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Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 695

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: histology; embryology; electron microscopy; cell cultures
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Guest Editor
First Department of Dermatology and Venereology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: atopic dermatitis; psoriasis; urticaria; pediatric dermatology

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Guest Editor
Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: stem cells; hair follicle; alopecia; wound healing; ageing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on recent scientific advancements related to the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of skin disorders and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A deeper understanding of molecular pathways, including inflammatory signalling, immune system modulation, genetic susceptibility, and epigenetic modifications, has significantly enhanced our insights into the onset and progression of these diseases. The Special Issue will cover a variety of conditions, including dermatological disorders such as psoriasis, melanoma, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis, as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), chlamydia, and syphilis. Innovative molecular diagnostic techniques have greatly improved disease detection and clinical outcomes. Advanced methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiplex assays, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and biomarker profiling empower clinicians with accurate, rapid, and reliable diagnostic capabilities, facilitating early intervention and personalized patient care. Moreover, promising therapeutic advancements, such as molecularly targeted therapies, precision medicine strategies, immunotherapeutic interventions, and new approaches to combat drug resistance at molecular and cellular levels, have significant potential for enhancing clinical outcomes.

We invite original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies that offer novel insights into molecular mechanisms, translational relevance, and therapeutic innovation in the context of dermatological and sexually transmitted conditions. Contributions should emphasize integrating molecular science with clinical application to advance diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient care.

This Special Issue is co-led by Dr. Iasonas Dermitzakis from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. We thank them for Dr. Iasonas Dermitzakis’s contribution and involvement in proposing, promoting, and developing the Special Issue.

Dr. Maria Eleni Manthou
Dr. Efstratios Vakirlis
Dr. Iasonas Dermitzakis
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. Current Issues in Molecular 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 2200 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.

Keywords

  • pathogenesis
  • diagnosis
  • treatment
  • dermatology
  • STDs
  • molecular
  • immunology
  • inflammation
  • genomics
  • precision

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

37 pages, 22351 KiB  
Article
The Extract of Periplaneta americana (L.) Promotes Hair Regrowth in Mice with Alopecia by Regulating the FOXO/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway and Skin Microbiota
by Tangfei Guan, Xin Yang, Canhui Hong, Zehao Zhang, Peiyun Xiao, Yongshou Yang, Chenggui Zhang and Zhengchun He
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080619 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Alopecia, a prevalent dermatological disorder affecting over half of the global population, is strongly associated with psychological distress. Extracts from Periplaneta americana (L. PA), a medicinal insect resource, exhibit pharmacological activities (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, microcirculation improvement) that align with core therapeutic targets for [...] Read more.
Alopecia, a prevalent dermatological disorder affecting over half of the global population, is strongly associated with psychological distress. Extracts from Periplaneta americana (L. PA), a medicinal insect resource, exhibit pharmacological activities (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, microcirculation improvement) that align with core therapeutic targets for alopecia. This study aimed to systematically investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of PA extracts in promoting hair regeneration. A strategy combining network pharmacology prediction and in vivo experiments was adopted. The efficacy of a Periplaneta americana extract was validated by evaluating hair regrowth status and skin pathological staining in C57BL/6J mice. Transcriptomics, metabolomics, RT-qPCR, and 16s rRNA techniques were integrated to dissect the underlying mechanisms of its hair-growth-promoting effects. PA-011 significantly promoted hair regeneration in depilated mice via multiple mechanisms: enhanced skin superoxide dismutase activity and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor expression; modulated FOXO/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and restored skin microbiota homeostasis; and accelerated transition of hair follicles from the telogen to anagen phase. PA-011 exerts hair-promoting effects through synergistic modulation of FOXO/PI3K/AKT signaling and the skin microbiome. As a novel therapeutic candidate, it warrants further systematic investigation for clinical translation. Full article
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17 pages, 2085 KiB  
Article
Multifunctional Dermatological Effects of Whole-Plant Bassia scoparia Extract: Skin Repair and Protection
by Seogyun Jeong, Hye-Been Kim, Dong-Geol Lee, Eunjin Park, Seoyeon Kyung, Seunghyun Kang, Dayeon Roo, Sang Hyun Moh, Sung Joo Jang, Jihyeon Jang, HyungWoo Jo and Sanghun Lee
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080617 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 258
Abstract
Bassia scoparia (Syn. Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.) is a medicinal plant whose fruit, Kochiae Fructus, has been extensively studied for its dermatological applications. This study focused on extracts from the whole plant B. scoparia (WPBS), excluding fruits, to address the research gap [...] Read more.
Bassia scoparia (Syn. Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.) is a medicinal plant whose fruit, Kochiae Fructus, has been extensively studied for its dermatological applications. This study focused on extracts from the whole plant B. scoparia (WPBS), excluding fruits, to address the research gap regarding the medicinal properties of non-fruit parts. The diverse skin benefits of WPBS, including its anti-photoaging, moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic effects, were investigated. The WPBS extract enhanced the viability of keratinocytes (HaCaT) without inducing cytotoxic effects. WPBS significantly reduced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels and increased collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) levels (p < 0.01) in fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, indicating strong anti-photoaging effects. WPBS upregulated skin hydration markers such as aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and hyaluronan synthase-3 (HAS3) and effectively accelerated fibroblast wound closure compared to the positive control. Furthermore, WPBS substantially downregulated the expression of inflammatory (COX-2 and IL-1β) and angiogenic markers (VEGF). Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) confirmed that WPBS suppressed inflammation-related and UV-induced gene expression pathways. Overall, these findings expand the therapeutic scope of B. scoparia beyond its traditional fruit use and suggest that WPBS is a promising botanical ingredient for various skin applications. Full article
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