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        <title>Frontiers in Physiology | Skin Physiology section | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/sections/skin-physiology</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Skin Physiology section in the Frontiers in Physiology journal | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
        <generator>Frontiers Feed Generator,version:1</generator>
        <pubDate>2026-07-14T04:32:58.311+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1884398</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1884398</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Imbalance of TCA-related miRNA-mRNA networks involving IDH2, SDHA, SDHC, and SUCLG1 drives psoriasis development]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Lin Chen</author><author>Zhan-zhong Qiao</author><author>Chang Xu</author><author>Ying Yao</author><author>Yuan-yuan Yang</author><author>Xin-yu Zhang</author><author>Shun-feng Cheng</author><author>Bin Zhang</author><author>Xue-yi Yang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Psoriasis (PsO), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, is characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and immune dysregulation. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential regulators of systemic metabolic and inflammatory pathways in PsO. In this study, we performed high-throughput sequencing of plasma miRNAs from PsO patients and healthy controls to explore their regulatory roles. Bioinformatic analysis identified several downregulated miRNAs, including hsa-miR-145-5p, hsa-miR-204-5p, hsa-miR-3913-5p, and hsa-miR-10a-5p, which were predicted to target key rate-limiting enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (IDH2, SDHA, SDHC, SUCLG1). A miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was subsequently constructed to illustrate potential interactions between these miRNAs and their target mRNAs. Functional validation using miRNA inhibitors showed significant upregulation of IDH2, SDHA, SDHC, and SUCLG1 mRNA levels compared with the negative control (NC) group. These results suggest that downregulation of miRNAs may relieve the suppression of TCA cycle enzymes, leading to dysregulated glucose metabolism and contributing to the development of psoriasis. In conclusion, this study uncovers a novel mechanism by which miRNA downregulation mediates psoriasis via metabolic regulation and identifies potential targets for combined therapeutic strategies targeting both metabolism and miRNAs. However, the clinical translational relevance of these findings remains insufficiently clarified, and further studies are needed to determine their practical value in diagnosis, severity assessment, and therapeutic intervention.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1838020</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1838020</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Linoleic acid concentration at the air-liquid interface is key for optimal incorporation into skin model lipidome]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Andréa Tremblay</author><author>Angélina Larouche</author><author>Mélissa Simard</author><author>Élizabeth Dumais</author><author>Pierre Julien</author><author>Nicolas Flamand</author><author>Roxane Pouliot</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid required for skin barrier formation. However, linoleic acid-deficient media remains widely used in cell culture and reconstructed skin production, potentially contributing to suboptimal barrier function in skin models. In this study, we investigated the effects of varying linoleic acid concentrations in culture media on lipid composition, bioactive lipid mediator production, and gene expression of lipid-metabolizing enzymes in self-assembled skin substitutes. High-concentration linoleic acid significantly improved barrier function, as evidenced by reduced testosterone permeability, and enhanced incorporation into phospholipids, triacylglycerols, and diacylglycerols. Unexpectedly, ω-hydroxy-sphingosine ceramide proportions were reduced, reflective of downregulation of key enzymes in ω-O-acylceramide synthesis. These findings reveal a complex interplay between linoleic acid availability, lipid remodeling, and enzymatic regulation, offering new insights into optimizing reconstructed skin models for improved barrier function and lipid homeostasis.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1848754</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1848754</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Skin characteristics of photoaging and intrinsic aging in Southwest Chinese population: a reflectance confocal microscopy and histopathological study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Guoxiu Cao</author><author>Yanjie Chen</author><author>Shengdong Guan</author><author>Lin Chen</author><author>Rentao Yu</author><author>Aijun Chen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Despite widespread use of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in dermatology, normative aging data for Chinese populations remain limited. