Influence of the Exposome on Skin Cancer

Antioxidant Capacity and Protective Effect of Cow Placenta Extract on D-Galactose-Induced Skin Aging in Mice

Placental extract has been used for skin care and delaying skin aging. Cow placenta is an abundant resource with a large mass, which has not been harnessed effectively. Cow placenta extract (CPE) has the functions of antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, promoting growth and development, and promoting hair growth. However, little is known about the effect of oral administration of cow placenta extract on skin conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant capacity of CPE in vitro and in vivo and its protective effect on d-galactose (D-gal) induced skin aging in mice. The results showed that CPE had strong free radical scavenging, reducing and metal chelating activities. CPE can increase the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the content of glutathione (GSH), decrease the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, CPE can decrease the gene and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1a (MMP-1a) and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) and increase the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) of mouse skin. Histopathological analysis showed CPE reduced the collagen damage caused by D-gal, increased collagen synthesis and reduced its degradation to delay skin aging.

Non-melanoma skin cancers: physio-pathology and role of lipid delivery systems in new chemotherapeutic treatments

Non-melanoma carcinoma has high incidence rates and has two most common subtypes: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This type of carcinoma is usually not fatal; however, it can destroy sensory organs such as the nose, ears, and lips. The treatment of these injuries using non-invasive methods is thus strongly recommended. Some treatments for non-melanoma carcinoma are already well defined, such as surgery, cryosurgery, curettage and electrode section, and radiotherapy; however, these conventional treatments cause inflammation and scarring. In the non-surgical treatment of non-melanoma carcinoma, the topical administration of chemotherapeutic drugs contributes for an effective treatment with reduced side effects. However, the penetration of anticancer drugs in the deeper layers of the skin is required. Lipid delivery systems (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers) have been developed to overcome epidermal barrier of the skin and to allow the drugs to reach tumor cells. These lipid nanoparticles contribute to control the release profile of the loaded chemotherapeutic drugs, maintaining their stability and increasing death of tumor cells. In this review, the characteristics of non-melanoma carcinoma will be discussed, describing the main existing treatments, together with the contribution of lipid delivery systems as an innovative approach to increase the effectiveness of topical therapies for non-melanoma carcinomas.

Oxidative-Stress-Sensitive microRNAs in UV-Promoted Development of Melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive and life-threatening form of skin cancer. Key molecular events underlying the melanocytic transformation into malignant melanoma mainly involve gene mutations in which exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation plays a prominent role. However, several aspects of UV-induced melanomagenesis remain to be explored. Interestingly, redox-mediated signaling and perturbed microRNA (miRNA) profiles appear to be interconnected contributing factors able to act synergistically in melanoma initiation and progression. Since UV radiation can promote both redox imbalance and miRNA dysregulation, a harmful crosstalk between these two key cellular networks, with UV as central hub among them, is likely to occur in skin tissue. Therefore, decoding the complex circuits that orchestrate the interaction of UV exposure, oxidative stress, and dysregulated miRNA profiling can provide a deep understanding of the molecular basis of the melanomagenesis process. Furthermore, these mechanistic insights into the reciprocal regulation between these systems could have relevant implications for future therapeutic approaches aimed at counteracting UV-induced redox and miRNome imbalances for the prevention and treatment of malignant melanoma. In this review, we illustrate current information on the intricate connection between UV-induced dysregulation of redox-sensitive miRNAs and well-known signaling pathways involved in the malignant transformation of normal melanocytes to malignant melanoma.

Biomimetic Nanoscale Materials for Skin Cancer Therapy and Detection

Skin cancer has developed as one of the most common types of cancer in the world, with a significant impact on public health impact and the economy. Nanotechnology methods for cancer treatment are appealing since they allow for the effective transport of medicines and other biologically active substances to specific tissues while minimizing harmful consequences. It is one of the most significant fields of research for treating skin cancer. Various nanomaterials have been employed in skin cancer therapy. The current review will summarize numerous methods of treating and diagnosing skin cancer in the earliest stages. There are numerous skin cancer indicators available for the prompt diagnosis of this type of disease. Traditional approaches to skin cancer diagnosis are explored, as are their shortcomings. Electrochemical and optical biosensors for skin cancer diagnosis and management were also discussed. Finally, various difficulties concerning the cost and ease of use of innovative methods should be addressed and overcome.

Autophagy and the Lysosomal System in Cancer

Autophagy and the lysosomal system, together referred to as the autophagolysosomal system, is a cellular quality control network which maintains cellular health and homeostasis by removing cellular waste including protein aggregates, damaged organelles, and invading pathogens. As such, the autophagolysosomal system has roles in a variety of pathophysiological disorders, including cancer, neurological disorders, immune- and inflammation-related diseases, and metabolic alterations, among others. The autophagolysosomal system is controlled by TFEB, a master transcriptional regulator driving the expression of multiple genes, including autophagoly sosomal components. Importantly, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and control are key aspects of the physiopathological roles of the autophagolysosomal system, and may hold a key for synergistic therapeutic interventions. In this study, we reviewed our current knowledge on the biology and physiopathology of the autophagolysosomal system, and its potential for therapeutic intervention in cancer.