Adilson Da Costa

• MD, MSc, PhD
• Emory University

Acne vulgaris is a common and chronic inflammatory disease with a complex pathophysiology, including increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, bacterial colonization, inflammation, and hormonal involvement and genetic association with diet and smoking. The clinical picture consists of both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions...

Background: French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster) extract (PBE), the registered trade name of which is Pycnogenol® , has been studied for its depigmenting action due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenic activity. However, the mechanisms through which PBE are still not fully clear. Objective: Evaluate the impact of PBE...

The MS1/SVR system, in which MS1 represents immortalized endothelial cells and SVR represents MS1 cells transformed with oncogenic human-rat sarcoma protein (H-Ras), has been used for around 20 years as a valuable tool to study angiogenesis and carcinogenesis. Despite the use of these cells in numerous studies, a comprehensive profile of the signal...

Background: Unwanted side effects such as dryness, hypersensitivity, and cutaneous photosensitivity are challenge for adherence and therapeutical success for patients using treatments for inflammatory and allergic skin response. Aims: In this study, we compared the effects of two dermatological formulations, which are used in inflammatory and/or...

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor of the skin¹ that has a maximal incidence in elderly and immunocompromised patients. As the number of elderly and immunocompromised patients continues to rise, the incidence of MCC is rising as well. Radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and now immunotherapy have been used against MCC.² While...

Dermatologists are increasingly seeking the best way to prevent or reverse symptoms and signs of skin aging. Aside from classical dermatological procedures such as peels, aesthetic surgery, lasers, fillers, and the use of botulinum toxin, among others, oral supplements that could enhance beauty—what are now known as nutraceuticals —have been used t...

Background: Pollution, especially cigarette smoke, is a major cause of skin damage. Objectives: To assess the effects of the small molecule polyphenol, honokiol, on reversing cigarette smoke-induced damage in vitro to relevant skin cells. Methods: Keratinocytes (HaCat) cultures were exposed to cigarette smoke and, after 48 hours, IL-1α and IL-...

Cosmeceuticals are considered to be all products containing biologically active substances and ingredients with beneficial effects on the skin, interfering positively on skin physiology, without therapeutic pretension, but may have preventive effects beyond beautification. Thirty-five percent of US dermatologists already include cosmeceuticals in t...

Cosmeceuticals are considered to be all products containing biologically active substances and ingredients with beneficial effects on the skin, interfering positively on skin physiology, without therapeutic pretension, but may have preventive effects beyond beautification. Thirty-five percent of US dermatologists already include cosmeceuticals in t...

Background: Hyaluronic acid fillers are used for facial rejuvenation and are classified as non-cross-linked or cross-linked (monophasic mono- or polydensified). Objectives: To histologically assess the intradermal durability of three types of fillers (biphasic, monophasic monodensified, and monophasic polydensified), to compare the durability of...

Polyphenols are a widely used class of compounds in dermatology. While phenol itself, the most basic member of the phenol family, is chemically synthesized, most polyphenolic compounds are found in plants and form part of their defense mechanism against decomposition. Polyphenolic compounds, which include phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and...

Introduction: Melasma is a common pigmentary condition that affects exposed body areas, especially in the frontal and malar regions. Hydroquinone is an effective active principle in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, however, due to issues linked to its tolerability, many studies are being conducted aimed at developing alternative therapies with e...

Background: The current options for the treatment of acne vulgaris present many mechanisms of action. For several times, dermatologists try topical agents combinations, looking for better results. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and safety of a topical, fixed-dose combination of adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel for...

Harmful influences in the process of photoaging and skin damage are associated with infrared A (IRA) radiation, such as, disturbance of dermal extracellular matrix by up regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1). Furthermore, DNA damage, induction of cytotoxicity and oxidative stress by decreasing natural antioxidant ability has been reported...

Skin aging is attributed to extrinsic and intrinsic factors which intersect, leading to macro- and microscopic alterations. Histologically, there is a loss of dermal collagen and decreased lipid production, leading to a thinning of the skin. This process is exacerbated by the effect of cumulative sun exposure and oxidative damage caused by pollutio...

Nail aging is a natural process. It causes changes in their characteristics and physiology, making them susceptible to disorders that are more common in individuals over the age of 50. Despite the cause of such diseases not being fully explained, it is believed that they result from a vascular dysfunction of the extremities caused by prolonged sun...

The skin of a menopausal woman is likely to undergo structural changes; these changes are the reasons why patients in menopause are responsible for much of the demand for cosmetic procedures. The use of botulinum toxin, fillers, chemical peels and laser can help these patients face this period and improve their appearance. Some of these procedures...