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of skin microstructure under RCM and histomorphological differences between photoaging and intrinsic aging in Southwest Chinese adults, and to explore potential effect modification by occupational ultraviolet exposure. A total of 150 healthy volunteers (50 per group: 18–35, 45–55, and ≥65 years) underwent RCM imaging of the right zygoma and left volar forearm. Fifteen parameters were measured, such as epidermal thickness (ET), furrow patterns, irregular honeycomb, mottled pigmentation, collagen score (higher = greater degeneration), and papillary ring score. SCINEXA scores and work environments were recorded. Perilesional skin tissues from the face and forearm of young and elderly subjects were collected for histopathological analysis of epidermal thickness, rete ridge length, and collagen-positive area. ET showed site-specific variation characteristics: the volar forearm was significantly thinner in the older versus younger group (P<0.001), whereas facial skin showed an apparent nonlinear distribution, with greater thickness in the middle-aged versus younger group (49.0 ± 8.35 vs. 45.3 ± 5.44 μm; P = 0.021) and attenuation in the older group (42.0 ± 6.44 μm; P = 0.045). Collagen scores differed by site and age group: forearm scores exceeded facial scores in the younger group (forearm: 2.000 [1.000–4.000] vs. face: 1.00 [0.000–2.000]; P = 0.0003), whereas facial scores surpassed forearm scores in the middle-aged and older groups (face: 8.000 [7.000–8.250] vs. forearm: 7.000 [6.000–8.000]; P = 0.002). Facial polycyclic rings increased across age groups, from 4% in younger to 50% in older subjects (P<0.001). Outdoor work was associated with more pronounced facial aging markers in middle-aged and older versus younger subjects (collagen loss: P = 0.011–0.003; papillary flattening: P = 0.020). Histological findings were consistent with RCM observations. In this cross-sectional cohort study, site-specific differences in age-group distributions of skin aging-related parameters were observed. These RCM-derived structural parameters may facilitate differentiation between intrinsic aging and photoaging features; however, their potential value for informing aging intervention strategies requires validation through prospective interventional studies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1812461</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1812461</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A prospective study on the effects of 10 whole-body cryotherapy sessions on skin parameters in young healthy women]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Bartłomiej Ptaszek</author><author>Magdalena Uzar</author><author>Szymon Podsiadło</author><author>Janka Poráčová</author><author>Olga Czerwińska-Ledwig</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Background/objectivesWhole-body cryotherapy (WBC) uses extremely low temperatures to induce physiological responses, directly affecting skin perfusion and metabolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a series of 10 whole-body cryotherapy sessions on selected skin parameters in 12 young, healthy, and non-training women. Methods: Participants aged 21–25 underwent a series of 10 cryotherapy sessions at a temperature of -120 °C. Measurements were performed at 7 time points using the following probes (Courage Khazaka, Germany): Corneometer (skin hydration), Tewameter (transepidermal water loss, TEWL), Cutometer® dual MPA 580 (skin elasticity and firmness), Mexameter (erythrema and melanin content), and Skin-Thermometer® ST 500 (skin temperature).ResultsThe study revealed a statistically significant decrease in skin temperature and hydration, as well as an increase in redness (erythema). No significant changes were observed in biomechanical parameters (firmness, elasticity) or in TEWL.ConclusionsWhole-body cryotherapy in young, healthy women induces a marked vascular response, affecting skin microcirculation. Despite the reduction in hydration, the treatments are likely safe for the skin’s protective barrier and do not negatively impact its mechanical properties in young, healthy women. Further research is needed to explain the complexity of these processes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1791680</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1791680</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Evaluation of lactic acid ferment lysate for the management of oily skin: impact on sebum, hydration, and microbiota]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Lei Song</author><author>Hongchang Cui</author><author>Xingtao Xu</author><author>Zhi Duan</author><author>Guoqing Meng</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Oily skin is a prevalent, cosmetically troubling condition. This study investigated the effects of a topical cream with 3% lactic acid ferment lysate VHProbi® MixP for ameliorating oily skin symptoms. A 60-day pilot trial enrolled 42 oily-skin participants, who applied the cream twice daily. Standardized non-invasive tools and imaging systems measured sebum production, porphyrin levels, pore appearance, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration and texture at baseline, day 30 and day 60; 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used for hypothesis-generating analysis of the facial microbiota. By day 60, sebum, porphyrin levels and pore size decreased significantly (31.44%, 44.60% and 25.03% respectively), while hydration and texture improved (63.68% and 38.43% respectively). Hypothesis-generating microbial analysis identified elevated α-diversity and shifted bacterial composition, with reduced Staphylococcus spp. and Cutibacterium spp. and increased Streptococcus spp. Correlation analysis indicated associations between topical application of the cream and reduced sebum secretion, as well as modulated cutaneous microbiota composition. In conclusion, topical application of VHProbi®MixP is associated with reduced facial hyperseborrhea, increased epidermal hydration and modulated cutaneous microbial community structure, and may hold potential as an ingredient for oily skin care.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1805076</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1805076</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Case Report: Atypical (CD34-) nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis with fibroblastic nodular hyperplasia on the knee]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-03T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Case Report</category>
