Skin Inflammation—a Cornerstone in Dermatological Conditions

A special issue of Journal of Personalized Medicine (ISSN 2075-4426). This special issue belongs to the section "Mechanisms of Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2024 | Viewed by 18361

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Dermatology, “Victor Babes” Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
2. Department of Dermatology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: dermatology; inflammation; carcinogenesis; oxidative stress
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Guest Editor
1. “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
2. Department of Pathology Colentina University Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: immunity; inflammation; nanomedicine; proteomics; skin cancer; biomarkers; epigenome
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Dermatology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
2. Department of Dermatology, “Victor Babes” Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 283 Mihai Bravu Street, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: dermatology; psoriasis; skin infections; skin cancers; viral infections; autoimmune disorders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammation is a major protective response of the human body to exogenous or endogenous aggressors; however, when the process becomes chronic, it can exert harmful effects on cell or tissue components. The skin is a highly specialized organ of the human body that serves a wide range of functions and represents the primary interface between ourselves and our environment. At the same time, the skin is the place for various inflammatory processes that can take various forms, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms, and the main players are immune cell populations, keratinocytes and cytokines, which create an inflammatory microenvironment. A growing body of evidence supports the role of inflammation in skin carcinogenesis by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species that can induce DNA damage, a process that, in turn, exacerbates inflammation. 

Inflammatory skin diseases are frequently encountered conditions that unfortunately affect a large number of people at all stages of life. Chronic inflammatory skin disorders are a group of heterogeneous afflictions that encompasses numerous diseases that tend to have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Numerous therapeutic options are currently available, but the results are often disappointing. Personalized therapies may provide a far more tailored treatment to achieve the best outcome for individual patients. Deciphering the intimate mechanisms involved in inflammatory processes contributes to reaching this goal.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the recent advances in research involving the causes, diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. Both clinical and basic science studies are to be considered, as we warmly invite researchers to submit original research manuscripts as well as reviews, in order to offer the readers a deeper understanding of these complex disorders and a fresher perspective of the field.

Dr. Mircea Tampa
Prof. Dr. Monica Neagu
Prof. Dr. Constantin Caruntu
Dr. Carolina Constantin
Prof. Dr. Simona-Roxana Georgescu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Chronic inflammation
  • Inflammatory skin diseases
  • Tumor immunity
  • Oxidative stress
  • Immune response
  • Autoimmunity
  • Inflammatory microenvironment
  • Biomarkers of inflammation
  • Inflammatory signaling pathways
  • Psoriasis
  • Carcinogenesis

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 199 KiB  
Editorial
Skin Inflammation—A Cornerstone in Dermatological Conditions
by Mircea Tampa, Monica Neagu, Constantin Caruntu, Carolina Constantin and Simona Roxana Georgescu
J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(9), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12091370 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1624
Abstract
The skin provides more than a simple mechanical barrier against external aggressors; it is an array of effector cells and molecules that constitute the skin’s immune system, as defined by Bos and Kapsenberg in 1986 [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Inflammation—a Cornerstone in Dermatological Conditions)

