Expert Review of Dermatology 

About: Expert Review of Dermatology is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Melanoma & Psoriasis. It has an ISSN identifier of 1746-9872. Over the lifetime, 572 publications have been published receiving 3644 citations.

Staphylococcus colonization of the skin and antimicrobial peptides.

Abstract: Staphylococci are the most abundant skin-colonizing bacteria and the most important causes of nosocomial infections and community-associated skin infections. Molecular determinants of staphylococcal skin colonization include surface polymers and proteins that promote adhesion and aggregation, and a wide variety of mechanisms to evade acquired and innate host defenses. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) likely play a central role in providing immunity to bacterial colonization on human epithelia. Recent research has shown that staphylococci have a broad arsenal to combat AMP activity, and can regulate expression of AMP-resistance mechanisms depending on the presence of AMPs. While direct in vivo evidence is still lacking, this suggests that the interplay between AMPs and AMP resistance mechanisms during evolution had a crucial role in rendering staphylococci efficient colonizers of human skin.

Current concepts of metastasis in melanoma

Abstract: The main cause of death in melanoma patients is widespread metastases. Staging of melanoma is based on the primary tumor thickness, ulceration, lymph node and distant metastases. Metastases develop in regional lymph nodes, as satellite or in-transit lesions, or in distant organs. Lymph flow and chemotaxis is responsible for the homing of melanoma cells to different sites. Standard pathologic evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes fails to find occult melanoma in a significant proportion of cases. Detection of small numbers of malignant melanoma cells in these and other sites, such as adjacent to the primary site, bone marrow or the systemic circulation, may be enhanced by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription PCR, evaluation of lymphatic vessel invasion and proteomics. In the organs to which melanoma cells metastasize, extravasation of melanoma cells is regulated by adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteases, chemokines and growth factors. Melanoma cells may travel along external vessel lattices. After settling in the metastatic sites, melanoma cells develop mechanisms that protect them against the attack of the immune system. It is thought that one of the reasons why melanoma cells are especially resistant to killing is the fact that melanocytes (cells from which melanoma cells derive) are resistant to such noxious factors as ultraviolet light and reactive oxygen species. Targeted melanoma therapies are, so far, largely unsuccessful, and new ones, such as adjuvant inhibition of melanogenesis, are under development.

Update on the regulation of mammalian melanocyte function and skin pigmentation

Abstract: Melanogenesis is the unique process of producing pigmented biopolymers that are sequestered within melanosomes, which provides color to the skin, hair and eyes of animals and, in the case of human skin, also protects the underlying tissues from UV damage. We review the current understanding of melanogenesis, focusing on factors important to the biochemistry of pigment synthesis, the biogenesis of melanosomes, signaling pathways and factors that regulate melanogenesis, intramelanosomal pH, transport and transfer of melanosomes, and pigmentary disorders related to the dysfunction of melanosome-related proteins. Although it has been known for some time that many of the factors that affect melanogenesis are derived from keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, hormones, inflammatory cells and nerves, a number of new factors that are involved in that regulation have recently been reported, such as factors that regulate melanosome pH and ion transport.

Mechanism of UV-related carcinogenesis and its contribution to nevi/melanoma.

Abstract: Melanoma consists 4-5 % of all skin cancers, but it contributes to 71-80 % of skin cancers deaths. UV light affects cell and tissue homeostasis due to its damaging effects on DNA integrity and modification of expression of a plethora of genes. DNA repair systems protect cells from UV-induced lesions. Several animal models of melanoma have been developed (Xiphophorus, Opossum Monodelphis domestica, mouse models and human skin engrafts into other animals). This review discusses possible links between UV and genes significantly related to melanoma but does not discuss melanoma genetics. These include oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, genes related to melanocyte-keratinocyte and melanocyte-matrix interaction, growth factors and their receptors, CRH, ACTH, α-MSH, glucocorticoids, ID1, NF-kappaB and vitamin D3.

The epidemiology of psoriasis

Abstract: This review will focus on the incidence and prevalence of psoriasis, the risk factors for psoriasis and diseases that may be associated with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a heterogeneous disease and, for the purposes of this review, the focus will be plaque psoriasis. Prevalence studies indicate that psoriasis is a common disease and its frequency varies based on age, ethnicity and geography. Family history is the strongest risk factor for the development of psoriasis. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that some potentially modifiable exposures such as smoking, alcohol, stress and obesity may increase a patient’s risk of developing psoriasis. The evolving literature suggests that psoriasis is associated with multiple other diseases including cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune and psychiatric disease. Epidemiological studies of psoriasis contribute to measuring the public health burden of this disease and guide the care of patients with psoriasis through a better understanding of its natural history.