        <author>Nan Huang</author><author>Yu Li</author><author>Li Li</author><author>Tingting Wang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis (NLCS) is a unique hamartoma, characterized by ectopic adipose tissue in the dermis, which mainly localizes in buttock and thigh. This study elucidates a case of NLCS with fibroblastic nodular hyperplasia and reviews related literature. Herein, a 15-year-old boy was presented with subcutaneous mass consisting of multiple papules on the surface below his left knee joint for 5 years. The histopathological findings revealed ectopic mature adipose tissue and several storiform-arranged masses containing short fusiform cells and mast cells within the dermis and immunohistochemical staining indicated that CD10 was positive in the above fusiform cells. The diagnosis of nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis with fibroblastic nodular hyperplasia was made. This study aims to increase awareness of this rare disease and its concomitant diseases for early recognition and proper treatment strategy.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1824326</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1824326</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Skin thickness alterations in pressure injury tissue: insights from high-frequency ultrasound and mixed-design analysis of variance]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-03T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Lin Tang</author><author>Jingmin Zhang</author><author>Wu Zhou</author><author>Jing Huang</author><author>Dongmei Diao</author><author>Luying Zhong</author><author>Jianna Zhang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Purpose/aimTo quantify skin thickness alterations in pressure injury (PI) tissue and evaluate the influence of PI risk factors using high-frequency ultrasound.BackgroundEarly PI detection remains challenging due to limitations of visual assessment. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) offers high-resolution skin imaging but lacks validation in PI tissues.DesignProspective comparative study.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we assessed skin thickness in 42 bedridden patients with pressure injuries (PIs). For each patient, measurements were taken at the PI site and an adjacent normal site using high-frequency ultrasound (18 MHz). A mixed-design ANOVA tested the effects of tissue type (within-subject: PI vs. normal), PI risk status (between-subject: high vs. low), and body mass index (BMI: ≥24 vs.<24 kg/m²), including all main and two-way interaction effects. Post-hoc tests were Bonferroni-corrected, and effect sizes were quantified using generalized eta-squared (η²G).ResultsSkin at pressure injury (PI) sites was substantially thicker than at adjacent normal sites (3.26 ± 0.63 mm vs. 2.11 ± 0.52 mm). A mixed-design ANOVA confirmed a large, significant main effect for tissue type (F (1, 38) = 57.980, p< 0.001, ηg2=0.500). Additionally, the model revealed a significant main effect for PI risk status, with high-risk patients exhibiting greater overall skin thickness (F (1, 38) = 11.150, p = 0.002, ηg2=0.090). The main effect of body mass index was not significant (p = .510). While no interactions reached statistical significance, the interaction between tissue type and PI risk status trended towards significance (F (1, 38) = 3.20, p = .082, ηg2=0.050). This trend reflected a pattern wherein the difference in skin thickness between PI and normal sites was more pronounced in high-risk patients compared to low-risk patients. No other interactions were significant (all p > 0.050). All model assumptions were met.ConclusionsHFUS-detected skin thickening is a hallmark of PI tissue, primarily driven by local pathology and modulated by systemic risk factors. HFUS shows potential for objective PI assessment.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1754745</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1754745</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Cutaneous lymphatics and skin diseases: mechanisms, imaging modalities, and future therapeutic strategies]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Nuoran Chen</author><author>Duoduo Gu</author><author>Wanqing Yang</author><author>Xiaoqi Meng</author><author>Tingwei Liu</author><author>Dansheng Li</author><author>Yang Xu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Cutaneous lymphatic vessels are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and coordinating immune defence, making them vital to skin health. Recent advances in molecular biology and immunology have revealed the association between lymphatic dysfunction and various dermatological conditions, including skin aging, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Lymphatic structure and function alterations influence immune regulation and play active roles in inflammatory responses and tissue repair processes. This study provides a systematic review of the biological characteristics of cutaneous lymphatic vessels, their mechanistic contributions to disease pathogenesis, and current lymphatic imaging methodologies. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting lymphatic regulation represent a promising direction for dermatological interventions, with prospects for future research and clinical translation. By elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cutaneous lymphatic activity, the aim of this review was to provide novel theoretical foundations and strategic insights for the prevention and treatment of related diseases.