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Journal of Ginseng Research Sep 2023Ginsenosides are bioactive components of Panax ginseng with many functions such as anti-aging, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and anti-tumor.... (Review)
Review
Ginsenosides are bioactive components of Panax ginseng with many functions such as anti-aging, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and anti-tumor. Ginsenosides are categorized into dammarane, oleanene, and ocotillol type tricyclic triterpenoids based on the aglycon structure. Based on the sugar moiety linked to C-3, C-20, and C-6, C-20, dammarane type was divided into protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT). The effects of ginsenosides on skin disorders are noteworthy. They play anti-aging roles by enhancing immune function, resisting melanin formation, inhibiting oxidation, and elevating the concentration of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Thus, ginsenosides have previously been widely used to resist skin diseases and aging. This review details the role of ginsenosides in the anti-skin aging process from mechanisms and experimental research.
PubMed: 37720567
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2023.04.005 -
Cells Sep 2023Vitamin D is one significant prohormone substance in human organ systems. It is a steroidal hormone produced in the skin upon exposure to UVB rays. This paper presents a... (Review)
Review
Vitamin D is one significant prohormone substance in human organ systems. It is a steroidal hormone produced in the skin upon exposure to UVB rays. This paper presents a systematic review of the utilization of topical vitamin D, specifically cholecalciferol, calcipotriol, and tacalcitol, in the treatment of vitiligo. It considers the role of vitamin D in stimulating the synthesis of melanin and melanogenesis, which can help with the process of repigmentation. The inclusion of calcipotriol or tacalcitol in Narrowband Ultraviolet Phototherapy (NB-UVB) has shown the potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes for vitiligo. However, their effectiveness in combination with Psoralens Long Wave Ultraviolet Radiation (PUVA) and Monochromatic Excimer Light (MEL) treatment for vitiligo is limited. In contrast, combining topical corticosteroids with vitamin D analogues has demonstrated superior efficacy in treating vitiligo compared to using vitamin D analogues alone, while also providing the added benefit of reducing corticosteroid-related adverse effects. In addition, treating stable vitiligo with topical cholecalciferol and microneedling has shown success. Future studies are needed to ascertain an efficient method of administering vitamin D topically as an anti-vitiligo agent.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin D; Vitiligo; Ultraviolet Rays; Ultraviolet Therapy; Vitamins
PubMed: 37830601
DOI: 10.3390/cells12192387 -
Brain Sciences Sep 2023The increasing number of MRI studies focused on prodromal Parkinson's Disease (PD) demonstrates a strong interest in identifying early biomarkers capable of monitoring... (Review)
Review
The increasing number of MRI studies focused on prodromal Parkinson's Disease (PD) demonstrates a strong interest in identifying early biomarkers capable of monitoring neurodegeneration. In this systematic review, we present the latest information regarding the most promising MRI markers of neurodegeneration in relation to the most specific prodromal symptoms of PD, namely isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). We reviewed structural, diffusion, functional, iron-sensitive, neuro-melanin-sensitive MRI, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies conducted between 2000 and 2023, which yielded a total of 77 relevant papers. Among these markers, iron and neuromelanin emerged as the most robust and promising indicators for early neurodegenerative processes in iRBD. Atrophy was observed in several regions, including the frontal and temporal cortices, limbic cortices, and basal ganglia, suggesting that neurodegenerative processes had been underway for some time. Diffusion and functional MRI produced heterogeneous yet intriguing results. Additionally, reduced glymphatic clearance function was reported. Technological advancements, such as the development of ultra-high field MRI, have enabled the exploration of minute anatomical structures and the detection of previously undetectable anomalies. The race to achieve early detection of neurodegeneration is well underway.
PubMed: 37891767
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101398 -
Dermatology and Therapy Feb 2024Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive and cost-efficient imaging technique augmenting clinical examination in neoplastic and non-neoplastic dermatoses. Recently, novel... (Review)
Review
Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive and cost-efficient imaging technique augmenting clinical examination in neoplastic and non-neoplastic dermatoses. Recently, novel dermatoscopic techniques based on principles of reflectance/absorption and excited fluorescence have been developed. However, comprehensive data on their applications are sparse, and terminology is inconsistent. In this systematic review, we addressed the principles of ultraviolet (UV) imaging and proposed categorization based on spectral characteristics and signal acquisition, as well as discussed documented and potential clinical applications, safety measures during examination, and limitations associated with reflectance and fluorescence dermatoscopy. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed medical database until 2 December 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines, and 28 papers fit the scope of this review, whereas additional relevant articles were included to provide broader context regarding the chosen terminology, chromophores described, safety of sub-UV/UV, and regulations for light-emitting devices. UV and sub-UV dermatoscopy, categorized into different methods on the basis of the emitted wavelength and signal acquisition process (reflectance versus fluorescence), augment conventional dermatoscopy by optimizing safety margins in melanoma, facilitating early detection of tumor recurrence, and enhancing visualization in non-neoplastic conditions, including pigmentation disorders, intertrigo, papulo-desquamative dermatoses, and beyond. The review highlights the limitations of these techniques, including difficulty in differentiating melanin from hemoglobin, challenges in evaluating uneven surfaces, and artifacts. Although UV dermatoscopy complements conventional dermatoscopy, clinicians should be aware of their peculiarities, artifacts, limitations, and safety concerns to optimize their diagnostic accuracy and ensure patient's safety.
