Objective: Although the close interactions between the epidermis and dermis of the skin have been widely explored, the skin barrier functions of the stratum corneum (SC) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) are not well known. We aimed to investigate the biophysical characteristics of the skin, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the SC water content, erythema, and the melanin index, in patients with SSc and pSS. Methods: This case-control study included 34 patients with SSc, 31 patients with pSS, and 25 healthy controls. All parameters were measured on the extensor surface of the forearm and compared between patients and healthy controls. In patients with SSc, we performed subgroup analyses by disease subtype (diffuse and limited cutaneous SSc), the modified Rodnan skin sclerosis score (>6 or ≤6), and comorbid secondary SS status. In patients with pSS, subgroup analyses were performed by anti-Ro/SSA antibody status and the findings of salivary gland ultrasound. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in TEWL or skin hydration between patients with SSc and pSS and healthy controls. In the pSS group, only the erythema index was significantly increased compared to the control group. In subgroup analyses, no significant differences were observed in the extent of TEWL or skin hydration by disease subtype, severity, autoantibody profile, or comorbidities. Conclusion Patients with SSc or pSS did not exhibit specific impairments of skin barrier function or skin hydration. Further studies with larger sample sizes and age-matched controls are required.

Background: Recent studies suggest that MEK1/2 inhibitors, including binimetinib, significantly improve malignant melanoma (MM) patient survival. Growing evidence suggests that phytochemicals, especially curcumin, can overcome drug resistance in cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms. Objective: This study aims to examine curcumin’s efficacy in vitro combined with binimetinib in human MM cells. Methods: We used 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid human epidermal melanocyte culture models, HEMn-MP (human epidermal melanocytes, neonatal, moderately pigmented), and two human MM cell lines, G361 and SK-MEL-2, to evaluate cell viability, proliferation, migration, death, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production following single therapy treatment, with either curcumin or binimetinib, or a combination of both. Results: Compared to MM cells treated with single therapy, those with combination therapy showed significantly decreased cell viability and increased ROS production. We observed apoptosis following both single and combination therapies. However only those who had had combination therapy had necroptosis. Conclusion Collectively, our data demonstrates that curcumin exerts significant synergistic anticancer effects on MM cells by inducing ROS and necroptosis when combined with binimetinib. Therefore, a strategy of adding curcumin to conventional anticancer agents holds promise for treating MM.

Background: Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and metastatic skin cancers. Although overexpression of Dock180 and Elmo1 has been identified in various cancers, including glioma, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer, their expression and functions in melanoma remain unknown. Objective: This study aims to confirm the expression of Dock180 and Elmo1, their underlying mechanisms, and roles in melanoma. Methods: Both immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting were used to confirm expression of Dock180 and Elmo1 in human melanoma. To identify roles of Dock180 and Elmo1 in cell survival, apoptosis and migration, downregulation of Dock180 or Elmo1 in melanoma cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA) was performed. Results: We identified overexpression of Dock180 and Elmo1 in human melanoma compared to normal skin ex vivo. Inhibition of Dock180 or Elmo1 following siRNA in melanoma cells reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis as supported by increased proportion of cells with Annexin V-PE (+) staining and sub-G0/G1 peak in cell cycle analysis. Moreover, inhibition of Dock180 or Elmo1 regulated apoptosis-related proteins, showing downregulation of Bcl-2, caspase-3, and PARP and upregulation of Bax, PUMA, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP. Furthermore, knockdown of Dock180 and Elmo1 in melanoma cells reduced cell migration and changed cellular signaling pathways including ERK and AKT. Vemurafenib decreased cell viability in concentration-dependent manner, while transfection with Dock180- or Elmo1-specific siRNA in melanoma cells significantly reduced cell viability. Conclusion Our results suggest that both Dock180 and Elmo1 may be associated with cancer progression, and can be potential targets for treatment of melanoma.

