Meta-analysis of the efficacy of adding platelet-rich plasma to 308-nm excimer laser for patients with vitiligo

Tuning Optical Properties of Organic Thin Films through Intermolecular Interactions - Fundamentals, Advances and Strategies

In applications ranging from photon-energy conversion into electrical or chemical forms (such as photovoltaics or photocatalysis) to numerous sensor technologies based on organic solids, the role of supramolecular structures and chromophore interactions is crucial. This review comprehensively examines the critical intermolecular interactions between organic dyes and their impact on optical properties. We explore the range of changes in absorption or emission properties observed in molecular aggregates compared to single molecules. Each effect is dissected to reveal its physicochemical foundations, relevance to different application domains, and documented examples from the literature that illustrate the potential modulation of absorption or emission properties by molecular and supramolecular structural adjustments. This work aims to serve as a concise guide for exploiting supramolecular phenomena in the innovation of novel optical and optoelectronic organic materials, with emphasis on strategic application and exploitation.

Concurrent management of vitiligo and acquired disorders of hyperpigmentation: a comprehensive literature review and current practice gaps

Few studies discuss the co-management of vitiligo and acquired hyperpigmentation disorders (AHD) such as melasma, erythema dyschromicum perstans, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, drug-induced hyperpigmentation, and lichen planus pigmentosus. This review discusses clinical studies examining co-management strategies and identifies current practice gaps. Dermatology Life Quality Index scores are higher in individuals with vitiligo or melasma. It is plausible that populations experiencing both conditions may exhibit worsened psychological outcomes because of stigmas and perceived social beauty standards. Standard treatments for vitiligo aim to increase pigmentation, while AHD treatments target decreasing pigmentation, causing potential worsening of contrast between multiple skin tones for patients experiencing both disorders. Tretinoin may prevent narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB)-induced hyperpigmentation in patients with vitiligo without altering treatment response and is also beneficial for managing AHD. In addition, the use of oral tranexamic acid to treat melasma does not diminish the response to NBUVB phototherapy. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and oral Polypodium leucotomos extract may also be beneficial for comanaging vitiligo and AHD. However, practice guidelines are needed to optimize care for this patient population.

The Efficacy of 308-nm Excimer Laser With TopicalBimatoprost 0.03% for Facial Vitiligo

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a commonly acquired autoimmune pigmentary disorder. Some patients resist conventional treatments, leading to the search for combination therapies.

AIMS

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 308-nm excimer laser monotherapy versus combined treatment with topical bimatoprost 0.03% in patients with facial vitiligo.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted at Razi Hospital, Tehran, on 38 patients with facial vitiligo who had at least one facial vitiligo patch and had not undergone treatment in the past 3 months. The patients were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 18) or the control group (n = 20). Both groups received 308-nm EL therapy twice weekly for 15 weeks, while the intervention group additionally applied 0.03% bimatoprost solution daily. The patients were visited at the end of every 5 weeks and after the 15th week. Efficacy was evaluated using the scale for improvement assessment (SAI), visual analog scale satisfaction (VASS), and visual analog scale improvement (VASI). Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney and t-tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the total patients, 27 (71.05%) were female and 11 (28.95%) were male. The male-to-female ratio was 50% in the intervention group and 33.33% in the control group. The mean VASI score, as the primary outcome, showed a significant increase over time in the intervention group (p ≤ 0.001), increasing from 4.53 to 7.20 (an increase of 2.67 units). Additionally, the intervention had a significant effect on the VASI outcome compared to the control (p ≤ 0.001; mean difference: 2.55 [1.63 to 3.47]). As the secondary outcomes, the mean VASS and SAI scores significantly decreased over time in the intervention group (p ≤ 0.05). The intervention also significantly affected the VASS and SAI outcomes compared to the control (p ≤ 0.001). The side effects of the intervention group were hypertrichosis in three patients and erythema burning in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding bimatoprost 0.03% to the treatment regimen may improve the outcomes of patients with facial vitiligo who are resistant to conventional treatments.

Triple combination of fractional carbon dioxide laser, 308-nm excimer lamp, and platelet-rich plasma in refractory vitiligo: A randomized split-body comparative study

Objectives

Vitiligo significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Current evidence indicates that combination therapy results in faster improvement, enhancing patient adherence to treatment and leading to higher satisfaction among patients. In this study, we compare the efficacy of combined fractional carbon dioxide (FCO2) laser and excimer lamp with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or topical tacrolimus in patients with refractory vitiligo.