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1808764</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1808764</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Bioinspired engineering of Polygonum multiflorum root nanovesicles regulates dermal papilla cells in vitro and stimulates human hair follicle growth ex vivo]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran</author><author>Prakash Gangadaran</author><author>Mi Hee Kwack</author><author>Ji Min Oh</author><author>Chae Moon Hong</author><author>Young Kwan Sung</author><author>Byeong-Cheol Ahn</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionPolygonum multiflorum (PM), a traditional medicinal herb, is renowned for its regenerative effects on hair growth; however, its therapeutic application has been largely confined to crude extracts. Recent advances have highlighted plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) as natural carriers of bioactive molecules. This study aimed to evaluate the hair growth–promoting potential of nanovesicles derived from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum (PM-NVs).MethodsPM-NVs were isolated from fresh PM roots using differential and density gradient ultracentrifugation. Their morphology was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) were treated with PM-NVs to assess proliferation using the CCK-8 assay and β-catenin activation via Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Ex vivo cultured human hair follicles (HFs) were treated with PM-NVs to evaluate hair shaft elongation.ResultsPM-NVs were spherical and efficiently internalized by DPCs. Treatment with PM-NVs significantly increased DPC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, upregulated β-catenin protein levels, promoted its nuclear translocation, and enhanced the expression of downstream target genes (Axin2, Lef1, and EP2). Ex vivo, PM-NV treatment significantly enhanced human hair follicle elongation compared with controls, indicating stimulation of the hair growth phase.ConclusionsPM-NVs derived from Polygonum multiflorum promote dermal papilla cell (DPC) proliferation and activate β-catenin signaling, resulting in enhanced hair shaft elongation ex vivo. These findings suggest that PM-NVs represent a natural, biocompatible nanovesicle-based approach for hair follicle regeneration and hold potential as a therapeutic option for alopecia.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1800001</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1800001</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Establishment and translational evaluation of animal models for skin wound healing: a systematic review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-16T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Ying Zhang</author><author>Kai Leng</author><author>Miao Dong</author><author>Jinxuan Wu</author><author>Zi Wang</author><author>Qiao Zhu</author><author>Xinghua Gao</author><author>Yan Sun</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundSkin wounds, encompassing acute injuries and chronic refractory ulcers, impose substantial physical and economic burdens globally. While animal models are indispensable for dissecting wound healing pathophysiology and testing therapeutic interventions, the discordance between preclinical findings and clinical outcomes remains a critical challenge.MethodsTo provide a standardized reference for model selection, we conducted a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on in vivo cutaneous wound models in mice, rats, and rabbits that reported quantitative outcomes (e.g., closure kinetics, histology, molecular markers). Studies lacking separate control groups or sufficient methodological detail were excluded. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool.ResultsA total of 129 studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized. We systematically categorized and evaluated mainstream models: (1) Acute wounds: Rodent incisional/excisional models facilitate high-throughput screening but are limited by contraction-dominant healing, whereas rabbit ear models better approximate human re-epithelialization. (2) Chronic wounds: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic models in mice and rats predominate but often lack the macrovascular complications of human ulcers, necessitating novel composite models incorporating ischemia and biofilm infection. (3) Pathological scarring: Tension-induced models (e.g., suture anchoring, mechanical stretching) are identified as critical for studying mechanotransduction pathways (e.g., YAP/TAZ) absent in traditional unstressed models. Furthermore, our review identifies a pervasive male bias in study design. We highlight that sex steroids critically modulate inflammation and angiogenesis—with estrogen typically promoting and androgens delaying repair—necessitating the inclusion of both sexes or specific hormone-depleted models (e.g., ovariectomized females) to improve clinical predictive value.ConclusionNo single animal model perfectly recapitulates human cutaneous repair. Based on the synthesis of 129 studies, we propose a hierarchical translational framework: utilizing genetically tractable mice for mechanistic discovery, rats for longitudinal pharmacological screening, and rabbits or porcine models for the validation of scar quality and epithelial closure prior to clinical trials.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1773031</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1773031</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Construction and validation of a multi-function artificial intelligence–assisted system for pressure injury recognition]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-18T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Zhenni Wang</author><author>Yueping Xu</author><author>Kaijian Xia</author><author>Yiqi Dai</author><author>Xiaodan Xu</author><author>Jian Chen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundWith the acceleration of population aging, the incidence of pressure injury (PI) continues to rise, making early identification and accurate staging essential for preventing disease progression and improving prognosis. Conventional manual assessment relies heavily on clinical experience and subjective judgment, limiting real-time, objective, and quantitative evaluation.