Research

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11 pages, 259 KiB  
Article
The Inflammatory Profile Orchestrated by Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
by Corina Daniela Ene and Ilinca Nicolae
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(6), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13060934 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1048
Abstract
(1) Background: The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves complicated and multifactorial interactions. Inducible nitric oxide synthase overactivation (iNOS or NOS2) could be involved in SLE pathogenesis and progression. This study explored the relationship between NOS2-associated inflammation profiles and SLE phenotypes. (2) [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves complicated and multifactorial interactions. Inducible nitric oxide synthase overactivation (iNOS or NOS2) could be involved in SLE pathogenesis and progression. This study explored the relationship between NOS2-associated inflammation profiles and SLE phenotypes. (2) Methods: We developed a prospective, case control study that included a group of 86 SLE subjects, a group of 73 subjects with lupus nephritis, and a control group of 60 people. Laboratory determinations included serum C reactive protein (CRP–mg/L), enzymatic activity of NOS2 (U/L), serum levels of inducible factors of hypoxia 1 and 2 (HIF1a–ng/mL, HIF2a–ng/mL), vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF (pg/mL), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9–ng/mL), thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1–ng/mL), and soluble receptor of VEGF (sVEGFR–ng/mL). (3) Results: CRP, NOS2, HIF-1a, HIF-2a, VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were significantly increased, while TSP-1 and sVEGFR were decreased in the SLE and lupus nephritis groups compared with the control group. The variations in these biomarkers were strongly associated with the decrease in eGFR and increase in albuminuria. (4) Conclusions: The inflammatory phenotype of SLE patients, with or without LN, is defined by NOS2 and hypoxia over-expression, angiogenesis stimulation, and inactivation of factors that induce resolution of inflammation in relation with eGFR decline. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Inflammation—a Cornerstone in Dermatological Conditions)
16 pages, 2122 KiB  
Article
The Presence of Psoriasis, Metabolic Syndrome and Their Combination Increases the Serum Levels of CRP and CD5L but Not sCD200R1 and sTLR2 in Participants
by Drahomira Holmannova, Pavel Borsky, Ctirad Andrys, Jan Krejsek, Eva Cermakova, Zdenek Fiala, Kvetoslava Hamakova, Tereza Svadlakova, Helena Parova, Vit Rehacek, Gabriela Poctova and Lenka Borska
J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(12), 1965; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12121965 - 28 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1187
Abstract
Psoriasis and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are chronic inflammatory conditions associated with the dysregulation of immune system reactivity. The inflammatory processes of both diseases have not yet been fully characterized, and the evaluation of proteins/markers that could be involved in their pathogenesis is of [...] Read more.
Psoriasis and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are chronic inflammatory conditions associated with the dysregulation of immune system reactivity. The inflammatory processes of both diseases have not yet been fully characterized, and the evaluation of proteins/markers that could be involved in their pathogenesis is of great importance. We selected four markers: CRP, sCD200R1, CD5L, and sTLR2; in particular, sCDR2001 has not yet been measured in the context of psoriasis and metabolic syndrome. Material and methods: In the study, 64 controls and 43 patients with psoriasis with or without a metabolic syndrome were enrolled. The levels of selected markers were measured using ELISA kits. Results: CRP levels were significantly higher in psoriasis patients, especially in the subgroup of patients with MetS compared to nonMetS patients (p < 0.01). sCD200R1 and sTLR2 were not significantly different between groups and subgroups; however, CD200R1 levels were slightly higher in both control groups compared to both groups of patients. CD5L levels were significantly higher in patients with MetS compared to nonMets patients (p < 0.02). We also evaluated the correlations between parameters in controls and patients’ groups, as well as in subgroups. Correlations between BMI and CRP were found in all groups and subgroups. Other correlations were group- and subgroup-specific. For example, in the patients’ group, CD5L correlated with sCD200R1 (p < 0.05) and in MetS controls, with age (p < 0.03). Conclusion: The results show that the presence of systemic inflammation associated with psoriasis and metabolic syndrome and their combination alters the expression of specific molecules, especially CRP and CD5L, which were significantly increased in patients with psoriasis and a metabolic syndrome compared to controls without metabolic syndromes. Correlations between CRP and BMI in all groups suggest that overweight and obesity increase the intensity of inflammation and potentiate CD5L expression. In contrast, levels of molecules that may limit inflammation were not increased in psoriasis and metabolic syndrome subjects (they were non-significantly lower compared with healthy controls), which may reflect the chronic nature of both diseases and the exhaustion of inhibitory mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Inflammation—a Cornerstone in Dermatological Conditions)
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9 pages, 1682 KiB  
Article
A Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Sertaconazole 2% Cream Compared with Other Topical Therapies for Seborrheic Dermatitis
by Simona Roxana Georgescu, Cristina Iulia Mitran, Madalina Irina Mitran, Andreea Amuzescu, Clara Matei and Mircea Tampa
J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(9), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12091540 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2333
Abstract
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that affects the seborrheic areas of the body. Its etiology is not completely elucidated; however, the link between disease exacerbations and the proliferation of Malassezia spp., along with the good response to antifungal agents, [...] Read more.
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that affects the seborrheic areas of the body. Its etiology is not completely elucidated; however, the link between disease exacerbations and the proliferation of Malassezia spp., along with the good response to antifungal agents, indicate the role of fungi in its pathophysiology. Sertaconazole nitrate is a relatively new imidazole antifungal agent with a particular structure, consisting in a benzothiophene ring similar to the indole ring of tryptophan, and it acts mainly through the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis and the formation of pores in the fungal cell membrane. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficiency of sertaconazole 2% cream compared with other topical treatments in patients with SD. We performed an extensive literature search by browsing the PubMed database with the keyword combination “sertaconazole AND seborrheic dermatitis AND clinical trial”, which retrieved eight controlled clinical trials evaluating the effects of sertaconazole in SD. All of the clinical trials included a standard scoring index (SI). At 28 days since the beginning of the treatment, the sertaconazole regimen was associated with a significantly higher percentage of patients with mild SI and a lower percentage of patients with moderate or severe SI (odds ratio 0.51) than the other investigated treatments—hydrocortisone, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, metronidazole, pimecrolimus, and tacrolimus (odds ratio 1.95). In conclusion, treatment with sertaconazole 2% cream may represent an efficient alternative therapy for patients with SD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Inflammation—a Cornerstone in Dermatological Conditions)
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Review

