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Galectin-3 is highly expressed in epithelial cells including keratinocytes and is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases by affecting the functions of immune cells. For example, galectin-3 can contribute to atopic dermatitis (AD) by promoting polarization toward a Th2 immune response by regulating dendritic cell (DC) and T cell functions. In addition, galectin-3 may be involved in the development of contact hypersensitivity by regulating the migratory capacity of antigen presenting cells. Galectin-3 may act as a regulator of epithelial tumor progression and development through various signaling pathways, such as inhibiting keratinocyte apoptosis through regulation of the activation status of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and activated protein kinase B (AKT). Galectin-3 is detected at different stages of melanoma development. In contrast, a marked decrease in the expression of galectin-3 is observed in non-melanoma skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Galectin-3 may play an important role in tumor cell growth, apoptosis, cell motility, invasion, and metastasis. Galectin-3 may be a novel therapeutic target for a variety of skin diseases.

As we gain a greater understanding of acne pathogenesis, both new agents as well as new uses for established drugs are being considered for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Multiple clinical trials assessing new formulations or combinations of established acne treatments have been conducted, and novel uses of antimicrobials such as modified diallyl disulfide oxide and nitric oxide are being assessed in clinical trials. There are also a multitude of new therapies currently being studied that target the inflammatory cascade of acne pathogenesis, including sebosuppressive and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, and  small molecule inhibitors targeting sebaceous glands and enzymes, among others. Laser and light therapy is also being modified for the treatment of acne through combination methods with metal nanoshells and vacuum assistance. Probiotics have gained popularity in medicine as greater knowledge of the microbiome and its effects on multiple organ systems is being elucidated. Studies describing the positive effects of certain ammonia-oxidizing bacterial strains in the regulation of the skin's inflammatory response are ongoing. Therapies for acne are constantly evolving and current gold-standard acne therapy may be supplemented with novel treatment modalities in the near future.

Chronic venous leg ulcers are profoundly debilitating and result in billions in health care expenditure. Thus, there is a quest for engineered and innovative approaches. Herein we present a 63-year-old patient with a 30 year history of venous stasis and left lower extremity ulcers, which have been refractory to standard of care, anticoagulation and venous stripping. The medial ulcer was treated with transplantation of autologous adipose mesenchymal stem cell (AMSC)-enriched, high-density lipoaspirate (HDL) on OASIS wound matrix and compression therapy. The lateral ulcer was treated as a control with standard debridement and compression therapy. Four weeks later, both ulcers received daily topical timolol. Three months later, the test ulcer was completely epithelized and remains healed for over 15 months. However, the control showed minimal signs of improvement. In companion studies in our laboratory, human AMSC were cultured in Minimum Essential Medium Eagle Alpha Modifications (MEMα) with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Timolol was administered to AMSC prior to treatment with epinephrine and 104 bacteria/ml heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus. The MEMα with FBS devoid of AMSC served as a background control. After 24 h, cell culture supernatants and protein lysates were collected to determine cytokine production. There was a statistical significant decrease in pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 and -8 induced by the bacteria (to model the wound environment) in AMSC in the presence of timolol compared with control (p < 0.5). This is the first case of a successful combination of autologous AMSC-enriched, HDL with topical timolol for the healing of chronic venous leg ulcers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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