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Sustainable Approaches in Skin Conditions 2.0

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2024) | Viewed by 10720

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Dr. João C. Fernandes

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Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina (CBQF), Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Amyris Bio Products Portugal, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: Wound healing; Skin diseases; nanomaterial; drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Ana Lúcia Silva Oliveira

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Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina (CBQF), Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: natural compounds; skincare; scaffolds; wound healing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

According to the Global Burden of Disease Project, skin diseases were the fourth leading cause of non-fatal morbidity worldwide in 2010 and 2013, affecting almost one-third of the world’s population. Promoting skin healing, while minimizing the aesthetic impact and restoring optimal tissue function, remains a major challenge in the dermatological and cosmetic industries. This is a complex and tightly regulated multi-step process based on the interaction between numerous cellular and molecular actors. The combination of traditional and innovative approaches has resulted in significant developments in this area; recent advances also include green approaches that use nature itself as inspiration for the development of more sustainable solutions, including natural and degradable wound dressings, bio-based therapeutic agents, bioengineered scaffolds, sustainable tissue-engineered skin substitutes, biological anti-scarring, and re-epithelization solutions, among various other examples.

This Special Issue aims to gather research papers focused on recent advances, current challenges, and future perspectives in the management of skin conditions, including those covering approaches to wound healing, skin regeneration, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne, among others. Original research articles describing molecular, pathophysiological, biomedical, biotechnological, and pharmacological advances related to these topics are welcome, as well as review articles summarizing the current state of the art in the field.

Dr. João C. Fernandes
Dr. Ana Lúcia Silva Oliveira
Guest Editors

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Keywords

skin conditions
skin regeneration
scarring
bio-based therapeutics
cellular & molecular mechanisms
experimental dermatology
tissue engineering
sustainable biomaterials
active wound dressings
inflammatory tissue response
nanotechnology
eco-friendly

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Human Cutaneous Wound Healing through Targeted Suppression of Large Conductance Ca²⁺-Activated K⁺ Channels

by Chang-Rok Choi, Eun-Jin Kim, Tae Hyun Choi, Jaehee Han and Dawon Kang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25020803 - 09 Jan 2024

Viewed by 687

Abstract

The modulation of K⁺ channels plays a crucial role in cell migration and proliferation, but the effect of K⁺ channels on human cutaneous wound healing (CWH) remains underexplored. This study aimed to determine the necessity of modulating K⁺ channel activity and expression for human CWH. The use of 25 mM KCl as a K⁺ channel blocker markedly improved wound healing in vitro (in keratinocytes and fibroblasts) and in vivo (in rat and porcine models). K⁺ channel blockers, such as quinine and tetraethylammonium, aided in vitro wound healing, while Ba²⁺ was the exception and did not show similar effects. Single-channel recordings revealed that the Ba²⁺-insensitive large conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channel was predominantly present in human keratinocytes. NS1619, an opener of the BK_Ca channel, hindered wound healing processes like proliferation, migration, and filopodia formation. Conversely, charybdotoxin and iberiotoxin, which are BK_Ca channel blockers, dramatically enhanced these processes. The downregulation of BK_Ca also improved CWH, whereas its overexpression impeded these healing processes. These findings underscore the facilitative effect of BK_Ca channel suppression on CWH, proposing BK_Ca channels as potential molecular targets for enhancing human cutaneous wound healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches in Skin Conditions 2.0)

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10 pages, 802 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Altered Gene Expression of IL-35 and IL-36α in the Skin of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

by Weronika Zysk, Krzysztof Sitko, Stefan Tukaj, Anna Zaryczańska and Magdalena Trzeciak

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010404 - 28 Dec 2023

Viewed by 689

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of atopic dermatitis (AD) pathogenesis is desired, especially in the current era of novel biologics and small molecule drugs. In recent years, new cytokines have emerged that may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. Using the tape stripping (TS) method, this study analyzed the gene expression of IL-35 and IL-36α in lesional and nonlesional AD skin compared with healthy skin and their association with the clinical features of AD among the Polish population. Ten AD patients and seven healthy individuals were enrolled. The lesional skin of the AD patients showed significantly higher expression levels of IL-35 compared to healthy skin (p = 0.0001). The expression level of IL-36α was significantly higher in lesional AD skin than in nonlesional AD skin (p = 0.0039) and healthy skin (p = 0.0045). There was a significant negative correlation between AD severity and the expression level of IL-35 in both lesional (R = −0.66, p = 0.048) and nonlesional skin (R = −0.9, p = 0.0016). In summary, both IL-35 and IL-36α appear to play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Furthermore, it might be speculated that IL-35 and IL-36α may be potential candidates for disease biomarkers. However, further studies are needed to verify these assumptions and comprehensively elucidate their importance in the pathogenesis of AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches in Skin Conditions 2.0)

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16 pages, 2566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Aging Potential of a Novel Ingredient Derived from Sugarcane Straw Extract (SSE)

by Maria João Carvalho, Sílvia Santos Pedrosa, Adélia Mendes, João Azevedo-Silva, João Fernandes, Manuela Pintado, Ana L. S. Oliveira and Ana Raquel Madureira

