Post-laser melasma induction/exacerbation remains a critical challenge in treating acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOMs). While laser parameters are well-studied, patient-specific risk factors across evolving therapeutic eras require elucidation.
This retrospective cohort analyzed 2675 ABNOMs patients treated with Q-switched lasers in two eras: C1 (2010–2013; 1064 nm-only, n = 1069) and C2 (2020–2023; multi-wavelength, n = 1606). Risk factors were assessed through multivariate logistic regression, incorporating laser wavelength stratification.
Era-specific risk reversals emerged: In C1, age > 25, Fitzpatrick IV and patch lesions predicted melasma induction, whereas large/dark lesions showed protective effects. C2 showed inverse risks for lesion characteristics (large/dark lesions showed negative effects), with skin type/age becoming nonsignificant. Despite increased number of patients with pre-existing melasma in C2, melasma exacerbation rates decreased from 87.6% (C1) to 50.1% (C2, p < 0.05) in parallel with diagnostic advances (subclinical melasma detection) and protocol optimization. Wavelength-specific analysis revealed a persistent Fitzpatrick IV risk with 1064 nm versus lesion-driven risks with 694/755 nm. Paradoxically, treatment of dark lesions with 1064 nm reduced the risk of melasma exacerbation, probably through selective melanin targeting.
ABNOMs-related melasma risks dynamically evolve with diagnostic/therapeutic advancements, demanding phenotype-specific laser parameter selection. This decade-spanning analysis provides actionable insights for optimizing laser therapy in diverse ABNOMs populations, despite inherent retrospective limitations.
Registry and the Registration No. of the study/trial: ChiCTR2500095697.
254 nm short wave ultraviolet (UVC) emitted by low-pressure mercury lamp is effective in the treatment of skin wounds. With the emergence of deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (LED), it is expected to significantly expand the clinical indications of UVC. However, whether 254 nm UVC generated by LED light source can promote skin wound healing has not been reported.
To clarify the effect of 254 nm UVC-LED light source on promoting skin wound healing and explore the mechanism of UVC-LED promoting wound healing.
The full-thickness wound model of rat back skin was constructed, and the skin wounds of rats were treated with low-pressure mercury lamp and 254 nm UVC-LED equipment respectively. The curative effect of UVC-LED was determined by wound healing rate and histopathological changes. The expression of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the mRNA content of TGF-α, EGFR, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and VEGF were detected to clarify the mechanism of UVC-LED promoting wound healing.
Histopathology showed that both low-pressure mercury lamp and UVC-LED irradiation could promote skin wound healing, reduce the degree of inflammatory response, and promote angiogenesis. UVC-LED could better promote collagen fiber proliferation. UVC-LED promotes the expression of key cytokines in wound re-epithelialization by increasing the levels of TGF-α and EGFR, dynamically regulates wound healing by bidirectionally regulating the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6, promotes wound angiogenesis by increasing the levels of CD31 and VEGF, and reduces and regulates inflammation by increasing the number of macrophages by increasing CD68.
254 nm UVC-LED can significantly promote skin wound healing in rats and play a role by regulating tissue regeneration cytokines, inflammatory factors and angiogenesis mechanisms.
Moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris (AV) remains a therapeutic challenge, often demonstrating resistance to standard interventions, including topical agents, oral antibiotics, and systemic retinoids. Nonablative monopolar radiofrequency (NMRF) offers a promising alternative by delivering controlled dermal heating without epidermal disruption. Initial findings from the authors demonstrated significant reductions in inflammatory lesion counts and sebum production following two NMRF sessions administered 4 weeks apart, with results sustained up to 6 months. This updated study extends the evaluation to include additional clinical assessments at 9- and 12-month posttreatment, providing further insights into the long-term efficacy and safety of this modality.
To evaluate the extended efficacy and safety of NMRF therapy in the management of moderate-to-severe AV, incorporating follow-up assessments at 9- and 12-month posttreatment.
The study included 20 participants with moderate-to-severe AV who had been previously enrolled in the authors’ initial investigation. All participants underwent two NMRF sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart, as per the original protocol. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 9- and 12-month posttreatment. Lesions were categorized as inflammatory (papules, pustules, nodules, cysts) or noninflammatory (comedones). Sebum production was measured quantitatively using a Sebumeter at each follow-up visit. Patient-reported outcomes, including perceived improvement and satisfaction, were also documented.
