Journal of Skin and Stem Cell

In Collaboration with Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, TUMS

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A quarterly journal compiled by Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran. University of Medical Sciences, Tehran

Journal of Skin and Stem Cell is an online, peer-reviewed, scientific journal aimed at publishing clinical and experimental research on all aspects of skin disease and cosmetic interventions as well as cutaneous biology within the following categories: experimental research and original articles, review articles, case reports, and items of correspondence.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 259
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    An Update on the Etiopathogenesis and Management of Morbihan Disease: A Narrative Review
    (Brieflands, 2024-06-30) Mohammed Abu El-Hamd; Soha Aboeldahab
    Morbihan disease (MD) is a rare and infrequent condition primarily affecting adults of both sexes in their third and fourth decades of life. Patients with MD typically present with asymptomatic, recurrent bilateral symmetrical pitting edema, which has an insidious onset and a progressive course. This edema affects the upper two-thirds of the face, including the forehead, glabella, periorbital area, cheeks, and nose, with or without erythema. Over time, it evolves into persistent solid, non-pitting, asymptomatic edema that is neither painful nor pruritic. Morbihan disease may cause facial contour deformity and sometimes narrowing of the visual field. The etiopathogenesis of MD remains unknown, and currently, there is no specific treatment for the condition. This review article provides an update on MD, aiming to increase awareness and knowledge about its etiopathogenesis and management.
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    Signaling Molecules as Promising Drug Targets for the Treatment of Psoriasis
    (Brieflands, 2015-09-01) Zohreh Jadali
    This article does not have an abstract.
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    General Health Status of Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris
    (Brieflands, 2021-03-31) Narges Alizadeh; Abbas Darjani; Atefe Ghanbari; Afsane Hadipour
    Background: Pemphigus vulgaris is a severe autoimmune disease that involves skin and mucosal membranes by blistering lesions of varying sizes. Pemphigus is often associated with psychological stress. Objectives: This study aimed to show the status of general health in patients suffering from this disease. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on 35 new cases of pemphigus vulgaris that were referred to the tertiary level hospital from March 2017 to March 2018. Personal and clinical data were gathered by interviewing. Assessment of severity of the disease was done by the Ikeda index, and GHQ-28 questionnaires were used to measure their general health status. Results: A total of 35 new cases of non-treated pemphigus vulgaris (16 females and 19 males; mean age of 48.3 years, range 25 - 84 years) participated in this study. Median severity score of pemphigus was 4.1. Moreover, GHQ-28 positivity was detected in 65.7%o the patients. Social dysfunction and anxiety/insomnia had higher scores in subscales. There was a reverse relationship between disease severity and GHQ-28 values (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Pemphigus may negatively affect the general health of patients, and this issue should be considered in the treatment of this disease.
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    Plantar Papules and Plaques: A Dermoscopic-Histopathological Correlation
    (Brieflands, 2021-03-31) Balachandra Suryakant Ankad; Varsha R Koti; Balkrishna P Nikam; Manjula Rangappa
    Background: Painful lesions affecting the plantar aspect of the foot are routinely encountered in daily practice, and plantar wart, corn, and callus are the most common conditions. Although the clinical examination is sufficient to clinch an accurate diagnosis, atypical presentations indicate the need for invasive investigations like skin biopsy. Here we evaluated dermoscopic patterns of painful lesions affecting the plantar surface. Objectives: The current study aimed to, firstly, investigate the dermoscopic patterns and differentiate between painful papules and plaques on the foot, and, secondly, to analyze the histopathological correlation of these dermoscopic patterns. Methods: Following a cross-sectional design, the current study was carried out on patients with the clinical diagnosis of painful lesions of foot suggestive of plantar wart, corn, and callus referring to a tertiary care center from June 2019 to Jan 2020. Dermoscopy analysis and biopsy were performed for all participants. Results: Among 92 patients with painful plantar lesions, 56, 22, and 15 had a plantar wart, corn, and callus, respectively. Dermoscopy of warts revealed red dots (89.28%) and yellow halo (82.14%). A translucent central core (100%) and whitish ring (81.81%) on dermoscopy of patients with corn. Dermoscopy of callus demonstrated opaque yellow area in all (100%) the patients. Dermatoglyphics were absent in plantar wart in contrast to corn and callus, wherein they were preserved. Conclusions: Dermoscopy can be considered as a rapid, non-invasive, diagnostic tool in the daily practice of a dermatologist. Here, it assisted in distinguishing clinically akin painful plantar papules and plaques. These dermoscopic patterns also were well correlated histopathologically.
