efficacy of isotretinoin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in comparison to Isotrex on acne treatment

Topical retinoids are considered as the first line therapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris, but they are associated with cutaneous irritation. In this study, isotretinoin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles [IT-SLN] were prepared to treat the mild to moderate acne. Also using IT-SLN would minimize IT adverse effects in comparison to commercial product, Isotrex. This study was conducted to prepare and characterize IT-SLN and assessing the efficiency of IT-SLN comparing to Isotrex acne. IT-SLN was prepared using hot high pressure homogenization method. IT-SLN contained 0.05% IT in 5% of lipid phase [Glyceryl monostearate- GMS] and tween 80 [2.5% w/v] was used as surfactant in the aqueous phase. IT-SLN was characterized by particle size analyzing, differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy. Encapsulation efficacy was also obtained using spectrophotometry. The efficacy of IT-SLN was evaluated in a randomized, single-blind, parallel-group study and compared with Isotrex. Forty patients encountered in the study and divided in two groups. Treatment regimen was once-nightly topical administration accompanied with topical administration of clindamycin 2% solution twice a day for 8 weeks. The particle size of IT-SLN was around 60 nm with PDI of 0.4 and zeta potential was about -40 mV. Encapsulation efficacy of IT in SLN in crystalline form was 84 +/- 0.21%. IT-SLN produced significantly better treatment than Isotrex in both non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions according to its recovery percent after 8 weeks. Also IT-SLN gained better global assessment scores. Our results showed that IT-SLN had higher efficacy than Isotrex to clear non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions

Expression of IL-17 and COX2 gene in peripheral blood leukocytes of vitiligo patients

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which inflammatory mediators such as cytokines have a pivotal role in disease's pathogenesis. Interleukin 17 [IL-17A] is a proinflammatory cytokine which is involved in the induction of several proinflamatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase 2 [COX2]. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression of IL-17 and COX2 in peripheral blood leukocytes of vitiligo's patients. Peripheral blood leukocytes from 15 patients with vitiligo and 15 healthy controls were separated using a gradient density centrifugation method. After total RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis, IL-17 and COX2 gene expression were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. There were no significant differences in IL-17 and COX2 gene expression in lymphocytes of patients with vitiligo compared with control group [p<0.05]. However there was an increased IL-17 and COX2 gene expression in neutrophils of patients compared to controls, but it did not reach statistical significance [p=0.05]. We could not find any differences in IL-17 and Cox2 gene expression between clinical diseases subtypes, sex and age. There was a significant correlation between IL-17 and COX2 genes expression in the neutrophils of patients [p=0.00, r=0.80]. Our results showed an increased expression in IL-17 and Cox-2 genes in neurophils of patients with vitiligo. This suggested that these two factors are involved in the inflammatory process. Further studies with a larger sample size might help to establish the role of these factors in the pathogenesis of diseases

evaluation of [sun protection factor] SPF accuracy of some sunscreens

The prevalence of photo-aging and skin cancers has been increasing in many parts of the world. To reduce cutaneous photodamage and skin carcinogenesis, primary prevention that an integral component of it is the use of sunscreens is recommended. The aim of this study was assessment of SPF accuracy in some Iranian sunscreens. Among healthy individuals with skin types I to III, 25 volunteers enrolled, but finally ten persons for two sunscreens "X" and "Y" completed the study. Candidates were tested during three days using phototherapy UV 800 K with UV B lamps, UV skin-tester and UV-meter [Waldman Company, Germany]. Minimal erythemal dose in unprotected areas of the skin [MEDup] was initially measured and then in protected areas [MEDp] was determined, according to the MEDup amount and national sunscreens' SPF label [SPF30]. Volunteer was exposed to his own MEDp and also 85% of it, after 24 hours, the two areas were examined for erythema. The final test result declared "correct", for the tested cream, if the accuracy of the SPF was confirmed in at least 90% of volunteers. The accuracy of test was confirmed according to SPF assessment standard protocol. All the candidates were male with mean age of 33.5 +/- 8.51 yrs. The MED mean was 73/09 +/- 15/6 mj/cm2. Final results declared "correct" for both products. In addition, the standard lotion test result was correct for all candidates. According to the results, we can assure people and physicians about reliability of labeled SPF, at least in some of the national products

[Bullous mycosis fungoides: report of a case]

Mycosis fungoides is a common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, with characteristic histopathology and chronic clinical course. Vesiculobullous mycosis fungoides is a rare occurrence. Here we present a 55-year-old man with multiple bullous plaques of one year duration who was finally diagnosed as a case of mycosis fungoides

Comparative study of oral azithromycin and systemic meglumine antimoniate [Glucantime] in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Complications and resistance to pentavalent antimonial agents in cutaneous leishmaniasis, exhibit the need for effective alternative drugs. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of oral azithromycin with systemic meglumine antimoniate [Glucantime] in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Forty-seven patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis visited at the dermatology department of Qaem hospital were randomly divided to two groups. Twenty patients [with 29 lesions] were treated with oral azithromycin 500 mg/day for 5 successive days each month for 4 months and 27 patients [with 58 lesions] were treated with systemic Glucantime 60 mg/kg/day for 20 days. Azithromycin group patients were visited monthly and control group patients were visited in last day of treatment and 45 days later. At the end of our study 10.3% of lesions in azithromycin group showed complete response, 27.6% lesions partial response and 62.1% no response. In Glucantime group 34.5% of lesions showed complete response, 13.8% partial response and 51.7% no response [P=0.036]. In treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis systemic Glucantime is superior to oral azithromycin. Differences between our result and previous studies may be due to difference between strains of Leishmanias and in vitro studies may be necessary to resolve this paradox. On the other h and, change in dosage and course of treatment with azithromycin may affect the efficacy of this agent

Basal cell nevus syndrome presenting as a tender mass of the jaw: a case report

Basal cell nevus syndrome [Gorlin's syndrome] is a rare autosomal dominant tumor-predisposing syndrome which is classically consisted of multiple cutancous basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts of the jaw, pits of the palms and soles, ectopic calcification of cranial membranes and various skeletal abnormalities. We report a typical case of Gorlin's syndrome in a 50-year-old man who presented with a tender mass of jaw