Material and Methods

This is a prospective, single-blind, randomized split-body clinical trial involving 41 patients with resistant focal patches of vitiligo vulgaris. Each patient had two similar lesions randomly assigned to receive either a combination of FCO2 laser, excimer lamp, and intradermal PRP injections or a combination of FCO2 laser, excimer lamp, and topical 0.1% tacrolimus (applied twice daily for 12 weeks). The FCO2 laser and PRP treatments were administered in three monthly sessions, and the excimer lamp was used twice a week over 12 weeks. The efficacy of treatment was assessed based on the physician's assessment and patient's satisfaction.

Results

Despite significant improvement in both treatment groups during the course of treatment, the PRP group showed significantly superior efficacy (more than 50% improvement) compared to the tacrolimus group (56.1% and 26.8%, respectively). Furthermore, the PRP group exhibited greater improvement in resistant acral areas compared to the tacrolimus group (51.2% and 19.5%, respectively).

Conclusion

The combination of FCO2, an excimer lamp, and PRP demonstrates superior efficacy, particularly in resistant acral areas. As a result, this combination can be recommended in difficult-to-treat areas in patients with vitiligo.

Platelet-rich plasma: A bibliometric and visual analysis from 2000 to 2022

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an integral biotherapeutic modality with evolving significance in the medical domain. Despite its expanding applications, a comprehensive bibliometric evaluation is essential to understand its development and impact.

METHODS

The Web of Science core collection subject search identified articles pertinent to PRP applications. Analytical tools, including CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Bibliometrix (R-Tool for R-Studio), TBtools, SCImago Graphica, Origin, and Excel, facilitated the bibliometric scrutiny. This examination spanned dimensions ranging from geographical and institutional contributions to thematic shifts and keyword prevalence.

RESULTS

A corpus of 5167 publications was analyzed, with the United States, particularly the Hospital for Special Surgery, emerging as major contributors. The American Journal of Sports Medicine was identified as the primary journal, and Anitua Eduardo as the leading author in the domain. Keyword analysis highlighted evolving research themes, with a shift from traditional applications in orthopedics and dentistry to emerging areas such as dermatology, aesthetics, and chronic pain management.

CONCLUSION

The bibliometric analysis of PRP research reveals a multifaceted array of applications across various medical disciplines and highlights areas requiring further exploration, particularly in standardization, personalization, and safety. Future advancements in PRP research will necessitate innovative exploration, ethical considerations, and rigorous scientific validation to fully harness the therapeutic potential of PRP and related therapies.

Update on Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Dermatologic Surgery: Addressing Knowns and Unknowns

BACKGROUND

Autologous and allogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in addition to its derivatives, such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), are broadly accepted therapeutic approaches in orthopedics, otolaryngology, sports medicine, plastic surgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. However, the absence of expert consensus, standardized protocols, and varying outcomes pose challenges to their broader acceptance in cosmetic dermatology and dermatologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To offer a contemporary literature overview of PRP and PRF, focusing on fundamental aspects of the technology, diversity of commercially accessible systems, and shed light on present-day controversies within the field.

METHODS

A systemic review of PRP and PRF literature was conducted, utilizing search engine databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and PubMed. Emphasis was placed on scrutinizing higher level-of-evidence articles, specifically randomized control trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses (Level 1A-2A), with particular emphasis on recent data that have not been well reviewed in other publications from January 2022 to May 2024.

RESULTS

An increasing body of literature affirms advantages of PRP products in dermatology, spanning wound care, facial rejuvenation, scar revision, and hair growth.

CONCLUSION

A foundational understanding of variation in preparation protocol, outcomes, and timing of administration is needed to better comprehend market dynamics, patient demand, and strategies for integrating PRP into dermatologic practice.

Regenerative Medicine-Based Treatment for Vitiligo: An Overview

Vitiligo is a complex disorder with an important effect on the self-esteem and social life of patients. It is the commonest acquired depigmentation disorder characterized by the development of white macules resulting from the selective loss of epidermal melanocytes. The pathophysiology is complex and involves genetic predisposition, environmental factors, oxidative stress, intrinsic metabolic dysfunctions, and abnormal inflammatory/immune responses. Although several therapeutic options have been proposed to stabilize the disease by stopping the depigmentation process and inducing durable repigmentation, no specific cure has yet been defined, and the long-term persistence of repigmentation is unpredictable. Recently, due to the progressive loss of functional melanocytes associated with failure to spontaneously recover pigmentation, several different cell-based and cell-free regenerative approaches have been suggested to treat vitiligo. This review gives an overview of clinical and preclinical evidence for innovative regenerative approaches for vitiligo patients.