Improvement of the intestinal epithelial barrier during laxative effects of phlorotannin in loperamide‑induced constipation of SD rats / 한국실험동물학회지

Background@#Disruptions of the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) are frequently observed in various digestive diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study assessed the improvement in the IEB during the laxative activity of phlorotannin (Pt) harvested from Ecklonia cava in constipation by examining the changes in the expression of the regulatory proteins for the tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ), and inflammatory cytokines in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with loperamide (Lm)-induced constipation after a Pt treatment. @*Results@#The Pt treatment induced laxative activity, including the improvement of feces-related parameters, gastrointestinal transit rate, and histological structure of the mid colon in Lm-treated SD rats. In addition, significant recovery effects were detected in the histology of IEB, including the mucus layer, epithelial cells, and lamina propria in the midcolon of Lm + Pt treated SD rats. The expression levels of E-cadherin and p120-catenin for AJ and the ZO-1, occludin, and Claudin-1 genes for TJ in epithelial cells were improved remarkably after the Pt treatment, but the rate of increase was different. Furthermore, the Pt treatment increased the expression level of several inflammatory cytokines, such asTNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-13, and IL-4 in Lm + Pt treated SD rats. @*Conclusions@#These results provide the first evidence that the laxative activity of Pt in SD rats with Lm-induced constipation phenotypes involve improvements in the IEB.

Comparison of immunophenotypes between Rag2 knockout mice derived from two different sources / 한국실험동물학회지

Background@#Recombination activating gene2 (Rag2) knockout (KO) mice are used widely in various research fields, including vaccine development, transplantation studies, and hematopoiesis research, but few studies have compared their phenotypes. This study examined whether there were differences in the immunophenotypes between Rag2 KO mice derived from different sources. In particular, the changes in the organ weight, histological structure, and subpopulation of T and B cells were compared in the spleen and thymus of C57BL/6-Rag2em1hwl/Korl (Rag2/Korl KO) and B6.Cg-Rag2tm1.1Cgn/J (Rag2/J KO) mice. @*Results@#The weight of the spleen and thymus similarly decreased in the Rag2/Korl and Rag2/J KO mice compared to their wild type (WT) mice, even though the other organs were kept at the same weight. A slight difference between the Rag2/Korl and Rag2/J KO group were detected in the number of white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes (LYM), red cell distribution width (RDW), and platelets (PLT). In addition, the white pulp of the spleen and the cortex region of the thymus decreased in both Rag2 KO mice compared to WT mice. On the other hand, significant differences in the number of CD8+ T and B cell subpopulations between WT and Rag2 KO mice were observed between Rag2/Korl and Rag2/J KO group, while the CD4+ T subpopulation was maintained similarly in both groups. @*Conclusions@#These results suggest that Rag2/Korl and Rag2/J KO mice exhibit similar immunophenotypes in the spleen and thymus except for the differences in the number of CD8+ T and B cell subpopulations.

T2 Relaxometry Using 3.0-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Early- and Late-Onset Restless Legs Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous T2 relaxometry studies have provided evidence for regional brain iron deficiency in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS). Measurement of the iron content in several brain regions, and in particular the substantia nigra (SN), in early- and late-onset RLS patients using T2 relaxometry have yielded inconsistent results. In this study the regional iron content was assessed in patients with early- and late-onset RLS using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and compared the results with those in controls. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with idiopathic RLS (20 with early onset and 17 with late onset) and 40 control subjects were studied using a 3.0-tesla MRI with a gradient-echo sampling of free induction decay and echo pulse sequence. The regions of interest in the brain were measured independently by two trained analysts using software known as medical image processing, analysis, and visualization. The results were compared and a correlation analysis was conducted to investigate which brain areas were related to RLS clinical variables. RESULTS: The iron index in the SN was significantly lower in patients with late-onset RLS than in controls (p=0.034), while in patients with early-onset RLS there was no significant difference. There was no significant correlation between the SN iron index of the late-onset RLS group and clinical variables such as disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Late-onset RLS is associated with decreased iron content in the SN. This finding supports the hypothesis that regional brain iron deficiency plays a role in the pathophysiology of late-onset RLS.

