1.Research progress of genetic research on POIKTMP syndrome.
Hui YANG ; Rong XIANG ; Liangliang FAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(3):228-233
Hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma with tendon contractures, myopathy, and pulmonary fibrosis (POIKTMP) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder. It may also involve many other organ systems, leading to complications such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, liver dysfunction, lymphedema, and developmental delay. The FAM111B has been determined as the pathogenic gene associated with POIKTMP syndrome, whose protein product plays a critical role in regulating essential cellular processes including DNA repair and replication, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, nuclear transport, and telomere length maintenance. This article has provided a comprehensive review for the genetic basis of POIKTMP syndrome and its correlation with various phenotypes, which may offer insights for basic research and clinical diagnosis of this disease.
Humans
;
Pulmonary Fibrosis/genetics*
;
Skin Diseases, Genetic/genetics*
2.Bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis in a 65-year-old Filipino woman secondary to enoxaparin: A case report.
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(1):92-95
Bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis (BHD) is a rare cutaneous manifestation characterized by tense hemorrhagic bullae that appear at sites distant from low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injections, typically within seven days of exposure. As of March 2022, only 94 cases have been reported. It most commonly affects elderly males with predisposing factors for thromboembolism, such as carcinoma, and usually involves the extremities.
This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis (BHD) in patients receiving low molecular weight heparin, even beyond the typical 7-day window and in demographics not commonly affected. Early recognition and prompt discontinuation of the offending agent, as demonstrated in this atypical presentation involving a Filipino elderly woman with multiple comorbidities and no malignancy, can lead to favorable outcomes. Clinicians should be aware of this rare but reversible complication to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management.
Human ; Female ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Affect ; Aged ; Blister ; Carcinoma ; Causality ; Demography ; Diagnostic Errors ; Enoxaparin ; Extremities ; Heparin ; Heparin, Low-molecular-weight ; Index ; Injections ; Lead ; Male ; Molecular Weight ; Neoplasms ; Patients ; Research Report ; Skin Diseases ; Thromboembolism ; Women
3.Research progress on cellular metabolic reprogramming in skin fibrosis.
Shutong QIAN ; Siya DAI ; Chunyi GUO ; Jinghong XU
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(5):592-601
Skin fibrosis is primarily characterized by excessive fibroblasts proliferation and aberrant extracellular matrix accumulation, leading to pathological conditions such as hypertrophic scars, keloids, and systemic sclerosis. This dynamic and complex process involves intricate interactions among various resident skin cells and inflammatory cells, ultimately resulting in extracellular matrix deposition and even invasive growth. The maintenance of cellular phenotypes and functions relies on dynamic metabolic responses, and cellular signal transduction is closely coupled with metabolic processes. Given that the coupling of cell metabolism and signaling in the skin fibrosis microenvironment plays a critical role in inflammatory responses and fibrotic activation, modulation of these metabolic pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies for inhibiting or even reversing the progression of skin fibrosis. This review systematically summarizes the metabolic characteristics of various cell types involved in skin fibrosis, with a focus on core metabolic reprogramming mechanisms such as hyperactive glycolysis, dysregulated fatty acid metabolism, cellular metabolic dysfunction and dysregulated mTOR/AMPK signaling. Furthermore, potential intervention strategies targeting these metabolic pathways are explored, thereby providing new research perspectives for the treatment of skin fibrosis.
Humans
;
Fibrosis/metabolism*
;
Skin/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Fibroblasts/pathology*
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
;
Skin Diseases/pathology*
;
Cellular Reprogramming
;
Metabolic Reprogramming
4.Clinical Analysis of Cutaneous Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Post-Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Childhood.