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and validate an artificial intelligence model based on the YOLOv11 neural network that integrates automatic PI detection, intelligent staging, and wound size measurement, thereby enhancing the timeliness, accuracy, and objectivity of PI assessment.MethodsA total of 1,815 PI images collected from the electronic PI management systems of two medical centers between January 2021 and June 2025 were included. According to the 2019 National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) guidelines, images were classified into six categories: Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, Stage IV, unstageable, and deep tissue injury. Transfer learning was applied to train YOLOv11 models of different scales (v11n/s/m/l/x). Lesion localization and staging performance were compared to identify the optimal model. Automatic wound size measurement was achieved by integrating ArUco marker recognition with pixel-to-centimeter conversion.ResultsFor bounding box localization, the YOLOv11s model demonstrated superior performance, with a precision of 0.854, recall of 0.766, mAP50 of 0.842, mAP50–95 of 0.629, and an inference speed of 4.8 ms per image. On the test set, overall staging classification accuracy reached 92.64%, with a sensitivity of 79.79%, specificity of 95.56%, and a false-positive rate of 4.44%. The highest accuracy was observed for deep tissue injury (96.45%), while Stage III showed the lowest accuracy (85.04%). In wound size measurement, PI-3DAS demonstrated high agreement with the reference standard, with a length mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.155 cm and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.996, and a width MAE of 0.137 cm and ICC of 0.994. The mean time for AI-based measurement was 0.691 s, representing a 36.8-fold reduction compared with manual measurement (25.414 s; P < 0.001).ConclusionThe YOLOv11-based PI-3DAS system enables automated PI detection, staging, and non-contact wound size quantification with high accuracy and consistency, while substantially improving measurement efficiency. This system provides a portable and practical tool to support clinical nursing assessment, therapeutic follow-up, and remote PI management.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1717517</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1717517</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Multimodal skin lesion classification for early cancer diagnosis using deep learning]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Vandit Gabani</author><author>T. M. Navamani</author><author>K. Shyamala</author><author>Vinita Kishore Vaswani Rajpal</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionSkin cancer, particularly melanoma, is a rapidly spreading and potentially life-threatening disease affecting humans. Melanoma typically begins on the skin’s surface before penetrating deeper layers. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, with simple and cost-effective treatments yielding a 96% success rate. Traditional diagnosis methods rely on expert dermatologists, specialized equipment, and invasive biopsies. Deep learning offers advanced solutions for detecting skin cancer earlier and with high accuracy to mitigate costs and assist dermatologists. Deep Convolutional Neural Networks have shown promise in several computer vision tasks, including image classification, prompting their application in dermatology.MethodsThis work focuses on leveraging three prominent DCNN architectures, DenseNet 201, VGG16, and InceptionV3, to classify skin lesions using dermoscopic images. The HAM10000 dataset was taken and divided into training and testing sets. The preprocessing methods include image normalization, scaling, and Otsu’s binary thresholding segmentation and augmentation techniques were applied. We introduced two fine-tuning approaches. Firstly, the top layers of the base model are retrained. Secondly, retraining the half layers of the base models and additional layers are added to form customized CNN models. We merge these underlying models into an ensemble and hyperparameter tuning to enhance performance. The transparency and interpretability of the model are enhanced by Grad-CAM, which raises the model’s dependability for clinical applications.Results and DiscussionCombining DenseNet-201, InceptionV3, and VGG16, the proposed ensemble model outperforms the individual models with a testing accuracy of 97.9%. Additionally, it exhibits a better F1-score, recall, and precision of 99.2%, demonstrating its efficacy in automated skin lesion detection.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1708686</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1708686</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Tmem45b modulates itch via endoplasmic reticulum calcium regulation]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-12-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sa-shuang Wang</author><author>Chen Liang</author><author>Ruo-lin Wang</author><author>Ze-lin Sun</author><author>Peng-yu Ren</author><author>Bin Wu</author><author>Juan-juan Sun</author><author>Li Fu</author><author>Li-zu Xiao</author><author>Wu-ping Sun</author><author>Chang-lin Li</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the role of Tmem45b, a gene expressed in itch-associated Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, in the regulation of itch sensation.MethodsThe expression of Tmem45b was examined in DRG neurons. These neurons included Nppb-, Mrgpra3-, and Mrgprd-positive subtypes, which are known to mediate itch. Behavioral response to various pruritogens including β-alanine, chloroquine, histamine, serotonin, and N-met-LTC4 were assessed on Mrgprd-cre::Tmem45bflox/flox conditional knockout (cKO) mice. Chronic itch was evaluated using both atopic dermatitis-like and dry skin-like mouse models. To investigate intracellular calcium dynamics, calcium imaging was performed on dissociated DRG neurons. Additionally, bulk RNA-seq was conducted on DRG from Tmem45b cKO mice to assess transcriptomic changes. Serca1 expression and the calcium storage capacity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were analyzed following Tmem45b deletion.ResultsTmem45b was found to be expressed in itch-associated DRG neurons. In Tmem45b cKO mice, scratching behavior was reduced in response to β-alanine but increased in response to chloroquine. Notably, chronic itch was alleviated in Tmem45b-deficient mice. Calcium imaging revealed that Tmem45b cKO impaired calcium responses to β-alanine and allyl isothiocyanate, but not to chloroquine. Mechanistically, Tmem45b deficiency led to a significant downregulation of Serca1, reducing ER calcium storage capacity. Pharmacological inhibition of Serca1 in DRG neurons similarly suppressed intracellular calcium release in response to β-alanine and chloroquine.ConclusionTmem45b plays a critical role in nonhistaminergic itch by regulating ER calcium homeostasis through Serca1. Its deficiency reduces itch behavior and impairs calcium signaling in DRG neurons, suggesting that Tmem45b is a potential therapeutic target for chronic itch.