Skin Research and Technology最新文献

Background: Bridging ancient herbal wisdom with modern biomaterial innovation, this study pioneers a smart hydrogel infused with Red Ginseng (RG) (angiogenesis-boosting ginsenosides) and Centella asiatica (collagen-stimulating asiaticoside), synergized with alginate and upcycled eggshell membrane for unrivaled wound adhesion and eco-conscious design. Unlike conventional hydrogels, this bioactive synergy accelerates tissue regeneration while fighting antibiotic-resistant infections, thus opening up a new era of wound care inspired by nature.

Methods & materials: Initially, seven distinct hydrogel formulations were generated by blending sodium alginate and eggshell membrane with RG roots and centella asiatica at optimal concentrations. Subsequently, the hydrogels' structural characteristics were assessed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Following structural validation, the study comprehensively evaluated the physical attributes of the hydrogels, encompassing swelling behavior, stability, weight loss, porosity, and antibacterial properties. Biocompatibility of the prepared hydrogels was assessed through hemolytic activity and cell viability analyses. Moreover, the therapeutic efficacy of the hydrogels was examined using a rat model, encompassing RNA expression and histological assessments to elucidate their potential wound-healing attributes.

Results: The developed hydrogel exhibited a porous architecture with interconnected cavities conducive to facilitating cell migration. Additionally, the hydrogels demonstrated antibacterial properties, as confirmed by antibacterial assays. MTT analysis revealed a positive impact on cell proliferation, with no observed cellular toxicity. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the hydrogels outperformed the control group, treated with gauze, in accelerating wound closure. Notably, the alginate/eggshell membrane/RG roots/Centella asiatica group exhibited the highest percentages of wound closure, re-epithelialization, and gene expression.

Conclusion: This hydrogel transcends conventional wound care, harnessing RG's angiogenic magic and centella's collagen-boosting power within a sustainable alginate-eggshell matrix to forge a bioactive bridge between lab bench and bedside. Its triple potential (rapid closure, infection defense, and scar suppression) makes it a promising dressing.

Background: Desquamative gingivitis is a clinical condition characterized by erythema, blisters, and erosions within the gingiva. It may be a manifestation of oral lichen planus or autoimmune bullous diseases, such as pemphigus vulgaris and mucous membrane pemphigoid. The identification of the cause of desquamative gingivitis typically involves the analysis of clinical manifestations, histopathology, and immunopathology evaluation. This article reviews available data on the application of noninvasive imaging techniques (reflectance confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and line-field confocal optical coherence tomography) in identifying the cause of desquamative gingivitis.

Materials and methods: The review of the literature for desquamative gingivitis was performed by searching the PubMed, Scopus, and Wiley databases up to January 2025.

Results: This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of noninvasive imaging techniques, including RCM, OCT, and LC-OCT, in the differential diagnosis of desquamative gingivitis. Findings suggest these modalities offer characteristic diagnostic patterns across underlying diseases. In oral lichen planus, RCM typically shows disrupted connective tissue papillae, obscured basement membranes, and inflammatory cell infiltrates. In pemphigus vulgaris, the key findings are acantholytic keratinocytes and intraepithelial clefts, while mucous membrane pemphigoid displays subepithelial clefts and signs of hemorrhage. OCT findings in desquamative gingivitis associated with oral lichen planus include maintained epithelial thickness in the erosive forms and multilocular blisters in the bullous variants of the disease. In pemphigus vulgaris, OCT reveals intraepithelial clefts and thinning of the epithelium, while mucous membrane pemphigoid is marked by subepithelial blister formation and fluid accumulation.

Conclusion: New noninvasive imaging techniques, such as reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography, may support clinical decision-making, improve biopsy targeting, and enhance long-term monitoring of desquamative gingivitis.

Background: With increasing life expectancy, the aging population, particularly in Asia, is expanding rapidly. Combined with intense year-round ultraviolet exposure, this accelerates skin aging. Male skin also exhibits distinct aging characteristics. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Genistein Plus Bakuchiol and Vitamins (GEN⁺) product on male facial skin.

Materials and methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in men aged 45-65 years. Participants were assigned to receive either the GEN⁺ or placebo (PLA) product in a 1:1 ratio and applied the product twice daily for 12 weeks. Facial skin assessments were performed at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Evaluated parameters included skin color and consistency, spots, pigmentation, redness, acne, elasticity, hydration, barrier function, and wrinkles. Compliance and satisfaction were also monitored.

Results: Eighty male participants were enrolled (GEN⁺: n = 40; PLA: n = 40). After 12 weeks, the GEN⁺ group demonstrated significant improvements in cheek skin lightening (MD = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.03 to 1.08, p = 0.04) and color consistency (MD = -0.56, 95% CI: -1.06 to -0.06, p = 0.03), along with a reduction in forehead spots (MD = -0.60, 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.06, p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed in melanin-, erythema-, or acne-related parameters. Skin property parameters did not differ significantly between groups, except for skin roughness. Adverse events were mild and self-resolving. While satisfaction scores did not differ significantly, the GEN⁺ group reported higher scores across most domains.

Conclusion: The GEN⁺ product demonstrated promising improvements in male facial skin appearance, including skin lightening, color consistency, and spot reduction. The product was well-tolerated and offered a safe, targeted skincare solution for men.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: TCTR20240312001.