Mycosis fungoides and vitamin D status: Analyses of serum 25-hidroxyvitamin D levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene

Various types of cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, are associated with vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms. However, few studies have addressed VDR polymorphisms in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF), and previous studies have reported conflicting results. Aim of this case-control study was to assess the correlation between VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) Cdx2, Fok1, Apa1, Bsm1, and Taq1 and MF. Venous blood samples were collected from 41 patients with MF and 59 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. VDR genotypes of both groups were analyzed. Serum vitamin D levels of patients with MF were also analysed among varying stages and VDR genotypes. Vitamin D levels were significantly low (&lt;30 ng/mL) in 87.9% of the patients (P&lt;0.001). No associations were found between Apa1, Cdx2, Fok1, and Bsm1 SNPs and MF. However, Taq1 polymorphisms were higher in the healthy control group (P&lt;0.001). Our study supports the claim that vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with MF. On the other hand, our findings suggest that Taq1 polymorphisms may be associated with decreased susceptibility to MF. Therefore, VDRs may have complex and heterogeneous effects on the pathogenesis of MF. </p

A rare cutaneous tumor: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare indolent cutaneous tumor which has been considered as a low-grade dermal and subcutaneous fibrohistiocytic neoplasm. DFSP expands slowly but recurs frequently leading to the general assumption that DFSP is a locally aggressive neoplasm. This low-grade/borderline tumor which is generally found on trunk and proximal extremities of adults has limited potential for metastasis. Clinical presentation is usually typical with a red-brown or skin coloured indurated plaque with multiple nodules or protuberances. Histopathology of DFSP is also characteristical which demonstrates storiform pattern of uniform spindle cells infiltrating deep into the subcutaneous fat tissue constituting honeycomb appearence. Here, we report a case of DFSP in a 50-year-old woman who presents with a twenty year history of slowly growing mass on her left femoral area

Assessment of Metabolic Profile and Ischemia-modified Albumin Level in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Case-Control Study

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune-mediated hair follicle disorder. In the literature, there is no study evaluating metabolic syndrome and levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) which is proposed as an oxidative stress biomarker in patients with AA. Aims: The aim was to investigate the presence of metabolic syndrome and the levels of IMA, small dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL), and visfatin levels in AA patients. Settings and Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among AA patients and controls. Subjects and Methods: Thirty-five patients with AA and 35 sex-, age-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory parameters of metabolic syndrome were examined in all participants. Furthermore, IMA, sd-LDL, and visfatin levels were assessed and analyzed with regard to disease pattern, severity and extent, severity of alopecia tool score, duration, and recurrence. Results: The median IMA and adjusted IMA levels were significantly increased compared with controls (P<0.05 and P=0.002, respectively). Patients with pull test positivity displayed higher levels of adjusted IMA levels (P<0.05). In AA group, there was a positive correlation between adjusted IMA and waist circumference (r=0.443, P=0.008), adjusted IMA and triglyceride levels (r=0.535, P=0.001), and adjusted IMA and sd-LDL levels (r=0.46, P<0.05). We observed no statistically significant difference in fasting blood glucose and lipid profile, sd-LDL, and visfatin levels of the patients and healthy controls. Conclusions: AA patients and controls have similar metabolic profile. Raised levels of adjusted IMA levels may be associated with antioxidant/oxidant imbalance and with risk of cardiovascular disease

Evaluation of the gastrointestinal findings of nodulocystic acne patients during systemic isotretinoin therapy

Background/aim: Systemic isotretinoin treatment is an effective treatment modality for nodulocystic acne, the clinical use of which has been associated with reports of adverse events. We conducted a prospective study with the aim of determining the possible gastrointestinal and laboratory findings of nodulocystic acne patients during systemic isotretinoin treatment. Materials and methods: Seventy patients with nodulocystic acne completed the study. During the monthly follow-up visits, liver function tests and lipid profiles of the patients were evaluated and gastrointestinal system complaints were examined. Results: We recorded a significant elevation in liver function tests and lipid profiles of the patients, the most prominent elevation being in plasma triglyceride concentrations. We observed that nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, and diarrhea were the rare gastrointestinal symptoms encountered during systemic isotretinoin therapy. Constipation and anorectal bleeding were relatively more common symptoms and there seemed to be a relation between these two symptoms. Conclusion: Our study is the first to analyze the gastrointestinal findings of patients during systemic isotretinoin treatment. Dermatologists and gastroenterologists must keep in mind that, as well as known laboratory findings like hypertriglyceridemia and elevated liver function tests, systemic isotretinoin therapy may also cause significant clinical gastrointestinal findings