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News

Article

November 18, 2023

Derm in the News: November 12-18

Author(s):

Keep up with the latest headlines in dermatology from the past week, including research revealing the presence of hemoglobin in the epidermis, 3D bioprinting to create hair follicles in human skin tissue, and more.

Mirage News: Hemoglobin Discovery Unveils New Skin Protection Insights

In a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers have revealed the presence of hemoglobin in the epidermis. The study, led by Masayuki Amagai from Keio University School of Medicine, discovered the hemoglobin α protein in keratinocytes of the epidermis and hair follicles. The researchers observed that epidermal hemoglobin is upregulated by oxidative stress and inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species in human keratinocyte cell cultures. This points to a potential role for hemoglobin in protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by external factors such as UV irradiation and internal factors like impaired mitochondrial function.

Phys.org: Scientists 3D-print hair follicles in lab-grown skin

Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have used 3D bioprinting to create hair follicles in human skin tissue cultured in a laboratory setting. Although the development of skin grafts with hair growth is still several years away, the study, led by Pankaj Karande, PhD, reveals the importance of hair follicles in skin healing and function. The engineered skin, which includes functional hair follicles, could enhance dermatological testing, providing a more comprehensive understanding of skin interactions with topical products. The researchers utilized 3D-printing techniques at the cellular level, creating a bio-ink to build skin layer by layer, complete with channels for hair cells. While the current tissue lifespan is limited, future efforts aim to extend it for more advanced applications in drug testing and skin grafts.

Physician's Weekly: Recommendations Developed for Atopic Dermatitis Therapies

The American Academy of Dermatology issued updated guidelines for the use of phototherapy and systemic therapies in adults with atopic dermatitis. The guidelines, based on a systematic review and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, offer strong endorsements for monoclonal antibodies (dupilumab, tralokinumab) and Janus kinase inhibitors (upadacitinib, abrocitinib, baricitinib) in treating moderate-to-severe AD. Phototherapy is conditionally recommended, as are methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, and limited-term use of cyclosporine, all with proper monitoring. The guidelines emphasize against the use of systemic corticosteroids.

Read Dermatology Times' coverage of these recommendations here.

Patient-Forward Rundown

Top headlines from this week to share with your patient

Korea Biomedical Review: AI model predicts postoperative scars: study

A team of doctors has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict postoperative scar severity. Using deep learning-based image analysis, the research team created a model integrating image and clinical data to accurately predict scar severity. The study involved 1,283 patients who visited Severance Hospital and Yonsei Cancer Hospital's Scar Sculpting Laser Center for scars after thyroidectomy. The AI model, validated on internal and external test sets, demonstrated a high level of accuracy comparable to the assessments made by 16 dermatologists. The researchers anticipate that this AI model will enhance the accuracy of scar diagnosis in clinical settings.

Have you seen any dermatology headlines this week that we may have missed? Share with us by emailing our team at DTEditor@mmhgroup.com.