Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are central mediators of immune tolerance, yet within tumors they adopt specialized phenotypes that confer the potent suppression of anti-tumor immune responses. Emerging evidence indicates that this functional plasticity is not driven by genetic alterations but instead arises from dynamic and context-dependent epigenetic reprogramming. While individual epigenetic mechanisms controlling Treg development and stability have been described, how tumor-derived cues reshape Treg epigenetic states, how these programs differ across cancer types, and which features distinguish tumor-infiltrating Tregs from their peripheral counterparts remain incompletely understood. In this review, we synthesize recent advances in DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin accessibility, and non-coding RNA regulation that govern Treg identity and function with a particular emphasis on tumor-specific epigenetic adaptations. We highlight emerging epigenetic hallmarks of intratumoral Tregs, discuss unresolved mechanistic questions, and evaluate the therapeutic potential and limitations of targeting epigenetic pathways to selectively modulate Tregs in cancer. By integrating mechanistic, cancer-specific, and translational perspectives, this review aims to provide a conceptual framework for understanding how epigenetic regulation shapes Treg behavior in the tumor microenvironment and how it may be exploited for cancer immunotherapy.

Fresh-frozen cadavers are useful for surgical simulation and experimentation since they preserve many properties of live specimens, but achieving realistic physiological properties requires thawing that risks tissue damage. Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric upper limbs were frozen at −17 °C, refrigerated at 4 °C for 48 h, then thawed at room temperature for 8 h. The core temperature of the limbs was measured hourly. Joint flexibility, durometric hardness, and shore hardness were measured every two hours. Four limbs had muscle biopsies acquired every 2 h. The limbs were above freezing after about 1 h of thawing. The upper limbs achieved a flexibility score of 3/5 after 2 h of thawing, mimicking healthy live limbs. The limbs became softer and more pliable with more time thawing. Muscle biopsies showed no tissue damage in any samples taken at h 2 and 4 of thawing. Three limbs showed no tissue damage at h 6 or 8, either. One limb had biopsies at 6 and 8 h demonstrating moderate to severe tissue damage. It was concluded that for ideal thawing, fresh-frozen cadaveric upper limbs should be thawed for 2 h after 48 h of refrigeration, permitting surgical simulation for 4 h after thawing, though potentially for 6 h.

Obesity is characterized by chronic low‐grade inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. It is a major risk factor for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), where it is associated with increased disease severity and metabolic comorbidity. Obesity promotes a pro‐inflammatory, immunometabolic state marked by adipokine imbalance and alters the local skin environment through mechanical stress, occlusion and microbiome disruption. Mechanistic transcriptomic analyses further suggest that obesity induces tissue‐specific changes in HS skin, including metabolic signalling in lesions and early barrier dysfunction in perilesional skin. In practice, obesity is associated with more severe and treatment‐refractory disease but remains a modifiable risk factor. Weight loss, bariatric surgery and metabolism‐directed therapies show potential to reduce disease burden, although controlled studies are limited. Overall, obesity acts as both a systemic and local modifier of HS, supporting its classification as an immunometabolic disorder.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts, often requiring interventions such as incision and drainage (I&D) or wide local excision (WLE). These procedures, common in moderate to severe cases, are invasive and prone to recurrence, underscoring the need for therapies that reduce surgical burden. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, with emerging evidence suggesting potential benefits for HS. The objective was to evaluate the impact of GLP-1 RA therapy on surgical outcomes in patients with HS using population-level data. A retrospective, propensity score–matched cohort analysis was performed on TriNetX comparing rates of HS-related surgical procedures in patients treated with GLP-1 RAs versus matched controls. Patients were matched 1:1 on age, gender, race, and ethnicity, resulting in two balanced cohorts of 20,672 patients each. Exposure to GLP-1 RAs was determined through prescription records, and surgical outcomes were identified using CPT codes. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were included to compare the incidence of surgical intervention between groups. Simple I&D was performed in 5.68% of GLP-1 RA users versus 6.54% of controls, while complicated I&D occurred in 2.38% versus 2.82%. Rates of WLE were also significantly lower in the GLP-1 RA group, including axillary excision, inguinal excision, and perineal or umbilical excision. GLP-1 RA use is associated with a significantly reduced need for surgical interventions, highlighting a possible disease-modifying effect in HS. While surgery may offer remission, it may not be suitable or preferred by all patients, and GLP-1 RAs may require ongoing use and incur long-term costs. Prospective trials are needed to confirm these findings, clarify cost-effectiveness, optimal duration, and patient selection, and to compare outcomes with surgical approaches.

Skin aging is a complex, multifactorial process influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which determine the rate of skin aging through signs such as lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. The objective of this literature review is to explore the efficacy of certain anti-aging treatments that have been developed to protect the skin from intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors. This literature review utilized the online publication resource PubMed. Search criteria included “anti-aging” and “skin treatment” with “lotions” or “derma rolling” or “botulinum toxin” or “Red Light Therapy,” including research published from 2014 to the present day. The techniques that this search elucidated were: red light therapy (RLT), topical lotions with vitamin A or Vitamin E and C derivatives, botulinum toxin therapies (BTT), and dermarolling. Review of these treatments showed generally positive efficacy with RLT, BTT, and topical lotions, which were proven advantageous with high patient satisfaction. However, dermarolling yielded few studies with significant control groups, putting its efficacy and clinical relevance in question and exhibiting the necessity for further research to be conducted before considering it as a potential treatment.2 Similarly, limited research exists on the side effect profiles and long-term efficacy of RLT, topical lotions with vitamin A or Vitamin E and C derivatives, and BTT, highlighting the need for further longitudinal studies. Treatment options should additionally be decided on an individualized basis that considers patient goals, treatment adherence, and past medical history. A patient-centered focus will provide optimal treatment courses and minimize potential adverse reactions.