Objective: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is primarily characterized by autoimmunity, microangiopathy, and tissue fibrosis. Hypoxia, a powerful stimulator of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), may be responsible for excessive expression of chronic VEGF in SSc. The oxygen-regulated α-subunit of HypoxiaInducible Transcription Factor-1 (HIF-1α) plays an important role in transcriptional regulation of VEGF. The protein phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is responsible for dephosphorylation of proteins and thereby promotes tissue repair.

The present study aimed to examine the expressions of HIF-1α, PTEN, and VEGF in patients with scleroderma in an attempt to estimate prognosis and guide therapeutic decisions. We therefore studied the expressions of HIF-1α, VEGF, and PTEN in skin samples exhibiting the features of scleroderma.

Methods: Skin biopsies of patients were obtained and samples were stained with primary antibodies following PTEN, VEGF and HIF-1α, immunohistochemically.

Results: The SSc and the control group were compared with respect to staining of epidermal keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and the endothelial cells for the antibodies. SSc patients displayed a reduced VEGF expression in endothelial cells. The lesion group showed a significantly lower staining of epidermal cells and endothelial cells for PTEN. SSc group was also characterized by a significantly weaker HIF-1α expression compared to the control group.

Conclusion: In scleroderma skin samples, manipulated expression of these molecules at varying stages of the disease may affect the prognosis of scleroderma.

Inflammatory skin diseases remain as one of the most common problems in dermatology. Skin inflammation is a complex process that starts with the introduction of a stimulus such as an allergen or an antigen that triggers the skin to produce inflammatory substances called cytokines and chemokines. At present, the approved drugs for treating inflammatory skin conditions are corticosteroids, yet these can have negative side effects on the skin. Erythroid Differentiation Regulator 1 (Erdr1) is a cytokine previously thought to be connected with hemoglobin synthesis only but was recently found to be involved in inflammation. This review examined the role of Erdr1 as a therapeutic target in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. By reviewing previous studies, it was evident that Erdr1 has pro-apoptotic activities; it is able to induce apoptosis in melanoma cells by the regulation of factors such as Bcl-2 and Bax. Treatment with Recombinant Erdr1 (r Erdr1) was also able to inhibit rosacea by inhibiting blood vessel growth or angiogenesis and preventing further infiltration of inflammatory cells. There was also significant reduction of erythema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and microvessel density with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Altogether, these studies suggest that Erdr1 has a therapeutic effect on inflammatory skin diseases, particularly psoriasis, rosacea and other skin disorders.

Our purpose is to study the efficacy of the NdYAG Laser (1064 nm) when treating telangiectasias and hemangiomas, and the efficacy of the NdYAG Laser and fractional laser on rejuvenation. We used data from our private office from the past five years (2011-2015). We also studied the side effects of the therapies. We treated 500 patients with telangiectasias and 300 patients with hemangiomas with NdYAG Laser. As far as telangiectasias were concerned, the results were much better when the face was treated. In contrast, the recurrence rates were much higher when the legs were treated. The results were impressive in almost all cases of cherry hemangiomas. The combination of NdYAG Lasers and fractional lasers on a monthly basis had satisfactory results in rejuvenation.

There has been a growing demand for facial hair restoration including eyebrow hair transplantation. The demand for non-scalp hair restoration is reflective of the cultural trends where full eyebrows are in vogue. Our clinic has seen a large increase in non-scalp hair restoration. Given the large experience allowed by our patient population, we have been able to refine our techniques for optimal results in eyebrow restoration. Presented in this article are our techniques developed from over 1,000 eyebrow transplantations.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new regime of treatment based on the combination of two technologies: Retinsphere® and Fernblock®, topical and oral respectively, in decreasing the visibility of skin blotches and creating a more even complexion. Secondly, the anti-aging effects were also assessed.

Methods: Randomized, double blind, vehicle-controlled study. 80 women aged between 35 and 55 years old were recruited and grouped in 4 arms of 20 subjects: (A) topical single treatment, (B) oral single treatment, (C) combined (oral and topical treatment) and (D) control. Efficacy was objectively evaluated with non-invasive devices (Chromameter®, Mexameter®, Tewameter®, Corneometer®, Triplesense®, SkinSys® and DermaLab®). Baseline values were compared to outcomes obtained at T30 and T90, and also each group (A, B and C) to control group (D). Subjective assessment was performed at the end of the study by the investigator as well as the patient, using a questionnaire especially developed for this purpose. Adverse events were monitored and followed up throughout the 90-day study period.

Results: Active regimens (A, B and C) were significantly better improving skin brightness, lightening and aging signs compared to control. They were also scored positively by the investigator and the patients regarding skin lightening, wrinkle correction and firmness. The overall safety evaluation revealed good tolerance for all regimens. Two patients of combined treatment arm (C) reported mild to moderate erythema and itchiness.

Conclusions: Globally, the outcomes obtained with the combined regime (C) were superior to single treatments separately (A and B). Furthermore, subjects that received combined regimen obtained faster results, reaching better scores within the first month. This could lead to improvement of the patient’s adherence.