Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Kaczmarska, Dominika Kwiatkowska, Katarzyna Konstancja Skrzypek, Zbigniew Tadeusz Kowalewski, Kamila Jaworecka, Adam Reich
Summary: Pruritus, an unpleasant sensation that elicits a desire to scratch, is widely observed in various inflammatory skin diseases. The pathogenesis of pruritus in conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis involves complex interactions between biochemical mediators, enzymes, and pathways. Although the exact mechanisms remain elusive, considerable progress has been made in recent years.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Allergy
Martin Steinhoff, Fareed Ahmad, Atul Pandey, Angeliki Datsi, Ayda AlHammadi, Sara Al-Khawaga, Aysha Al-Malki, Jianghui Meng, Majid Alam, Joerg Buddenkotte
Summary: Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, and its pathogenesis involves the dysregulation of neuroimmune circuits. Abnormal neuroimmune circuits can lead to inflammation, pruritus, pain, and skin barrier dysfunction. Understanding neuroimmune circuits and neuronal signaling is crucial for controlling the pathological mechanisms of atopic dermatitis.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Allergy
Laurent Misery, Ophelie Pierre, Christelle Le Gall-Ianotto, Nicolas Lebonvallet, Pavel Chernyshov, Raphaele Le Garrec, Matthieu Talagas
Summary: Pruritus is an unpleasant sensation that triggers the desire to scratch. Itch processing involves various areas in the central nervous system and is often the result of neuroimmune interactions rather than parasitic, allergic, or immunologic diseases. Histamine is only involved in a minority of itchy conditions, while cytokines, endothelin 1, gastrin-releasing peptide, and neurotrophins also play a role. Ion channels such as voltage-gated sodium channels and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 are crucial in itch processing. Sensitization to pruritus is a notable phenomenon characterized by increased responsiveness of peripheral and central pruriceptive neurons to afferent input. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023;152:11-23.)
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Dermatology
Zoe M. Lipman, Angelina Labib, Gil Yosipovitch
Summary: Pruritus is the most burdensome symptom for patients with atopic dermatitis, and treating it has historically been challenging due to complex underlying mechanisms. However, recent advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of atopic itch have led to new treatments entering the market, with promising therapies currently in development. This article discusses currently available treatment options, their evidence and efficacy, as well as highlighting recent advancements in the field.
CLINICAL COSMETIC AND INVESTIGATIONAL DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Brian S. Kirri
Summary: This article introduces the importance of itch sensation for survival and its value in the field of medicine, highlighting how research in itch biology has led to important discoveries and breakthroughs in treatment.
Review
Dermatology
M. Papanikolaou, A. Onoufriadis, J. E. Mellerio, L. A. Nattkemper, G. Yosipovitch, M. Steinhoff, J. A. McGrath
Summary: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited skin disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins of the dermoepidermal junction. Itch is a common symptom in EB and may be due to skin inflammation, wound healing cascades, and dysregulated activation of sensory nerve endings. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing treatments and improving quality of life for patients with EB.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Satoshi Okuno, Takashi Hashimoto, Yuki Yamazaki, Manami Okuzawa, Takahiro Satoh
Summary: The expression of IL-31 and IL-31RA was increased in PH and PVe. However, PVe did not cause itching, while PH was associated with pathological itching. Many eosinophils and basophils were also present in PH. On the other hand, although IL-31/IL-31RA signaling might contribute to epidermal thickening and dermal fibrosis, it seemed unable to provoke itching in PVe.
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Masutaka Furue, Mihoko Furue
Summary: Pruritus is a major symptom in inflammatory skin diseases, with IL-31 playing a pivotal role in its sensation. Clinical trials have shown that the anti-IL-31RA antibody nemolizumab can successfully reduce pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Alexander Hou, Jonathan I. Silverberg
Summary: This study found that the prevalence of childhood atopic dermatitis in the US increased between 1997 and 2011 and remained stable until 2018. The prevalence of AD increased in most socio-demographic groups, but varied by age group, race/ethnicity, and region. Comorbidities such as hay fever and depression/sadness decreased, while attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder increased over time.
