Rania Agha

Publications (4)6.25 Total impact

• Article: Tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and rejuvenation in 2010: the role of adipose-derived stem cells.

  William Beeson, Erik Woods, Rania Agha
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Facial rejuvenation is rapidly evolving sector in the field of facial aesthetics. There is a wide variety of dermal fillers and many more are in development. Over the past few years, the study of adult-derived stem cells has become a very active area of research. Adult stem cells are an attractive option for volume restoration and facial rejuvenation. Adult stem cells are isolated from adipose tissue-adipose derived stem cells and have mesodermal, ectodermal, and endodermal potentials. Adipose-derived stem cells could conceivably be an alternative to pluripotent embryonic stem cells and could play a critical role in the rapidly expanding fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This article reviews the history of soft tissue augmentation using adipose tissue grafting and the advent of using adipose-derived stem cells. The state-of-the-art stem cell isolation technique as well as anticipated future therapeutic indications are also addressed.
  Facial Plastic Surgery 08/2011; 27(4):378-87. · 0.96 Impact Factor
• Article: The progression of inflammation parallels the dermal angiogenesis in a keratin 14 IL-4-transgenic model of atopic dermatitis.

  Lin Chen, Deborah J Marble, Rania Agha, Jennifer D Peterson, Robert P Becker, Tianquan Jin, Jianxun Li, Lawrence S Chan
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: The role angiogenesis plays in atopic dermatitis is not well understood. The authors previously demonstrated ultrastructurally dermal microvascular angiogenesis in the IL-4-transgenic mouse model of atopic dermatitis. Here, they determine the angiogenic factors involved in dermal microvascular angiogenesis, regulatory function of inflammatory cytokines on the VEGF-A production, and microvascular permeability in this model. Computer-assisted photometric analyses for immunofluorescence-labeled CD31 demonstrated a progressive increase in blood vessel number, diameter, and percent dermal areas occupied by CD31(+) vessels as the disease evolves in transgenic mice from before disease onset through early and late skin lesions. Similar findings were documented for VEGR2(+) vessels. Quantification of skin angiogenic factor mRNAs showed progressive increase of transcripts of VEGF-A, but not VEGF-B, VEGF-C, or VEGF-D. ELISA showed a similar increase of VEGF-A in the serum and skin of transgenic mice. IL-6 and IFN-gamma stimulated VEGF-A mRNA production in the skin and in primary keratinocytes of transgenic mice. Other skin angiogenic factors that increased included Ang-1, Ang-2, GBP-1, and VE-cadherin. Microvascular leakage began in the transgenic mouse skin before disease onset and peaked in the late stage. In conclusion, IL-6 and IFN-gamma may play important roles in upregulation of VEGF-A, along with other pro-angiogenic factors, to induce dermal microvascular angiogenesis.
  Microcirculation 02/2008; 15(1):49-64. · 2.57 Impact Factor
• Article: Dermatologic challenges in cancer patients and survivors.

  Rania Agha, Karen Kinahan, Charles L Bennett, Mario E Lacouture
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: The increased approval of anticancer agents has led to unprecedented results, with improved quality of life and longer survival times, resulting in millions of individuals living with a diagnosis of cancer. Whereas these novel medical, surgical, and radiation regimens, or combinations thereof, are largely responsible for these remarkable achievements, a new, unexpected constellation of side effects has emerged. Most notably, cutaneous toxicities have gained considerable attention, due to their high frequency and visibility, the relative effectiveness of anti-skin toxicity interventions, and the otherwise decreasing incidence of systemic or hematopoietic adverse events. Optimal care dictates that dermatologic toxicities must be addressed in a timely and effective fashion, in order to minimize associated physical and psychosocial discomfort, and to ensure consistent antineoplastic therapy. Notwithstanding the critical importance of treatment-related toxicities, dermatologic conditions may also precede, coincide, or follow the diagnosis of cancer. This review provides a basis for the understanding of dermatologic events in the oncology setting, in order to promote attentive care to cutaneous health in cancer patients and survivors.
  Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.) 12/2007; 21(12):1462-72; discussion 1473, 1476, 1481 passim. · 1.03 Impact Factor
• Article: The art and science of oral examination.

  Rania Agha, Ginat W Mirowski
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Performing an accurate oral examination is an integral part of a complete dermatological evaluation. As dermatologists, we are frequently asked to assess and treat numerous oral pathologies, which include, but are not limited to, normal variants, infections, ulcers, granulomas, lymphomas, as well as primary and metastatic tumors of the mouth and lips. The oral mucosa can be the window through which one can see and make numerous systemic diagnoses. Some clinicians are apprehensive about performing this evaluation, or feel that this examination is outside of their realm of expertise. These concerns may reflect limited exposure and education during training. Therefore, this article aimed to educate the readers on how to complete an oral examination, demonstrate normal variants, and highlight potential pitfalls and limitations of performing oral biopsies.
  Dermatologic Therapy 23(3):209-19. · 1.69 Impact Factor