DISCUSSION: Our clinical observations confirm the ability of CaHA to visibly improve arm flaccidity. In addition, hydration measures support previous histological studies demonstrating increases in dermal proteoglycans. Compared to other studies, the increase in skin hydration with CaHA was similar to those obtained with hyaluronic acid, suggesting comparable results with a more comfortable and less invasive technique. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the efficacy of CaHA in improving hydration of brachial skin after a single treatment. Despite the limitations of the sample size, the research contributes to the medical literature, highlighting the utility of the 3 mL CaHA presentation for brachial treatment with objective results in skin hydration.

Use of rainbow trout skin treated with glutaraldehyde as a mesh for abdominal hernioplasty in rats.

PURPOSE: To test the use of rainbow trout skin as a surgical mesh in abdominal hernioplasties in rats. METHODS: The experiment involved 20 Wistar rats receiving implants of trout skin processed for disinfection in 0.5% glutaraldehyde and preserved in 100% glycerin. The animals were divided into four groups, divided at 7, 15, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Clinical and infrared thermography evaluations were performed, and after euthanasia, assessments of adhesion formations and sample collection for histological evaluation were conducted. RESULTS: The implant was observed to be intact, ensuring the integrity of the abdominal wall, support for the viscera, and normal mobility for the rats for up to 90 days. Low rates of clinical alterations were observed, with an intense inflammatory reaction up to day 7, chronic inflammation and the onset of angiogenesis at day 15, and a low inflammatory reaction with collagenous infiltrate and fibrosis at day 30. At day 90, the implants showed a collagenous and fibrotic infiltrate with a minimal inflammatory infiltrate. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical mesh of trout skin performed well, making it a potential alternative for surgical procedures in muscle aponeurotic corrections in the abdominal wall.

In Vivo Evaluation of Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOBS) by 1064-nm Nd:YAG Fractional Picosecond Laser With Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Precise Histopathologic Correlation.

OBJECTIVES: Picosecond lasers with a microlens array can cause laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOBS) and LIC (Intradermal laser-induced cavitation) within high-fluence areas. This study aimed to describe the clinical, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), histopathological findings, and the characteristics of vacuoles caused by LIOBS and LIC in individuals with skin types III and IV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on six Chilean healthy volunteers, males and females, aged 35-65 years old with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III-IV. The laser was applied in the inner proximal area of the nondominant arm. RCM evaluation was performed 24 h later; 48 h later, skin biopsies were performed on the laser-treated areas. Clinical, histological, and RCM findings were recorded. RESULTS: Every individual developed a 10 mm2 area of clinical erythema in the treated area. Under RCM, all six volunteers had hyporeflective spherical structures at the level of the epidermis, consistent with intraepidermal vacuoles. Histopathological evaluation revealed different sizes of vacuoles in both the epidermis and dermis. CONCLUSION: The LIOBS and LIC processes and the secondary production of vacuoles could be highly valuable for effective dermal remodeling treatment and aid in promoting the production of new collagen, elastic fibers, and growth factors that could improve skin texture. These structures were visible under RCM and histopathological evaluation.

Indole-3-carbinol loaded-nanocapsules modulated inflammatory and oxidative damages and increase skin wound healing in rats.

This study evaluated the effects of topically applied hydrogels (HG) containing nanoencapsulated indol-3-carbinol (I3C) and its free form in a rat model of skin wounds. Formulations were topically applied twice a day for five days to the wounds. On days 1, 3, and 6, the wound area was measured to verify the % of regression. On the sixth day, the animals were euthanized for the analysis of the inflammatory and oxidative profile in wounds. The nanocapsules (NC) exhibited physicochemical characteristics compatible with this kind of suspension. After five hours of exposure to ultraviolet C, more than 78% of I3C content in the suspensions was still observed. The NC-I3C did not modify the physicochemical characteristics of HG when compared to the HG base. In the in vivo study, an increase in the size of the wound was observed on the 3rd experimental day, which was lower in the treated groups (mainly in HG-NC-I3C) compared to the control. On the 6th day, HG-I3C, HG-NC-B, and HG-NC-I3C showed lower regression of the wound compared to the control. Additionally, HG-NC-I3C exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect (as observed by decreased levels of interleukin-1B and myeloperoxidase), reduced oxidative damage (by decreased reactive species, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation levels), and increased antioxidant defense (by improved catalase activity and vitamin C levels) compared to the control. The current study showed more satisfactory results in the HG-NC-I3C group than in the free form of I3C in decreasing acute inflammation and oxidative damage in wounds.

I3C nanocapsules exhibited characteristics compatible with this kind of suspension;On 3rd day, I3C nanocapsules prevented the increase of wound area;I3C nanocapsules decreased oxidative damage in wound tissue;Inflammatory proteins were decreased in I3C nanocapsules treated group.

Modulation of gene expression in skin wound healing by photobiomodulation therapy: A systematic review in vivo studies.

BACKGROUND: Wound healing is a multistep process involving coordinated responses of a variety of cell types, cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular matrix (ECM) components leading to the physiological restoration of tissue integrity. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been highlighted as an approach to improve the healing process, nonetheless at the molecular level, the effects of PBMT are not entirely understood. AIM: To systematically review publications that investigated gene expression after PBMT during in vivo skin repair. METHODS: An electronic search was undertaken in Medline Ovid (Wolters Kluwer), PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Web of Science (Thomson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier), Embase, and LILACS databases. The search strategy was conducted from the terms: low-level light therapy, gene expression, and wound healing and their synonyms. The databases were consulted in December 2023 and no publication year limit was used. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in this review and the expression of 186 genes was evaluated. PBMT modified the expression of several targets genes studied, such as down-regulation of genes related to extracellular matrix proteases (MMP2 and MMP9) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL10 and IL6) and up-regulation of DNMT3A and BFGF. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates that PBMT is capable of regulating gene expression during wound healing. Most evidence showed a positive impact of PBMT in regulating genes linked to inflammatory cytokines improving skin wound healing. Yet, the effects of PBMT in genes involved in other mechanisms still need to be better understood.