Journal of Skin and Stem Cell
Volume:2 Issue: 2, Jun 2015

Stem cell therapy, especially in the segment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), is one of the most promising areas of regenerative medicine.

  According to research conducted by various researchers, Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) have several advantages compared to others sources, in regenerative medicine: WJMSCs are more primary cells; WJMSCs can be easily isolated and without invasive procedures; WJMSCs have no ethical problems; WJMSCs are more cost effective than other sources of MSCs. Also, WJMSCs were demonstrated to express stem cell mesenchymal markers.

Similar to bone marrow MSCs, WJMSCs express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules.

Although the aforementioned challenges must still be addressed, the potential of WJMSCs in skin regenerative clinical treatments is promising.

The use of different types of lasers in the treatment of refractory melasma is still controversial. The present study was designed according to previous studies and used a combination of treatments.

The purpose of this study was to compare Q-switched (QS) neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd: YAG) laser and hydroquinone with or without CO2 fractional laser in refractory melasma.
Patients and

Seventeen patients with refractory melasma, in a split-face randomized trial, received topical hydroquinone and Nd: YAG laser treatment on one half of their face and topical hydroquinone, Nd: YAG laser and CO2 fractional laser on the other half of their face. The patients were then assessed by Melasma area and severity index (MASI) over 12 weeks in three treatment sessions with an interval of three to four weeks.

Seventeen patients with melasma (14 females and three males) with mean (± SD) age of 38.47 (± 6.29) years (range 29 - 53) were included in this study. The only side effect for the Nd: YAG treatment was erythema observed in two cases (11.8%). The mean MASI scores decreased significantly after six weeks for both therapies. Also, a significant reduction was observed in the mean MASI scores from week six till the end of the study. Controlling for the effect of “MASI score at baseline”, the mean MASI score was significantly lower on the side treated with Nd:YAG + CO2 fractional laser in comparison with the Nd: YAG laser.

Our study showed that the triple therapy of ND: YAG and ND: YAG + CO2 fractional and hydroquinone cream had high efficiency and low morbidity compared to twofold treatment with ND: YAG and ND: YAG + CO2 fractional

Burn wounds of the skin require a long period to healing, which very often is incomplete, with functional and esthetic consequences for the patients. Stem cells in the traumatized tissue represent the promoters of the healing process and are a primary focus for regenerative medicine, which aims to find and use the triggers for the activation of stem cells of sin tissue.

 At present, tissue engineering, composite epithelial autografts, multipotent stem cells and combined gene delivery with stem cell therapy are the approaches used in regenerative medicine. Alongside, the development of 3D scaffolds or matrices is a promising adjunct, as studies investigate the multiple uses of these supports for wound repair.

Application of cells to the burn wound could be performed, either by the bedside, as a non-invasive procedure, or in the operating room, with the use of a matrix, scaffold or dermal substitute. Cell spraying, although under use in clinical setting, is not yet supported by conclusive data. Magnetic resonance imaging, optical imaging and positron emission tomography are currently used to assess the viability and location of stem cells, after transplantation.

Stem cell therapies in wound care may lessen the morbidities associated with wound healing. An ideal method for the effective administration of stem cells for burn patients has not yet been elucidated. Further comparison of the local and systemic effects in burn patients, associated with each route of stem cell delivery, needs to be performed.

Long-term treatments with topical corticosteroids, for diseases like vitiligo, are associated with the risk of skin atrophy.

Recent studies suggest that administration of topical tretinoin, with a corticosteroid, diminishes skin atrophy without impacting the steroid’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Patients and

A placebo-controlled, paired-comparison, left-right study was conducted for a period of 6 months on topical tretinoin 0.05% and mometasone furoate 0.1 % with topical mometasone furoate 0.1% and eucerin in 16 patients, diagnosed with generalized vitiligo. Clinical responses and side effects were assessed after 3 and 6 months.

After 6 months treatment with topical mometasone furoate 0.1 % and tretinoin 0.05%, an excellent response was found in two (12.50%) patients, a moderate response in 13 (81.25%) and mild response in one (6.25%) patient. Two patients (12.5%) showed side effects. After 6 months treatment with topical mometasone furoate 0.1% and eucerin, an excellent response was observed in one (6.25%) patient, a moderate response in eight (50%), mild response in six (37.5 %), and no response in one (6.25%) of the patients. Eight (50%) patients had side effects. After 6 months treatment, the topical tretinoin 0.05% and mometasone furoate 0.1% had more efficacy than mometasone furoate 0.1% and eucerin (P = 0.02).

Combination therapy with tretinoin plus topical corticosteroids is safe and effective and provides an alternative in the treatment of patients with vitiligo.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a non-Langerhans-cell histiocytosis, a group of histiocytic proliferative disorders, seen throughout the first two decades of life.

The studied case was a 14-year-old boy who presented a rapidly growing circumscribed brown papule on his left palm. The mass was surgically resected and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of JXG.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma is a cutaneous fibrohistiocytic lesion, which is rarely reported on palms. It is recommended to excise any soft tissue masses in children due to their possible association with malignancy.