Contribution to characterization of skin field cancerization activity: morphometric, chromatin texture, proliferation, and apoptosis aspects

Ex Vivo Analysis of Cell Differentiation, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and DNA Damage on Cutaneous Field Cancerization

Cutaneous field cancerization (CFC) refers to a skin region containing mutated cells' clones, predominantly arising from chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which exhibits an elevated risk of developing precancerous and neoplastic lesions. Despite extensive research, many molecular aspects of CFC still need to be better understood. In this study, we conducted ex vivo assessment of cell differentiation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage in CFC samples. We collected perilesional skin from 41 patients with skin cancer and non-photoexposed skin from 25 healthy control individuals. These biopsies were either paraffin-embedded for indirect immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry stain or processed for proteins and mRNA extraction from the epidermidis. Our findings indicate a downregulation of p53 expression and an upregulation of Ki67 and p16 in CFC tissues. Additionally, there were alterations in keratinocyte differentiation markers, disrupted cell differentiation, increased expression of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, along with evidence of oxidative DNA damage. Collectively, our results suggest that despite its outwardly normal appearance, CFC tissue shows early signs of DNA damage, an active inflammatory state, oxidative stress, abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation.

Scientific Research Directions on the Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry of the Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Scientometric Study

Introduction: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most frequently occurring types of cancer in humans. Scientometric research is an innovative method for analyzing the research trends in various domains, with great implications in the field of medicine. Materials and Methods: We searched the Web of Science database with the following established query terms: “Squamous cell carcinoma”, “skin”, and “immunohistochemistry”. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 76 articles were selected. The present study aims to analyze, based on the frequency of use of keywords with scientometric algorithms and map-based distributions, the trends of the research concerning cSCCs in 2017–2022. Results: A graphical representation based on 11 scientometric maps presented the division of the keywords into seven clusters, from which seven categories of research interest were defined. The clusters represent a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cSCCs, cancer diagnostics, patient outcomes, histopathological importance, management of cSCCs, role of progression, and adequate treatment of and importance of immunohistochemistry for cSCCs. The distribution of the citations shows the importance of the available research on cSCCs by analyzing the first five most-cited articles included in our study in direct concordance with the seven defined clusters. Conclusion: The scientometric research method reveals the interest of research in the multidisciplinary approach used to obtain the best outcomes for the patient, including a targeted investigation, as well as diagnostic and treatment options. The trends in the research reveal that histopathological diagnostics and immunohistochemistry, combined with molecular techniques, are the most important tools used to establish a personalized diagnosis, thus increasing the quality of life and life expectancy for patients with cSCCs.

Assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards sun-exposure and skin cancer in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Although there is an emergent increase in the epidemiology of skin cancer in Saudi Arabia, yet knowledge, attitude, and awareness towards skin cancer prevention measures is still poor. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes and practice towards skin cancer among the Saudi population, as well as, to evaluate the level of awareness relating to exposure to sunlight.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey involved 438 participants who were randomly selected from Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data regarding skin cancer. The questionnaire focused on three main aspects knowledge, attitude, and practice. The skin cancer quality of life impact tool (SCQOLIT) was employed.

RESULTS

The present study included 438 participants, aged 18 to 55 years old. The response in the present study was 81.9%. Regarding the causes and effects of skin cancer, 61.2% of the respondents have prior knowledge about it. The positive attitude about skin cancer was exhibited by 68.9%, and only 31.1% showed a negative attitude towards it.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards skin cancer still under the desired level to prevent skin cancer and its related conditions in Saudi Arabia. Greater emphasis should be made through awareness campaigns and available media to raise the knowledge about implications related to prolonged exposure to sunlight.