Hye Sung Han’s research while affiliated with Chung-Ang University Hospital and other places

MBA-P01 is a newly developed botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) product designed to provide similar clinical effects as OnabotulinumtoxinA (ONA-BoNT-A), thereby providing an alternative treatment option for glabellar lines. It is another holotoxin preparation containing BoNT-A1. This randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, multi-center, Phase III clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MBA-P01 compared with OnabotulinumtoxinA (ONA-BoNT-A). In total, 318 participants were enrolled and received 20 units of MBA-P01 or ONA-BoNT-A on the forehead and glabella. At the 4-week assessment, the primary endpoint revealed no significant difference in the improvement rate of glabellar wrinkles between the two groups, confirming the non-inferiority of MBA-P01 to ONA-BoNT-A. Furthermore, some evaluation variables showed higher improvement rates for MBA-P01 than for ONA-BoNT-A. Adverse reactions and other safety analysis results were considered acceptable. Interestingly, a subgroup analysis of patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) showed that the duration of BoNT-A treatment was shorter among those who contracted COVID-19 after BoNT-A treatment compared with those who have not. The limitations of this study include the predominance of female participants and the exclusive enrollment of Korean patients. MBA-P01 is expected to be clinically useful in terms of the efficient and safe reduction of glabellar wrinkles, which will provide patients with additional treatment options.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a new monopolar radiofrequency device equipped with a 5 cm² tip, against fine wrinkles around the eyes and cheeks. Materials and methods This multicentered, prospective pilot study involved treating participants with mild-to-moderate wrinkles on both periorbital areas and cheeks using the monopolar radiofrequency device for one session. One and four months after treatment, wrinkle reduction, overall esthetic improvement, adverse events, and vital signs were evaluated. Results The study involved 13 participants (age: 35–62 years) and on a five-point scale, periorbital wrinkles showed a significant reduction at 4 weeks (0.96 ± 0.65) and 16 weeks (1.04 ± 0.59). On a five-point scale, cheek wrinkles also decreased at weeks 4 and 16 (1.00 ± 0.55 and 1.12 ± 0.64, respectively). On a five-point scale (range: −1–3), overall global esthetic improvement was rated by the participants at weeks 4 and 16 to be 2.23 ± 0.80 and 2.31 ± 0.61, respectively. Adverse events were not observed during the follow-up. Conclusion A single session using the new monopolar radiofrequency device equipped with a 5 cm² tip safely and effectively improves mild-to-moderate periorbital and facial wrinkles.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the sebaceous glands, with approximately 80% of individuals experiencing it at some point in their lives. Among adolescents, the incidence is reported to exceed 85%. The disease can significantly impact both physical and emotional aspects of a person's quality of life, leading to permanent scarring, poor self-image, depression, and anxiety. The standard first-line treatment for acne vulgaris includes conventional pharmacological approaches such as keratolytics, topical or oral antibiotics, retinoids, and hormonal agents. However, these treatments are not universally effective due to patient noncompliance, adverse drug effects, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance in Cutibacterium acnes, often resulting in high rates of recurrence. Consequently, non-pharmacological therapies have been developed as safe and effective alternatives or supplements to pharmacological treatment. These non-pharmacological approaches can serve as standalone treatment modalities, adjuncts to pharmacological therapy, or maintenance treatments. Current literature lacks comprehensive data on the classification of these non-pharmacological treatment options. This paper aims to provide a brief overview of recent research on the practical applications and potential mechanisms of non-pharmacological therapies for both acne and acne scars. Through elucidating the distinct mechanisms and therapeutic roles of these treatments, we aim to assist dermatologists and other healthcare providers in formulating more effective disease management strategies, thereby encouraging further research in this area.