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    Elastin Peptides with Ferrous Ferric Chloride Activate Human Melanocytes and Elastin Fibers
    (Brieflands, 2022-06-30) Tomohisa Hirobe; Hisao Enami
    Background: Elastin peptides stimulate the development of mouse melanocytes in neural crest culture. Ferrous ferric chloride (FFC) promotes mammalian melanocyte growth in culture. However, it is unclear whether elastin peptides in the presence of FFC can stimulate human melanocyte growth in situ. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of human melanocyte growth for skin and stem cell science since melanocytes control human skin color. Methods: In this clinical trial study, a lotion containing elastin peptides and/or FFC was applied to the normal skin of 6 volunteers twice a day for 1 to 3 months. Punch biopsies were taken from treated skin and surveyed by histochemical methods using the dopa reaction (detect melanocytes) and dopa-premelanin reaction (detect melanocytes and melanoblasts). Elastin fibers were detected by Victoria blue staining. Results: Only the combined treatment of elastin peptides and FFC increased melanocyte populations in addition to dopa reactivity, melanogenesis, dendritogenesis, and epidermal melanin pigmentation. Mitotic divisions of melanocytes were also observed. However, the melanoblast population failed to increase, and no mitotic melanoblasts were observed. In the dermis, elastin fibers became thicker and denser after the treatment. The data of statistical analyses were performed by tabulation, mean, and SD on Microsoft Excel for Macintosh OS Catalina 10 system. Conclusions: Our present study suggests that elastin peptides with FFC can promote melanocyte growth, melanin synthesis, skin pigmentation, and elastin fiber formation. Our study can be expected to contribute to advancing skin and stem cell science.
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    Lactium: A Novel Drug for Psychocutaneous Skin Disorders
    (Brieflands, 2021-06-30) Amit S. Kerure; Nitika S. Deshmukh; Satish Udare
    This article does not have an abstract.
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    Facial Acne Management and Sebum Reduction via Botulinum Toxin Type a Treatment: A Review
    (Brieflands, 2024-06-30) Serap Maden
    Context: Acne is a common skin condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit. Increased sebum production is a key component of acne pathogenesis. Various therapies are available for acne, including topical, systemic, and physical treatments. Botulinum toxin is increasingly used in facial cosmetic procedures. Observations suggest that botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) may reduce sebum levels in the face. This finding could potentially lead to the development of a new treatment for oily skin and acne. Evidence Acquisition: A retrospective literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases using keywords such as "acne," "acne treatment," "oily skin," and "botulinum toxin type A." The review focused on studies that assessed the impact of BoNT-A on patients with acne vulgaris and oily skin, as well as studies that measured skin sebum levels and pore size following BoNT-A application. Results: Nine studies were reviewed. Of these, two evaluated the effects of BoNT-A on 30 and 35 patients with acne vulgaris. Four studies assessed sebum reduction in 20, 50, 42, and 20 patients. Three studies evaluated both sebum reduction and pore size tightening in 10, 25, and 20 patients. Eight studies demonstrated that the application of BoNT-A has a positive effect on patients with acne and reduces sebum production in facial skin. Only one study, which evaluated both sebum reduction and pore size tightening, found no significant effect. Overall, the studies indicate that BoNT-A application can positively impact acne and reduce facial sebum production. Specifically, intradermal application of BoNT-A at low dosages can help reduce acne, sebum production, and tighten pores. Conclusions: BoNT-A shows promise as a treatment for acne and oily skin. While cost-effectiveness may be a challenge for some patients, the benefits of BoNT-A make it a treatment option worth considering. With further studies to optimize dosages and determine the longest duration of efficacy, BoNT-A has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of acne and oily skin.
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    Inflamma-miRs, Mito-miRs, and SA-miRs: Are They at the Crossroads of Inflammaging?