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1705704</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1705704</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Mechanism of xanthine oxidase in flap ischemia-reperfusion injury and advances in targeted therapy: a mini review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-11-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Weidong Jia</author><author>Xin Wei</author><author>Xu Gong</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Ischemia-reperfusion injury in flaps refers to a cascade of pathophysiological reactions that aggravate tissue damage or even cause necrosis. During the period of ischemia followed by restored blood reperfusion, a burst of reactive oxygen species is produced. The prevention of flap ischemia-reperfusion injury remains a critical and challenging focus in current research. Xanthine oxidase serves as a major source of reactive oxygen species during ischemia-reperfusion. Allopurinol and febuxostat, xanthine oxidase inhibitor, primarily exerts its protective effects by inhibiting the activity of xanthine oxidase and reducing reactive oxygen species generation, thereby suppressing oxidative stress damage. Additionally, it may improve flap survival through other mechanisms, such as modulating inflammatory responses and suppressing apoptosis. This article systematically reviews the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic advances of skin flap ischemia-reperfusion injury, with a focus on exploring the role of xanthine oxidase inhibitors in flap protection by targeting and regulating oxidative stress pathways, aiming to provide new therapeutic strategies and theoretical basis for clinical prevention and treatment of skin flap ischemia-reperfusion injury.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1638356</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1638356</link>
        <title><![CDATA[KDM5A, a H3K4me3 demethylase, regulates skin wound healing by promoting M2 macrophage polarization via suppression of Socs1]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-10-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Jixun Zhang</author><author>Chao Wang</author><author>Xinxin Dong</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe inflammatory phase is critical for successful wound healing, with macrophages playing a central role by polarizing into different functional phenotypes. KDM5A, a histone demethylase, can epigenetically suppress Socs1, a key negative regulator of immune responses. However, the specific roles and mechanisms of the KDM5A-Socs1 axis in macrophage polarization during cutaneous wound healing remain largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate the function of KDM5A in wound repair, focusing on its regulatory crosstalk with Socs1 in macrophages.MethodsWe established a murine wound model to systematically evaluate wound closure kinetics, collagen deposition, healing scores, macrophage polarization dynamics, and inflammatory cytokine profiles. An in vitro co-culture system of macrophages and fibroblasts under KDM5A perturbation was used to assess its impact on fibroblast proliferation, migration, and angiogenic capacity. Mechanistic insights were gained through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays to determine the epigenetic regulation of Socs1 by KDM5A.ResultsKDM5A expression was significantly downregulated in wound-associated macrophages and was inversely correlated with M2 polarization. Genetic ablation of KDM5A accelerated cutaneous wound closure, enhanced collagen deposition, and improved healing scores. Mechanistically, KDM5A deficiency elevated the activating histone marks H3K4me3 and H3K27ac at the Socs1 promoter, augmenting its transcriptional activation. The subsequent upregulation of Socs1 promoted M2 macrophage polarization, attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and stimulated fibroblast proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.DiscussionOur findings demonstrate that KDM5A modulates wound healing by epigenetically regulating Socs1 expression. Downregulation of KDM5A in wound macrophages relieves the repression of Socs1, thereby driving M2 polarization and creating a pro-regenerative microenvironment that facilitates tissue repair. This study elucidates the KDM5A-Socs1 molecular axis as a key epigenetic regulator in wound healing and establishes a conceptual framework for developing novel therapeutic strategies.