Air pollution is a widespread environmental issue, with substantial global implications for human health. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to air pollution exacerbates various inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or acne. Furthermore, air pollutants are associated with accelerated skin aging, hair loss, and skin cancer. The aim of this review is to elucidate the current understanding of the impact of air pollution on skin health, emphasizing the underlying mechanisms involved and existing therapeutic and cosmetic interventions available to prevent or mitigate these effects. A pivotal factor in the harmful effects of air pollution is the formation of reactive oxygen species and the resulting oxidative stress. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway also substantially contributes to mediating the effects of air pollutants on various skin conditions. Moreover, air pollutants can disrupt the skin barrier function and trigger inflammation. Consequently, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapies, along with treatments designed to restore the skin barrier function, have the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollutants on skin health.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been utilized in various medical devices using its oxidative nature. Recent studies have provided evidence that CAP can facilitate the delivery of large, hydrophilic molecules through the epidermis to the dermis. On the other hand, a new approach called low-intensity CAP (LICAP) has been developed, allowing the plasma level to be controlled within a subtoxic range, thereby demonstrating various biological benefits without tissue damage. However, the ability of LICAP to enhance transepidermal delivery in sub-cytotoxic conditions has not been fully investigated. This study aims to determine the sub-cytotoxic range of exposure time for LICAP and, within the range, to investigate the effects of LICAP treatment on transepidermal drug delivery (TED) and mechanisms using human keratinocytes and a mouse model. For the in vitro studies, LICAP treatment was evaluated in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells by assessing reactive species production, DNA damage, and cytotoxicity profiles. Within the determined safety range, mechanistic analyses were conducted to examine LICAP-enhanced delivery pathways. mRNA expression and protein levels of tight and adherens junction genes were quantified, and changes in ultramicroscopic morphology of HaCaT monolayers were investigated. Intracellular delivery of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran was also assessed. For the in vivo studies, E-cadherin expression and the transepidermal delivery (TED) of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) were analyzed in LICAP-treated mouse dorsal skin. The upper safety range of LICAP exposure time, reducing cell viability by 70% (IC70 or LD30), was estimated at 34.3 s. Within the safety range, LICAP treatment downregulated multiple tight and adherens junction genes in HaCaT cells. Consistent with the in vitro results, the epidermal E-cadherin expression was reduced, and human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) was infiltrated in the dermis of the LICAP-treated mouse skin. Intercellular clefts were detected in the HaCaT cell monolayer immediately following LICAP treatment and intracellular delivery of FITC-dextran was confirmed after LICAP exposure. This study demonstrated that LICAP treatment enhances transepidermal permeation of hEGF, apparently via both paracellular and transcellular routes. Under our study conditions, LICAP treatment seems to be a novel approach to facilitate TED with low safety concerns in vitro. Further translational studies are needed for clinical evaluation.

Purpose Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is a frequent side effect experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a topical cream containing aminoacryl tRNA synthetase complex interacting 1 (AIMP1)-derived peptide (AdP) in mitigating radiation dermatitis (RD) in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Methods An 8-week single-center, prospective pilot study was conducted to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of an AdP-containing cream with a control cream lacking AdP for the mitigation of RD. Fifteen patients undergoing radiotherapy applied the test cream to the right side and the control cream to the left side of the radiation exposure site, bisected by the nipple line. RD was evaluated at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, employing the 5-point grading system advocated by the Radiation Oncology Group (RTOG). Results The average RTOG score was lower on the test side in comparison to the control side, and a less pronounced increase in melanin index was observed on the test side. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Both sides exhibited increased skin hydration and decreased transepidermal water loss. Analyzing the maximum RTOG scores throughout the study, RD of maximum grades 1 and 2 was noted in 54.5% and 45.5% of patients on the test side. On the control side, the maximum grades 1 and 2 were observed in 45.5% and 54.5% of patients respectively. Conclusion The AdP-containing cream did not prove to be more effective than the control cream without AdP in mitigating RD. However, the total incidence of RD in our study was notably lower than previously documented, illustrating the protective effects of both the test and control creams.