    (Brieflands, 2018-06-30) Samila Farokhimanesh; Ali Komeili; Mohammad Ali Nilforoushzadeh; Mehrak Zare
    Context: Inflammaging is the latest theory of aging, which is the chronic, low-grade, and systematic inflammation developing the major risk factors for age-related diseases. Inflammaging is characterized by increasing the circulating pro-inflammatory factors and decreasing the circulatory anti-inflammatory factors. Recent findings propose that several classes of microRNAs are differentially expressed during inflammaging. Evidence Acquisition: Inflamma-miRs are a class of miRs capable of regulating the inflammatory status owing to their ability to modulate pro-inflammatory molecules. Since the role of miRNAs in aging is not restricted to inflammation, mito-miRs and SA-miRs are also involved in organismal aging. Considering the important role of mitochondria in aging, dysfunctional mitochondria in aged cells may induce an inflammatory response by producing ROS, as well as oxidized mtDNA and mito-miRNAs. Another important subset of miRNA that fuels inflammaging is senescence-associated miRNA (SA-miRs) that promotes senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Senescent cells have dysfunctional mitochondria, which can promote inflammaging through continuous immune system stimulation. Results: The evaluation of three classes of miRNAs involved in inflammaging shows that there are some miRs at the intersection of inflamma-miRs, SA-miRs, and mito-miRs, called SA-inflamma-mitomiRs subset, which contains miR-19b, miR-20a, miR-146a, and miR-181a. Conclusions: This overlap shows that this panel of miRNAs has mitochondrial targets whose modulation is implicated in senescence-associated secretory phenotype and the formation of SASP might be an important contributor to chronic inflammation.
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    Expression of Fas Receptor and Fas Ligand in Eczematous Dermatitis
    (Brieflands, 2019-12-28) Hanan Rabea Nada; Ahmed M. Nada; Laila A. Rashed; Mira M. Abdel Halim; Maha Fathy Elmasry
    Background: The principal role of epidermal keratinocytes (KCs) in inducing and maintaining eczematous dermatitis has been rather neglected. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the expression of Fas receptor (FasR) and Fas ligand (FasL) in the skin of eczematous dermatitis patients to examine T-cell mediated KC apoptosis. Methods: The population included 35 patients with eczematous dermatitis, as well as 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The cases group included 13 eczema, five atopic dermatitis (AD) and 17 contact dermatitis (CD) patients. Tissue levels of FasR and FasL were estimated using a quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. Results: FasR and FasL were upregulated in the cases group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, FasR and FasL were upregulated in the eczema cases compared to the cases with CD and AD (P = 0.001). On the contrary, there was downregulation of FasR and FasL in the CD cases in comparison to the cases having eczema and AD (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The study concluded that the upregulation of FasR and FasL may be involved in the pathogenesis of eczema through induction of KC apoptosis. This might help in the future use of anti-apoptotic therapy for prevention and treatment of eczematous dermatitis.
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    Proteomic Analysis Reveals an Increase of Neutrophils and TH17-related Proteins Expression in Severe Nodular Acne Lesions of the Back
    (Brieflands, 2019-09-30) Bruno Méhul; Isabelle Carlavan; Alexandre Genette; Alexia Seraidaris; Béatrice Bertino; Corinne Ménigot; Valérie Bourdès; Brigitte Dréno; Johannes J. Voegel; Sandrine Blanchet-Réthoré
    Background: The etiology and different inflammatory steps associated with the development of an acne nodule remain unsolved. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the main biological processes involved in acne nodules and compare them to those of papules. Methods: Nodules, papules, and non-involved skin of the back (control) were biopsied to perform proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry, Luminex assay, and elastase staining on skin sections. Results: Many factors involved in the migration and function of immune cells, particularly those impacting leukocytes and neutrophils, were strongly and significantly higher in nodules than in papules and non-involved skin, while several enzymes involved in lipid metabolism were lower. Elastase staining confirmed strong neutrophil infiltration within and around the nodules. Conclusions: Our results highlight the role of neutrophils during nodule formation in severe nodular acne of the back.
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    Acral Lentiginous Melanoma on the Palm: Unusual Site with a Fatal Outcome
    (Brieflands, 2019-09-30) Ravindranath Brahmadeo Chavan; Vasudha Abhijit Belgaumkar; Nitika Sanjay Deshmukh; Nupur Vasudeo Warke
    Introduction: Melanoma is more common in the western countries than among darker pigmented individuals, but acral lentiginous is the most frequently encountered subtype among Indians. Case Presentation: An Indian male presented with a progressively increasing blackish ulcerated nodule on left palm overlying a heterogeneously hyperpigmented macule present since 6 months. A diagnosis of acral lentiginous melanoma was made and a wide local excision with left axillary dissection was done. The patient missed the initial sessions of chemotherapy and succumbed three months later due to metastatic complications. Conclusions: Melanoma may present with varied morphologies which may resemble benign dermatoses at initial presentation causing a delay in diagnosis. Occurrence of acral lentiginous melanoma on the palm is unusual and may go unnoticed due to its innocuous appearance. The survival rates drop drastically as the tumor metastasizes. Thus, a high index of suspicion is warranted to make a timely diagnosis in an attempt to improve patient outcome.