Hair follicle aging and the aging of the skin are physiological phenomena that commence between a person’s 30s and 40s. The main changes manifest in the increased graying of hair and androgenic alopecia. These changes, however, do not present a defined pathophysiology. This chapter contains an overview of the physiology of the hair follicle, the ha...

Skin aging is due to extrinsic and intrinsic factors that converge, leading to macro- and microscopic alterations. Histologically, there are a loss of dermal collagen and decreased lipid production, leading to a thinning of the skin. This process is enhanced by the effect of cumulative sun exposure and oxidative damage caused by pollution, stress,...

Background Skin aging is a natural process that may be aggravated by environmental factors. Topical products are the conventional means to combat aging; however, the use of oral supplements is on the rise to assist in the management of aged skin. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the effects and safety of an oral supplement contain...

Around 50 mycobacteria species cause human disease. Immunosuppressive states predispose to non-tuberculous mycobaterium infection, such as Mycobacterium chelonae: AFB, non-tuberculous, fast growth of low virulence and uncommon as a human pathogen. It may compromise the skin and soft tissues, lungs, lymph nodes and there is also a disseminated prese...

Introduction: The skin may present dysfunctions that result in histological alterations and elementary lesions, many of them caused by immunologic mechanisms and/or alterations in the epidermal barrier. Objective: The present study was aimed at verifying in vitro whether some cosmetic products marketed in Brazil in the form of liquid soaps, have an...

Introduction: Progressive macular hypomelanosis is characterized by the emergence of hypopigmentation, predominantly in the trunk region of young women of mixed racial origin. Although recent studies suggest that Propionibacterium acnes may have an important role in the pathogenesis, its etiology remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the prevalen...

Introdução: Hyperpigmentation is a common dermatological condition, usually associated with exposure to the sun and relative difficulty of treatment. Pycnogenol® is an extract obtained from the French pine tree Pinus pinaster, with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, having been proven to inhibit melanin synthesis in previous studies....

The manifestation of sensitive skin occurs as a consequence of increased permeability of the Stratum corneum, besides the involvement of neuro-immune-endocrine system. In this study, we evaluated the effects of an active ingredient SensC on the production of neuropeptides substance P (SP), enkephalin and β-endorphin; eicosanoids prostaglandin E2 (P...

Full Text Recent studies demonstrated that photoaging and skin damage were associated with longer wavelengths, in particular near infrared radiation. Studies have been conducted in order to determine the damage caused by infrared A (IR-A) radiation, particularly the upregulation of MMP-1, using in vitro and/or in vivo investigation. For detection o...

Introduction: The skin is the largest organ of the human body and constitutes a covering layer that has many essential functions such as defense, sensorial, thermoregulatory, and aesthetic. Therefore, maintaining its integrity is extremely important for the homeostasis of the organism. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a cutaneous m...

Introduction: Cutaneous melanoma has significant relevance among malignant skin tumors, for despite its low incidence (3-4%) it is associated with the highest mortality. In Brazil, estimates for the year 2014 correspond to 10% of all cancers, establishing this as an important public health issue. Objectives: To present epidemiological data related...

Introduction: Obesity is a major health problem worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate the reduction of abdominal fat in volunteers who underwent low-frequency diode laser therapy. Methods: A total of 60 volunteers (18 to 50 years of age, with a BMI of between 18.5 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2, and who had abdominal fat), u...

Background. Acne is a dermatosis that involves an altered sebum pattern. Objectives. (1) To evaluate if a treatment based on antibiotics (lymecycline) can alter fatty acids contents of the sebum of patients with acne; (2) to evaluate if oral supplementation of fatty acids can interfere with fatty acids contents of the sebum of patients with acne; (...

Acne is a common dermatosis and affects millions of people around the world. For several years, acne has been associated with some types of foods. Popular wisdom claims that chocolate is the most important food that causes acne. Recent observational studies have shown a possible relation between a Westernized dietary pattern (based on a high glycem...

Diffusion halo profiles of different commercially available type-A botulinum toxins (BTX-A) have been studied. To evaluate and compare the largest diameter of diffusion halos of 5 different doses of 5 different commercially available BTX-A. Twenty-five adult female volunteers were included. Products with 100 units (100 UI) and the product with 500...

The use of nutraceuticals has become frequent in the cutaneous approach to photoaging. To assess the clinical efficacy of a nutraceutical product composed of lycopene, acerola extract, grape seed extract and Biomarine ComplexT in photoaged human skin. 50 women, from 35 to 60 years of age, phototypes I to III, were assessed. For 120 days, they assoc...

Introduction: Aging skin is a condition that affects (or will affect) all people, and its treatment is considered a clinical challenge. Growth factors and their analogues are emerging as a promising therapeutic option. Objectives: To evaluate the safety profile of some dermocosmetic products with formulations based on growth factors - or their anal...