Introduction Numerous factors influence hair health, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, or medications. With the rising interest in maintaining hair health, alternative approaches such as functional cosmetics and food products are gaining attention. Probiotics, health-beneficial live microorganisms, are emerging as potential candidates for improving hair health. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of oral intake of Latilactobacillus curvatus LB-P9 on hair health. Methods The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving participants (aged 18–60 years old) with mild to moderate hair damage. Participants were randomly assigned to the test (receiving LB-P9 supplements) or control (receiving a placebo) groups, respectively. Efficacy was assessed using measures such as hair luster, elasticity, and participant satisfaction. Safety evaluations comprised physical examinations, vital sign measurements, laboratory tests, and observation of adverse reactions. Results Overall, 80 participants were enrolled in the trial. Significant improvements were observed in hair luster, elasticity, and participant satisfaction in the test group compared to the control group. In the test group, the hair luster parameter increased by 1.65 ± 2.30 (LBNT) at 24 weeks (p < 0.001), indicating a 19% improvement over the control group. Subgroup analysis revealed significant improvement in hair luster among females with short hair. Additionally, hair tensile strength, reflecting hair elasticity and participant satisfaction are increased by 10.27 ± 16.40 (gf/mm²) at 24 weeks (p = 0.001) in the test group. The subjective indicator of participant satisfaction, which improves as survey scores decrease, significantly decreased in the test group by −17.81 ± 14.35 points (p < 0.001) after 24 weeks of consuming the test food than before consuming it. No significant adverse reactions were reported, and safety evaluations indicated no adverse effects linked to LB-P9 consumption. Conclusion Probiotics, including LB-P9, may serve as an alternative in the management of hair health. The findings of this study support the possible benefits of LB-P9 supplementation in enhancing hair luster and elasticity.

Purpose Following the introduction of new type of botulinum toxin (MBA-P01), a recent phase 3 study demonstrated that MBA-P01 showed comparable efficacy and safety to onabotulinumtoxin A for reducing glabellar lines. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety of repeated MBA-P01 administration for the treatment of glabellar lines. Materials and methods This multicenter, single-group, repeated-dose, long-term open-label extension study evaluated repeated treatment with MBA-P01 (20 U, five treatments over 16 months), with posttreatment evaluation performed up to 52 weeks. Results Based on the safety assessment results, no specific irreversible adverse reactions were associated with the safety profile of MBA-P01. Repeated treatment with MBA-P01 was effective for a treatment duration of 3–5 months. Conclusion In conclusion, multiple cycles of treatment of glabellar lines with MBA-P01 at a dose of 20 U were well tolerated. Clinical trial registration information: This study is registered in ClincalTrials.gov (NCT05321979).

Objectives Cold plasma has shown efficacy in various dermatological applications by reduces inflammatory responses and modulating cytokine expression. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of cold plasma on psoriasis. Methods In psoriasis HaCaT cells with cold plasma, we confirmed the expression of inflammatory cytokines involved in psoriasis formation and MAPK pathway, cell cycle, and apoptosis‐related factors. In psoriasis‐like BALB/c mice model, the effects of cold plasma treatment on skin were visually assessed. The expression of psoriasis‐related factors was confirmed through qPCR, Western blotting, and Immunohistochemistry. Results Cold plasma led to a reduction in inflammatory cytokines including IL‐17A, IL‐23A, IL‐24, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in the psoriasis cell line. It also modulated factors involved in the MAPK pathway and the cell cycle. In the psoriasis‐like mice model, cold plasma resulted in improvements in skin thickness, erythema, scaling, and PASI. Additionally, decreases in inflammatory cytokines like INF‐γ, IL‐23, and S100a7 were observed, along with improvements in MAPK pathway activation, apoptosis, and other psoriasis‐related factors. Conclusion Through in vitro and in vivo studies, our research highlights the potential of cold plasma as a novel therapeutic approach for psoriasis. Furthermore, cold plasma could serve as an adjunctive treatment for skin immunological diseases.

Background Dermal fillers have gained widespread popularity for facial cosmetic enhancement and anti‐aging treatments. Recently, polycaprolactone (PCL) and polynucleotides (PN) fillers have emerged as promising options owing to their safety and long‐lasting effects. Objectives This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a novel PCL‐based dermal filler (DLMR01) with purified PN filler (RJR: Rejuran) in correcting crow's feet wrinkles. Materials and Methods A randomized, evaluator‐blinded, prospective split‐face study was conducted with 218 healthy Asian participants. The primary outcome was in the improvement rate of the Crow's Feet Grading Scale (CFGS) at rest after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the improvement rate of the CFGS at expression and rest at earlier time points, changes in CFGS, and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) assessment. Results The results showed that DLMR01 was not inferior to RJR in improving crow's feet wrinkles, with a significantly higher CGFS improvement rate at week 12. Both fillers demonstrated good safety profiles, with mild and tolerable adverse events. No serious adverse events were reported during the study period. Conclusion DLMR01, a PCL‐based dermal filler, showed effectiveness and safety in improving wrinkles described as crow's feet. The study suggests that DLMR01 could be a promising option for noninvasive anti‐aging treatments.