Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Expression of iNOS mRNA and Production of NO in HaCaT Cell / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in inflammation and multiple stages of carcinogenesis. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) polyphenols are potent antiinflammatory agents and have been shown to inhibit NO production in tumor cell lines. In the present study, we examined the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, on the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA and generation of NO in HaCaT cells. METHODS: HaCaT cells were treated with 10 M EGCG and 100 M NAC for 1 hour. 1 hour later, they were irradiated with 50mJ/cm2 UVB and treated with 200 g/ml LPS for 12 hours, respectively. The iNOS mRNA was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and NO production was assessed by spectrophotometric method based on Griess reaction. Nuclear factor B (NF- B) binding activity was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS: The results were as follows 1. EGCG inhibited UVB and LPS induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. 2. HaCaT cells cotreated with EGCG produced significantly less iNOS mRNA and NO compared with HaCaT cells stimulated with UVB irradiation or LPS. 3. The inhibition of iNOS mRNA and NO production correlated with the suppression of expression of NF- B dependent gene iNOS. 4. EGCG inhibited the activation and translocation of NF- B to the nucleus. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that EGCG inhibits the UVB and LPS-induced production of NO in HaCaT cells by interfering with the activation of NF- B through a novel mechanism. Our results further suggest that EGCG may be therapeutically effective in UVB and cytokine induced cutaneous inflammation.

Multiple Pyogenic Granulomas in Port-wine Stain after Laser Therapy / 대한피부과학회지

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) and port-wine stain (PWS) are vascular lesions that rarely occur in association. While PWSs are congenital capillary vascular malformations, PGs are acquired benign vascular proliferations. Although the pathogenesis of PG is unknown, many authors feel that they represent reactive hyperplasias, especially as they are often seen in response to trauma. We report the multiple pyogenic granulomas developed in a port-wine stain following Nd-YAG laser therapy.

Eosinophil Counts in Peripheral Blood, Serum Total IgE, Eosinophil Cationic Protein, IL-4 and Soluble E-selectin in Atopic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Since the management of atopic dermatitis often needs prolonged administration of medication, the laboratory index reflecting disease severity is necessary for optimal treatment for this disease. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate peripheral eosinophil counts, serum total IgE, eosinophilic cationic protein(ECP), IL-4 and soluble E-selectin as severity indices or disease marker. METHOD: A total of 21 patients with atopic dermatitis and 21 normal controls were evaluated for the symptoms and signs according to SCORAD index and measured for peripheral eosinophil counts, serum total IgE, ECP, IL-4 and soluble E-selectin. RESULTS: Peripheral eosinophil counts, serum total IgE, ECP and soluble E-selectin levels of patients with atopic dermatitis were significantly increased compared with those of normal control(p0.05). CONCLUSION: ECP and soluble E-selectin were good serum marker reflecting the severity of atopic dermatitis.

A Case of Motor Paralysis Caused by Herpes Zoster / 대한피부과학회지

Motor loss caused by herpes zoster is less well known but occurs in a significant number of cases, probably far more frequent than is recognized because the weakness is readily obscured by pain. The incidence of herpetic motor involvement was reported to be between 0.5% and 31%. A 65-year-old male patient with herpes zoster on the right lower limb had complained with progressive weakness of the limb, during treatment. We examined the limb using electromyographic(EMG) and motor nerve conduction velocity(MNCV) studies. Thereafter we concluded he had motor paralysis caused by herpes zoster. The weakness progressed to the complete motor loss of the right limb. Presenty, he still suffers from the paralysis of the right limb.

A Clinical Study of Androgenetic Alopecia(IV) / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia is considered to be a genetically determined disorder influenced by age and androgen. The proportion of patients with androgenetic alopecia among the total number of patients with alopecia seems to be gradually increasing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to find the family history, clinical and endocrine status of the patients with androgenetic alopecia. METHOD: 736 patients with androgenetic alopecia who had visited the Department of Dermatology, Yongsan and Pil-dong Hospital, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University during the last 2 years(1999.1-2000.12) were examined. RESULTS: 1) Incidence of androgenetic alopecia among the total number of alopecia patients was 75.8%. 2) There were 571 male and 165 female patients being most prevalent in the 3rd decade in male patients and in the 4th decade in female patients. 3) In male androgenetic alopecia, Norwood-Hamilton's type II was the most common and following IIIv, II, IV, IIIa, and in female patients, Ludwig's type I was most common. 4) There was a family history of baldness in 59.5% of first degree relatives in male patients and 30.9% in female patients. 5) The most common associated disorder is seborrheic dermatitis. 6) Serum testosterone levels were increased in 78 males(13.7%) and 23 females(13.9%). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, the number of young patients who visit dermatologists tends to be increasing and genetic factor, ages and abnormal androgen metabolism in scalp are affecting the development of androgenetic alopecia.

