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Edwin D Lephart,1 Frederick Naftolin2 1Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and The Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA; 2Department of Research and Development, e-Bio Corporation, Woodbridge, CT, USACorrespondence: Edwin D Lephart, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and The Neuroscience Center, LS 4005, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA, Tel +801 422-2006 ; +801 319 8173, Fax +1 801 422 0700, Email Edwin_Lephart@byu.eduAbstract: The narrative for this overview focuses on updating the factors that influence skin aging and the important role estrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) play in this process (mainly utilizing journal reports and reviews from the last four years). Estrogens have been known and studied for over a century. For many years, it has been recognized that estrogens are important in the maintenance of human skin. Women seek cosmetic and medical treatments to improve dermal health and physical characteristics to enhance their self-perception and inhibit skin aging, particularly in highly visible body areas. The goal: to retain estrogen’s positive benefits while aging and especially at/after menopause where estrogen-deficient skin contributes to the dramatic decline in skin health. In this overview, both background information and recent novel findings are included that cover aging (general mechanisms), skin aging, and factors that influence skin aging (intrinsic, extrinsic, skin microbiome and gut microbiome.) Plus, estrogen’s general role in maintaining skin health is presented through the classical estrogen receptors alpha (α) and beta (β) and non-classical (or non-genomic) estrogen receptor (G protein-coupled seven transmembrane receptor). More importantly, the various benefits of 17β-estradiol in skin health are examined (ie, skin collagen and elastin profiles that follow 17β-estradiol levels during aging and at/after menopause). Finally, a revision of information for estrogenic skin topical applications involving isoflavonoid compounds that act as SERMs, but are classified as endocrine disruptors, and a topical estrogen analog are explored to update the known and unknown characteristics of these treatments. Further study is warranted to understand the biological and molecular mechanisms by which estrogens support and enhance dermal health and wellbeing.Keywords: estrogens, skin aging, estrogen receptors, SERMs, isoflavonoid, microbiome

This narrative literature review examined the intricate relationship between body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and dermatological conditions, with a brief focus on those characterized by conspicuous skin irregularities such as acne vulgaris, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Highlighting the significant prevalence of BDD among individuals afflicted with dermatological issues, our analysis illuminated the profound psychological repercussions stemming from an exaggerated preoccupation with perceived skin imperfections. Through an exploration of the underlying BDD symptoms, we analyzed the complex dynamics between skin health and mental well-being, emphasizing the disorder's impact on patients' psychological and social functioning. This narrative review further investigated the consequential effects of BDD on essential aspects of dermatological treatment, including patient adherence to therapeutic regimens, overall quality of life (QOL), and the effectiveness of available treatments. In addition to presenting current therapeutic approaches, we advocate for the integration of psycho-dermatological interventions tailored to mitigate the dual burden of skin conditions and psychological distress. Future research directions proposed include longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effects of BDD on skin disease prognosis and psychosocial well-being, which aim to refine and optimize treatment modalities to contribute to a more holistic understanding of BDD within dermatological practice., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: While cannabidiol (CBD) and 4',7-isoflavandiol (Equol) have been examined individually in various skin studies, the present investigation tested whether topically applied CBD with Equol may yield enhanced effects on human skin biomarkers., Methods: After 24 hours exposure human skin gene expression was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction-messenger ribonucleic acid (qPCR-mRNA) analysis across 9 functional skin categories covering 97 biomarkers., Results: In general, among the biomarkers analyzed the CBD with Equol treatment displayed greater efficacy compared to CBD only or the Equol treatment alone (e.g., 4 out 5 for anti-acne, 15 out of 17 for anti-aging [e.g., collagen, elastin, calcium binding protein A7, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 ( TIMP 1 ), etc.], 19 out of 21 for anti-inflammatory (pain), 10 out of 11 for antioxidants to protect against oxidative stress, 6 out of 6 for circadian rhythm regulation for cell repair/restoration, 10 out of 15 for anti-pigmentation properties, 4 out of 5 for skin hydration, 6 out of 6 for tissue integrity, and 11 out of 12 for wound healing properties)., Conclusions: CBD with Equol displayed synergistic effects that may be an effective topical treatment for dermatology and cosmetic applications to improve human skin health and reduce photo-aging., Competing Interests: Edwin D. Lephart has no funding or sponsor conflicts of interest in the decision of the data/research presented in this report and regarding the publication of this manuscript. Edwin D. Lephart is an inventor on polyphenolic patents (US and worldwide) on various human health applications. Given the role as Guest Editor, Edwin D. Lephart had no involvement in the peer-review of this article and has no access to information regarding its peer-review. Full responsibility for the editorial process for this article was delegated to Graham Pawelec., (© 2023 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disorder, which is one of the most prevalent and costly benign neoplasms in men with over 94 million cases worldwide. Starting before or around 50 years of age, there is a linear increase in prostate volume and BPH symptoms, which are influenced by changes in hormonal, inflammatory, growth factors, cell receptor signaling, diet, physical activity, and the microbiome of the prostate that leads to cellular proliferation. While current pharmaceutical or surgical treatments are currently available, each treatment has serious side effects. This dilemma has motived men to seek treatment without negative side effects from medicinal plants such as botanicals, phytochemicals, and vitamins that have established safety records. This narrative overview focuses on several botanicals, phytochemicals and vitamins that are widely used in the treatment of BPH and emphasizes how, in some cases, combinations of these natural ingredients may provide better BPH symptom relief compared to utilization of a single medicinal plant product (monotherapy). Finally, this overview highlights in vitro, in vivo animal studies and mainly clinical data of journal reports published in the past 5 years from January 2018 to January 2023 on BPH and nutraceuticals. Notably, there is an evolving perspective or rethinking of the role that medicinal phytochemicals and natural vitamins usage play; that is, they may hold promise or are likely to alleviate BPH symptoms.

Emerging scientific advances in microbial research linking estrogens and the gut-skin microbiome in reference to dermal health are featured in this narrative review of journal reports and reviews from January 2018 through February 2022. Background information on advances in microbial research along with defining the microbiota and microbiome is presented in brief. The development of and factors that influence the gut microbiome in health and disease as well as the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing the skin microbiome and skin aging are summarized. New information on the development and changes of organ microbiomes have exposed similarities between skin and gut structure/function, microbial components/diversity/taxonomy and how they impact the immune response for combating disease and enhancing wellness. Estrogens promote health and support homeostasis in general and directly impact dermal health. Moreover, the gut, based upon the level of the microbial enzyme β-glucuronidase, which regulates estrogen's enterohepatic recirculation, constitutes a gut-skin microbial axis. This axis revolves around the systemically available estrogen to support immune function, counteract inflammation and oxidative stress, and decrease the risk of hormone-dependent skin cancers. These data support the direct effect of estrogens on skin health and the interaction of diet on dermal health via effects on the gut microflora. Finally, the potential for bioactive botanicals containing phytoestrogens or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) to evade the effects of gut β-glucuronidase expressing flora is proposed that may have a positive impact on skin., (© 2022. The Author(s).)