ARCHIVES OF DERMATOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Attila Gabor Szollosi, Attila Olah, Erika Lisztes, Zoltan Griger, Balazs Istvan Toth
Summary: Pruritus, or itch, is a common symptom associated with various skin and immune disorders. Despite significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind acute and chronic itch, there are still gaps in our knowledge, making the clinical management of pruritic conditions challenging. Recent research has highlighted the interactions between pruriceptive sensory neurons and different cutaneous cell types, particularly in inflammatory conditions, where these cells release mediators that excite the itch-sensing fibers. There is also bidirectional communication, with sensory neurons releasing mediators that maintain an inflamed and itchy tissue environment.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Omar Mahmoud, Georgia Biazus Soares, Gil Yosipovitch
Summary: Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, found abundantly in the skin, play a crucial role in the sensory pathways of itch, pain, and inflammation. This review article explores the complex physiology of different TRP channels and their involvement in modulating itch sensation and the pathophysiology of acute and chronic itch conditions. The article also highlights emerging small molecule and topical TRP channel agents as potential anti-pruritic treatments, with some advancing into clinical trials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Dermatology
Angelina Labib, Teresa Ju, Gil Yosipovitch
Summary: This review provides an overview of emerging treatments undergoing clinical trials to treat pruritus in atopic dermatitis.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Li Li, Xin Liu, Wenqiang Ge, Chao Chen, Yuqiong Huang, Zilin Jin, Muouyang Zhan, Xiaoru Duan, Xinxin Liu, Yi Kong, Jian Jiang, Xuemei Li, Xin Zeng, Fei Li, Shibin Xu, Man Li, Hongxiang Chen
Summary: This study reveals that CB2R plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis in mice by regulating inflammation and scratching bouts. These findings provide a new potential target for the development of anti-inflammatory and antipruritic drugs.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xin Wang, Xiaoli Gou, Xiaojuan Yu, Dongdong Bai, Bowei Tan, Pingfeng Cao, Meilin Qian, Xiaoxiao Zheng, Hairong Wang, Pingming Tang, Chen Zhang, Fei Ye, Jia Ni
Summary: Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists have potential for pain relief and treating pruritus, but their development is hindered by sedation, dysphoria and diuresis. The study on HSK21542 showed it to be a selective and potent KOR agonist with peripheral selectivity, providing a safe and effective alternative for patients suffering from pain and pruritus.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marcia S. Martins, Isabel F. Almeida, Maria T. Cruz, Emilia Sousa
Summary: Pruritus, the most common symptom in dermatology, can protect skin against irritants but becomes a chronic pathology when it lasts more than six weeks. Chronic pruritus (CP) has a high prevalence in global population and existing therapies are not effective enough. The pathophysiological mechanisms of CP involve a range of receptors, such as neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) and Janus kinase (JAK), and ion channels like transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). This review focuses on the importance of these molecular targets for CP treatment and potential drugs that can modulate these receptors.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Patrick O. Perche, Madison K. Cook, Steven R. Feldman
Summary: This article reviews the efficacy and safety of abrocitinib as an oral medication for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The study found that abrocitinib is effective in treating atopic dermatitis, with higher efficacy compared to other conventional medications, and has fewer side effects.
ANNALS OF PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alexandra Taylor, Rohan Singh, Steven R. Feldman
Summary: This review highlights the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of recently approved calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate (C-BD) cream in the treatment of psoriasis. The results showed that C-BD cream was effective and safe, with higher treatment success rates compared to C-BD topical suspension and vehicle. The use of C-BD cream provides a convenient and preferred option for patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis.
ANNALS OF PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lindsey A. Mohney, Rohan Singh, Steven R. Feldman
Summary: This study reviews the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of a newly approved topical Janus kinase 1 (JAK) inhibitor, ruxolitinib (RUX), in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). The results suggest that RUX is an effective and safe therapy for AD in adult patients.
ANNALS OF PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rohan Singh, Alexandra Taylor, Milaan A. Shah, Lindsay C. Strowd, Steven R. Feldman
Summary: This study reviewed the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of tralokinumab in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Data analysis demonstrated that tralokinumab is effective and safe as a monotherapy, in combination with topical corticosteroids (TCS), and in patients with resistance or contraindication to oral cyclosporine. Tralokinumab, which is associated with overexpression of IL-13, is an efficacious systemic treatment for moderate-to-severe AD.