A Case of Adult-onset Urticaria Pigmentosa / 대한피부과학회지

Urticaria pigmentosa is a form of urticaria characterized by abnormality of cutaneous mast cells. No prediction for either gender has been reported but it usually occurs in children. When it develops in an adult cutaneous manifestations often follows recalcitrant and persistent course. Though tendency of genetic inheritance with an autosomal dominant pattern has been suggested most of patients have no family history of mastocytosis. We report a case of adult-onset urticaria pigmentosa with references.

A Case of Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome with Multiple, Symmetrically Distributed Basal Cell Carcinomas / 대한피부과학회지

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome is a rare inherited disorder characterized by multiple cutaneous basal cell carcinoma, pits of the palms and soles, cysts of the jaws, and ectopic calcification of cranial membranes. The patient was a 66 year old female. She complained of multiple, symmetrically distributed black-colored papules on the both sides of the neck. On physical examination, multiple pits were detected in the palms and soles. The histopathologic findings of the papules showed variable shaped and sized tumor nests composed of basaloma cells. On PNS CT for search of metastasis of the cancer, odontogenic keratocyst was detected at the Lt. alveolar process of maxilla by accident. We diagnosed her nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome and the lesions on both sides of the neck were removed completely.

A Case of Drug Eruption Caused by Rifampin and Isoniazid / 대한피부과학회지

Drug eruption is a cutaneous reaction caused by various drugs, which include antibiotics, antipyretics, anti-inflammatory analgesics, antidepressants, antituberculosis drugs, etc. Drug eruptions caused by antituberculosis drugs are relatively uncommon and there have been no previous reports in Korea which caused simultaneously by isoniazid and rifampin. A 57-year-old female patient, who was treated with antituberculosis drugs, was seen with generalized erythematous maculopapular eruption. We performed patch test and prick test with the antituberculosis drugs and could confirm a drug eruption caused by isoniazid and rifampin. And we performed desensitization to isoniazid for an optimal antituberculosis regimen and completed the treatment with isoniazid, successfully.

A Clinical Study on Alopecia Areata (1996-2000)(TGF-VI) / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata patients has recently increased in number. The clinical features and therapeutic results of alopecia areata are diverse and unpredictable. OBJECTIVE: We, the authors, performed a study on alopecia areata in order to evaluate the clinical manifestations and compare the efficacies of treatment with intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide suspension, immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone(DPCP), and photochemotherapy with psoralen plus UVA(PUVA). METHODS: A clinical study of 732 patients with alopecia areata including 33 cases of alopecia totalis and 46 cases of alopecia universalis was performed for 5 years, since March, 1996 to February, 2001 who visited to Alopecia Clinic at the Department of Dermatology, Collage of Medicine, Chung-Ang University. RESULTS: 1) The age distribution showed a peak incidence in the third decade(29.1%) and the mean age was 26.8 years and 136 cases(18.6%) showed alopecia areata in patients below 10 years old. 2) Previous episodes of alopecia were observed in 173 cases(23.6%) and 58 cases(7,9%) had family history of alopecia areata. 3) The most common site was the occipital region in both male and female patients, which were 251 cases(38.4%) and 218 cases(33.4%) respectively. 4) Associated diseases with alopecia areata included seborrheic dermatitis(97 cases), allergic contact dermatitis(25 cases), liver disease(22 cases), hypertension(18 cases), diabetes mellitus(16 cases), urticaria(16 cases), atopic dermatitis(14 cases) and thyroid disease(8 cases). 5) The efficacies of treatment modality had no statistical differences in DPCP immunotherapy, intralesional triamcinolone injection or photochemothrapy. CONCLUSION: There was no noticeable differences compared to previous studies on alopecia areata, except that increasing tendency of severe, recurrent, and refractory alopecia areata and number of chilclhood patients.