PubMed: 38358617
DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01104-4 -
Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences 2023Lasers in oral surgery have been extensively studied in recent years. Laser treatment is now a well-known technology that is frequently employed on oral soft tissues.... (Review)
Review
Lasers in oral surgery have been extensively studied in recent years. Laser treatment is now a well-known technology that is frequently employed on oral soft tissues. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser was one of the first soft tissue removal lasers. Because of the strong affinity of the CO2 laser to water, it is best used for removing, vaporizing, and coagulating these tissues. In minor oral surgery, CO2 laser therapy has shown advantages. Therefore, this study examined the CO2 laser use in minor oral soft tissue surgery. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards were followed in this study. A question for research encompassing the inclusion criteria for the participants, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design (PICOS) was formulated. The search queries were entered into the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases. Consideration was given to publications published between January 1, 2018 and March 15, 2023. The research included 37 studies after narrowing search results, eliminating duplicate titles, and conducting an eligibility review (three animal studies, seven case reports, three case series, and twenty-four clinical studies). CO2 lasers alone or in combination with other therapies successfully treated oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), oral tumors, oral fibrous-epithelial lesions, gingival melanin hyperpigmentation, pyogenic granuloma, socket preservation, mucocele, high labial frenulum attachment, and so on. CO2 lasers reduced intra- and postoperative complications and adverse effects, improved postoperative functional results, ablated tissues with precision, and minimized disease recurrence and malignant transformation. Our study found that the CO2 laser in oral minor surgeries is successful, but further randomized clinical trials and multicenter studies are recommended to compare CO2 laser surgery to other treatments.
PubMed: 38028885
DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2023.44 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Feb 2024Melanoma has a high degree of central nervous system tropism, and there are many treatment modalities for melanoma brain metastases (MBM). The efficacy and toxicity of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Melanoma has a high degree of central nervous system tropism, and there are many treatment modalities for melanoma brain metastases (MBM). The efficacy and toxicity of various treatments are still controversial. Therefore, they were evaluated by direct and indirect comparison to assist clinical decision-making in this study.
METHOD
A total of 7 therapeutic modalities for MBM were studied. Retrieval was conducted through Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of science databases and the quality of the included literature was evaluated. Meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed using Review Manager and R language.
RESULTS
A total of 10 articles were included with 836 MBM patients. Direct comparison showed that stereotactic radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy (SRS + IT) was superior to IT (HR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.52-0.84) or SRS (HR = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.63-1.03) alone in improving intracranial progression-free survival (PFS). In terms of overall survival (OS), SRS + IT was superior to SRS alone (HR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.49-0.83), or IT (HR = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.29-1.21). Rank probability and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) by indirect comparison showed that SRS + IT had the best effect on improving intracranial PFS (0.88) and OS (0.98). Additionally, various combination therapies, especially SRS + IT (0.72), increased the incidence of radiation necrosis (RN). In direct comparisons, SRS + IT (RR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.47-1.83) and SRS + TT (targeted therapy) (RR = 0.24, 95%CI = 0.10-0.56) did not increase intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) compared with SRS.
CONCLUSIONS
SRS + IT treatment was the best choice for MBM patients in both intracranial PFS and OS, even though it also led to an increased probability of RN.
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Bayes Theorem; Network Meta-Analysis; Combined Modality Therapy; Brain Neoplasms; Radiosurgery
PubMed: 38220124
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104227 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jun 2024Dopamine's role in addiction has been extensively studied, revealing disruptions in its functioning throughout all addiction stages. Neuromelanin in the substantia nigra... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Dopamine's role in addiction has been extensively studied, revealing disruptions in its functioning throughout all addiction stages. Neuromelanin in the substantia nigra (SN) may reflect dopamine auto-oxidation, and can be quantified using neuromelaninsensitive magnetic resonance imaging (neuromelanin-MRI) in a non-invasive manner.In this pre-registered systematic review, we assess the current body of evidence related to neuromelanin levels in substance use disorders, using both post-mortem and MRI examinations. The systematic search identified 10 relevant articles, primarily focusing on the substantia nigra. An early-stage meta-analysis (n = 6) revealed varied observations ranging from standardized mean differences of -3.55 to +0.62, with a pooled estimate of -0.44 (95 % CI = -1.52, 0.65), but there was insufficient power to detect differences in neuromelanin content among individuals with substance use disorders. Our gap analysis highlights the lack of sufficient replication studies, with existing studies lacking the power to detect a true difference, and a complete lack of neuromelanin studies on certain substances of clinical interest. We provide recommendations for future studies of dopaminergic neurobiology in addictions and related psychiatric comorbidities.
