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Characteristics and Young's Modulus of Collagen Fibrils from Expanded Skin Using Anisotropic Controlled Rate Self-Inflating Tissue Expander

Manssor NA, Radzi Z, Yahya NA, Mohamad Yusof L, Hariri F, Khairuddin NH, et al.

Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2016;29(2):55-62.
PMID: 26836267 DOI: 10.1159/000431328

Mechanical properties of expanded skin tissue are different from normal skin, which is dependent mainly on the structural and functional integrity of dermal collagen fibrils. In the present study, mechanical properties and surface topography of both expanded and nonexpanded skin collagen fibrils were evaluated. Anisotropic controlled rate self-inflating tissue expanders were placed beneath the skin of sheep's forelimbs. The tissue expanders gradually increased in height and reached equilibrium in 2 weeks. They were left in situ for another 2 weeks before explantation. Expanded and normal skin samples were surgically harvested from the sheep (n = 5). Young's modulus and surface topography of collagen fibrils were measured using an atomic force microscope. A surface topographic scan showed organized hierarchical structural levels: collagen molecules, fibrils and fibers. No significant difference was detected for the D-banding pattern: 63.5 ± 2.6 nm (normal skin) and 63.7 ± 2.7 nm (expanded skin). Fibrils from expanded tissues consisted of loosely packed collagen fibrils and the width of the fibrils was significantly narrower compared to those from normal skin: 153.9 ± 25.3 and 106.7 ± 28.5 nm, respectively. Young's modulus of the collagen fibrils in the expanded and normal skin was not statistically significant: 46.5 ± 19.4 and 35.2 ± 27.0 MPa, respectively. In conclusion, the anisotropic controlled rate self-inflating tissue expander produced a loosely packed collagen network and the fibrils exhibited similar D-banding characteristics as the control group in a sheep model. However, the fibrils from the expanded skin were significantly narrower. The stiffness of the fibrils from the expanded skin was higher but it was not statistically different.
Fulltext Molecular Mechanisms of Stress-Responsive Changes in Collagen and Elastin Networks in Skin

Aziz J, Shezali H, Radzi Z, Yahya NA, Abu Kassim NH, Czernuszka J, et al.

Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2016;29(4):190-203.
PMID: 27434176 DOI: 10.1159/000447017

Collagen and elastin networks make up the majority of the extracellular matrix in many organs, such as the skin. The mechanisms which are involved in the maintenance of homeostatic equilibrium of these networks are numerous, involving the regulation of genetic expression, growth factor secretion, signalling pathways, secondary messaging systems, and ion channel activity. However, many factors are capable of disrupting these pathways, which leads to an imbalance of homeostatic equilibrium. Ultimately, this leads to changes in the physical nature of skin, both functionally and cosmetically. Although various factors have been identified, including carcinogenesis, ultraviolet exposure, and mechanical stretching of skin, it was discovered that many of them affect similar components of regulatory pathways, such as fibroblasts, lysyl oxidase, and fibronectin. Additionally, it was discovered that the various regulatory pathways intersect with each other at various stages instead of working independently of each other. This review paper proposes a model which elucidates how these molecular pathways intersect with one another, and how various internal and external factors can disrupt these pathways, ultimately leading to a disruption in collagen and elastin networks.
Fulltext Stingless Bee Honey, the Natural Wound Healer: A Review

Abd Jalil MA, Kasmuri AR, Hadi H

Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2017;30(2):66-75.
PMID: 28291965 DOI: 10.1159/000458416

BACKGROUND: The stingless bee is a natural type of bee that exists in almost every continent. The honey produced by this bee has been widely used across time and space. The distinctive feature of this honey is that it is stored naturally in the pot (cerumen), thus contributing to its beneficial properties, especially in the wound healing process.
METHODS: In this article, several studies on stingless bee honey that pointed out the numerous therapeutic profiles of this honey in terms of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, as well as moisturizing properties are reviewed. All of these therapeutic properties are related to wound healing properties.
RESULTS: Antioxidant in stingless bee honey could break the chain of free radicals that cause a detrimental effect to the wounded area. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of stingless bee honey could overcome the bacterial contamination and thus improve the healing rate. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory attribute in this honey could protect the tissue from highly toxic inflammatory mediators. The moisturizing properties of the honey could improve wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and oxygen circulation.
CONCLUSION: The application of honey to the wound has been widely used since ancient times. As a result, it is essential to understand the pharmacological mechanism of the honey towards the physiology of the wounded skin in order to optimize the healing rate in the future.
Facial Skin Biophysical Profile of Women in Malaysia: Significance of Facial Skincare Product Use