Of the initial 20 participants, 11 completed the 12-month follow-up. Clinical assessments revealed statistically significant reductions in both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts, with the most substantial decreases observed in papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Sebum levels continued to decline consistently over the extended follow-up period. Patient satisfaction scores remained high at both time points, and no significant adverse effects were reported, reinforcing the favorable safety and tolerability profile of NMRF therapy.
NMRF is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for moderate-to-severe AV. The 1-year follow-up data highlight its potential as a long-term treatment option, demonstr
This scoping review aimed to synthesize the existing scientific literature on the methods, tools, and strategies employed in vaginal laser therapy for treating genitourinary syndrome in breast cancer survivors.
A systematic search was conducted in August 2024 across six electronic databases—MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier), Cochrane Library (Central), Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics)—for studies reporting the use of CO2 or erbium lasers in breast cancer survivors. The search included articles in all languages and used MeSH terms and database-specific adaptations.
A total of 2372 studies were identified through the electronic databases. After excluding 458 duplicates, 2134 titles and abstracts were screened. Thirty full-text records were assessed for eligibility, of which 10 were excluded for incomplete results and different technologies. Ultimately, 1189 patients out of 20 studies were selected for inclusion in this review: 14 studies used CO2 laser, 5 used erbium laser, and 1 used both technologies. This review showed that use of vaginal lasers to approach GSM in BSC patients is being used since 2017, and 13 out of 20 studies concluded for the safety and efficacy of vaginal laser to treat GSM in BCS patients, comparable to standard treatment.
Both CO2 and erbium lasers appear to be safe and effective treatment options for breast cancer survivors with genitourinary syndrome. New larger, multicenter studies are needed to enhance safety, standardize treatment protocols, and provide further evidence on the efficacy of these therapies in this patient population.
Laser tissue soldering (LTS) offers an innovative, suture-free approach to wound closure. However, challenges such as limited tensile strength and prolonged soldering time need solutions. This work combines BSA with PEG to enhance mechanical properties and introduces silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles to accelerate soldering via localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Real-time SS-OCT monitoring ensures precise evaluation of the soldering process, advancing LTS applications for diverse tissue.
Four solder compositions (C1–C4) are prepared using combinations of BSA, PEG, silver nanoparticles (AgNP) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiNP). Ex-vivo samples of chicken breast, chicken skin, and goat skin were incised in 1 cm incision with 0.45 mm width and soldered using a 980 nm, 5 W laser. Tensile strength was measured using a tensiometer, while cytotoxicity was assessed using HEK293 cells. SS-OCT captured real-time scattering coefficient changes during soldering, providing insight into coagulation dynamics.
Combining bovine serum albumin (BSA) with PEG and nanoparticles (silver and titanium dioxide), tensile strength in ex-vivo tissue samples increased significantly—by 27% in chicken breast (0.4980 to 0.6366 N/cm²), 28% in chicken skin (0.6080 to 0.7840 N/cm²), and 23% in goat skin (0.6220 to 0.7666 N/cm²). Nanoparticle incorporation reduced soldering time by 33%, achieving complete fusion within 3 min using a laser of optical power of 5 W, central wavelength 980 nm and duty cycle of 50%. Real-time monitoring with Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) quantified the scattering coefficient changes during soldering, validating efficient bonding. Results demonstrate PEG's contribution to tensile strength, nanoparticles’ role in reducing soldering time, and SS-OCT's utility for precision monitoring, supporting LTS as a promising wound closure method.
The study validates PEG's biomechanical reinforcement and nanoparticles’ role in efficient LTS. The integration of SS-OCT enables precise, real-time assessment, confirming the clinical potential of this enhanced LTS method for rapid and robust tissue closure.
This exploratory study was aimed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of Epicare, a 1940 nm thulium-doped yttrium aluminum perovskite (Tm:YAP) laser, for fractional skin ablation in a swine model. The goal was to assess collagen remodeling and tissue responses across varied laser settings to optimize skin resurfacing applications.
