Atopic Dermatitis-like Graft-versus-host Disease and Lichen Planus-like Graft-versus-host Disease: Alterations in Skin Barrier Function and Related Molecules / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Skin barrier disruption could induce thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) expression, and the expression of TSLP was increased in lesions of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like GVHD and lichen planus (LP)-like GVHD. This study attempted to investigate the skin barrier function of AD-like GVHD and LP-like GVHD and possible mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen AD-like GVHD patients, 12 LP-like GVHD patients, and 14 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Skin biopsy was done in five AD-like GVHD patients, eight LP-like GVHD patients, and eight healthy volunteers. The intensity of pruritus was assessed by visual analog scale itch score and detailed pruritus score. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured using Tewameter® TM 300. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of loricrin, involucrin, LL37, and human β-defensins 2 (hBD2) in skin lesions. Western blot analysis was used for analyzing the protein levels of loricrin and involucrin in skin lesions. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess the mRNA levels of LL37 and hBD2 in skin lesions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Pruritus score was higher in patients with AD-like GVHD (11.33 ± 5.35) than that of patients with LP-like GVHD (2.58 ± 3.09, P< 0.001). Compared with healthy controls (HCs, 4.52 ± 1.24 g·m-2·h-1), TEWL was increased in AD-like GVHD (26.72 ± 9.02 g·m-2·h-1, P < 0.001) and LP-like GVHD patients (18.78 ± 4.57 g·m-2·h-1, P< 0.001), and expressions of loricrin and involucrin were also increased in skin lesions of AD-like GVHD and LP-like GVHD patients (all P< 0.05). LL37 mRNA expression was decreased in lesions of AD-like GVHD and LP-like GVHD patients (P = 0.005 and P = 0.008, vs. HCs, respectively). hBD2 mRNA expression was increased in skin lesions of AD-like GVHD and LP-like GVHD patients (P = 0.002 and P< 0.001, vs. HCs, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Skin barrier dysfunction is present in AD-like GVHD and LP-like GVHD. The immunoreactions, but not the congenital defect, are considered to be the primary cause of skin barrier impairment in AD-like GVHD and LP-like GVHD.</p>

Novel Mutations inGene in Two Chinese Acne Inversa Families Manifested as Familial Multiple Comedones and Dowling-Degos Disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Acne inversa (AI), also called hidradenitis suppurativa, is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent skin disease of the hair follicle. Familial AI shows autosomal-dominant inheritance caused by mutations in the γ-secretase genes. This study was aimed to identify the specific mutations in the γ-secretase genes in two Chinese families with AI.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this study, two Chinese families with AI were investigated. All the affected individuals in the two families mainly manifested with multiple comedones, pitted scars, and a few inflammatory nodules on their face, neck, trunk, axilla, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs. Reticulate pigmentation in the flexures areas resembled Dowling-Degos disease clinically and pathologically. In addition, one of the affected individuals developed anal canal squamous cell carcinoma. Molecular mutation analysis of γ-secretase genes including PSENEN, PSEN1, and NCSTN was performed by polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two novel mutations of PSENEN gene were identified, including a heterozygous missense mutation c.194T>G (p.L65R) and a splice site mutation c.167-2A>G.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The identification of the two mutations could expand the spectrum of mutations in the γ-secretase genes underlying AI and provide valuable information for further study of genotype-phenotype correlations.</p>

A novel mutation of the KIT gene in a Chinese family with piebaldism / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Human piebaldism is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by congenital white forelock and depigmented patches of skin, typically on the forehead, anterior trunk and extremities. Mutations in the KIT gene have been proposed to be responsible for the underlying changes in this disorder. The aim of this study was to identify gene mutation in a Chinese family with piebaldism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A Chinese family with piebaldism presenting with white forelock and large depigmented skin macules on the abdomen, arms and legs was collected. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of the family members. The encoding exons with flanking intron regions of the KIT gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing. Besides, DNA extracted from 100 ethnically matched population individuals was as controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A heterozygous missense mutation c.2590T > C was identified in the patients of the family. This mutation converted a serine residue to proline (p.Ser864Pro). The mutation was not found in their unaffected family members or normal controls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A novel missense mutation c.2590 T > C was found and it might play a significant role in the piebaldism phenotype in the family.</p>