Search Results (4)

Diclofenac, an aryl-acetic acid derivative from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug class, is the subject of multiple non-clinical and clinical studies regarding its usefulness in treating some dermatologic pathologies with an inflammatory, auto-immune, or proliferative component. Diclofenac is now approved for the topical treatment of actinic keratoses (AK), pre-malignant entities that have the risk of transformation into skin carcinomas. The hypothesis that diclofenac increases granular layer development in the mice tail model, having an anti-psoriatic effect, was demonstrated in a previous study in which 1% and 2% diclofenac ointment was evaluated. The aim of the present study was to perform experimental research on the topical effect of diclofenac in the mice tail model, by testing 4% and 8% diclofenac ointment, which is presented in the first part of the manuscript. In the second part of the manuscript, we also aimed to conduct a literature review regarding topical diclofenac uses in specific dermatological entities by evaluating the articles published in PubMed and Scopus databases during 2014–2025. The studies regarding the efficacy of topical diclofenac in dermatological diseases such as AK and field cancerization, actinic cheilitis, basal cell carcinoma, Bowen disease, Darier disease, seborrheic keratoses, and porokeratosis, were analyzed. The results of the experimental work showed a significant effect of 4% and 8% diclofenac ointment on orthokeratosis degree when compared to the negative control groups. Diclofenac in the concentration of 4% and 8% significantly increased the orthokeratosis degree compared to the negative control with untreated mice (p = 0.006 and p = 0.011, respectively, using the Kruskal–Wallis test) and to the negative control with vehicle (p = 0.006 and p = 0.011, respectively, using the Kruskal–Wallis test). The mean epidermal thickness was increased for the diclofenac groups, but not significantly when compared to the control groups. The results are concordant with our previous experiment, emphasizing the need for future clinical trials on the use of topical diclofenac in psoriasis. Full article

Psoriasis is one of the most frequent immune-mediated chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease that exerts a considerable psychological impact, including low self-esteem, stigmatization, and depression. In recent years, biologic therapies have substantially transformed the therapeutic landscape for individuals with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, shifting treatment towards a more targeted and personalized approach. Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are common benign skin lesions, and their association with psoriasis and biologic therapy remains poorly understood. Our retrospective study evaluated a small cohort of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis undergoing biologic therapy at a tertiary dermatology center in Southeastern Europe to evaluate potential correlations with SK development. Smokers had fewer SKs, whereas postmenopausal women and osteoporosis patients had significantly higher SK counts, implicating hormonal influences. PUVA therapy was linked to an increased SK count, whereas UVB and methotrexate treatments had a lesser effect. These findings suggest that biologic therapy and systemic factors may influence SK development, emphasizing the need for further prospective research. Full article

Current artificial intelligence algorithms can classify melanomas at a level equivalent to that of experienced dermatologists. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of a smartphone-based “You Only Look Once” neural network model for the classification of melanomas, melanocytic nevi, and seborrheic keratoses. The algorithm was trained using 59,090 dermatoscopic images. Testing was performed on histologically confirmed lesions: 32 melanomas, 35 melanocytic nevi, and 33 seborrheic keratoses. The results of the algorithm’s decisions were compared with those of two skilled dermatologists and five beginners in dermatoscopy. The algorithm’s sensitivity and specificity for melanomas were 0.88 (0.71–0.96) and 0.87 (0.76–0.94), respectively. The algorithm surpassed the beginner dermatologists, who achieved a sensitivity of 0.83 (0.77–0.87). For melanocytic nevi, the algorithm outclassed each group of dermatologists, attaining a sensitivity of 0.77 (0.60–0.90). The algorithm’s sensitivity for seborrheic keratoses was 0.52 (0.34–0.69). The smartphone-based “You Only Look Once” neural network model achieved a high sensitivity and specificity in the classification of melanomas and melanocytic nevi with an accuracy similar to that of skilled dermatologists. However, a bigger dataset is required in order to increase the algorithm’s sensitivity for seborrheic keratoses. Full article

Lesions with driver mutations, including atypical nevi and seborrheic keratoses, are very common in dermatology, and are prone to senescence. The molecular events that prevent senescent lesions from becoming malignant are not well understood. We have developed a model of vascular proliferation using a temperature-sensitive, large T antigen and oncogenic HRas. By elevating the temperature to 39 °C, we can turn off large T antigen and study the molecular events in cells with the Ras driver mutation. To assess the signaling events associated with the switch from a proliferative to a nonproliferative state in the constant presence of a driver oncogene, SVR cells were cultivated for 24 and 48 h and compared with SVR cells at 37 °C. Cells were evaluated by Western Blot (WB) gene chip microarray (GC) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Upon evaluation, a novel phenotype was observed in endothelial cells after switching off the large T antigen. This phenotype was characterized by Notch activation, downregulation of p38 phosphorylation, downregulation of the master immune switch IRF7, and downregulation of hnRNP A0. Switching off proliferative signaling may result in immune privilege and Notch activation, which may account, in part, for the survival of common skin lesions. Full article