Introdução: Introduction: Skin aging is a challenge to treat. Objectives: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy and clinical safety of a phytoestrogens-based cosmetic in the management of photoaging. Methods: The in vitro investigation was performed using the analysis of the genic expression of fibronectin and procollagen, evaluation of the...

Introduction: Melasma is a common hypermelanosis that mainly affects women and has a negative impact on the quality of life. It is a chronic and recurrent condition, and a number of treatments have already been proposed. Objective: Assessment of quality of life for women with melasma before and after treatment with botanical extracts and hydroquino...

Introduction: Cutaneous aging affects (or will affect) all people at some point in their life, and its treatment represents a clinical challenge. Objective: To evaluate the cutaneous effects of an oral supplement based on marine protein, concentrated acerola and extracts of grape seed and tomato in women with cutaneous aging. Methods: Forty-five vo...

Introduction: Melasma is a common hypermelanosis that mainly affects women and has a negative impact on the quality of life. It is a chronic and recurrent condition, and a number of treatments have already been proposed. Objective: Assessment of quality of life for women with melasma before and after treatment with botanical extracts and hydroquino...

Melasma is a common skin pigment disorder with a difficult clinical response to treatment. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the association of Belides, Emblica and Licorice 7%, compared to Hydroquinone 2%, in the treatment of melasma. After 60 days of exclusive use of an SPF35 sunscreen, 56 women, 18 to 60 years of age, phototypes I...

Numerous studies were published over the last 50 years to investigate whether diet is associated with the etiology of acne. Although older studies well known by dermatologists that refute the association between acne and diet exist, their scientific foundation is weak. New articles have recently brought to light evidence contrary to previous findin...

Introduction: Constitutional infraorbital hyperchromia (commonly called under-eye circles) is a common dermatosis that is difficult to treat. Objective:To evaluate the clinical improvement of constitutional infraorbital pigmentation resulting from the application of a series of five 10% thioglycolic acid gel peeling sessions. Methods: Patients were...

Cellulite (lipodystrophy gynoid) is one of the most frequent unsethetic dermatosis which posses an strong social appel seeking for brand new efficient compunds. It is considered as one of the most no social modern pattern of live which stimulates its research by pharmaceutical companies, reason why is mandatory to have bibliographic review very oft...

As a result of the increase in life expectancy, the study of the organic process of aging has been stimulated. Skin ageing, which reflects the signs of time, is a time-dependent process of progressive deterioration that can be intensified by sun exposure, which is known as photoaging. The damage of radiation on various cell structures and on the sk...

Com o aumento da expectativa de vida, o estudo do processo de envelhecimento orgânico tem sido estimulado. O envelhecimento da pele, órgão que espelha os sinais do tempo, é processo de deterioração progressiva, tempo-dependente, e pode ser intensificado pela exposição solar, então designado fotoenvelhecimento. O dano das radiações sobre diversas es...

Cutaneous moisturizing is one of the most common clinical treatments which are oriented by dermatologists to the patients daily. A knowledge about normal hydrating mechanisms of action, abnormal conditions which disrupt these normality and how moisturizing raw materials work, whose are in moisturizing on the market, are essential to patients obtain...

Acne vulgaris is one of the most frequent dermatoses in the general population. Numerous scientific articles are available on acne, mostly relating to its etiopathogeny. This notwithstanding, the large amount of scientific information generated by works on acne vulgaris has made it difficult to converge knowledge on its etiopathogeny into a single...

FUNDAMENTOS - A relação entre acne vulgar, alimentação e terapia com ácidos graxos essenciais é desconhecida, embora esses elementos tenham papel importante na fisiopatogenia dessa dermatose. OBJETIVO – Verificar a resposta clínica da acne vulgar com o uso de ácidos graxos essenciais e quais os melhores métodos de avaliação do tratamento. MÉTOD...

BACKGROUND: The relation among acne vulgaris, foods and treatment with essential fatty acids is unknown; however essential fatty acids are important in the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVES: To verify the clinical response of acne vulgaris with essential fatty acids and to establish the best methods to assess therapy. METHODS: Thirty-one...

BACKGROUND: Our organism has important defense mechanisms against free radicals. The causal relationship observed among the oxidative stress and degenerative problems in humans, are getting attention for the exploration of antioxidant agents. OBJECTIVES: This study proposes an in vivo methodology for proving the efficacy of a new high-activity anti...

To analyze the immune response in peripheral blood of patients with infective endocarditis. We studied 10 patients with infective endocarditis, age range from 20 to 50 years-old, males and females, and 20 healthy subjects in the same age range. The diagnosis of the disease was based on the clinical picture, echocardiogram, and hemoculture based upo...