Browsing by Author "Diaz, Michael Joseph"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Evidence-Based Utility of Adjunct Antioxidant Supplementation for the Prevention and Treatment of Dermatologic Diseases: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
    (MDPI, 2023-07-27) Tran, Jasmine Thuy; Diaz, Michael Joseph; Rodriguez, Daphnee; Kleinberg, Giona; Aflatooni, Shaliz; Palreddy, Siri; Abdi, Parsa; Taneja, Kamil; Batchu, Sai; Forouzandeh, Mahtab; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Skin conditions are a significant cause of fatal and nonfatal disease burdens globally, ranging from mild irritations to debilitating diseases. Oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and the cells' ability to repair damage, is implicated in various skin diseases. Antioxidants have been studied for their potential benefits in dermatologic health, but the evidence is limited and conflicting. Herein, we conducted a systematic review of controlled trials, meta-analyses, and Cochrane review articles to evaluate the current evidence on the utility of antioxidant supplementation for adjunct prevention and treatment of skin disease and to provide a comprehensive assessment of their role in promoting dermatologic health. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Epistemonikos databases were queried. Eligibility criteria included (1) primary focus on nanoparticle utility for skin cancer; (2) includes measurable outcomes data with robust comparators; (3) includes a number of human subjects or cell-line types, where applicable; (4) English language; and (5) archived as full-text journal articles. A total of 55 articles met the eligibility criteria for the present review. Qualitative analysis revealed that topical and oral antioxidant supplementation has demonstrated preliminary efficacy in reducing sunburns, depigmentation, and photoaging. Dietary exogenous antioxidants (namely vitamins A, C, and E) have shown chemopreventive effects against skin cancer. Antioxidant supplementation has also shown efficacy in treating non-cancer dermatoses, including rosacea, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne vulgaris. While further studies are needed to validate these findings on a larger scale, antioxidant supplementation holds promise for improving skin health and preventing skin diseases.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Molecular Etiology, Pathophysiology, and Management-A Systematic Review
    (MDPI, 2023-05-17) Diaz, Michael Joseph; Aflatooni, Shaliz; Abdi, Parsa; Li, Rina; Robert Anthony, Michelle; Neelam, Sphurti; Farkouh, Chris; Tran, Jasmine Thuy; Svoboda, Steven; Forouzandeh, Mahtab; Valdes Rodriguez, Rodrigo H.; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the hair follicles in areas of the body with apocrine glands. The condition is characterized by recurrent, painful nodules, abscesses, and draining sinuses that can lead to scarring and disfigurement. In this present study, we provide a focused evaluation of recent developments in hidradenitis suppurativa research, including novel therapeutics and promising biomarkers that may facilitate clinical diagnosis and treatment. We conducted a systematic review of controlled trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, case reports, and Cochrane Review articles in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Epistemonikos databases were queried via Title/Abstract screen. Eligibility criteria included the following: (1) has a primary focus on hidradenitis suppurativa, (2) includes measurable outcomes data with robust comparators, (3) details the sample population, (4) English language, and (5) archived as full-text journal articles. A total of 42 eligible articles were selected for review. Qualitative evaluation identified numerous developments in our understanding of the disease's multiple potential etiologies, pathophysiology, and treatment options. It is important for individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their individual needs and goals. To meet this objective, providers must keep current with developments in the genetic, immunological, microbiological, and environmental factors contributing to the disease's development and progression.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Melanoma Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review of Opportunities for Earlier Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment
