Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has gained attention in the scientific field due to its potential regenerative effects and great benefit–risk ratio. This review extensively explores the most studied mechanisms of this therapy according to the etiopathogenesis of skin diseases: cellular proliferation, matrix formation, regulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and the remodeling of new tissue. Moreover, it draws on newly reported and lesser-known effects of PRP: its anti-apoptotic effects, immunological suppression, decrease in melanin synthesis, anti-microbial effects, overexpression of miR-155, antioxidant effects, and their involved pathways. This work aims to provide a complete update for understanding PRP’s benefits and clinical relevance in wound healing, alopecia, pigmentary disorders, scars, rejuvenation, lichen sclerosus, and other inflammatory dermatoses, based on the current evidence. Furthermore, recent reports with novel indications for PRP therapy are highlighted, and new potential pathways correlated with the pathogenesis of skin diseases are explored.

Human myometrium includes two important cell populations involved in its contractility: smooth muscle fibers and interstitial cells. The pacemaking mechanism is not yet identified, but it is possible that myometrial smooth muscle cells contract in response to a signal generated by c-kit positive interstitial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of imatinib as a c-kit receptor antagonist on the spontaneous or oxytocin (OT) induced contractions of human non-pregnant myometrium in vitro. Myometrial strips were obtained from non-pregnant women (reproductive age) undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications. The strips were suspended in organ baths for recording of isometric tension. Imatinib effects were assessed on spontaneous contraction and after preexposure to OT.Direct exposure of myometrial strips to imatinib inhibits both amplitude and frequency of contractions (80-320 μM) in a dose dependent manner. Amplitude reverted back to 90% of the baseline amplitude by consequent addition of imatinib (until 480 μM). Total inhibition of myometrial contraction was obtained after addition of OT 60 nM. If myometrium was pre-exposed to OT (320 nM), imatinib 80-160 μm increased amplitude, while decreasing frequency. These data provide evidence that telocytes may be involved as modulators of the spontaneous contractions of the non-pregnant human uterus, via a tyrosine-kinase independent signaling pathway.

Vitamin D treatment is effective when applied topically to the skin for plaque-type psoriasis. Oral vitamin D supplementation might be effective as an adjuvant treatment option in psoriasis. This umbrella review aimed to highlight the current knowledge regarding the use of oral vitamin D for treatment of patients with psoriasis. We performed a literature search and identified 107 eligible full-text articles that were relevant to the research interest. Among these, 10 review articles were selected, and data were extracted. A data synthesis showed that only a few studies monitored oral vitamin D efficacy in patients with psoriasis. No studies investigated the optimal dose of systemic vitamin D in psoriasis. However, most studies did not observe side effects for doses within a relatively narrow range (0.25 to 2 μg/day). These results suggest that more large-scale studies are needed to determine the efficacy, optimal dose, and adverse effects of vitamin D administration in patients with psoriasis.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignancies seen in women in developed countries. While patients in the early stages of this cancer show better responses to surgery, adjuvant hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy, patients with recurrence show treatment resistance. Researchers have recently focused on cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the treatment of gynecologic cancer in general but also specifically in endometrial cancer. CSCs have been investigated because of their resistance to conventional therapies, such as chemo- and radiotherapy, and their ability to induce the progression and recurrence of malignancy. The activation of alternative pathways, such as WNT, PI3K, NF-kB, or NOTCH, could be the basis of the acquisition of these abilities of CSCs. Their specific markers and signaling pathways could be treatment targets for CSCs. In this article, we discuss the importance of obtaining a better understanding of the molecular basis and pathways of CSCs in endometrial cancer and the role of CSCs, aiming to discover more specific therapeutic approaches.

Vaccinations during pregnancy can protect the mother from several infections, thus blocking vertical transmission. Furthermore, through passive antibody transfer, the newborn can be protected against some infections in the first months of life until their own vaccination regimen is initiated and completed at the appropriate age. Pregnancy can be considered a high-risk condition that increases vulnerability to infectious diseases with potentially unfavorable evolution. We present the current knowledge on vaccination during pregnancy in Europe as a useful information source for different health workers involved in prenatal care. Many European countries implement vaccination policies specifically designed for pregnant women, but there is great heterogeneity among programs. Recommendations on vaccination during pregnancy must be based on current high-quality scientific data. The decisions must be made for each individual case, depending on the associated conditions or special circumstances, with a concomitant assessment of the potential benefits and risks to both the pregnant patient and the fetus. Many vaccines are well-tolerated in pregnant women, with no clinically meaningful injection site reactions, systemic symptoms, or vaccine-related serious adverse events.