Involvement of microRNAs as a Response to Phototherapy and Photodynamic Therapy: A Literature Review

The Role of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods in Skin Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

Skin cancer is a prevalent type of cancer worldwide and has a high growth rate compared to other diseases. Although modern targeted therapies have improved the management of cutaneous neoplasms, there is an urgent requirement for a safer, more affordable, and effective chemoprevention and treatment strategy for skin cancer. Nutraceuticals, which are natural substances derived from food, have emerged as a potential alternative or adjunctive treatment option. In this review, we explore the current evidence on the use of omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, resveratrol, and genistein) for the treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), as well as in their prevention. We discuss the mechanisms of action of the aforementioned nutraceuticals and their probable therapeutic benefits in skin cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, resveratrol, and genistein have several properties, among which are anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor, which can help to prevent and treat skin cancer. However, their effectiveness is limited due to poor bioavailability. Nanoparticles and other delivery systems can improve their absorption and targeting. More research is needed to evaluate their safety and effectiveness as a natural approach to skin cancer prevention and treatment. These compounds should not replace conventional cancer treatments, but may be used as complementary therapy under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Role of Epithelium-Derived Cytokines in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis: Evidence and Therapeutic Perspectives

Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are two of the most common chronic skin conditions. Current target therapies represent viable and safe solutions for the most severe cases of these two dermatoses but, presently, several limitations exist in terms of efficacy and side effects. A new class of products, epithelium-derived cytokines (TSLP, IL-25, IL-33), show an increasing potential for use in target therapy for these patients, and demonstrate a direct link between a generalized inflammatory and oxidative stress status and the human skin. A review was conducted to better understand their role in the aforementioned conditions. Of these three molecules, TSLP led has been most often considered in studies regarding target therapies, and most of the results in the literature are related to this cytokine. These three cytokines share common stimuli and are linked to each other in both acute and chronic phases of these diseases, and have been challenged as target therapies or biomarkers of disease activity. The results lead to the conclusion that epithelium-derived cytokines could represent a therapeutic opportunity for these patients, especially in itch control. Furthermore, they might work better when paired together with currently available therapies or in combination with in-development treatments. Further studies are needed in order to verify the efficacy and safety of the biologic treatments currently under development.