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    Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: A Comparison Between Turkey and Iran
    (Brieflands, 2020-03-02) Tansu Sayar Kanyış
    The human embryo has a special character, with its ability to hold the personal data of both ova and sperm donors and its own, in addition to its potential to become a human being. For this reason, states should give the human embryo proper protection, which should be more rigorous than any somatic or germ cells of a human being. Legal protection provided by states reflects their view on the moral status of the human embryo. The moral status of the human embryo is gradual, but it is difficult to measure the stages of the human embryo’s development since its development is a continuous process. It is possible to say that the 14-day rule, the early embryonic stage, transfer to the women’s body, and ensoulment are accepted as important stages for human Embryonic Stem Cell Research (hESCR). According to Turkish regulations, it is not possible to do hESCR in Turkey. Iran gives permission to use spare/surplus embryos in hESCR based on fatwas, and regulates the conditions clearly in guidelines. Iran’s regulations and practices are a reflection of the view that the human embryo has a gradual independent moral status. Graduality is provided by the stages of the 14-day rule, implantation into the womb, and ensoulment. However, in Turkey, although the gradual independent moral status view is seen in the regulations on abortion and assisted reproductive techniques, it is seen that regulations on hESCR are incompatible with other regulations on the practices concerning the human embryo. We believe that Turkey should permit hESCR, at least, on spare/surplus human embryos.
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    Linear Atrophoderma of Moulin Localized to Face: An Exceedingly Rare Entity
    (Brieflands, 2020-06-30) Tasleem Arif
    Introduction: Linear atrophoderma of Moulin (LAM) is a rare dermatologic disorder characterized by hyperpigmented atrophic plaques following the Blaschko lines (BL). The trunk and limbs are the usual sites affected. Isolated facial involvement is an exceedingly rare entity. Despite a comprehensive medical literature search, the author could find only two cases of LAM where the lesions are exclusively localized to the face. In this article, the author presents the third case of LAM localized to face only. Case Presentation: A 26-year-old male complained of multiple linear non-pruritic pigmented lesions over the left side of the nose and glabellar area of six months’ duration. There was no history of erythema, thickening/hardening of skin, or violaceous border surrounding the lesions. On clinical examination, there were multiple hyperpigmented brownish lesions, the majority of which were depressed, involving the left ala and bridge of nose laterally and glabellar area in a Blaschkoid pattern. Diagnosis of LAM was established based on suggestive history and clinical examination. Conclusions: LAM is a rare disorder, and the facial localization makes it exceedingly rare. It should be kept in the differential diagnosis when hyperpigmented depressed lesions are present in a Blaschkoid pattern on the face.
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    Dermatological Manifestations of Rheumatological Diseases in Children: A Review Article
    (Brieflands, 2024-03-31) Tanya Sood; Sunil Gothwal; Pawan Kumar Sulaniya
    Rheumatological disorders are considered rare in children, with a global incidence of 2% - 5%. However, this number may be higher in developing countries due to underreporting. Approximately 10% - 20% of all rheumatological disorders in adults present initially during pediatric age.
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    Integration of Lipofilling with Blepharoplasty to Optimize Periorbital Rejuvenation: A Retrospective Study
    (Brieflands, 2024-06-30) Daniele Bollero; Sabrina Donzelli; Bruno Bovani; Matteo Tretti Clementoni; Fabrizio Melfa; Domenico Piccolo; Melinda Keener
    Background: Surgical blepharoplasty has traditionally been used to rejuvenate the periorbita by removing excess tissue. While this often enhances appearance, it does not address the volume loss associated with aging. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have been used to address volume loss; however, issues such as the Tyndall effect, chronic edema, and the cost of repeated injections make them less than ideal. Advances in contemporary surgery have made autologous fat a natural alternative for filling volume loss in the periorbita. Fat grafting, whether using macrofat, microfat, or nanofat, can provide excellent results, but a separate procedure is required to harvest the fat from the patient. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze and describe complications and patient satisfaction by comparing blepharoplasty alone with blepharoplasty combined with lipofilling. Methods: A retrospective review of a single surgeon's private practice cases was performed on 45 consecutive patients who underwent surgical blepharoplasty alone and 64 patients who had surgical blepharoplasty combined with lipofilling from 2002 to 2021. Complications, pain scores, and patient satisfaction reports were assessed. Results: Upon comparing the blepharoplasty alone group to the blepharoplasty with lipofilling group, the 109 patients did not differ significantly in age. Both groups were predominantly female. There were no major complications, only minor ones, and though the blepharoplasty alone group had a higher complication rate, this was not statistically significant. Lipofilling added approximately 30 minutes to the 60-minute blepharoplasty procedure, but pain scores were higher in the combination group. However, pain dissipated quickly and, while statistically significant, was not clinically significant. Patient satisfaction with the additional lipofilling was high, which resulted in lipofilling being added to all blepharoplasty procedures. Conclusions: Traditional surgical blepharoplasty can be combined with fat grafting techniques to address tissue loss and descent. Lipofilling integrated with blepharoplasty is a safe procedure. It is well tolerated by patients and provides high satisfaction with good aesthetic outcomes. The use of autologous fat offers an economical and effective advantage for patients.