Yu-Xian WANG ; Hao XIONG ; Zhi CHEN ; Li YANG ; Fang TAO ; Yu DU ; Zhuo WANG ; Ming SUN ; Shan-Shan QI ; Lin-Lin LUO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1461-1467
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical features and risk factors associated with cutaneous chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in children.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children who underwent allo-HSCT in the Wuhan Children's Hospital from August 1, 2016, to December 31, 2023, and were regularly followed up for 1 year or more. The differences in clinical features between children with and without cutaneous cGVHD were compared, and the risk factors affecting the occurrence of cutaneous cGVHD were analyzed.
RESULTS:
During the study period, 296 children received allo-HSCT. Until December 31, 2024, follow-up showed that 20 children (6.8%) developed cutaneous cGVHD, which manifested as cutaneous lichenification, hyperpigmentation, keratosis pilaris, sclerotic changes, and hair or nail involvement. According to their skin lesion area and degree of grading, 5 cases were mild, 10 cases were moderate, and 5 cases were severe. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female donors and previous acute GVHD were risk factors for the development of cutaneous cGVHD after allo-HSCT. All 20 children were treated with glucocorticoid ± calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus/cyclosporine) as first-line therapeutic agents. Only 1 child improved after first-line treatment. The remaining 19 children treated with a second-line regimen of combination interventions based on individualized status, including 10 children who could not tolerate hormonotherapy or first-line treatment, and showed no significant improvement after 3 months, as well as 9 children with multi-organ cGVHD. After comprehensive second-line treatment, 17 children showed improvement in cutaneous symptoms. There were 3 deaths, including 1 due to primary disease recurrence and 2 due to pulmonary infections.
CONCLUSION
The skin is the first manifestation and most common organ involved in cGVHD in children. Cutaneous cGVHD severely affects the daily activities of transplanted children and requires prolonged immunosuppressive therapy, but has a favorable prognosis. First-line treatments for adults are not applicable to children who usually require a combination treatment with multiple drugs.
Humans
;
Graft vs Host Disease/etiology*
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Risk Factors
;
Female
;
Child
;
Skin Diseases/etiology*
;
Chronic Disease
;
Transplantation, Homologous
;
Male
;
Child, Preschool
;
Adolescent
5.Characteristics and differential diagnosis of common verrucous proliferative skin diseases under dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy.
Lu ZHOU ; Yule FU ; Jian HUANG ; Zhen TANG ; Jianyun LU ; Lina TAN ; Dan WANG ; Jinrong ZENG ; Jia WANG ; Lihua GAO
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(3):358-365
OBJECTIVES:
Verrucous epidermal nevus (VEN), seborrheic keratosis (SK), verruca plana (VP), verruca vulgaris (VV), and nevus sebaceous (NS) are common verrucous proliferative skin diseases with similar clinical appearances, often posing diagnostic challenges. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) can aid in their differentiation, yet their specific features under these tools have not been systematically described. This study aims to summarize and analyze the dermoscopic and RCM features of VEN, SK, VP, VV, and NS.
METHODS:
A total of 121 patients with histopathologically confirmed verrucous proliferative skin diseases were enrolled. Dermoscopy and RCM imaging was used to observe and analyze the microscopic features of these conditions.
RESULTS:
Under dermoscopy, the 5 diseases displayed distinct characteristics: VEN typically showed gyriform structures; SK was characterized by gyriform structures, comedo-like openings, and milia-like cysts; VP and VV featured dotted vessels and frogspawn-like structures; NS presented as brownish-yellow globules. RCM revealed shared features such as hyperkeratosis and acanthosis across all 5 diseases. Specific features included gyriform structures and elongated rete ridges in VEN; pseudocysts and gyriform structures in SK; evenly distributed ring-like structures in VP; vacuolated cells and papillomatous proliferation in VV; and frogspawn-like structures in NS.
CONCLUSIONS
These 5 verrucous proliferative skin conditions exhibit distinguishable features under both dermoscopy and RCM. The combination of these 2 noninvasive imaging modalities holds significant clinical value for the differential diagnosis of verrucous proliferative skin diseases.