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010021 - 19 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1135

Abstract

Natural and sustainable anti-aging ingredients have gained attention from the cosmetic industry. This study evaluated the anti-aging potential of a sugarcane straw extract-based (SSE) cosmetic ingredient. First, cytotoxicity tests were assessed in keratinocytes and fibroblast cell lines, and sensitization was carried out through the direct peptide reactivity assay. Subsequently, various anti-aging properties were investigated, including inhibiting skin aging-related enzymes, promoting elastin and hyaluronic acid synthesis, and anti-pollution activity. Finally, a permeability assay using a synthetic membrane resembling skin was conducted. The results demonstrated that the SSE ingredient effectively inhibited elastase (55%), collagenase (25%), and tyrosinase (47%) while promoting hyaluronic acid production at non-cytotoxic and low-sensitizer concentrations. Moreover, it reduced the inflammatory response provoked by urban pollution, as evidenced by decreased levels of IL1-α and IL-6. However, it was observed that the phenolic compounds predominantly reached the skin’s surface, indicating a limited ability to penetrate deeper layers of the skin. Therefore, it can be concluded that the SSE ingredient holds anti-aging properties, albeit with limited penetration into deeper skin layers. Further research and formulation advancements are needed to optimize the ingredient’s ability to reach and exert its effects in deeper skin layers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches in Skin Conditions 2.0)

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14 pages, 2461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential of Campanula takesimana Callus Extract to Enhance Skin Barrier Function

by Boram Mok, Young Su Jang, Ji Hwan Moon, Sujin Moon, Yun Kyung Jang, Soo Yun Kim, Sung Joo Jang, Sang Hyun Moh, Dong Hyun Kim and Jung U Shin

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(24), 17333; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417333 - 11 Dec 2023

Viewed by 930

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal barrier dysfunction and Th2-skewed inflammation. Campanula takesimana (C. takesimana), a Korean endemic plant grown on Ulleng Island, has long been associated with a traditional alternative medicine for asthma, tonsillitis, and sore throat. In this study, we reported the effect of C. takesimana callus extract on upregulating epidermal barrier-related proteins dysregulated by Th2 cytokines. C. takesimana callus extract induced the expression of skin barrier proteins, such as filaggrin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1, in both human primary keratinocytes and Th2-induced AD-like skin-equivalent models. Additionally, RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that C. takesimana callus extract partially restored Th2 cytokine-induced dysregulation of the epidermal development and lipid metabolic pathways. Considering the advantages of callus as a sustainable eco-friendly source of bioactive substances, and its effect on skin barrier proteins and lipid metabolic pathways, C. takesimana callus extracts can possibly be utilized to improve the integrity of the skin barrier. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches in Skin Conditions 2.0)

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20 pages, 2800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Pollutant Effects on Cutaneous Inflammasomes Activation

by John Ivarsson, Francesca Ferrara, Andrea Vallese, Anna Guiotto, Sante Colella, Alessandra Pecorelli and Giuseppe Valacchi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(23), 16674; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242316674 - 23 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 935

Abstract

The skin is the outermost layer of the body and, therefore, is exposed to a variety of stressors, such as environmental pollutants, known to cause oxinflammatory reactions involved in the exacerbation of several skin conditions. Today, inflammasomes are recognized as important modulators of the cutaneous inflammatory status in response to air pollutants and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. In this study, human skin explants were exposed to the best-recognized air pollutants, such as microplastics (MP), cigarette smoke (CS), diesel engine exhaust (DEE), ozone (O₃), and UV, for 1 or 4 days, to explore how each pollutant can differently modulate markers of cutaneous oxinflammation. Exposure to environmental pollutants caused an altered oxidative stress response, accompanied by increased DNA damage and signs of premature skin aging. The effect of specific pollutants being able to exert different inflammasomes pathways (NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRP6, and NLRC4) was also investigated in terms of scaffold formation and cell pyroptosis. Among all environmental pollutants, O₃, MP, and UV represented the main pollutants affecting cutaneous redox homeostasis; of note, the NLRP1 and NLRP6 inflammasomes were the main ones modulated by these outdoor stressors, suggesting their role as possible molecular targets in preventing skin disorders and the inflammaging events associated with environmental pollutant exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches in Skin Conditions 2.0)

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Review

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31 pages, 27824 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainable Silk-Based Particulate Systems for the Controlled Release of Pharmaceuticals and Bioactive Agents in Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration

by Beatriz G. Bernardes, Anabela Veiga, Joana Barros, Carlos A. García-González and Ana Leite Oliveira

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(6), 3133; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063133 - 08 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1027