Goh CF, Mohamed Faisal N, Ismail FN

Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2021;34(6):351-362.
PMID: 33853085 DOI: 10.1159/000514995

INTRODUCTION: At present, there is a lack of baseline data on the facial skin biophysical profile of women in Malaysia. The implications related to the daily habits and facial skincare product use on the skin biophysical condition are, thus, unknown. In this study, we aim to evaluate facial skin biophysical parameters of Malaysian women and examine the influence of demographic characteristics, daily habits, and facial skincare product use on these parameters.
METHODS: Four skin biophysical parameters - transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin content, elasticity, and collagen intensity - were assessed on the cheek of the subjects (20-60 years). Demographic background, daily habits, and skincare product use were gauged through a survey. Only 197 from the 213 subjects recruited initially were used for analysis after the data were screened for normality.
RESULTS: The biophysical parameters were similar in different races, except a higher melanin content in Indian female individuals. Elasticity and collagen intensity reduced with age, while melanin content increased in the older age-groups. But no difference was observed in TEWL at different ages. Evaluating the influence of daily habits, we observed that exercise significantly lowered TEWL and increased melanin content, which may be associated with UV radiation exposure. Facial skincare products are popular among the female subjects (>85% users). Products with moisturizing, sunscreening, and other skincare functions (astringent, antiaging, and anti-wrinkle) were preferred by subjects of all ages. These product functions significantly improve skin elasticity and reduce melanin content in the young adults. While aged women recognized the importance of having an additional skin-lightening function in their skincare routine. Although the influence of individual skincare function on skin biophysical parameters was mostly positive, the alteration of these parameters varied at different ages.
CONCLUSION: This is the first report of facial skin biophysical profile of Malaysian women. There is no difference among 3 major races saved for melanin content. This work demonstrated age-dependent influences on the biophysical parameters, except TEWL. The significance of skincare product use is well reflected in the improvement of these parameters at different age-groups based on individual skincare functions.
Fulltext Efficacy of Topical Emollients on Skin Biophysical Properties and Inflammatory Markers in Stasis Eczema

Goon JA, Jamil A, Al-Jameel I, Saud Gany SL, Yap WN, Loong HY, et al.

Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2026 Oct 10.
PMID: 42858311 DOI: 10.1159/spp/aetag006

INTRODUCTION: Stasis eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition commonly associated with chronic venous insufficiency and represents a significant clinical burden. Emollients are widely used to improve skin hydration and barrier function; however, their effects on inflammation and skin remodeling in stasis eczema remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a topical emollient on skin barrier integrity and systemic inflammatory markers in affected patients.
METHODS: Fifty patients with stasis eczema were randomized to receive either a topical emollient or placebo for 6 weeks. Skin parameters, including melanin content, hydration, and transepidermal water loss, were assessed using Tewameter. Plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs: MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and after treatment.
RESULTS: Baseline clinical assessment demonstrated a high prevalence of comorbidities, particularly hypertension, chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. No statistically significant changes were observed in skin barrier parameters or circulating cytokine levels following 6 weeks of treatment. MMP-1 and MMP-2 concentrations remained stable in both groups. However, posttreatment MMP-3 levels were significantly higher in the emollient group than in the placebo group, while MMP-9 demonstrated a significant within-group change in the placebo group only.
CONCLUSION: Short-term use of a topical emollient may help maintain skin barrier function and systemic inflammatory status but does not appear to produce clinically meaningful improvements in most skin barriers or inflammatory parameters, despite isolated significant changes observed in specific MMP biomarkers in patients with chronic stasis eczema. These findings highlight the complexity of disease management in this population and suggest that longer treatment durations, larger sample sizes, consideration and statistical adjustment for baseline comorbidities are warranted in future studies.