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Biology
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Skin Biology
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Skin Biology

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 23043

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Regina Fölster-Holst

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Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
Interests: atopic dermatitis; pediatric dermatology; exanthems in childhood parasitoses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mohamad Goldust

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Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
Interests: dermatology; artificial intelligence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Jacek C. Szepietowski

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Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medcial Unieversity, ul. T. Chałubińskiego 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: systemic itch; uremic pruritus; itch in dermatoses; skin and psyche
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Lidia Rudnicka

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Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: autoimmunity; clinical dermatology; melanoma; skin; autoimmune disease; dermatology; hair diseases; trichoscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The skin is the organ that is in contact with the environment. It acts as a barrier to prevent pathogens from penetrating into the body. Although the structure of skin is well defined, much remains to be known about skin biology and the interaction of its different structures.  Due to its importance, the editors of Biology have set up an Issue dedicated to this field. For this Special Issue, we invite research and review articles on various aspects of skin biology. Topics of interest could include, but are not limited to:

  • Skin structure
  • Skin anatomy
  • Skin morphology
  • Skin physiology
  • Skin pathology

Prof. Dr. Regina Fölster-Holst
Dr. Mohamad Goldust
Prof. Dr. Jacek C Szepietowski
Prof. Dr. Lidia Rudnicka
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 908 KiB  
Article
Pathobiology of Second-Generation Antihistamines Related to Sleep in Urticaria Patients
by Caroline Mann, Joanna Wegner, Hans-Günter Weeß and Petra Staubach
Biology 2022, 11(3), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11030433 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3249
Abstract
Background: Standard treatment options for urticaria are second-generation antihistamines; however, their effect on sleep is uncertain. This study measures the influence of different antihistamines on the biologic sleep pattern of urticaria patients and the relevance of sleep in urticaria patients. Methods: Ten patients [...] Read more.
Background: Standard treatment options for urticaria are second-generation antihistamines; however, their effect on sleep is uncertain. This study measures the influence of different antihistamines on the biologic sleep pattern of urticaria patients and the relevance of sleep in urticaria patients. Methods: Ten patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and uncontrolled symptoms under a single dose of second-generation antihistamines were included. Two nights were monitored: the first night after 5 days on single dosage and the second night after 5 days on fourfold dosage. Patient-rated questionnaires were used and sleep was monitored using polygraphy. Results: The patients’ rated daytime sleepiness decreased (p = 0.0319), as did their insomnia severity (p = 0.0349). The urticaria control (UCT) improved (p = 0.0007), as did the quality of life (p < 0.0001). There was no significant change of nightly pruritus (p = 0.1173), but there was an improvement of daytime pruritus (p = 0.0120). A significant increase in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was seen (p = 0.0002) (from a mean of 3.9% to 14.3%). The deep sleep state (N3) also improved (8.7% to 12.3%) (p = 0.1172). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated an improvement of the sleep pattern in CSU patients under up-dosed second-generation antihistamines, without increased daytime sleepiness, alongside an improvement of urticaria symptoms and quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Biology)
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10 pages, 511 KiB  
Article
Diagnosis of Simultaneous Atrial and Ventricular Mechanical Performance in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
by Mohammadbagher Sharifkazemi, Mohammadali Nazarinia, Alireza Arjangzade, Mohamad Goldust and Zahra Hooshanginezhad
Biology 2022, 11(2), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020305 - 14 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2246
Abstract
Objective: Cardiac involvement is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); therefore, preclinical diagnosis of heart involvement is crucial. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), a method for evaluating the myocardial strain, could be helpful for the early diagnosis [...] Read more.
Objective: Cardiac involvement is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); therefore, preclinical diagnosis of heart involvement is crucial. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), a method for evaluating the myocardial strain, could be helpful for the early diagnosis of cardiac mechanical function abnormalities. In this study, the simultaneous evaluation of all cardiac chambers was studied in patients with SSc, compared with normal individuals. Methods: The results of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and 2D-STE of 37 patients with SSc and 37 healthy individuals and the longitudinal strain (LS) of all chambers was precisely evaluated. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, and independent-sample t test and Chi-square test were used for comparison between the groups. Results: The mean ± SD of the participants’ age was 45.7 ± 11.54 (range of 17 to 68) years; most of them were women (75.7%). TTE showed higher left atrial (LA) volume (p < 0.001), right atrial (RA) area (p = 0.007), the severity of ventricular dysfunction (p < 0.05) and inferior vena cava diameter (p = 0.005), compared with the control group. Spectral and tissue Doppler echocardiography showed higher systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) and mitral A wave velocity, and lower E/A ratio, E’ velocity of left ventricular (LV) septal and lateral wall in the case group (p < 0.05). Color Doppler echocardiography showed a higher frequency of valvular regurgitation in the case group (p < 0.05). The results of 2D-STE showed lower LA roof LS (p < 0.001), LA average LS (p = 0.015), LA global LS (p = 0.028), and LA ejection fraction (LAEF) (p = 0.001), lower mean RA left wall (p = 0.048) and EF (p < 0.001), and higher RV global LS in the case group (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Simultaneous evaluation of all cardiac chambers by 2D-STE provides valuable information about the myocardial involvement in patients with SSc. Therefore, it is suggested to use this method for the early diagnosis of cardiac involvement in such patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Biology)
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17 pages, 11052 KiB  
Article
Itch in Adult Population with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Clinical Profile, Pathogenesis and Disease-Related Burden in a Cross-Sectional Study
by Aleksandra A. Stefaniak, Piotr K. Krajewski, Dorota Bednarska-Chabowska, Marek Bolanowski, Grzegorz Mazur and Jacek C. Szepietowski
Biology 2021, 10(12), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10121332 - 15 Dec 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4834
Abstract
Background: Despite growing interest in itch, data regarding itch in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are still limited, and mostly based on outdated studies. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of itch in the adult population with DM2 and explore potential [...] Read more.
Background: Despite growing interest in itch, data regarding itch in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are still limited, and mostly based on outdated studies. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of itch in the adult population with DM2 and explore potential underlying causes. Methods: The study group consisted of 109 adult patients with DM2. Standardized questionnaires were completed in order to assess the itch intensity [Numerical Rating Scale (three days, 24hours) (NRS)] and the Four-item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ) and to assess the psychological impact of itch [ItchyQoL, Six-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)]. Skin dryness was evaluated clinically and by non-invasive assessment of epidermis moisturizing. Neuropathy was assessed using the clinical Katzenwadel neuropathy scale. Results: Itch occurred in 35.8% of adult patients with DM2, with NRSmax three days 6.31 ± 2.16 and 8.1 ± 3.5 points in 4IIQ. Itchy patients have had significantly higher FPG levels compared with the non-itchy population (p = 0.01). Patients with itch had a significantly higher possibility of neuropathy compared with non-itchy subjects (p < 0.01). Skin xerosis was significantly more advanced in patients with itch compared to those without (p < 0.01). The mean ItchyQol score was assessed as 41.2 ± 13.4 points, indicating mild life quality impairment and correlated positively with itch intensity. Itchy subjects had significantly higher scores in both anxiety and depression dimensions of HADS (in each p < 0.01). Conclusions: We suggest that the primary cause of itch is prolonged poor diabetes control with altered glucose and insulin levels, subsequently causing skin dryness and neuropathy in long-lasting DM2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Biology)
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18 pages, 2826 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Epidermal Barrier Integrity in Adults with Classic Atopic Dermatitis, Atopic Prurigo and Non-Atopic Prurigo Nodularis
by Regina Fölster-Holst, Rahel Reimer, Claudia Neumann, Erhardt Proksch, Elke Rodriguez, Stephan Weidinger, Mohamad Goldust, Eckhard Hanisch, Stephan Dähnhardt-Pfeiffer and Sandra Freitag-Wolf
Biology 2021, 10(10), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10101008 - 07 Oct 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3077
Abstract
A deficient epidermal barrier is a key feature of atopic dermatitis (AD) and comprises altered lipid and protein content and composition of the stratum corneum resulting in disturbed water balance. Clinically, eczematous lesions on dry skin and pruritus develop. Pruritic nodules occur in [...] Read more.
A deficient epidermal barrier is a key feature of atopic dermatitis (AD) and comprises altered lipid and protein content and composition of the stratum corneum resulting in disturbed water balance. Clinically, eczematous lesions on dry skin and pruritus develop. Pruritic nodules occur in prurigo nodularis (PN), another chronic skin disease, which can be associated with atopy. We aimed at comparing the three clinical pictures, classic AD, atopic prurigo (AP), and non-atopic PN, to healthy controls regarding the epidermal barrier. We determined clinical parameters and performed biophysical measurements, histology/immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and molecular biological analysis. We found distinctively elevated clinical scores, reduced hydration and increased transepidermal water loss, epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation reduced filaggrin and increased loricrin and involucrin expression, as well as reduced intercellular lipid lamellae in all three disease groups. These findings show a severe disruption in epidermal barrier structure and function in all three disorders so that epidermal barrier impairment is now proven not only for AD but also for PN. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Biology)
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Review

