Incontinentia Pigmenti: Clinical Observation of 40 Korean Cases

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is an uncommon genodermatosis that usually occurs in female infants. It is characterized by ectodermal, mesodermal, neurological, ocular, and dental manifestations. The aim of this study was to clarify clinical symptoms, accompanying diseases, and complications of IP. Forty cases of IP have been reviewed by their medical records, laboratory data, clinical photographs, and telephone survey. Male-to-female ratio was 1 to 19 and their onsets were mostly in utero. They were usually diagnosed during the neonatal period owing to their early expression of skin manifestation. Central nervous system anomalies were found in 46.7%. Ocular disorders and dental defects were detected in 66.7% and 72.7% respectively. The most commonly diagnosed anomalies were hypodontia, retinopathy, and seizure. For better understanding of IP, long term and close cooperation between dermatologists, pediatricians, neuroscientists, genentic counselors, and even dentists is crucial

Nanovesicles derived from iron oxide nanoparticles-incorporated mesenchymal stem cells for cardiac repair

Because of poor engraftment and safety concerns regarding mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, MSC-derived exosomes have emerged as an alternative cell-free therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). However, the diffusion of exosomes out of the infarcted heart following injection and the low productivity limit the potential of clinical applications. Here, we developed exosome-mimetic extracellular nanovesicles (NVs) derived from iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)-incorporated MSCs (IONP-MSCs). The retention of injected IONP-MSC-derived NVs (IONP-NVs) within the infarcted heart was markedly augmented by magnetic guidance. Furthermore, IONPs significantly increased the levels of therapeutic molecules in IONP-MSCs and IONP-NVs, which can reduce the concern of low exosome productivity. The injection of IONP-NVs into the infarcted heart and magnetic guidance induced an early shift from the inflammation phase to the reparative phase, reduced apoptosis and fibrosis, and enhanced angiogenesis and cardiac function recovery. This approach can enhance the therapeutic potency of an MSC-derived NV therapy.

Expression and Modulation of LL-37 in Normal Human Keratinocytes, HaCaT cells, and Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Defensins and cathelicidins (LL-37) are major antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of the innate immune system of the human skin. In normal non-inflamed skin these peptides are negligible, but their expression can be markedly increased in inflammatory skin disease such as psoriasis. We designed this study to identify the expressions of LL-37 in normal human keratinocyte (NHK) and HaCaT cells after exposure to stimulants and to investigate difference of LL-37 expression accompanied with cell differentiation status, and come to understand difference of susceptibility to infection in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Expressions of LL-37 in NHKs and HaCaT cells were evaluated by using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining at 6, 12, and 24 hr post stimulation after exposure to Ultraviolet B irradiation and lipopolysaccharide. And expression of LL-37 in skin biopsy specimens from patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. In time-sequential analyses of LL-37 expression revealed that LL-37 was expressed in NHKs, but not in HaCaT cells. IHC analysis confirmed the presence of abundant LL-37 in the epidermis of psoriasis. Therefore we deduced that expression of LL-37 is affected by UV irradiation, bacterial infection, and status of cell differentiation

Potential antitumor effects of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate in hormone receptor negative breast cancer patients with bone metastases

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This retrospective study evaluated, according to hormone receptor status, the antitumor effects of bisphosphonate especially on survival and disease progression in breast cancer patients with metastatic bone disease.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Of 317 patients with initial bone metastasis and known breast cancer subtypes, 230 patients (72.6%) had hormone receptor (HR) positive tumors, and 87 patients (27.4%) had HR negative tumors. We assessed the primary outcome of overall survival (OS), after adjusting for other factors, comparing a group that received bisphosphonates (BPs) with a group that did not receive it.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>87.8% of HR positive and 69.0% of HR negative patients received BPs with a median number of 17.7 cycles. Although BPs treatment made no survival benefit in HR positive group, HR negative patients showed a significant prolonged survival when they received BPs treatment (hazard ratio = 0.56 [95% CI 0.34 to 0.91], <it>P </it>= 0.019). In multivariate analysis, disease free interval > 2 years (<it>P </it>= 0.036), a sum of metastatic sites < 3 (<it>P </it>= 0.034), and BP treatments (<it>P </it>= 0.007) were significant factors for survival in HR negative patients.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Bisphosphonate treatment can result in a survival benefit in metastatic breast cancer patients with HR negative tumors.</p

The Role of Sebaceous Gland Activity and Scalp Microfloral Metabolism in the Etiology of Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff

Most common scalp flaking disorders show a strong correlation with sebaceous gland (SG) activity. Early SG activity in the neonate results in microfloral colonization and cradle cap. After maternal hormonal control subsides, there is little SG activity until puberty, when the SG turns on under sex hormone control. When the SG activity increases, the present but low Malassezia population has a new food source and proliferates, resulting in the scalp itching and flaking common to greater than 50% of adults. Dry scalp flaking, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis are chronic scalp manifestations of similar etiology differing only in severity. The common etiology is a convergence of three factors: (1) SG secretions, (2) microfloral metabolism, and (3) individual susceptibility. Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (D/SD) are more than superficial stratum corneum disorders, including alteration of the epidermis with hyperproliferation, excess lipids, interdigitation of the corneal envelope, and parakeratosis. The pathogenic role of Malassezia in D/SD has recently been elucidated, and is focused on their lipid metabolism. Malassezia restricta and M. globosa require lipids. They degrade sebum, free fatty acids from triglycerides, consume specific saturated fatty acids, and leave behind the unsaturates. Penetration of the modified sebaceous secretions results in inflammation, irritation, and scalp flaking

