Colchicine in Managing Skin Conditions: A Systematic Review

Karanjin-loaded soya lecithin-based ethosomal nanogel for the therapeutic intervention of psoriasis: formulation development, factorial design based-optimization,in vitroandin vivoassessment

This study aimed to develop and optimize karanjin-loaded ethosomal nanogel formulation and evaluate its efficacy in alleviating symptoms of psoriasis in an animal model induced by imiquimod. These karanjin-loaded ethosomal nanogel, were formulated to enhance drug penetration into the skin and its epidermal retention. Karanjin was taken to formulate ethosomes due to its potential ani-psoriatic activity. Ethosomes were formulated using the cold method using 32full factorial designs to optimize the formulation components. 9 batches were prepared using two independent variablesX1: concentration of ethanol andX2: concentration of phospholipid whereas vesicle size (Y1) and percentage entrapment efficiency (Y2) were selected as dependent variables. All the dependent variables were found to be statistically significant. The optimized ethosomal suspension (B3) exhibited a vesicle size of 334 ± 2.89 nm with an entrapment efficiency of 94.88 ± 1.24% and showed good stability. The morphology of vesicles appeared spherical with smooth surfaces through transmission electron microscopy analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the drug existed in an amorphous state within the ethosomal formulation. The optimized ethosome was incorporated into carbopol 934 to develop nanogel for easy application on the skin. The nanogel underwent characterization for various parameters including spreadability, viscosity, pH, extrudability, and percentage drug content. The ethosomal formulation remarkably enhanced the skin permeation of karanjin and increased epidermal retention of the drug in psoriatic skin compared to marketed preparation and pure drug. A skin retention study showed that ethosomal nanogel formulation has 48.33% epidermal retention in 6 h.In vivo,the anti-psoriatic activity of karanjin ethosomal nanogel demonstrated significant improvement in psoriasis, indicated by a gradual decrease in skin thickness and scaling as reflected in the Psoriasis Severity Index grading. Therefore, the prepared ethosomal nanogel is a potential vehicle for improved topical delivery of karanjin for better treatment of psoriasis.

Medical Management to Treat Chronic Non-healing Ulcers: A Case Series

INTRODUCTION

Chronic non-healing leg ulcers are skin defects below the knee that resist healing for more than six weeks. They cause physical, emotional, and economic burdens to patients and society.

OBJECTIVES

To introduce an innovative medical strategy that targets the chronic inflammation component in non-healing ulcers (NHUs) with rheumatic features and to evaluate its potential effectiveness in achieving complete healing.

METHODS

We employed an empirical medical therapy regimen, which combined medications like deflazacort, colchicine, dapsone, hydroxychloroquine, and azathioprine. We retrospectively selected 25 patients with chronic pedal ulcers who underwent our therapy.

RESULTS

The mean duration of ulcers was 7.84 years, and the time to heal was 5.97 months. Among 25 patients, 19 had atypical ulcers, four had venous ulcers, and two had diabetic neuropathy ulcers. Four patients with venous ulcers additionally underwent endovenous laser ablation.

CONCLUSION

Our medical strategy showed promising results in healing chronic NHUs with rheumatic features without significant steroid-induced adverse effects.

The Effect of Biological Treatment on Stress Parameters Determined in Saliva in Patients with Severe Psoriasis