    (MDPI, 2023-03-19) Diaz, Michael Joseph; Mark, Isabella; Rodriguez, Daphnee; Gelman, Beata; Thuy Tran, Jasmine; Kleinberg, Giona; Levin, Anna; Beneke, Alice; Root, Kevin Thomas; Vinh Tran, Andrew Xuan; Lucke-Wold, Brandon; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Introduction: Melanoma continues to represent the most serious skin cancer worldwide. However, few attempts have been made to connect the body of research on advanced melanoma. In the present review, we report on strides made in the diagnosis and treatment of intracranial metastatic melanoma. Methods: Relevant Cochrane reviews and randomized-controlled trials published by November 2022 were systematically retrieved from the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed databases (N = 27). Search and screening methods adhered to the 2020 revision of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: Although the research surrounding the earlier detection of melanoma brain metastasis is scarce, several studies have highlighted specific markers associated with MBM. Such factors include elevated BRAFV600 mutant ctDNA, high LDH concentration, and high IGF-1R. The approach to treating MBM is moving away from surgery and toward nonsurgical management, namely, a combination of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and immunotherapeutic agents. There is an abundance of emerging research seeking to identify and improve both novel and established treatment options and diagnostic approaches for MBM, however, more research is still needed to maximize the clinical efficacy, especially for new immunotherapeutics. Conclusions: Early detection is optimal for the efficacy of treatment and MBM prognosis. Current treatment utilizes chemotherapies and targeted therapies. Emerging approaches emphasize biomarkers and joint treatments. Further exploration toward preliminary identification, the timing of therapies, and methods to ameliorate adverse treatment effects are needed to advance MBM patient care.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Nanoparticle-Based Treatment Approaches for Skin Cancer: A Systematic Review
    (MDPI, 2023-07-25) Diaz, Michael Joseph; Natarelli, Nicole; Aflatooni, Shaliz; Aleman, Sarah J.; Neelam, Sphurti; Tran, Jasmine Thuy; Taneja, Kamil; Lucke-Wold, Brandon; Forouzandeh, Mahtab; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Nanoparticles have shown marked promise as both antineoplastic agents and drug carriers. Despite strides made in immunomodulation, low success rates and toxicity remain limitations within the clinical oncology setting. In the present review, we assess advances in drug delivery nanoparticles, for systemic and topical use, in skin cancer treatment. A systematic review of controlled trials, meta-analyses, and Cochrane review articles was conducted. Eligibility criteria included: (1) a primary focus on nanoparticle utility for skin cancer; (2) available metrics on prevention and treatment outcomes; (3) detailed subject population; (4) English language; (5) archived as full-text journal articles. A total of 43 articles were selected for review. Qualitative analysis revealed that nanoscale systems demonstrate significant antineoplastic and anti-metastasis properties: increased drug bioavailability, reduced toxicity, enhanced permeability and retention effect, as well as tumor growth inhibition, among others. Nanoformulations for skin cancers have largely lagged behind those tested in other cancers–several of which have commercialized formulae. However, emerging evidence has indicated a powerful role for these carriers in targeting primary and metastatic skin cancers.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Regulatory miRNAs and lncRNAs in Skin Cancer: A Narrative Review
    (MDPI, 2023-08-06) Natarelli, Nicole; Boby, Aleena; Aflatooni, Shaliz; Tran, Jasmine Thuy; Diaz, Michael Joseph; Taneja, Kamil; Forouzandeh, Mahtab; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have a significant regulatory role in the pathogenesis of skin cancer, despite the fact that protein-coding genes have generally been the focus of research efforts in the field. We comment on the actions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the current review with an eye toward potential therapeutic treatments. LncRNAs are remarkably adaptable, acting as scaffolding, guides, or decoys to modify key signaling pathways (i.e., the Wnt/β-catenin pathway) and gene expression. As post-transcriptional gatekeepers, miRNAs control gene expression by attaching to messenger RNAs and causing their degradation or suppression during translation. Cell cycle regulation, cellular differentiation, and immunological responses are all affected by the dysregulation of miRNAs observed in skin cancer. NcRNAs also show promise as diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic indicators. Unraveling the complexity of the regulatory networks governed by ncRNAs in skin cancer offers unprecedented opportunities for groundbreaking targeted therapies, revolutionizing the landscape of dermatologic care.