Humans
;
Dermoscopy/methods*
;
Diagnosis, Differential
;
Microscopy, Confocal/methods*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Adolescent
;
Keratosis, Seborrheic/pathology*
;
Young Adult
;
Warts/diagnosis*
;
Child
;
Aged
;
Skin Diseases/pathology*
;
Nevus, Sebaceous of Jadassohn/diagnosis*
;
Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Child, Preschool
6.Diagnostic value of reflectance confocal microscopy in papular dermatoses of the female vulva.
Zhen TANG ; Lingxue HU ; Yu RAO ; Ruijian REN ; Shu DING
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(3):366-372
OBJECTIVES:
Papular dermatoses commonly affecting the female vulva, such as molluscum contagiosum, syringoma, lymphangioma, folliculitis, verruca vulgaris, ectopic sebaceous glands, and bowenoid papulosis, often present with similar clinical appearances and are frequently misdiagnosed. This study aims to explore the clinical diagnostic value of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in differentiating these conditions.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on RCM imaging and histopathological findings from lesion sites in 172 female patients with vulval papular dermatoses. RCM characteristics confirmed by biopsy were summarized and diagnostic clues were explored.
RESULTS:
RCM diagnosis was consistent with histopathological diagnosis in 147 out of 172 cases (85.47%). Molluscum contagiosum, syringoma, lymphangioma, and folliculitis all exhibited cystic-like structures under RCM, differing in the location of the structures, wall characteristics, internal contents, and reflectivity. Verruca vulgaris, ectopic sebaceous glands, and bowenoid papulosis lacked such structures. Verruca vulgaris showed distinctive low-refractive vacuolated cells in the spinous layer; bowenoid papulosis exhibited mild cytologic atypia in the spinous layer; ectopic sebaceous glands were characterized by moderately to low-refractive, fish roe-like sebaceous lobules within the dermis.
CONCLUSIONS
RCM enables noninvasive, real-time, and dynamic visualization of key diagnostic and differential features of common vulvar papular dermatoses in women, offering high diagnostic value.
Humans
;
Female
;
Microscopy, Confocal/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Adult
;
Vulvar Diseases/diagnosis*
;
Middle Aged
;
Young Adult
;
Aged
;
Adolescent
;
Diagnosis, Differential
;
Child
;
Skin Diseases/pathology*
;
Molluscum Contagiosum/diagnosis*
7.External stigma in patients with visible skin diseases: A qualitative study.
Hongjin GUAN ; Zhongling LUO ; Yehong KUANG ; Yi XIAO ; Minxue SHEN
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(3):373-381
OBJECTIVES:
Most dermatological conditions fall under visible skin diseases (VSDs), where lesions are exposed and readily seen, increasing patients' risk of experiencing external stigma from the public and specific professional groups (e.g., service providers). This stigma imposes psychological and social burdens that far exceed the psychological symptoms of the disease. To date, no systematic research has been conducted in China specifically on the external stigma associated with VSDs. Taking psoriasis, vitiligo, and acne as representative conditions, this study aims to explore the external stigma experienced by VSD patients across various social settings and to provide a scientific foundation for the development of measurement tools, quantitative research, and targeted interventions.
METHODS:
A purposive sample of 23 outpatients diagnosed with psoriasis, acne, or vitiligo was recruited from the Xiangya Hospital Dermatology Clinic of Central South University between December 2023 and July 2024. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using Mayring's qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. Reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. The interviews focused on the experience of external stigma across different social settings.
RESULTS:
Patients with VSDs reported experiencing external stigma in various contexts including family, community, recreational service venues, healthcare institutions, and others. The main motivation behind stigmatizing behaviors was disease avoidance (e.g., fear of contagion, aversion, social distancing). Stigmatization in school settings was also reported by patients with all 3 types of VSDs. Psoriasis patients reported stigma across all examined scenarios, while vitiligo and acne patients reported stigma in only some contexts.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with VSDs experience significant external stigma, with psoriasis patients facing a higher burden compared to those with vitiligo or acne. The predominant stigma-driving factor is the public's desire to avoid disease, which underscores the need for public education to correct misconceptions about VSDs. External stigma from family, school, social networks, healthcare providers, and structural stigma should be the focus of policy and intervention efforts aimed at protecting the rights and well-being of patients with VSDs.