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1661850</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1661850</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Current state of research on acupuncture for acne: a scoping review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-10-03T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Huiyuan Huang</author><author>Ying Liu</author><author>Shuhui Wu</author><author>Dan Zhao</author><author>Huie Zheng</author><author>Mingfang Zhu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveAcne vulgaris is recognized as one of the top eight most disabling dermatological diseases globally. Acupuncture has emerged as a clinically valuable and widely practiced intervention for acne, with the World Health Organization endorsing it as an effective non-pharmacological treatment. While existing evidence demonstrates acupuncture’s ability to significantly improve acne symptoms, the research remains scattered and lacks comprehensive synthesis. This scoping review systematically maps the current clinical research on acupuncture for acne treatment to identify knowledge gaps and inform future research directions.MethodsA systematic search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, AMED, SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases to identify relevant studies published between January 2014 and October 2024. Data extraction and synthesis were performed using descriptive statistics and visual analytics. The review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and was prospectively registered with the OSF.ResultsThis study included 114 eligible studies, comprising 48 randomized controlled trials, 63 non-randomized interventional studies, and 3 systematic reviews, with the vast majority conducted in China. After 2019, the publication output of acupuncture studies for acne treatment showed a declining trend, which was generally consistent with changes in research funding. Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment revealed that the overall methodological quality of RCTs was moderate, with a low proportion of high-quality studies. The main acupuncture interventions for acne included filiform needle acupuncture, pricking-cupping, fire needling, autohemotherapy, bloodletting therapy, and catgut embedding at acupoints, with Ashi point (local lesion area) being the most frequently selected acupoint. Among the 16 outcome measures evaluated, the effective rate was the most commonly used indicator. Overall, acupuncture demonstrated good safety in treating acne, although fire needling showed a significantly higher frequency of adverse events compared to other therapies.ConclusionAs a globally prevalent complementary therapy, acupuncture has established a substantial research base for acne treatment; however, methodological limitations persist in existing studies. Future research should conduct multicenter, large-sample randomized controlled trials adhering to standardized reporting guidelines, develop comprehensive efficacy evaluation systems incorporating objective indicators, and investigate connections between clinical outcomes and mechanistic pathways. These efforts will elevate the evidence level for acupuncture in acne management.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/S2QT6.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1627798</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1627798</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Burn scar pain: from mechanisms to treatments]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-09-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Minjuan Zhao</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Chronic scars and pain following burns not only impair patients’ quality of life but also resist current empirical treatments, highlighting an urgent need for mechanism-based therapies. Early studies have characterized key mediators of scar fibrosis and nociception, yet integration of molecular and neural pathways remains limited. Here, we comprehensively review 1 molecular and cellular drivers of burn scar formation—particularly transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)–induced fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling; 2 bidirectional interactions between scar tissue and nerve regeneration via neuropeptides (Nerve growth factor, Substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide); 3 mechanisms underpinning long-term scar pain, including peripheral/central sensitization through TRPV1/Nav channels and neuroinflammation; and 4 emerging treatments—such as laser, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), regenerative injections, and transient receptor potential (TRP) antagonists—that target these pathways. We conclude that a detailed understanding of scar–nerve crosstalk at the molecular level is pivotal for developing targeted interventions and improving long-term outcomes.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1556431</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1556431</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Prostaglandin F2α stimulates the growth of human intermediate hair follicles in ex vivo organ culture with potential clinical relevance]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-06-18T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ben H. Miranda</author><author>Karzan G. Khidhir</author><author>Desmond J. Tobin</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundHair plays a crucial role in social and sexual communication; hair disorders such as alopecia or hirsutism can therefore cause psychological distress. Current treatments are limited by unwanted side effects and a lack of understanding of hair follicle (HF) regulation, particularly in miniaturised intermediate or vellus-like follicles; the clinical targets in hair loss disorders. The discovery that bimatoprost, a prostamide F2α analogue, stimulates eyelash growth suggest a possible role for other prostanoids in hair growth.ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of the naturally occurring prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on human intermediate HF growth, comparing the effects on matched terminal and intermediate follicles using a pre-clinical ex vivo organ culture model. Furthermore, to determine the involvement of PGF2α receptors (FP) and their location within both these HF types.MethodsMatched human female pre-auricular facelift skin HFs were incubated with PGF2α alone or in combination with an FP antagonist for 9 days in the gold-standard ex vivo HF organ culture model. To confirm FP gene expression in both terminal and intermediate lower HF bulbs, RT-PCR was performed using specific FP primers, confirmed by sequence analysis. Immunohistochemistry was conducted using frozen sections to locate the FP protein in HF components.ResultsPGF2α (100 nM) stimulated terminal HF fibre growth by 4.93% (p = 0.019) with a greater effect (10.03% (p < 0.001) stimulation) on intermediate HFs. PGF2α stimulation significantly prolonged anagen (the growth phase of the hair cycle) duration in both HF types and to similar extent. These increases in hair fibre elongation were blocked by the receptor (FP) antagonist in both terminal and intermediate follicles. RT-PCR confirmed FP gene expression and immunohistochemistry located FP protein in the dermal papilla and connective tissue sheath of both intermediate and terminal HFs.ConclusionWe demonstrate, for the first time, that PGF2α stimulates human HF growth in organ culture via a receptor-driven mechanism, probably directly affecting the follicles’ regulatory dermal papilla function. The greater response of intermediate, compared to matched terminal, HFs suggests potential future clinical significance for medical conditions such as alopecia, or insufficient beard growth, and promoting hair growth in ‘relatively hairless’ donor graft skin or transplant follicles after elective, trauma or burn injury surgical reconstruction.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1556998</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1556998</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Efficacy of probiotics in dermatitis herpetiformis management: an umbrella review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-05-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Waleed Khalid Z Alghuyaythat</author><author>Fawziah Salman Alfaifi</author><author>Hind Bader S. Alshalhoob</author><author>Rana Khalid A. Abanumay</author><author>Rayan Hussain A. Asiree</author><author>Haya Sulaiman Alnumayr</author><author>Anwar Ghudair T. Alanazi</author><author>Maryam Mohammed Alluli</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundThe available evidence on probiotics in Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) remains severely limited. Given the shared pathophysiology of DH and Coeliac disease (CD), we aimed to provide the hypothesis to synthesize the narrative reviews carried out so far on the use of probiotics in the treatment of DH, its impact on gut microbiota dysbiosis, and the gut-skin axis.MethodsRelevant narrative reviews were searched for in electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar.ResultsAll 7 included reviews commented on gut microbiota dysbiosis as a common feature in patients with CD and DH. Immune modulation, attenuation of intestinal permeability, and anti-inflammatory effects were some of the postulated effects of probiotics. Probiotics could modulate the gut-skin axis and may prove therapeutic for DH; however, most of the evidence was indirect, drawn from models of CD or theoretically derived.ConclusionWhile probiotics showed promise for managing gut dysbiosis and immune regulation in DH, the existing evidence remains speculative. Our results suggest that probiotics could be a useful adjunct to gluten-free dieting in DH treatment, but future studies are needed to support this finding.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1489907</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1489907</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Performance exploration of multi-gene panels of alopecia areata susceptibility and drug-binding targets]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-03-27T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Hongye Liu</author><author>Yang Li</author><author>Ling Ren</author><author>Xiaofeng Yang</author><author>Shuo Zhang</author><author>Hongmei Bi</author><author>Hongxia He</author><author>Jingyu Ren</author><author>Xiaoqing Lang</author><author>Shuping Guo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveThis study aims to identify potential target genes and therapeutic drugs for alopecia areata (AA).MethodsUtilizing training and testing data, we evaluated multi-gene panels derived from commonly upregulated genes in publicly available AA patient datasets. The functions of these genes in biological processes were analyzed to identify special multi-gene panels that may play crucial roles in AA. Differences in immune cell infiltration between AA patients and healthy controls were assessed using gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and the Wald test. Signature genes were further validated in specific subsets using single-cell RNA sequence data. Finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were conducted to evaluate interactions between protein structures encoded by signature genes and the potential new drug candidates.ResultsWhen the cut-off value of log2FoldChage was greater than 1.0, 51 common upregulated genes were identified in the datasets GSE68801 and GSE45512, and the enrichment analysis of biological process indicated the significant involvement of immune cells in AA. The predictive performance of multi-gene panels demonstrated excellent accuracy in pathways related to “regulation of T cell-mediated cytotoxicity” and “cell killing.” GSVA and the Wald test demonstrated that the infiltration of T cells and NK cells in AA patients was significantly higher than in healthy controls. Based on single-cell immune cell subsets, we found that within the macrophage migration inhibitory factor signaling pathway, the interactions between NK T cells, CD8 T cells, and melanocytes were observed exclusively in AA patients but not in healthy controls. This indicates that NK T and CD8 T cells may play an important role in the attack on hair follicles via melanocytes. Additionally, we selected several important biomarkers for molecular docking with interacting chemicals, evaluated the stability of drug–protein binding patterns through molecular dynamics simulation, and identified several potential targeted therapeutic agents.ConclusionIn this study, we screened several key genes associated with immune cells and potential drug-like chemicals that could serve as targeted therapies for AA.]]></description>
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