New therapeutic targets in dermatoporosis

Osteoporosis and dermatoporosis: a review on the role of vitamin D

Osteoporosis (OP) and Dermatoporosis (DP) are expressions of the aging process at the skin and bone levels, respectively. Both conditions are associated with increased morbidity for elderly people, and this requires necessary interventions. They share many common risk factors; among these, vitamin D (VD) deficiency appears to have a role. VD is involved in either disease with many mechanisms, among which immunomodulation. VD deficiency has been linked to OP because it inhibits the body's capacity to absorb calcium and maintain optimal bone health. Available evidence suggests that proper vitaminosis D also appears to be vital in preventing skin age-related issues. DP is often seen in elderly individuals, particularly those with long-term sun exposure and a history of chronic sun damage. VD deficiency can be linked to DP, since its involvement in collagen production, epidermal barrier function, inflammation regulation, wound healing, and sun protection. Aim of this review is to summarize the most updated existing evidence on the role of VD in the development of fragility syndromes such as DP and OP and the possible benefits of VD supplementation as a simple and harmful weapon against aging.

Morphological Analysis of Dermatoporosis by in vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Ultrasonography

Background

Dermatoporosis is defined as a chronic cutaneous fragility and insufficiency syndrome. It results from chronological aging, long-term and unprotected sun exposure, genetic factors, or the chronic use of topical and systemic corticosteroids. There is currently a lack of noninvasive tools for the evaluation and quantification of dermatoporosis.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to define the dermal-epidermal modifications which characterize dermatoporosis using noninvasive methods such as in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and ultrasound (US).

Subjects and Methods

Seventeen patients with stage I dermatoporosis and 14 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The posterior surface of the right forearm was analyzed in all subjects, and stellate pseudoscars and senile purpura in patients with dermatoporosis were analyzed when possible. We used a commercially available reflectance confocal microscope and measured different histometric parameters (thickness of the epidermis and its different layers, cellular architecture, aspect of the dermal-epidermal junction and the dermis). We also used a commercially available US skin system to define the dermal-epidermal thickness (DET) in all subjects.

Results

The DET measured with the US skin system was significantly different between the two groups: mean value 1.19 mm (volunteers group) versus 0.81 mm (patient group). The significant differences measured with RCM were (1) epidermal thickness, (2) number of dermal papillae, and (3) thickness of solar elastosis. Stellate pseudoscars are also characterized by a modified dermis, with a linear organization of the collagen bundles.

Conclusion

US and in vivo RCM are useful tools for the diagnosis of dermatoporosis. Dermal-epidermal atrophy, reduction of dermal papillae/area, and the thickness of dermal elastosis seem to be the major histometric parameters which characterize dermatoporosis.

Recognising and managing age-related dermatoporosis and skin tears

Dermatoporosis is a chronic skin fragility syndrome, caused by age and environmental factors. People with dermatoporosis have skin whose protective mechanical function is reduced and which has a decreased tolerance for friction and shearing forces. Skin tears are another clinical consequence of age-associated skin vulnerability and people with dermatoporosis are at increased risk of skin tears. Dermatoporosis may also delay the healing of skin tears, making it vital that healthcare professionals are aware of this condition. Skin tears have profound effects on the health and well-being of older people, and these kinds of injuries are being seen more frequently in clinical practice as the average age of the population increases. The treatment of skin tears in three older people with dermatoporosis is discussed and the clinical decisions made in each case.

Isolation of All CD44 Transcripts in Human Epidermis and Regulation of Their Expression by Various Agents

CD44, a cell surface proteoglycan, is involved in many biological events. CD44 transcripts undergo complex alternative splicing, resulting in many functionally distinct isoforms. To date, however, the nature of these isoforms in human epidermis has not been adequately determined. In this study, we isolated all CD44 transcripts from normal human epidermis, and studied how their expressions are regulated. By RT-PCR, we found that a number of different CD44 transcripts were expressed in human epidermis, and we obtained all these transcripts from DNA bands in agarose and acrylamide gels by cloning. Detailed sequence analysis revealed 18 CD44 transcripts, 3 of which were novel. Next, we examined effects of 10 different agents on the expression of CD44 transcripts in cultured human keratinocytes, and found that several agents, particularly epidermal growth factor, hydrogen peroxide, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, retinoic acid, calcium and fetal calf serum differently regulated their expressions in various patterns. Furthermore, normal and malignant keratinocytes were found to produce different CD44 transcripts upon serum stimulation and subsequent starvation, suggesting that specific CD44 isoforms are involved in tumorigenesis via different CD44-mediated biological pathways.

Long-term side effects of glucocorticoids

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticoids represent the standard therapy for reducing inflammation and immune activation in various diseases. However, as with any potent medication, they are not without side effects. Glucocorticoid-associated side effects may involve most major organ systems. Musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrine, neuropsychiatric, dermatologic, ocular, and immunologic side effects are all possible.

AREAS COVERED

This article analyzes English-language literature and provides an update on the most recent literature regarding side effects of systemic glucocorticoid treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

The risk/benefit ratio of glucocorticoid therapy can be improved by proper use. Careful monitoring and using appropriate preventive strategies can potentially minimize side effects.

Three cases of sacral pressure ulcers presenting primary dermatoporosis on the forearms

The relatively new term dermatoporosis refers to chronic deficiencies in the skin's functions in the elderly population due to aging. This syndrome is marked by chronic cutaneous fragility clinically represented by skin atrophy, senile purpura, stellate pseudoscars, skin laceration, and dissecting hematoma of the skin. In this paper, we report three cases of sacral pressure ulcers presenting primary dermatoporosis on the forearms. Case 1 was a 74-year-old male who presented with a stage IV sacral pressure ulcer. The signs of dermatoporosis appeared on the forearms. Histopathology of the lesions revealed epidermal thinning with loss of rete ridges. Azan and Elastica van Gieson staining demonstrated the degeneration of the dermal collagen fibers and elastic fibers, respectively. In spite of 6 months of treatment, the ulcer failed to heal sufficiently. Case 2 was a 74-year-old male and Case 3 was a 97-year-old female. Both cases presented with a stage II sacral pressure ulcer and dermatoporosis on the forearms. Histopathological examinations and the clinical course of the wound could not be ascertained in Cases 2 and 3. None of the patients had previously used corticosteroids. The presence of a primary dermatoporosis on the forearms in these cases may be associated with the increased risk of pressure ulcer development.