ANNALS OF PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Patrick O. Perche, Gabrielle M. Peck, Lillian Robinson, Ayman Grada, Alan B. Fleischer Jr, Steven R. Feldman
Summary: Acne vulgaris is a common reason for patients to seek care from dermatologists in the US, but referring providers may be hesitant to prescribe acne treatments or certain medications. A study analyzed prescription rates for acne therapies from 1993 to 2016 and found that younger patients and privately insured patients were more likely to receive prescription treatments. Dermatologists were more likely to recommend prescription medications compared to family medicine and pediatric providers. Oral minocycline and oral doxycycline were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, while benzoyl peroxide was the most utilized and recommended over-the-counter drug for acne.
Editorial Material
Dermatology
Heli Patel, Steven R. Feldman
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christopher Alihosseini, Hannah Kopelman, Mallory Zaino, Steven R. Feldman
Summary: This study reviewed the safety and efficacy of avacopan for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis. The results showed that avacopan can improve remission rates and reduce side effects caused by steroid use. Therefore, avacopan may be a new option for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis.
ANNALS OF PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Meghan C. Grossmann, Jessica N. Pixley, Steven R. Feldman
Summary: This article reviews the efficacy and safety of 1% tapinarof cream for plaque psoriasis. The results of two 12-week phase III clinical trials showed that around 35.4% to 40.2% of patients achieved clear or almost clear disease severity at week 12. In the 40-week, open-label extension trial, 40.9% of patients achieved a Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score of 0 at least once. Tapinarof may be an effective and safe topical treatment for mild to severe plaque psoriasis.
ANNALS OF PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Letter
Dermatology
William B. Song, Gabrielle M. Peck, Aakriti Neopaney, Daniel B. Shin, Alan B. Fleischer Jr, Steven R. Feldman, Joel M. Gelfand, Hideki Mochizuki, James T. Elder, Yukinori Okada
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Diem-Phuong D. Dao, Jessica N. Pixley, Zeynep M. Akkurt, Steven R. Feldman
Summary: This article evaluates the effectiveness, safety, pharmacology, and clinical applications of topical sirolimus 0.2% gel for treating tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated facial angiofibromas. The gel showed improvement in tumor size and redness without any serious adverse events. It is considered a safe and effective noninvasive alternative to surgical procedures for TSC-related angiofibromas.
ANNALS OF PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Letter
Dermatology
Jessica N. Pixley, Mallory L. Zaino, Christina L. Kontzias, Rachel E. Tao, Steven R. Feldman
Summary: This study aimed to determine if showing patients their facial characteristics using an AI application would increase their use of sunscreen. The findings showed a decrease in self-reported sunscreen usage after the study, while skincare product usage remained unchanged.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Dermatology
Emily A. Parks, Mallory L. Zaino, Jessica N. Pixley, Vani Mangalam Subramanian, Deepak Sirdeshmukh, Steven R. Feldman, Rita O. Pichardo
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGICAL TREATMENT
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rithi J. J. Chandy, Diem-Phuong D. Dao, Cristian C. C. Rivis, Divya M. M. Shan, Steven R. R. Feldman
Summary: The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of noncorticosteroid topical treatments for plaque psoriasis. A literature search was conducted, and relevant articles and clinical trial data were analyzed. Six classes of noncorticosteroid topicals were studied, and the results showed that they are effective and safe for treating plaque psoriasis.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Rachel E. Tao, Jessica N. Pixley, Christina L. Kontzias, Steven R. Feldman
Summary: Drug efficacy is best evaluated through randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trials, while safety assessment is more challenging. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) is used to track and categorize adverse events (AE) during clinical trials. This study reviewed recent clinical trials on atopic dermatitis to demonstrate the importance of understanding MedDRA in evaluating adverse events related to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.
ARCHIVES OF DERMATOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Dermatology
Gaurav N. Pathak, Rithi J. Chandy, Vidisha Naini, Steven R. Feldman, Babar K. Rao
Summary: This study analyzed clinical trials on vitiligo and found that less than half of the trials used quality of life (QoL) assessments, with DLQI and CDLQI being the commonly used tools. As the number of trials increases, vitiligo-specific questionnaires may be more suitable for evaluating unique vitiligo-related concerns.
DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY
(2023)