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    Bio - Conductive Scaffold Based on Agarose - Polyaniline for Tissue Engineering
    (Brieflands, 2017-06-30) Payam Zarrintaj; Iraj Rezaeian; Behnaz Bakhshandeh; Behnam Heshmatian; Mohammad Reza Ganjali
    Architecting novel scaffold for tissue engineering has attracted significant attention. Biomimic scaffolds can enhance cellular activity and tissue regeneration. Conductive scaffold exhibited ameliorated regeneration and tissue repair. In this research, conductive hydrogel based on agarose/polyaniline was synthesized to evaluate hydrogel performance as a novel candidate for tissue engineering. Agarose/polyaniline was synthesized using in - situ oxidative polymerization to achieve conductive hydrogel. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized for characterization of the hydrogel. Cyclic voltammetry and conductivity measurement were applied for determining the electro - activity and hydrogel conductivity. Hydrogel conductivity was around 10 to 4 S/cm and exhibited two redox peaks attributed to electroactive transitional state around 0.8 and 0.6. Polyaniline addition to hydrogel decreased the hydrogel swelling capacity because of the hydrophobic nature of polyaniline from 60% to 30%. Cell viability test revealed that the conductive substrate enhanced cellular proliferation. Agarose/polyaniline can be widely utilized in tissue engineering because of adjustable swelling behavior and conductivity, which can affect cellular activity and regeneration.
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    Comparison of the Effects of Cinnamic Acid and Silver Sulfadiazine on Deep Second-degree Burns in Rabbits
    (Brieflands, 2024-03-31) Milad Alizadeh Haghighi; Atieh Latifi; Alireza Nourian; Pari Tamri
    Background: Burns are wounds caused by thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation injuries. They are complex wounds that are difficult to heal and are associated with thousands of deaths each year. Cinnamic acid (CA) is a natural organic compound found in plants, fruits, vegetables, and honey. CA possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing properties. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the healing effects of CA with silver sulfadiazine (SSD), a standard topical agent for burn treatment, on deep second-degree burns. Methods: This experimental study compared the healing effects of CA and SSD on second-degree burns. Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2 to 2.3 kg were divided into 5 equal groups. Deep second-degree burn wounds were created on the backs of the rabbits by contacting a heated circular metal plate. The first group was treated with SSD 1% cream, the second, third, and fourth groups were treated with prepared ointments containing 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% w/w of CA in Eucerin, respectively. The fifth group was treated with Eucerin alone. Wound healing effects were assessed by measuring the rate of wound contraction and the amount of collagen in tissue specimens obtained from different groups. Additionally, histopathological studies were performed on tissue samples. Results: The results showed that CA was significantly more effective than SSD in burn wound healing. Cinnamic acid ointments significantly increased the rate of wound contraction (P < 0.05) and tissue collagen content (P < 0.001) compared to SSD and Eucerin. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that topical CA possesses burn wound healing properties and could be used as an effective topical agent for the treatment of burns.