Background and objectives: In psoriatic patients, stress is the most common aggravating factor. Despite the use of quality-of-life assessment questionnaires, diagnosing stress in psoriatic patients is not a flawless procedure. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of potential stress biomarkers in saliva for monitoring the treatment of psoriasis. Materials and methods: A total of 104 adult patients with severe psoriasis were included and randomly treated via biological treatment or symptomatic therapy: 84 received biological treatment, with 20 formed a control group receiving symptomatic therapy. The administered biological treatment was adalimumab, whilst in controls calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate topical gel and emollients were used. Patients were monitored monthly with a dermatological examination and the dispensing of a biological drug. During each of the four visits, the severity of the disease was assessed (PASI, BSA, and DLQI), and a sample of the patient’s saliva was taken. In all the participants, the saliva concentrations of immunoglobulin A (sIgA), α-amylase (sAA), and chromogranin A (CgA) were measured. Results: The majority of patients in both the study and control groups achieved clinical improvement, though favoring the group receiving biological treatment. The concentration of sIgA in the saliva was constantly increasing in the study group during subsequent visits (Fr = 27.26; p < 0.001). Meanwhile, there were no statistically significant changes in the control group during the same follow-up period (Fr = 6.66; p = 0.084). Levels of sAA underwent statistically significant changes in both groups (Fr = 58.02; p < 0.001—study group and Fr = 13.74; p = 0.003—control group). In the study group, a steady, statistically significant increase in sAA was observed from the first to the third visit. In the study group, a downward trend in CgA concentration was observed. In the control group, no significant differences in the level of CgA were obtained. Conclusions: sIgA, sAA, and CgA are potential markers of the severity of psoriasis and the associated stress reaction. Based on the presented observations, only sIgA and CgA seem to be valuable biomarkers for monitoring the effectiveness of the systemic treatment of psoriasis.

Sleep Quality as a Predictor of Quality-of-Life and Emotional Status Impairment in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) leads to a decreased quality of life in patients because of pruritus and skin lesions. However, there is still little evidence on the impact that a worse sleep quality could have on the quality of life and emotional disorders in these patients. The aims of the present study are to analyze the potential impact of sleep quality on the quality-of-life and emotional status of patients with CSU. A cross-sectional study of 75 CSU patients was performed. Socio-demographic variables and disease activity, quality of life, sleep, sexual disfunction, anxiety, depression and personality traits were collected. A majority of 59 of the patients suffered from poor sleep quality. Sleep quality impairment was associated with worse disease control, greater pruritus and swelling and poorer general and urticaria-related quality-of-life (p < 0.05). Patients with poor sleep quality showed an increased prevalence of anxiety (1.62-fold) and depression risk (3.93-fold). Female sexual dysfunction, but not male, was found to be linked to poorer sleep quality (p = 0.04). To conclude, sleep quality impairment in patients with CSU is related to poor quality-of-life, worse disease control and higher rates of anxiety and depression. Global management of the disease should take sleep quality into account to improve the care of CSU patients.

Vitamin D Signaling in Psoriasis: Pathogenesis and Therapy

Psoriasis is a systemic, chronic, immune-mediated disease that affects approximately 2–3% of the world’s population. The etiology and pathophysiology of psoriasis are still unknown, but the activation of the adaptive immune system with the main role of T-cells is key in psoriasis pathogenesis. The modulation of the local neuroendocrine system with the downregulation of pro-inflammatory and the upregulation of anti-inflammatory messengers represent a promising adjuvant treatment in psoriasis therapies. Vitamin D receptors and vitamin D-mediated signaling pathways function in the skin and are essential in maintaining the skin homeostasis. The active forms of vitamin D act as powerful immunomodulators of clinical response in psoriatic patients and represent the effective and safe adjuvant treatments for psoriasis, even when high doses of vitamin D are administered. The phototherapy of psoriasis, especially UVB-based, changes the serum level of 25(OH)D, but the correlation of 25(OH)D changes and psoriasis improvement need more clinical trials, since contradictory data have been published. Vitamin D derivatives can improve the efficacy of psoriasis phototherapy without inducing adverse side effects. The anti-psoriatic treatment could include non-calcemic CYP11A1-derived vitamin D hydroxyderivatives that would act on the VDR or as inverse agonists on RORs or activate alternative nuclear receptors including AhR and LXRs. In conclusion, vitamin D signaling can play an important role in the natural history of psoriasis. Selective targeting of proper nuclear receptors could represent potential treatment options in psoriasis.