Lichen Planus Pigmentosus along the Blaschko's Lines / 대한피부과학회지

Lichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP), an uncommon variant of lichen planus, is clinically characterized by insidious onset of diffuse or reticulated hyperpigmented patches on the sun-exposed areas and flexural folds. Histopathologic findings of LPP show atrophic epidermis with vacuolar degeneration of the basal cell layer and sparse lichenoid lymphohistiocytic infiltration with melanophages in the dermis. Although there have been few reports of LPP, clinical and histological pathogenesis and prognosis are not well known. Herein, we describe a case of linear LPP along the Blaschko's lines in 34-year old Korean man who presented with linear hyperpigmented, dark brown patches on his left thigh, repeatedly developing new lesions of erythematous reticular patches since puberty. This report shows the early events of LPP and the protracted course.

Successful Treatment of Temporal Triangular Alopecia with Topical Minoxidil

No abstract available.

Full mouth rehabilitation of the patient with severe tooth erosion using collarless porcelain fused to gold restorations: a case report / 대한치과보철학회지

Excessive tooth wear causes loss of tooth structure, disharmony of occlusal plane, functional and esthetic problems. Although the decrease of occlusal vertical dimension may be compensated by growth of alveolar bone, if the length of tooth is not enough for the retention of restoration, minimum increase of occlusal vertical dimension is required without discomfort of the patient. In this case, 33-year-old woman drinks more than 1 liter of soft drinks a day and has bruxism in night time, visited in Seoul National University Dental Hospital with chief complaint of generalized tooth wear and related esthetic and functional problems. It was considered as a loss of occlusal vertical dimension based on the accelerated tooth wear caused by erosion and bruxism and facial appearance, phonetic, esthetic, functional evaluations. It was planned to raise occlusal vertical dimension by provisional restoration two times for patient's adaptation, 3 mm and 2 mm each, total 5 mm. Confirming no discomfort and clinical symptom during total 16 weeks after restoration with provisional fixed restoration, it was restored with porcelain fused to gold crown and bridge. Because the patient was young woman, anterior teeth were restored with collarless porcelain fused to gold crown. This case presents that satisfactory esthetic and functional result by full mouth rehabilitation with increase of occlusal vertical dimension.

Experience in 102 Non-melanoma Skin Cancer with Mohs Micrographic Surgery / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a specialized type of minimal marginal surgery, which offers superior cure rates to other options in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and recurrence rate of the non-melanoma skin cancer and to estimate the safeties of MMS. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 102 patients who had been diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer and treated by MMS from May 2008 to September 2011. RESULTS: The most common cancer was basal cell carcinoma (63.72%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (31.38%). The local flap was the most common method to repair surgical defects (74.5%), followed by primary closure (17.64%). Cervical lymph node metastasis was confirmed in 1 case (0.98%). Recurrence after MMS was observed in 1 of 102 patients (0.98%). CONCLUSION: MMS is a safe method for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Photodistributed Telangiectasia Induced by Amlodipine

Calcium channel blockers are widely used antihypertensive drugs, which are uncommonly associated with cutaneous reactions, such as pruritus, urticaria, or alopecia. Photosensitivity presenting with telangiectasia has rarely been described. We present here a case of photodistributed telangiectasia induced clinically by amlodipine and histologically by enlarged capillaries in the upper dermis without signs of vasculitis.

A Clinical Study on Herpes Zoster Meningoencephalitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster meningoencephalitis is a rare neurological complication and the known risk factors include an immunocompromised status, infiltration into the trigeminal ganglion, disseminated herpes zoster and elderly patients. Serious complications may develop, including cerebral hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE: As early diagnostic detection is mandatory to prevent long-term sequelae, we wanted to determine what signs and symptoms we should focus on for diagnosing zoster meningoencephalitis at an early stage. We also investigated the descriptive statistics of the patients and compared them with the patients who had non-complicated herpes zoster. METHODS: We examined the medical records of 5114 herpes zoster patients who had visited our clinic from 1996 through 2009. Among them, 18 patients who were diagnosed with herpes zoster meningoencephalitis by cerebrospinal fluid tests were subject to examinations to assess the incidence rates, the age distribution, the ganglion distribution, the clinical aspects, the underlying diseases and the presence of complications. RESULTS: The ages of the patients with herpes zoster meningoencephalitis showed that 50% of the patients were under 30 years old. Infiltration into the trigeminal ganglion and immunocompromising underlying diseases accounted for 50% and 16.7% of the total patients, respectively. In the case of disseminated herpes zoster patients, no meningoencephalitis developed. The rates of neck stiffness and fever, which are the most common symptoms of meningoencephalitis, were lower in the patients with herpes zoster meningoencephalitis (33.3% and 11.1%, respectively). However, headaches accompanied with nausea or vomiting showed high sensitivity (88.9%), and a high positive predictive value (69.6%) (p<0.001). All the patients were treated with acyclovir for 10~14 days, and cerebral hemorrhage occurred in 1 of them (5.5%) after treatment. CONCLUSION: When a patient with herpes zoster has symptoms of headache and nausea or vomiting then herpes zoster meningoencephalitis should be considered even if neck stiffness and fever are not present.