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    Severe TEN Management in a Patient with Schizophrenia
    (Brieflands, 2017-06-30) Fateme Tajic Rostami; Maryam Honardoost; Zohreh Maghsoomi
    Background: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare and severe dermatologic reaction that could be life- threatening. Typically, it is related to or caused by various medicines that are most commonly antiepileptic. Secondary to epidermolysis, the skin and mucous membranes can also be involved. Severe burn injuries can be associated with acute kidney injury, sepsis, and respiratory dysfunction; however, regardless of severity, early diagnosis and proper treatment can improve the outcome. Case Presentation: Here, we report a case of TEN that led to AKI, loss of conciseness, and respiratory failure in a patient with schizophrenia who had a good outcome despite the severity of the mentioned problems. Rigorous treatment included intensive fluid therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, and wound coverage with a synthetic cover (silver) after gentle early debridement. Conclusions: This case report revealed that appropriate hydration, intravenous immunoglobulin, and high dose corticosteroid plus intensive wound care might be necessary to treat and improve outcomes in patients who suffer from severe TEN.
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    Comparative Effect of Ablative Fractional CO2 Laser Plus Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream Versus Intralesional Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide in Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars: A Randomized Clinical Trial
    (Brieflands, 2018-06-30) Elham Behrangi; Maryam Jalilifar; Vahide Lajevardi; Saeed Razavi; Zahra Azizian
    Background: The current study was performed to compare the effects of ablative fractional CO2 laser plus triamcinolone acetonide cream versus intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed among 33 patients visiting dermatology clinics of two referral teaching hospitals during 2013 - 2014.A lesion of these patients was divided in to two equal parts, one half was injected with triamcinolone acetonide at a dose of 10 - 20 mg/mL, and in the combination treatment, we administered ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment (level: 15, point of shot: 5, PW: 5, pitch: 0.5; Unixel, Korea) with topical triamcinolone acetonide in the other half. The settings of the laser device for each session were set according to the thickness of the scar. Immediately after laser treatment (in the first two seconds) and up to one week later, the triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream was applied twice a day. Each patient underwent 3 - 5 treatment sessions of laser treatment at 4-week intervals for one lesion. One hour before each session, the local anesthetic, lidocaine-p gel, was administered around the lesion. Results: The general appearance of the wound was better in the intralesional triamcinolone group (1.53 vs. 2.15, P < 0.0001). Dyschromia showed more improvement in the combination treatment (1.13 vs. 1.47, P < 0.0001), while hypertrophy improved more as a result of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection (2.19 vs. 1.52, P < 0.0001). Additionally, combination treatment was more effective on texture (1.61 vs. 2.11, P < 0.0001). The improvement of symptoms scores was 2.73 out of a total of three. Conclusions: It can be concluded that topical corticosteroids plus fractional laser therapy is more effective than intralesional injection of corticosteroids for the amelioration of dyschromia and texture of hypertrophic and keloid scars. However, general appearance and hypertrophy showed a better response to intralesional injection of triamcinolone. Accordingly, in non-homogenous lesions with dyschromia, the use of local corticosteroids plus fractional laser is recommended.
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    Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Effect on Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss
    (Brieflands, 2019-03-31) Elham Behrangi; Abbas Zamanian; Gholamhossein Ghaffarpour; Maryam Hashemi Orimi; Amir Heydarian; Zahra Azizian
    Background: Androgenetic Alopecia is a chronic form of hair loss affecting both male and female; 20% of Caucasian men and 40% of women, respectively. Plasma Rich Platelet (PRP) is a blood plasma with higher platelet concentration. It seems that in androgenetic alopecia, growth factors have an important role in transformation and development of terminal hair to vellus hair. The growth factors in PRP can affect this process. Methods: This was a case control study that was performed on 120 patients with grade II and III androgenetic alopecia, based on the Hamilton-Norwood classification system and grade 1 to 5 female pattern alopecia. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients. The first group was treated with Finastride and the second underwent PRP treatment; with a group of 60 participants who received placebo. Follow-up was performed using macroscopic photography and Pull test base line, monthly for three months, and finally three months after PRP-treatment for patients who received PRP. Results: A total number of 120 participants enrolled in this study; 28 patients in the PRP group, 26 patients in the Finastride group and 60 patients in the control group. The results of one month follow up showed that hair growth and hair loss reduction were not significantly improved in the PRP group compared to the Finastride and control groups (P ≥ 0.05). Significant differences were observed in results of progression of hair growth and reduction of hair loss between groups after three and six months (P value: 00.) Conclusions: PRP-treatment is a novel therapeutic approach. The effective results of PRP-treatment might be due to this eagerness. Furthermore, the time duration of this procedure is short, which is an important factor for the patients since most of the participants are young men who do not tend to undergo long-time treatments, such as Finastride consumption and Minoxidil application.