Two female domestic swine were subjected to controlled fractional laser ablation using Epicare across 52 marked abdominal sites with varying energy settings. Macroscopic examinations of ablated sites were conducted immediately following ablation and at 1, 3, 7, 14, 22, and 29 days postablation. Histopathological evaluation was conducted immediately posttreatment, and at 1, 7, and 29 days postablation. Observed parameters included epidermal regeneration, dermal remodeling, inflammation, and collagen deposition.
Macroscopic evaluations revealed a fractional, clear, and immediate impact of ablation, consisting primarily of erythema and edema, which resolved without complications by Day 14. Histopathological analysis indicated focal, cylinder-like structures associated with necrotic epidermis and dermis, which healed progressively (i.e. from day 1), transitioning to complete epidermal regeneration by Day 7 for most energy settings. By Day 29, advanced collagen deposition and no residual inflammation indicated effective dermal remodeling, consistent with rapid healing and minimal adverse reactions.
Epicare demonstrated a favorable safety profile and effective tissue ablation. These findings support the laser's potential for dermatologic applications while emphasizing the need for further investigation to confirm its efficacy and optimal settings in human clinical trials.
Picosecond lasers have been increasingly applied to the treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOMs), and proved safe and effective for adult patients. But there has been limited data concerned with their use in children.
To analyze the efficacy, safety, and correlative influencing factors of a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser in treating ABNOMs in children.
We retrospectively analyzed children with ABNOMs from January 2017 to July 2023 who received the treatment using a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser. Treatment parameters used were as follows: 750 ps pulse duration, 2.34–4.07 J/cm² fluence, and 2.5–3.3 mm spot size. The mean treatment interval was 7 months. The efficacy was evaluated based on a five-point scale according to the percentage of pigmentation clearance.
A total of 49 pediatric patients were included in this retrospective study. The average age at the beginning of treatment was 16.87 months old (range of 4 months to 59 months). These patients received an average of two treatments, achieving an average of 76% pigment clearance, which corresponded to excellent improvement (75%–94%). After the first treatment, six cases reached clinical clearance, and an average of pigment clearance was 61%. The initial efficacy was positively correlated with Fitzpatrick type (p < 0.05). Patients with Fitzpatrick III skin type responded better than patients with Fitzpatrick IV skin type. Besides, the initial efficacy was negatively correlated with the first treatment age and disease duration (p < 0.05). Eight cases developed postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, accounting for 16.3% of the cases.
The 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser is safe and effective in treating ABNOMs in children. Being younger at the initial treatment, having Fitzpatrick III skin type, and experiencing a shorter disease duration are beneficial for initial efficacy.
To investigate the thermo-chemical effects of nonablative Er:YAG laser on human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs).
In this laboratory based study, for the hESCs cultures, endometrial tissue biopsy samples were obtained from three fertile women in the late proliferative phase. In this laboratory-based study, seven experimental groups were created: Estradiol (E2) group, E2 + Sham (S) group, E2 + P4 group, E2 + Laser (L) group, E2 + P4 + L group, hESC group and hESC+L group. Cell cultures reaching confluence on the matrigel-coated petri dishes in all groups were incubated for 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after laser irradiation, respectively. Nonablative Er:YAG laser irradiation was performed to the hESCs culture. The main outcome of this study involves assessing the alterations in MMP-2, TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF-A, and IGFBP-1 levels within conditioned media of hESC cultures subsequent to the Er:YAG laser irradiation.
Median MMP-2 levels significantly differed between groups at the 12th, 24th, 48th, and 72nd hour (p = 0.012, p = 0.045, p = 0.021, and p = 0.032, respectively). All media of hESCs irradiated with Er-YAG laser had higher median MMP-2 values. At the 48th hour, the groups showed significant differences in terms of median TNF-α levels (p = 0.029), which were lower in the groups that received Er-YAG laser. At the 12th hour, median IL-6 levels differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.011), being higher in the groups that received Er-YAG laser. At the 72nd hour, lower median VEGF-A values were observed for the groups that received Er-YAG laser (p = 0.021). A statistically significant difference existed in terms of median IGFBP-1 levels between the groups at the 24th hour, with higher levels in the groups which received Er-YAG laser (p = 0.041).
Our findings demonstrated that the non-ablative Er-YAG laser induces tissue remodeling, modulates immune responses by favoring Th2 cell activity and suppresses Th1 cell activity in hESCs. Additionally, it exerts favorable impact on decidualization.
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：