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16 pages, 2729 KiB  
Review
Cutaneous Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis and Treatment
by Michael J. Diaz, Nicole Natarelli, Aria Wei, Michaela Rechdan, Elizabeth Botto, Jasmine T. Tran, Mahtab Forouzandeh, Jose A. Plaza and Benjamin H. Kaffenberger
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(10), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13101479 - 10 Oct 2023
Viewed by 2250
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammatory arthritis and periarticular structural damage. Available evidence suggests that RA results from complex interactions between genetic susceptibility (e.g., HLA-DRB1), environmental factors (e.g., smoking), and immune dysregulation. Alongside joint-related symptoms, individuals with [...] Read more.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammatory arthritis and periarticular structural damage. Available evidence suggests that RA results from complex interactions between genetic susceptibility (e.g., HLA-DRB1), environmental factors (e.g., smoking), and immune dysregulation. Alongside joint-related symptoms, individuals with RA may also experience a wide array of skin issues, including the development of nodules, neutrophilic dermatoses, vasculitis, and vasculopathy. Treatment strategies for these manifestations vary but routinely involve corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and biologics, with individualized approaches guided by disease severity. In this review, we provide comprehensive insights into the skin-related issues associated with RA, outlining their clinical characteristics and histopathological findings. Our aim is to facilitate early diagnosis and personalized treatment to improve the quality of life of affected individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Inflammation—a Cornerstone in Dermatological Conditions)
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21 pages, 1057 KiB  
Review
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Update—A Dermatological Perspective
by Dana Mihaela Mihele, Paul Andrei Nistor, Gabriela Bruma, Cristina Iulia Mitran, Madalina Irina Mitran, Carmen Elena Condrat, Mihaela Tovaru, Mircea Tampa and Simona Roxana Georgescu
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(7), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13071116 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5792
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are infamous for their role in potentially fatal anaphylaxis reactions. In the last two decades, a more complex picture has emerged, as it has become obvious that MCs are much more than just IgE effectors of anaphylaxis. MCs are defenders [...] Read more.
Mast cells (MCs) are infamous for their role in potentially fatal anaphylaxis reactions. In the last two decades, a more complex picture has emerged, as it has become obvious that MCs are much more than just IgE effectors of anaphylaxis. MCs are defenders against a host of infectious and toxic aggressions (their interactions with other components of the immune system are not yet fully understood) and after the insult has ended, MCs continue to play a role in inflammation regulation and tissue repair. Unfortunately, MC involvement in pathology is also significant. Apart from their role in allergies, MCs can proliferate clonally to produce systemic mastocytosis. They have also been implicated in excessive fibrosis, keloid scaring, graft rejection and chronic inflammation, especially at the level of the skin and gut. In recent years, the term MC activation syndrome (MCAS) was proposed to account for symptoms caused by MC activation, and clear diagnostic criteria have been defined. However, not all authors agree with these criteria, as some find them too restrictive, potentially leaving much of the MC-related pathology unaccounted for. Here, we review the current knowledge on the physiological and pathological roles of MCs, with a dermatological emphasis, and discuss the MCAS classification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Inflammation—a Cornerstone in Dermatological Conditions)
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14 pages, 916 KiB  
Review
Vitiligo—Thyroid Disease Association: When, in Whom, and Why Should It Be Suspected? A Systematic Review
by Ana Maria Chivu, Elena Bălășescu, Larisa Diana Pandia, Roxana Ioana Nedelcu, Alice Brînzea, Gabriela Turcu, Mihaela Antohe and Daniela Adriana Ion
J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(12), 2048; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12122048 - 12 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2478
Abstract
In most dermatological pathologies, the phenomena observed on the skin are a reflection of internal disorders. In patients with associated acral involvement on the dorsal sides of the hands, this “vitiligo phenotype” may lead to the investigation of certain associated pathologies that sometimes [...] Read more.
In most dermatological pathologies, the phenomena observed on the skin are a reflection of internal disorders. In patients with associated acral involvement on the dorsal sides of the hands, this “vitiligo phenotype” may lead to the investigation of certain associated pathologies that sometimes have no obvious clinical impact. To assess the link between skin depigmentation and autoimmune pathologies, we conducted a systematic review involving article selection from the PubMed database. Patients with coexisting thyroid pathologies were found to have a predisposition for developing acral vitiligo and depigmentation of the wrists, and autoimmune thyroid pathologies appeared to be the only coexisting autoimmune or inflammatory diseases in vitiligo patients to show a pattern of distribution. The association of concomitant thyroid dysfunction with depigmentation of the hands was found to be so strong that the absence of depigmented macules on the hands may exclude the coexistence of an autoimmune thyroid pathology. Although the frequency of acral involvement in patients with vitiligo and autoimmune pathologies is higher, the mechanism by which thyroid dysfunction influences this distribution pattern remains incompletely elucidated and requires future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Inflammation—a Cornerstone in Dermatological Conditions)
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