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16 pages, 2840 KiB  
Review
Merkel Cell Carcinoma: From Pathobiology to Clinical Management
by Peerzada Umar Farooq Baba, Zubaida Rasool, Ishrat Younas Khan, Clay J. Cockerell, Richard Wang, Martin Kassir, Henner Stege, Stephan Grabbe and Mohamad Goldust
Biology 2021, 10(12), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10121293 - 08 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 8131
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an infrequent, rapidly growing skin neoplasm that carries a greater probability of regional lymph node involvement, and a grim prognosis in advanced cases. While it is seen predominantly in old age in sun-exposed body parts, the prevalence varies [...] Read more.
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an infrequent, rapidly growing skin neoplasm that carries a greater probability of regional lymph node involvement, and a grim prognosis in advanced cases. While it is seen predominantly in old age in sun-exposed body parts, the prevalence varies among different races and geographical regions. Merkel cell polyomavirus and UV radiation-induced mutations contribute to its etiopathogenesis. The clinical presentation of MCC lacks pathognomonic features and is rarely considered highly at the time of presentation. Histopathological examination frequently reveals hyperchromatic nuclei with high mitotic activity, but immunohistochemistry is required to confirm the diagnosis. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and imaging are advised for effective staging of the disease. Multimodal management including surgery, radiation therapy, and/or immunotherapy are deployed. Traditional cytotoxic chemotherapies may result in an initial response, but do not result in a significant survival benefit. Checkpoint inhibitors have dramatically improved the prognosis of patients with metastatic MCC, and are recommended first-line in advanced cases. There is a need for well-tolerated agents with good safety profiles in patients who have failed immunotherapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Biology)
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