Actinic Keratoses (AK): An Exploratory Questionnaire-Based Study of Patients’ Illness Perceptions

Simple Summary

We recorded 208 patients receiving treatment for AK and conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, which aimed to investigate patients’ perceptions of their illness. Our main objective was the detection not only of the illness perception of AK patients, but also of its influence on their perception of treatment and the correlation with patients’ demographic characteristics and history, as well as the readiness to use sunscreen. The rising incidence of AK and its socioeconomic burden place the illness perception of AK patients among the most important barriers to overcome for the effective management of the disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to attempt to unveil the illness perceptions of AK patients and their correlation with patients’ demographics and sunscreen use and the influence on AK treatment. We strongly support reinforcing the awareness of AK and the role of dermatologists is crucial for this direction.

Abstract

Background: Decreased illness perception among actinic keratoses (AK) patients is a major barrier to the effective management of AK. Objective: We aimed to investigate patients’ illness and treatment perceptions, their correlation to demographics and AK/skin cancer history, and secondarily the influence of these perspectives on treatment and sunscreen use. Materials and Methods: Participants completed questionnaires based on the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and statistical analysis was performed. Results: In total, 208 AK patients were enrolled. A large proportion were poorly aware of the disease (41.4%), with less than half (43%) being familiar with AK. Patients were aware of the chronic nature of the disease and its correlation to sunlight regardless of demographic characteristics. The level of education played a role in disease awareness (p = 0.006), and treatment plan perception (p = 0.002). The increase in sunscreen protection after AK diagnosis was higher in women (p = 0.009) and younger patients (p = 0.044). Patients’ concerns regarding treatment were mainly related to the duration (30%) and effectivity (25%). Dermatologists’ statements highlighting that AK are precancerous lesions (86.2%) influenced patients’ willingness for treatment. Conclusion: Improved awareness of AK is necessary to increase treatment seeking and compliance, regarding both treatment and sunscreen use. Dermatologists’ statements may have critical influence on patients’ decisions to receive treatment for AK.

Potential Predictive Value of Serum Pentraxin 3 and Paraoxonase 1 for Cardiometabolic Disorders Development in Patients with Psoriasis-Preliminary Data

Psoriasis is a systemic disease that is linked to cardiometabolic complications. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) exerts anti-atherogenic properties. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is related to heart failure and atherosclerosis. We aimed to evaluate the protein levels in psoriatic patients and explore possible relations with disease activity, metaflammation parameters and systemic treatment. Thirty-three patients with plaque-type psoriasis and eleven healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected before and after three months of therapy with acitretin or methotrexate. Serum proteins levels were evaluated using Bio-Plex 200 System. The mean serum pentraxin 3 level was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis, compared to controls (p < 0.01). Significant negative correlations between PTX3 with triglycerides in overweight patients, with glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in obese patients, and with cholesterol and triglycerides in severe psoriatics were noted (all p < 0.05). After the treatment, PTX3 significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The mean serum PON1 in psoriatic patients did not differ, compared to the controls (p > 0.05). In psoriatics of normal weight, PON1 correlated negatively with liver enzymes activity (p < 0.05). PTX3 might exert a protective role in terms of cardiometabolic disorders development, especially in overweight and obese or most severe psoriatics. PON1 could serve as an indicator of the liver disorders in psoriasis.

Biologics and Small Molecule Inhibitors for Treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The treatment guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) vary among different countries, and several biologics and small molecule inhibitors have been tested for treating moderate-to-severe HS over the past few years. However, treatment guidelines for HS vary among different countries.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to exam the efficacy and serious adverse events (SAEs) of biologics and small-molecule inhibitors in treating moderate-to-severe HS. Binary outcomes were presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

We included 16 RCTs with a total of 2076 participants on nine biologics and three small-molecule inhibitors for treating moderate-to-severe HS, including adalimumab, anakinra, apremilast, avacopan, bimekizumab, CJM112, etanercept, guselkumab, IFX-1, INCB054707, infliximab, and MABp1. The meta-analysis revealed only adalimumab (RR 1.77, 95% CI, 1.44-2.17) and bimekizumab (RR 2.25, 95% CI, 1.03-4.92) achieved significant improvement on hidradenitis suppurativa clinical response (HiSCR), and adalimumab was superior to placebo in achieving dermatology life quality index (DLQI) 0/1 (RR 3.97; 95% CI, 1.70-9.28). No increase in SAEs was found for all included active treatments when compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Adalimumab and bimekizumab are the only two biologics effective in achieving HiSCR with acceptable safety profile, whereas adalimumab is the only biologic effective in achieving DLQI 0/1.