Androgenetic alopecia in adolescents: a report of 43 cases

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in adults, but it also occurs in adolescents, though its prevalence among this younger population is not well established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations and endocrine status of adolescent patients with AGA in Korea. This 5-year (January 2001-August 2005) clinical study involved 43 adolescent patients with AGA. Testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) laboratory studies were undertaken to investigate androgenic hormonal effects. Hair loss severity was categorized using the Hamilton-Norwood and Ludwig classifications. Gender ratio showed a male predominance (M : F, 35:8), and a mean age at onset of 16.8 years. These adolescent patients showed milder symptoms than adults, and a family history of alopecia was found in 72.1%, which is greater than that reported in adults, which ranges 30.9-64.5%. Seborrheic dermatitis (27.9%) was the condition most commonly associated with AGA among our study subjects, followed in descending order by acne vulgaris and atopic dermatitis. Serum levels of testosterone and DHEA-S were within normal limits, except in one subject. Our study shows the clinical characteristics of AGA in Korean adolescents

Clinical implication of tissue carcinoembryonic antigen expression in association with serum carcinoembryonic antigen in colorectal cancer

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) expression in tumor tissues of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The cohort included 7,412 patients with CRC from January 2010 to December 2015. Survival outcomes were assessed based on tissue CEA (t-CEA) patterns and intensities. Three-year (76.7% versus 81.3%) and 5-year (71.7% versus 77.6%, p < 0.001) disease-free survival (DFS) rates were significantly (p < 0.001) poorer in patients with a diffuse-cytoplasmic pattern than an apicoluminal pattern. Three-year (79% versus 86.6%) and 5-year (74.6% versus 84.7%) DFS rates were also significantly (p < 0.001) poorer in patients with high than low t-CEA intensity. Three-year (84.6% versus 88.4%) and 5-year (77.3% versus 82.6%) overall survival (OS) rates were significantly (p < 0.001) poorer in patients with diffuse-cytoplasmic than apicoluminal pattern of CEA expression, and both 3-year (86.7% versus 91.2%) and 5-year (80.1% versus 87.7%) OS rates were significantly (p < 0.001) poorer in patients with high than low t-CEA intensity. Multivariate analyses showed that high-intensity t-CEA was independently associated with DFS (p = 0.02; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.233) and OS (p = 0.032; HR = 1.228). Therefore, high-intensity t-CEA is a significant prognostic factor in CRC, independent of serum CEA (s-CEA), and can complement s-CEA in predicting survival outcomes after CRC resection

Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of dutasteride 0.5 mg once daily in male patients with male pattern hair loss: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study

Background: Dutasteride (Avodart) is a dual inhibitor of both type I and type II 5 alpha reductases, and thus inhibits conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a key mediator of male pattern hair loss. Objectives: The aim of this randomized double-blind phase III study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of dutasteride (0.5 mg) and placebo for 6 months of treatment in male patients with male pattern hair loss. Methods: A total of 153 men, 18 to 49 years old, were randomized to receive 0.5 mg of dutasteride or placebo daily for 6 months. Efficacy was evaluated by the change of hair counts, subject assessment, and photographic assessment by investigators and panels. Results: Mean change of hair counts from baseline to 6 months after treatment start was an increase of 12.2/cm(2) in dutasteride group and 4.7/cm(2) in placebo group and this difference was statistically significant (P = .0319). Dutasteride showed significantly higher efficacy than placebo group by subject self-assessment and by investigator and panel photographic assessment. There was no major difference in adverse events between two groups. Limitations: The study was limited to 6 months. Conclusions: This study clearly showed that 0.5 mg of dutasteride improved hair growth and was relatively well tolerated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss.STOUGH D, 2007, J COSMET DERMATOL, V6, P9Olsen EA, 2006, J AM ACAD DERMATOL, V55, P1014, DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2006.05.007Olsen EA, 2005, J AM ACAD DERMATOL, V52, P301, DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.04.008OLSZEWSKA M, 2005, J DRUGS DERMATOL, V4, P637Debruyne F, 2004, EUR UROL, V46, P488, DOI 10.1016/j.eururo.2004.05.008Clark RV, 2004, J CLIN ENDOCR METAB, V89, P2179, DOI 10.1210/jc.2003-030330Roehrborn CG, 2004, UROLOGY, V63, P709, DOI 10.1016/j.urology.2004.01.001Price VH, 1999, NEW ENGL J MED, V341, P964Kaufman KD, 1998, J AM ACAD DERMATOL, V39, P578Bramson HN, 1997, J PHARMACOL EXP THER, V282, P1496Canfield D, 1996, DERMATOL CLIN, V14, P713Courtois M, 1996, BRIT J DERMATOL, V134, P47DALLOB AL, 1994, J CLIN ENDOCR METAB, V79, P703RUSSELL DW, 1994, ANNU REV BIOCHEM, V63, P25OLSEN EA, 1994, DISORDERS HAIR GROWT, P257THIGPEN AE, 1993, J CLIN INVEST, V92, P903CASH TF, 1992, J AM ACAD DERMATOL, V26, P926JENKINS EP, 1992, J CLIN INVEST, V89, P293RANDALL VA, 1991, BRIT J DERMATOL, V124, P146NORWOOD OT, 1975, SOUTHERN MED J, V68, P1359IMPERATO.J, 1974, SCIENCE, V186, P1213HAMILTON JB, 1951, ANN NY ACAD SCI, V53, P708