A Clinical Study on Herpes Zoster Meningoencephalitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster meningoencephalitis is a rare neurological complication and the known risk factors include an immunocompromised status, infiltration into the trigeminal ganglion, disseminated herpes zoster and elderly patients. Serious complications may develop, including cerebral hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE: As early diagnostic detection is mandatory to prevent long-term sequelae, we wanted to determine what signs and symptoms we should focus on for diagnosing zoster meningoencephalitis at an early stage. We also investigated the descriptive statistics of the patients and compared them with the patients who had non-complicated herpes zoster. METHODS: We examined the medical records of 5114 herpes zoster patients who had visited our clinic from 1996 through 2009. Among them, 18 patients who were diagnosed with herpes zoster meningoencephalitis by cerebrospinal fluid tests were subject to examinations to assess the incidence rates, the age distribution, the ganglion distribution, the clinical aspects, the underlying diseases and the presence of complications. RESULTS: The ages of the patients with herpes zoster meningoencephalitis showed that 50% of the patients were under 30 years old. Infiltration into the trigeminal ganglion and immunocompromising underlying diseases accounted for 50% and 16.7% of the total patients, respectively. In the case of disseminated herpes zoster patients, no meningoencephalitis developed. The rates of neck stiffness and fever, which are the most common symptoms of meningoencephalitis, were lower in the patients with herpes zoster meningoencephalitis (33.3% and 11.1%, respectively). However, headaches accompanied with nausea or vomiting showed high sensitivity (88.9%), and a high positive predictive value (69.6%) (p<0.001). All the patients were treated with acyclovir for 10~14 days, and cerebral hemorrhage occurred in 1 of them (5.5%) after treatment. CONCLUSION: When a patient with herpes zoster has symptoms of headache and nausea or vomiting then herpes zoster meningoencephalitis should be considered even if neck stiffness and fever are not present.

Circumscr ibed Palmar Hypokeratosis Treated with Cryotherapy / 대한피부과학회지

Circumscribed palmar or plantar hypokeratosis is a rare dermatosis, and it consists of asymptomatic erythematous, well-circumscribed and depressed patch with scaly borders on the palm or sole. It usually affects middle-aged or elderly women. Histopathologically, it has a sharp stair between the normal and involved skin, and a demarcated area with an abrupt decrease in the horny layer thickness. We report herein a case of circumscribed palmar hypokeratosis that was successfully treated with cryotherapy.

Circumscr ibed Palmar Hypokeratosis Treated with Cryotherapy / 대한피부과학회지

Circumscribed palmar or plantar hypokeratosis is a rare dermatosis, and it consists of asymptomatic erythematous, well-circumscribed and depressed patch with scaly borders on the palm or sole. It usually affects middle-aged or elderly women. Histopathologically, it has a sharp stair between the normal and involved skin, and a demarcated area with an abrupt decrease in the horny layer thickness. We report herein a case of circumscribed palmar hypokeratosis that was successfully treated with cryotherapy.

Cutaneous Granulomas Associated with Common Variable Immunodeficiency / 대한피부과학회지

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is one of the primary immunodeficiency disorders, which is characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia, defect in antibody synthesis and recurrent sinorespiratory bacterial infections. Granuloma is an uncommon skin manifestation in primary immunodeficiency disorders. Here we present a 5-year-old girl who had asymptomatic erythematous plaques on the face and legs. She had a past medical history of recurrent sinorespiratory and gastrointestical bacterial infections since 2 years old. The histopathologic findings of the skin lesions showed sarcoid-like granulomas with focal necrobiosis. No specific organism was found with evaluation. Cells forming granulomas were strongly positive for CD3 or CD68. CD4/CD8 ratio was estimated less than 1. Laboratory examination showed low hemoglobin, low B cell and normal T cell number, low IgA and IgG levels.