Use of Biological Drugs for Psoriasis: A Drug-Utilization Study Using Tuscan Administrative Databanks

Our study aims at providing evidence on patterns of use of biologic drugs for psoriasis in Tuscany, Italy. We conducted a drug-utilization study based on administrative databanks of Tuscany (EUPAS45365) from 2011 to 2019. We selected new users of etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, or secukinumab between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016. We considered subjects with psoriasis and followed subjects until the end of the study period (three years after the first dispensation of biologic drug for psoriasis) or the patient’s death, whichever came first. We censored subjects for pregnancy or neoplasia. For each subject, we defined the state as the weekly coverage of one of the biologic drugs of interest. We then defined the switch as the change from a state to another one. A total of 7062 subjects with a first dispensation of a PSObio drug in the inclusion period was identified, and 1839 (52.9% female, 51.6 mean age) patients were included in the analysis. Among new users of adalimumab (N = 770, 41.9%), one third showed a continuous behaviour whereas the others moved to etanercept and ustekinumab. New users of etanercept (N = 758, 41.2%), had the highest proportion of switchers, with adalimumab most often being the second choice. New users of infliximab (N = 159, 8.6%) experienced the highest proportion of treatment discontinuation. The present study suggests that the majority of patients treated with PSObio drugs do not switch from one active ingredient to another. However, patients who started biological therapy with etanercept had the highest frequency of switching to other PSObio drugs, whereas those who started with secukinumab or ustekinumab had the lowest.

Post-Stroke Asymmetric Prurigo Nodularis Responding to Dupilumab Treatment: A Case Report

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a dermatological condition characterized by nodular hyperkeratotic lesions mainly on the legs and arms. Asymmetrical PN is a rare dermatological condition often associated with paralysis and stroke. In this paper, we present the case of a 77-year-old woman who developed post-ictal PN which responded to dupilumab, an anti-interleukin-4/13 drug approved for the management of AD, with an extreme reduction in itch sensation. Dupilumab and other therapies reducing Th2 inflammation may, in the future, become an alternative treatment for post-ictal pruritus/PN nonresponding to traditional therapies. Of course, larger studies will be necessary to confirm our case's findings.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Biologics (Secukinumab, Ustekinumab, and Guselkumab) for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Real-world Data from a Single Korean Center

Biologics are important treatment options for psoriasis; however, direct comparison of their efficacy, safety, and drug survival is insufficient in clinical practice. This retrospective single-center study aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and drug survival of three commonly used psoriasis biologics (secukinumab, ustekinumab, and guselkumab) and identify the factors affecting drug survival in actual clinics in Korea. We enrolled 111 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and for at least 56 weeks of follow-up; among these, 27, 23, and 61 were administered secukinumab, ustekinumab, and guselkumab, respectively. All groups were comparable with respect to their baseline characteristics. Secukinumab showed a rapid response, and guselkumab was superior in terms of a long-term response and complete remission compared with other biologics, while ustekinumab showed a lower efficacy compared with other biologics. All three biologics had a favorable and similar safety profile; however, allergic reactions and latent tuberculosis were more common with secukinumab and ustekinumab, respectively. Guselkumab was the most sustained biologic, and the survival rates of secukinumab and ustekinumab were similar. Drug survival was remarkably shorter in female patients and those with hypertension. Introduction of new biologics emerged as a negative factor for drug survival in clinical settings.