Abstract

The increasing demand for innovative approaches in wound healing and skin regeneration has prompted extensive research into advanced biomaterials. This review focuses on showcasing the unique properties of sustainable silk-based particulate systems in promoting the controlled release of pharmaceuticals and bioactive agents in the context of wound healing and skin regeneration. Silk fibroin and sericin are derived from well-established silkworm production and constitute a unique biocompatible and biodegradable protein platform for the development of drug delivery systems. The controlled release of therapeutic compounds from silk-based particulate systems not only ensures optimal bioavailability but also addresses the challenges associated with conventional delivery methods. The multifaceted benefits of silk proteins, including their inherent biocompatibility, versatility, and sustainability, are explored in this review. Furthermore, the intricate mechanisms by which controlled drug release takes place from silk-based carriers are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches in Skin Conditions 2.0)

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25 pages, 1111 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hydrogel-Based Skin Regeneration

by Zohreh Arabpour, Farshad Abedi, Majid Salehi, Seyed Mahbod Baharnoori, Mohammad Soleimani and Ali R. Djalilian

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25041982 - 06 Feb 2024

Viewed by 2082

Abstract

The skin is subject to damage from the surrounding environment. The repair of skin wounds can be very challenging due to several factors such as severe injuries, concomitant infections, or comorbidities such as diabetes. Different drugs and wound dressings have been used to treat skin wounds. Tissue engineering, a novel therapeutic approach, revolutionized the treatment and regeneration of challenging tissue damage. This field includes the use of synthetic and natural biomaterials that support the growth of tissues or organs outside the body. Accordingly, the demand for polymer-based therapeutic strategies for skin tissue defects is significantly increasing. Among the various 3D scaffolds used in tissue engineering, hydrogel scaffolds have gained special significance due to their unique properties such as natural mimicry of the extracellular matrix (ECM), moisture retention, porosity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and biocompatibility properties. First, this article delineates the process of wound healing and conventional methods of treating wounds. It then presents an examination of the structure and manufacturing methods of hydrogels, followed by an analysis of their crucial characteristics in healing skin wounds and the most recent advancements in using hydrogel dressings for this purpose. Finally, it discusses the potential future advancements in hydrogel materials within the realm of wound healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches in Skin Conditions 2.0)

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33 pages, 1184 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hesperidin from Orange Peel as a Promising Skincare Bioactive: An Overview

by Cristina V. Rodrigues and Manuela Pintado

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1890; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031890 - 04 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1769

Abstract

The pursuit for better skin health, driven by collective and individual perceptions, has led to the demand for sustainable skincare products. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices can accelerate skin aging, causing issues like inflammation, wrinkles, elasticity loss, hyperpigmentation, and dryness. The skincare industry is innovating to meet consumers’ requests for cleaner and natural options. Simultaneously, environmental issues concerning waste generation have been leading to sustainable strategies based on the circular economy. A noteworthy solution consists of citrus by-product valorization, as such by-products can be used as a source of bioactive molecules. Citrus processing, particularly, generates substantial waste amounts (around 50% of the whole fruit), causing unprecedented environmental burdens. Hesperidin, a flavonoid abundant in orange peels, is considered to hold immense potential for clean skin health product applications due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. This review explores hesperidin extraction and purification methodologies as well as key skincare application areas: (i) antiaging and skin barrier enhancement, (ii) UV radiation-induced damage, (iii) hyperpigmentation and depigmentation conditions, (iv) wound healing, and (v) skin cancer and other cutaneous diseases. This work’s novelty lies in the comprehensive coverage of hesperidin’s promising skincare applications while also demonstrating its potential as a sustainable ingredient from a circular economy approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches in Skin Conditions 2.0)

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12 pages, 1287 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Involvement of Semaphorins in the Pathogenesis of Skin Diseases

by Sylwia Słuczanowska-Głąbowska, Olga Jankowska, Marzena Staniszewska and Andrzej Pawlik

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(24), 17235; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417235 - 07 Dec 2023

Viewed by 762

Abstract

Semaphorins belong to a group of membrane and secretory proteins that act as ligands for several receptor families and are involved in modulating cell signaling pathways. They bind multimeric receptor complexes on the cell membrane to exert their effects and initiate unique intracellular signal transduction cascades. These proteins can influence several processes that are very important for cell function, such as cell division and differentiation. Semaphorins are involved in cell migration, apoptosis, cell adhesion, aggregation, and numerous immune processes due to their immunoregulatory effects. Semaphorins are expressed in keratinocytes, which is why they have become a target for studies on the pathogenesis of skin diseases. Most studies to date on the role of semaphorins in the pathogenesis of skin diseases have been carried out in cellular or animal models, and there are few clinical studies evaluating the role of semaphorins in the pathogenesis and therapy of skin diseases. In this narrative review, we summarized the current state of knowledge on the role of semaphorins in the pathogenesis of skin diseases and their potential importance as targets for therapy. We also tried to present the key findings and weaknesses of previous research in this field. The novelty of this article lies in the comprehensive presentation of the role of semaphorins in the pathogenesis of skin diseases, including the results of studies on cell cultures and animal models, elucidating the mechanisms and signaling pathways through which semaphorins affect the development of skin diseases, as well as on the presentation of the results of existing clinical trials evaluating the role of semaphorins in the pathogenesis of skin diseases, and as potential therapeutic targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches in Skin Conditions 2.0)

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