Humans
;
Social Stigma
;
Female
;
Male
;
Qualitative Research
;
Acne Vulgaris/psychology*
;
Skin Diseases/psychology*
;
Adult
;
Psoriasis/psychology*
;
Vitiligo/psychology*
;
Middle Aged
;
China
;
Young Adult
8.N6-methyladenosine modification and skin diseases.
Ling JIANG ; Yibo HU ; Jing CHEN
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(3):382-395
Currently, research on N6-methyladenine (m6A) is extensive in the field of oncology, while studies involving m6A and skin diseases remain relatively limited. Based on existing reports, we searched PubMed and Web of Science for literature related to m6A and dermatological conditions. Analysis of citation counts and journal impact factors revealed a significant upward trend in the volume of m6A-related research. Term frequency analysis of titles and abstracts indicated that studies mainly focus on skin tumors and inflammatory or immune-related skin diseases, particularly melanoma, psoriasis, and skin development. Transcriptomic data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed, revealing differential expression of m6A-related genes in 4 types of skin tumors (including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma) as well as in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and potential mechanisms of action were also explored. Findings suggest that m6A modifications exhibit heterogeneity between neoplastic and non-neoplastic skin diseases. However, the regulatory mechanisms of m6A dynamic modifications on key genes involved in dermatological disorders remain unclear and warrant further investigation.
Humans
;
Skin Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Skin Diseases/metabolism*
;
Adenosine/genetics*
;
Psoriasis/genetics*
;
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics*
;
Carcinoma, Basal Cell/genetics*
;
Melanoma/genetics*
9.An efficient and lightweight skin pathology detection method based on multi-scale feature fusion using an improved RT-DETR model.
Yuying REN ; Lingxiao HUANG ; Fang DU ; Xinbo YAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(2):409-421
OBJECTIVES:
The presence of multi-scale skin lesion regions and image noise interference and limited resources of auxiliary diagnostic equipment affect the accuracy of skin disease detection in skin disease detection tasks. To solve these problems, we propose a highly efficient and lightweight skin disease detection model using an improved RT-DETR model.
METHODS:
A lightweight FasterNet was introduced as the backbone network and the FasterNetBlock module was parametrically refined. A Convolutional and Attention Fusion Module (CAFM) was used to replace the multi-head self-attention mechanism in the neck network to enhance the ability of the AIFI-CAFM module for capturing global dependencies and local detail information. The DRB-HSFPN feature pyramid network was designed to replace the Cross-Scale Feature Fusion Module (CCFM) to allow the integration of contextual information across different scales to improve the semantic feature expression capacity of the neck network. Finally, combining the advantages of Inner-IoU and EIoU, the Inner-EIoU was used to replace the original loss function GIOU to further enhance the model's inference accuracy and convergence speed.
RESULTS:
The experimental results on the HAM10000 dataset showed that the improved RT-DETR model, as compared with the original model, had increased mAP@50 and mAP@50:95 by 4.5% and 2.8%, respectively, with a detection speed of 59.1 frames per second (FPS). The improved model had a parameter count of 10.9 M and a computational load of 19.3 GFLOPs, which were reduced by 46.0% and 67.2% compared to those of the original model, validating the effectiveness of the improved model.
CONCLUSIONS
The proposed SD-DETR model significantly improves the performance of skin disease detection tasks by effectively extracting and integrating multi-scale features while reducing both parameter count and computational load.
Humans
;
Skin Diseases/diagnosis*
;
Skin/pathology*
;
Neural Networks, Computer
;
Algorithms


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