Transcriptomic Profiling of Peripheral Edge of Lesions to Elucidate the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis Vulgaris

Elucidating transcriptome in the peripheral edge of the lesional (PE) skin could provide a better understanding of the molecules or signalings that intensify inflammation in the PE skin. Full-thickness biopsies of PE skin and uninvolved (UN) skin were obtained from psoriasis patients for RNA-seq. Several potential differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the PE skin compared to those in the UN skin were identified. These DEGs enhanced functions such as angiogenesis, growth of epithelial tissue, chemotaxis and homing of cells, growth of connective tissues, and degranulation of myeloid cells beneath the PE skin. Moreover, the canonical pathways of IL-17A, IL-6, and IL-22 signaling were enriched by the DEGs. Finally, we proposed that inflammation in the PE skin might be driven by the IL-36/TLR9 axis or IL-6/Th17 axis and potentiated by IL-36α, IL-36γ, IL-17C, IL-8, S100A7, S100A8, S100A9, S100A15, SERPINB4, and hBD-2. Along with IL-36α, IL-17C, and IκBζ, ROCK2 could be an equally important factor in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, which may involve self-sustaining circuits between innate and adaptive immune responses via regulation of IL-36α and IL-36γ expression. Our finding provides new insight into signaling pathways in PE skin, which could lead to the discovery of new psoriasis targets.

Anti-Psoriasis Effect of Diclofenac and Celecoxib Using the Tail Model for Psoriasis

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) showed effects in some hyperproliferative dermatologic pathologies. The aim of the study is the assessment of anti-psoriasis effect of diclofenac and celecoxib using a mice tail model. The topical application of substances on the proximal mice tails was performed for two weeks. The effects on the epidermal granular layer and mean epidermal thickness (excluding the stratum corneum) were evaluated using hematoxylin–eosin staining. Orthokeratosis degree and percentual drug activity were calculated. A positive control group treated with tretinoin and two negative controls (white soft paraffin and untreated mice) were used. Orthokeratosis degree significantly increased in all the NSAIDs groups (celecoxib 1%, 2% and diclofenac 1%, 2%) and in the tretinoin 0.05% group, versus negative controls. Celecoxib 1% and 2%, tretinoin 0.05% and white soft paraffin significantly increased mean epidermal thickness, versus untreated mice. The values obtained in the case of celecoxib 2% ointment regarding the orthokeratosis degree and percentual drug activity are providing premises for further investigations regarding this effect and the mechanisms of action involved. Celecoxib 2% had the greatest percentual drug activity and is a promising substance for the anti-psoriasis topical treatment. Along with the COX-2 inhibition, celecoxib might have an anti-psoriasis effect by other independent mechanisms.

The Effects of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), Bamboo Extract (Bambusa vulgaris) and Lactic Acid on Sebum Production in Young Women with Acne Vulgaris Using Sonophoresis Treatment

People struggling with acne vulgaris, not only experience skin eruptions and skin pain, but also report that their quality of life is worse compared with healthy people. This study examined, for the first time, the effect of sonophoresis on select skin parameters (sebum level) in young women suffering from acne vulgaris. The study included 60 women 19–23 years of age (M = 21.45, SD = 0.91) with mild and moderate facial acne. The inclusion criteria were 19–23 years of age, female or male gender, mild to moderate acne, no dermatological treatment within last 12 months, and no hormonal contraception (women). No men volunteered for the study, so the group was homogeneous. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A underwent a sonophoresis procedure using ultrasound and ultrasound gel combined with a green tea, bamboo extract ampule, and 5% lactic acid. Group B was the placebo group, where sonophoresis was performed using only ultrasound gel (no ampules). The members of the placebo group were told that they were undergoing sonophoresis with a green tea, bamboo extract, and 5% lactic acid ampule. Before and after the series of procedures, sebum levels were measured in the skin. Each patient underwent a series of five procedures using sonophoresis equipment at one-week intervals. Sonophoresis with green tea, bamboo extract, and 5% lactic acid contributed to the reduction of skin eruptions and sebum levels in the participants of the study (group A). The study results demonstrated that the combined use of plant preparations, lactic acid, and ultrasound had a positive effect on the skin of people suffering from acne vulgaris, including reduction of skin eruptions and sebum levels on the surface of the skin.