Topics: Humans; Melanins; Substance-Related Disorders; Substantia Nigra; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38678736
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105690 -
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual Jan 2024Diffuse Melanosis Cutis (DMC) is a rare and late complication of metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) characterized by progressive pigmentation of skin and sometimes... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Diffuse Melanosis Cutis (DMC) is a rare and late complication of metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) characterized by progressive pigmentation of skin and sometimes mucous membranes. The distinctive feature is the widespread and progressive deposition of melanin precursors in the dermis.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this review is to define the clinical and demographic features of DMC and to promote a deeper insight into the clinical manifestation, histological findings, and pathophysiology behind DMC.
METHODS
We have conducted a systematic review of the literature on published DMC in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. We also reported a case of DMC secondary to low-risk melanoma.
RESULTS
Overall, including our case report, we reported 53 articles described 62 DMC patients. Breslow level of primary melanoma was reported having a mean value of 3.3 mm. The mean survival rate from onset of DMC resulted being 4.36 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Among the most widely accepted etiopathogenetic hypotheses are deposition of melanic precursors in the dermis following tumor lysis, melanocyte proliferation induced by neoplastic growth factors, and the presence of diffuse dermal micro-metastases of MM. However, unanimous consensus on the proposed etiopathogenetic models of DMC is still lacking.
PubMed: 38364426
DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1401a8 -
Heliyon Mar 2024To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical application of botanical (TAB) adjuvants in the treatment of melasma and provide evidence-based medical...
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical application of botanical (TAB) adjuvants in the treatment of melasma and provide evidence-based medical evidence for their clinical application.
METHODS
Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and SinoMed, databases were searched to identify all randomized controlled clinical trials on TAB adjuvant treatment for melasma from inception to May 2023. The primary outcomes included clinical efficacy, adverse effects, recurrence rate, and melanin index. Subgroup analyses were performed using the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) scores.
RESULTS
This study included 16 randomized trials with 1386 participants. Eligible trials demonstrated that topical phytomedicine adjuvant treatment for melasma increased clinical effectiveness (RR = 1.14, 95% CI (1.10, 1.19), <0.00001), decreased recurrence rate (RR = 0.28, 95% CI (0.13, 0.59), = 0.0009), and decreased melanin index (MI) (MD = -22.2,95% CI (-31.79, -12.61), < 0.00001). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that topical phytomedicines reduced MASI scores (I = 0%, MDI = -0.95, 95% CI (-1.23,0.67), < 0.00001), but when scored as the rate of decrease in MASI, topical phytomedicines had high MASI scores (I = 15%, MD = 0.3, 95% CI (0, 0.59), = 0.05), indicating a slower rate of melasma mitigation when botanicals were applied topically. Although burning pain, redness and other mild adverse reactions may occur during the treatment period, they can be recovered on their own, and there is no statistical significance in the comparison of the two groups (RR = 0.95, 95% CI (0.42, 2.51), = 0.91).
CONCLUSION
TAB for melasma has a clear adjuvant clinical efficacy, a low recurrence rate, and does not cause serious adverse effects. An appropriate administration method may achieve better efficacy; however, this requires further verification.
PubMed: 38545140
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28096 -
Critical Care Explorations Feb 2024Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used in critical care settings to measure regional cerebral tissue oxygenation (rSo). However, the accuracy of such measurements has... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used in critical care settings to measure regional cerebral tissue oxygenation (rSo). However, the accuracy of such measurements has been questioned in darker-skinned individuals due to the confounding effects of light absorption by melanin. In this systematic review, we aim to synthesize the available evidence on the effect of skin pigmentation on rSo readings.
DATA SOURCES
We systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, and Google Scholar from inception to July 1, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
In compliance with our PROSPERO registration (CRD42022347548), we selected articles comparing rSo measurements in adults either between racial groups or at different levels of skin pigmentation. Two independent reviewers conducted full-text reviews of all potentially relevant articles.
DATA EXTRACTION
We extracted data on self-reported race or level of skin pigmentation and mean rSo values.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Of the 11,495 unique records screened, two studies ( = 7,549) met our inclusion criteria for systematic review. Sun et al (2015) yielded significantly lower rSo values for African Americans compared with Caucasians, whereas Stannard et al (2021) found little difference between self-reported racial groups. This discrepancy is likely because Stannard et al (2021) used a NIRS platform which specifically purports to control for the effects of melanin. Several other studies that did not meet our inclusion criteria corroborated the notion that skin pigmentation results in lower rSo readings.
CONCLUSIONS
Skin pigmentation likely results in attenuated rSo readings. However, the magnitude of this effect may depend on the specific NIRS platform used.
PubMed: 38352943
DOI: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000001049