Inflammatory Disseminated Superficial Porokeratosis Successfully Managed by Oral Isotretinoin / 대한피부과학회지

Disseminated superficial porokeratosis is a keratinization disorder characterized by multiple brown, atrophic patches with sharply demarcated and hypertrophic ridges. Atypical cases of disseminated superficial porokeratosis with acute exacerbation accompanied by severe pruritus have been reported as "eruptive pruritic papular porokeratosis" or "inflammatory disseminated superficial porokeratosis." We report a case of inflammatory disseminated superficial porokeratosis in a 53-year-old man who was successfully treated with oral isotretinoin.

A Case of Cicatricial Alopecia Associated with Erlotinib

Erlotinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Erlotinib has been used primarily to treat non-small cell lung cancer. In addition to its role in tumor cells, EGFR is also an important regulator of growth and differentiation in the skin and hair. Therefore, EGFR-TKIs have been associated with a number of cutaneous side effects including follicular acneiform eruptions, cutaneous xerosis, chronic paronychia, desquamation, seborrheic dermatitis, and hair texture changes. Herein, we report a rare case of a 61-year-old woman who was treated with erlotinib and experienced cicatricial alopecia.

Acromegaloid Facial Appearance Syndrome with Generalized Hypertrichosis Terminalis / 대한피부과학회지

Acromegaloid facial appearance (AFA) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease, consisting of an acromegaloid face, a bulbous nose, and narrowing of the palpaebral fissure. In 1996, Irvin first reported a case of a combination of acromegaloid facial appearance syndrome and congenital hypertrichosis, and reported this case as a new disease of acromegaloid facial appearance with generalized hypertrichosis terminalis, which is differentiated from both AFA syndrome and congenital hypertrichosis/gingival hyperplasia. We report herein the first Korean case of acromegaloid facial appearance with generalized hypertrichosis terminalis.

Acantholytic Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Right Foot / 대한피부과학회지

Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma is a well-defined, rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma in which significant portions of the neoplastic tissue show, on microscopy, a pseudoglandular or tubular pattern. It usually presents in aged patients as an erythematous nodule with scales, crust, and ulceration on sun-exposed areas. Herein we report a case of acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma that occurred on the Rt 4th toeweb of a 70-year-old man.

A Case of Neutrophilic Dermatosis of the Dorsal Hands with Concomitant Involvement of the Lips

Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands (NDDH) is a localized, pustular variant of acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet syndrome). The lesions of NDDH clinically resemble those of Sweet syndrome (SS), but they differ from classic SS according to their locations (NDDH is predominantly restricted to the dorsal hands) and the smaller number of accompanying systemic symptoms. The histology of the NDDH lesion shows a dense dermal neutrophilic infiltration. The lesions rapidly resolve after systemic corticosteroid and/or dapsone therapy. We herein report on a case of neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands in a 34-year-old woman. The patient also had skin changes with erythematous plaque on the right lips.

Two Cases of Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy in the Postpartum / 대한피부과학회지

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), also known as a polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, is the most common dermatosis of pregnancy. Typically, PUPPP starts with erythema and urticarial papular eruption in the abdominal striae and may extend to the buttocks and thighs. It usually evolves in the third trimester and resolves rapidly in the postpartum. It is not usually recurrent in subsequent pregnancies. We report herein two patients with postpartum PUPPP.

Study on Association between an H-RAS Gene Polymorphism and Gastric Cancer Development / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Oncogenic RAS gene mutations have been frequently observed in many tumor types, and their associations with various cancers were reported. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between H-RAS T81C polymorphism and gastric cancer development. METHODS: H-RAS T81C polymorphism was genotyped in 321 chronic gastritis (ChG) and 151 gastric cancer (GC) patients using GoldenGate(R) Assay kit. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and gender was performed to identify the differences of genotype and allele distributions between the each group. RESULTS: All ChG and GC patients were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. When the frequencies of H-RAS T81C genotype in each group were compared, the homozygous type of major allele TT was more frequent in GC group (62.9%) than ChG group (57.3%), while the frequencies of heterozygous type TC and homozygous type of minor allele CC were higher in ChG group than GC group (39.3% vs. 33.8%, 3.4% vs. 3.3%, respectively). In the results of logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and gender, the odds ratios were 0.845 (0.604-1.182), 0.799 (0.556-1.147), 0.741 (0.493-1.114) and 1.094 (0.366-3.270) for allele, codominant, dominant and recessive models, respectively. However, significant difference was not observed between two groups in any models. CONCLUSIONS: H-RAS T81C polymorphism was not associated with gastric cancer development in a Korean population.