Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (anti-TNF-α) completely revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, anti-TNF-α-induced cutaneous side effects have been increasingly reported in the literature. Particularly, psoriasis and the recently recognized psoriasiform lesions are of particular concern, as anti-TNF-α agents are also used in the treatment of psoriasis, seemingly reflecting an immunological paradox. The clinical management of these cutaneous lesions is particularly challenging, owing to the potential need of anti-TNF-α discontinuation and scarcity of other therapeutic options. Therefore, optimization of current topical and systemic therapies and incorporation of new therapeutic agents is of great interest. Our aim is to review data in the literature regarding the clinical management of these cutaneous lesions and provide a therapeutic algorithm, supported by our experience as a tertiary referral center for IBD. Although in older reports no distinction was made, anti-TNF-α-induced psoriasiform lesions are not only more prevalent but also bear notable differences from classical psoriasis, possibly reflecting a different nosological entity. Onset of lesions has been related to periods of IBD remission, as supported by low levels of fecal calprotectin. Psoriasiform lesions can be adequately managed either by topical (glucocorticoids, calcineurin inhibitors, and antibiotics) or systemic (phototherapy, acitretin, glucocorticoids, and antibiotics) therapies and/or switch to other anti-TNF-α agents. Data referring to patients who were able to continue on the same IBD therapy ranged from 30.7 to 100%, reinforcing the importance of an adequate control of these lesions. The recently approved ustekinumab offers another step in the management of anti-TNF-α-intolerant patients.
Microalgae have demonstrated a large potential in biotechnology as a source of various macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and high-added value products (pigments, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, peptides, exo-polysaccharides, etc.). The production of biomass at a large scale becomes more economically feasible when it is part of a biorefinery designed within the circular economy concept. Thus, the aim of this critical review is to highlight and discuss challenges and future trends related to the multi-product microalgae-based biorefineries, including both phototrophic and mixotrophic cultures treating wastewater and the recovery of biomass as a source of valuable macromolecules and high-added and low-value products (biofertilizers and biostimulants). The therapeutic properties of some microalgae-bioactive compounds are also discussed. Novel trends such as the screening of species for antimicrobial compounds, the production of bioplastics using wastewater, the circular economy strategy, and the need for more Life Cycle Assessment studies (LCA) are suggested as some of the future research lines.
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