Maryam Mohammad Alfaraj

Dr. Maryam Mohammad Alfaraj

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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17 December 2025 in Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FAFawwaz freih Alshammrie
Fawwaz freih Alshammrie
LALama Zaid Alhemshy
Lama Zaid Alhemshy
MAMaitha Mohammed Althawy
Maitha Mohammed Althawy
MAMaryam Mohammad Alfaraj
Maryam Mohammad Alfaraj
AAAseel Saleh Alotaibi
Aseel Saleh Alotaibi
LALama Mohammed Albelowi
Lama Mohammed Albelowi
Background: Recent advancements in regenerative medicine have introduced mesenchymal stem cell–derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) as a novel therapeutic approach. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles containing proteins, lipids, and RNAs capable of modulating cellular behavior and promoting tissue regeneration. A systematic review of human studies is warranted to summarize outcomes, assess therapeutic value, and guide clinical applications. Objectives: This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on mesenchymal stem cell–derived exosomes for cutaneous scars, aging, and hyperpigmentation, with a focus on functional and aesthetic outcomes. Method: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (January 2010–July 2025) was performed following 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included studies that were randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, case series, and case reports involving human participants treated with MSC-Exos. Outcomes assessed were scar remodeling, pigmentation, skin regeneration, recurrence, and adverse events. Data extraction and bias assessment were conducted independently. Result: Six studies (n = 99; age 19–72 years) from diverse regions, including the United States, the Republic of Korea, and México, were included. MSC-Exos therapy showed promising improvements in reducing scar thickness (32.5% vs. 19.9%, p < 0.01), wrinkle parameters were reduced by 1 (2.4–14.4% vs. 6.6–7.1%, p < 0.05), and elasticity was enhanced (+11.3% vs. −3.3%, p = 0.002) Additional benefits included hydration (+6.5% vs. +4.5%, p = 0.37) and reduced melanin index (−9.9% vs. −1%, p = 0.44). The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale score showed significant improvement (p = 0.005). Using the Investigator Global Assessment, 16 out of 25 areas treated with exosomes showed significant improvement (grade ≥ 2), compared to 12 out of 25 areas in the control group (p = 0.02), indicating that exosome treatment led to more visible improvement. Complete resolution of icepick scars, partial improvement of boxcar/rolling scars, and no recurrence of keloids (18/21) were reported. Adverse events were mild and transient. Conclusions: Early human evidence suggests that MSC-Exos may offer potential therapeutic benefits for scars, hyperpigmentation, and skin aging, with favorable short-term safety profiles. However, the current evidence remains preliminary due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous study designs, and limited follow-up durations. Larger, well-designed randomized trials are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.

18 February 2025 in Acta Dermato-Venereologica
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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FBFatimah M. Budair
Fatimah M. Budair
MAMaryam Mohammad Alfaraj
Maryam Mohammad Alfaraj
KAKhaled A. Alharthi
Khaled A. Alharthi
MAMohammad W. Altabash
Mohammad W. Altabash
JAJumana Alratroot
Jumana Alratroot

1 January 2026 in Medical Archives
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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HAHamad Almutlaq
Hamad Almutlaq
SASarah Albreiki
Sarah Albreiki
NANasser M. Alzoabi
Nasser M. Alzoabi
KAKhalid M. Al-Husain
Khalid M. Al-Husain
DADana H. Alkhudair
Dana H. Alkhudair
MAMaryam Mohammad Alfaraj
Maryam Mohammad Alfaraj
Background: Three dimensional (3D) models have shown promise in enhancing medical education across various specialties. However, the application of 3D-silicone skin models in dermatology education remains underexplored, particularly in Saudi Arabia. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Saudi Arabia to evaluate 3D skin models as a teaching tool for undergraduate medical students. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of 3D-silicone skin models as a teaching tool in dermatology education for undergraduate medical students. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (2024–2025) and included 97 fourth year medical students, of whom 75 completed both pre- and post-intervention surveys. Following a dermatology lecture, students completed diagnostic assessments using two-dimensional (2D) photographs and subsequently 3D silicone models (Simu-Skin™, Mater Transformation). Outcomes included diagnostic accuracy, satisfaction, confidence, and perceived realism. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS v26.0 employing McNemar’s test, t-tests, Chi-square tests, Cohen’s kappa, and effect size calculations. Results: A total of 97 participants (53 females and 44 males) were included, with the majority reporting previous exposure to dermatology. No significant differences were found based on gender or prior dermatology experience (p > 0.05). Diagnostic accuracy using 2D models was initially high, with over 90% correct lesion and category identifications. Although diagnostic accuracy improved after exposure to the 3D models, the change was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The 3D models were highly rated for satisfaction (mean 4.60–4.88/5), confidence in clinical application (mean 4.68–4.81), and perceived realism. Conclusion: 3D-silicone based models produced modest but consistent improvements in diagnostic accuracy and were highly rated for satisfaction and realism. These findings support the integration of tactile simulation into dermatology education and underscore the need for further validation through larger, more diverse cohorts.

12 March 2025 in Sage Open Medical Case Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
NANada Alghamdi
Nada Alghamdi
HAHaya Alzammami
Haya Alzammami
MAMaryam Mohammad Alfaraj
Maryam Mohammad Alfaraj
Mycosis fungoides is the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, with its folliculotropic variant being more aggressive and often misdiagnosed. We present a case of a 38-year-old woman initially diagnosed with severe atopic dermatitis, who later experienced generalized itching, hyperpigmentation, alopecia, and palmoplantar keratoderma over several years. A skin biopsy revealed atypical lymphocytic infiltration with folliculotropism, confirming the diagnosis of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of this condition, which shares features with common dermatological disorders, leading to delayed diagnosis and worse prognosis. Early detection is crucial for improved treatment outcomes.

1 November 2025 in Electronic Journal of General Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MAMaryam Mohammad Alfaraj
Maryam Mohammad Alfaraj
AMAlmakrami Mohammed
Almakrami Mohammed
ZAZiyad A. Aljabr
Ziyad A. Aljabr
AAAljawharah K. Alsaleh
Aljawharah K. Alsaleh
SAShahad K. Al-Ghanem
Shahad K. Al-Ghanem
SBSara H. Al Breiki
Sara H. Al Breiki
Retronychia, a rare nail disorder that includes the ingrowth of the proximal nail plate into the proximal nail fold. This condition often leads to the misplacement of nail plates and significant discomfort for patients. It mainly affects younger females, and is more frequently observed in toenails, especially the big toe. Patients typically present with symptoms such as redness, pain, inflammation, and discharge from the affected area. This condition is often misdiagnosed, which can result in chronic pain and further complications. This narrative review aims to consolidate and analyze the existing literature on retronychia, encompassing its pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical features, classification, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. By providing a comprehensive overview, this work seeks to serve as a crucial resource for healthcare professionals and researchers. Ultimately, enhancing awareness and understanding of retronychia can lead to improved diagnosis and management strategies for affected individuals.