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common non-scarring alopecia that affects both males and females. Two medical treatments, finasteride and minoxidil, have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, both treatments do not always show satisfactory outcomes, and several adverse effects have been reported. In 2007, low-level light therapy (LLLT) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of AGA; however, its effect in combination with topical minoxidil has been controversial. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a combination therapy of LLLT and topical minoxidil versus topical minoxidil monotherapy for AGA. Methods: Literature search of Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed databases was conducted. One controlled clinical trial and four randomized controlled trials were included. Statistical analyses of the extracted outcome data from the studies were performed using Rex Software (version 3.6.3). Results: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the combination therapy showed significant improvement in hair density (n/cm2 ; standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04∼0.97; p=0.0315) and hair thickness (μm; SMD, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.29∼1.00; p=0.0004) compared to the monotherapy, but not in photographic score (SMD, 1.13; 95% CI, −0.09∼2.35; p=0.0696). Sex-based subgroup analyses revealed a statistically significant difference in hair density and thickness in female patients. However, there were no significant differences in the photographic score and hair density of male patients. Conclusion LLLT could be an effective adjunct to topical minoxidil for the treatment of AGA, especially in female patients. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Background: Pityriasis rosea is a self-limiting, acute, or subacute inflammatory skin disease that usually starts with a herald patch on the trunk and progresses to a generalized rash over the trunk and limbs. Some clinical trials have suggested that antibiotic macrolides help shorten the duration of skin manifestations in pityriasis rosea; however, the extent of the benefits is unclear. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic macrolides compared to placebo in pityriasis rosea. Methods: A computerized search was performed using different databases, including Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed. Five randomized controlled trials were included. Then, statistical analyses of the outcome data extracted from the studies were performed using Rex Software (version 3.0.1). Results: Total 160 records were identified by searching databases including Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated statistical differences between the use of antibiotic macrolides and placebo in the complete and partial resolution of pityriasis rosea (effectiveness) (RR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.21∼2.78, p=0.004).However, in subgroup analyses, there were no statistical differences compared to placebo in the skin manifestation effectiveness group for azithromycin and clarithromycin, whereas erythromycin showed statistical differences. Conclusion Erythromycin was superior to placebo in the treatment of pityriasis rosea. However, this study had some limitations, including insufficient articles and data. Therefore, further investigation is required.

Background: Pityriasis rosea is a self-limiting, acute, or subacute inflammatory skin disease that usually starts with a herald patch on the trunk and progresses to a generalized rash over the trunk and limbs. Some clinical trials have suggested that antibiotic macrolides help shorten the duration of skin manifestations in pityriasis rosea; however, the extent of the benefits is unclear. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic macrolides compared to placebo in pityriasis rosea. Methods: A computerized search was performed using different databases, including Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed. Five randomized controlled trials were included. Then, statistical analyses of the outcome data extracted from the studies were performed using Rex Software (version 3.0.1). Results: Total 160 records were identified by searching databases including Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated statistical differences between the use of antibiotic macrolides and placebo in the complete and partial resolution of pityriasis rosea (effectiveness) (RR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.21∼2.78, p=0.004).However, in subgroup analyses, there were no statistical differences compared to placebo in the skin manifestation effectiveness group for azithromycin and clarithromycin, whereas erythromycin showed statistical differences. Conclusion Erythromycin was superior to placebo in the treatment of pityriasis rosea. However, this study had some limitations, including insufficient articles and data. Therefore, further investigation is required.

Background: Fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) has been used to treat keloid and hypertrophic scars as monotherapy or combination therapy, including intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (ITAC). However, whether the combination of FCL and ITAC is really effective compared with other treatments, such as ITAC monotherapy in treating keloid and hypertrophic scars, remains unclear.
Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness of FCL plus ITAC compared with ITAC monotherapy in treating keloid and hypertrophic scars. Methods: A computerized search was performed in different databases, including Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed.One randomized controlled trial and two controlled clinical trials were included. Statistical analyses of the extracted outcome data from the studies were then calculated using the Rex Software (version 3.0.1). Results: A total of 203 records were identified by searching databases, including Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed.The meta-analysis results, including three studies, demonstrated that although FCL combined with ITAC showed a slightly pronounced improvement in keloid and hypertrophic scars than ITAC monotherapy, there was no statistical difference (SMD: 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.10∼0.61, p=0.1541). Conclusion FCL combined with ITAC may not be a cost-effective treatment for the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars due to similar effectiveness compared with ITAC monotherapy. However, this study had limitations, including insufficiency of published articles and data. Therefore, further investigations are needed.