Profiling Blood Serum Extracellular Vesicles in Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Reveals Potential Disease Biomarkers

Psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are inflammatory diseases with unresolved pathophysiological aspects. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in intercellular communication. We compared the miRNA contents and surface proteome of the EVs in the blood serum of PsV and PsA patients to healthy controls. Size-exclusion chromatography was used to isolate EVs from the blood serum of 12 PsV patients, 12 PsA patients and 12 healthy control subjects. EV samples were characterized and RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially enriched EV-bound miRNAs. We found 212 differentially enriched EV-bound miRNAs present in both PsV and PsA groups—a total of 13 miRNAs at FDR ≤ 0.05. The predicted target genes of these miRNAs were significantly related to lesser known but potentially disease-relevant pathways. The EV array revealed that PsV patient EV samples were significantly enriched with CD9 EV-marker compared to controls. Analysis of EV-bound miRNAs suggests that signaling via EVs in the blood serum could play a role in the pathophysiological processes of PsV and PsA. EVs may be able to fill the void in clinically applicable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PsV and PsA.

Erythema Nodosum in Children: A Narrative Review and a Practical Approach

Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most frequent form of panniculitis in children. We performed a literature review analyzing studies on pediatric EN published from 1990 to February 2022. EN is rare in pediatric age. It can be primary/idiopathic in 23–55% cases, or secondary in 47–77% cases. Secondary EN is related to a wide variety of conditions including infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, malignancy, drugs, vaccinations, and pregnancy. The diagnosis of EN is clinical, based on the acute appearance of painful and red nodules localized to lower limbs, bilaterally distributed. If EN is diagnosed, basic work-up should include inflammatory markers, serum aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, protein electrophoresis, immunoglobulins, testing for streptococcal infection, and a tuberculin skin test. Based on the medical history and associated manifestations, further laboratory and radiological exams should be performed. The prognosis of EN is excellent, with spontaneous resolution in most patients within 2–6 weeks. Treatment, if needed, is addressed to the underlying condition. Despite being a rare manifestation in children, EN can be isolated or the first manifestation of a systemic or infectious condition. EN diagnosis is clinical, and a high index of suspicion is needed to perform investigations for the underlying disorders.

Degenerative and Inflammatory Osteoproliferations in Lumbar Radiographs in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients

The aim of this study was to determine the distribution different types of osteoproliferative lesions on the lumbar spine and their relations in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) under biologic-disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy. T12-S1 corners were evaluated in 182/274 (66.4%) patients with lumbar radiographs. Lesions were determined as osteophyte (grade 0–3), erosion, sclerosis, squaring, corner syndesmophyte, and bridging syndesmophyte. Lesions with no clear distinction were defined as ambiguous. The mean (SD) age of 182 PsA (69.2% female) patients was 47.6 years (12.7), the mean age at diagnosis of PsA was 39.7 years (12.7). Of the patients, 112 (61.5%) met the criteria for mNY. Osteophytes were the most frequently detected lesions (42.3%), with 18.1% of patients having osteophyte grade 2 and above (mostly on L2-L4). Syndesmophytes were present in 24.2% of all patients (mostly on T12-L4), and ambiguous lesions were detected in 13 (4.7%) patients. Changes were observed in five ambiguous lesions in patients with follow-up lumbar radiography, four of them transformed into corner syndesmophytes at follow-up, and one was evaluated as osteophyte grade 2. Approximately one fifth of patients presented with significant degenerative new bone formation, and syndesmophytes were found in one fourth. In approximately 7% of all patients, lesions were ambiguous. The nature of these lesions needs to be evaluated in further imaging studies.