CORM-2-entrapped ultradeformable liposomes ameliorate acute skin inflammation in an ear edema model

The short release half-life of carbon monoxide (CO) is a major obstacle to the effective therapeutic use of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2). The potential of CORM-2-entrapped ultradeformable liposomes (CORM-2-UDLs) to enhance the release half-life of CO and alleviate skin inflammation was investigated in the present study. CORM-2-UDLs were prepared by using soy phosphatidylcholine to form lipid bilayers and Tween 80 as an edge activator. The deformability of CORM-2-UDLs was measured and compared with that of conventional liposomes by passing formulations through a filter device at a constant pressure. The release profile of CO from CORM-2-UDLs was evaluated by myoglobin assay.

Halo Nevi and Vitiligo in Turner's Syndrome / 대한피부과학회지

Turner's syndrome (TS) is a genetic disorder caused by numeric and/or structural abnormalities of the X chromosome. It is characterized by a short stature, gonadal dysgenesis, and frequently by webbed neck, cubitus valgus, lymphedema, broad chest with wide spaced nipples, micrognathia, and brachimetacarpalia. Several cutaneous manifestations are associated with TS, including melanocytic nevi, hypertrophic scarring, and vitiligo. Rarely reported findings include hemangiomas, angiokeratomas, and halo nevi. We present a case of halo nevi and vitiligo in a 13-year-old girl with TS. To the best of our knowledge, halo nevi and vitiligo in TS has not been reported in the Korean literature.

Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus with Multiple Distribution and Hemorrhagic Change / 대한피부과학회지

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is a benign, chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease of unknown etiology with a predilection for the female genital area, which is highly bothersome. It may also involve other areas, mainly the upper trunk, axillae and buttocks and clinicians often make a misdiagnosis of these extragenital lesions due to their rarity and lack of symptoms. We herein report the case of a 69-year-old female patient with multiple extragenital LSA presenting with hemorrhagic change. Histopathologic evaluation showed follicular plugging, atrophy of stratum malpighii with hydropic degeneration of basal cells, prominent upper dermal edema and lichenoid lymphocytic infiltration in the mid dermis which was consistent with LSA. We remind clinicians of including LSA in the differential diagnoses of multiple cutaneous hemorrhagic lesions.

Congenital Syphilis Presenting with a Generalized Bullous and Pustular Eruption in a Premature Newborn

Congenital syphilis occurs when Treponema pallidum crosses the placenta during pregnancy or from contact with an infectious genital lesion during delivery. Cutaneous manifestations of congenital syphilis are relatively common, occurring in approximately 30% to 70% of patients. Maculopapular lesions, vesiculobullous lesions, condylomata lata lesions, annular lesions, and erythema multiforme-like targetoid lesions have been reported. We report on a premature newborn with congenital syphilis who presented with generalized bullous and pustular eruption and desquamation at birth.

Comparison of Tzanck Test and Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus and Varicella Zoster Virus infections / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are two of the most common causes of mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions. Their diagnoses are usually made clinically, but the clinical distinction between HSV and VZV is sometimes difficult. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Tzanck test in patients with HSV and VZV infections. METHODS: From June 2008 through June 2010, a total of 396 patients (53 patients with HSV and 343 patients with VZV) were included in this study. Wright-stained smears of scrapings from the base of skin lesions and viral DNA amplification by PCR were examined in all patients. We compared the positivity rates of Tzanck test and PCR according to virus type and duration of skin lesions. RESULTS: The overall positivity rates of Tzanck test and PCR were 56.6% and 86.9%, respectively, and the difference between the positivity rates of the two tests was statistically significant (p<0.0001). The Tzanck test was positive in 41.5% and 58.9% of the HSV and VZV cases, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.0259). For PCR, there were no significant differences between the HSV and VZV cases. The positivity rate of the Tzanck test decreased in the old skin lesions over 7 days; however, PCR method showed no significant differences in positivity rates according to duration of the skin lesions. CONCLUSION: PCR is a more sensitive method for the diagnoses of HSV and VZV infections, and it can be utilized for diagnosis even of old skin lesions.

Three Cases of Primary Inoculation Tuberculosis as a Result of Illegal Acupuncture

Primary inoculation tuberculosis results from the direct inoculation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the skin of a person who has no natural or artificially acquired immunity to the organism. The pathogenesis requires a break in the skin from an abrasion or injury that allows entry of the tubercle bacilli. We report 3 cases of primary inoculation tuberculosis resulting from illegal acupuncture. Three patients over 70 years old presented with erythematous, ulcerative, indurated plaques on the back. Skin lesions had developed at the acupuncture sites 1 or 2 weeks after a session of acupuncture, which was intended to relieve back pain. An unlicensed, non-medically trained person conducted each session. The patients' past medical and family histories were unremarkable. Granulomatous inflammatory infiltration and acid-fast bacilli were observed histologically. M. tuberculosis was identified by mycobacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction. Nine months after the initiation of antituberculosis medication, skin lesions improved, and no evidence of recurrence or other organ involvement was observed at the 1-year follow-up visit.

A Case of Multiple Eruptive Dermatofibromas in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / 대한피부과학회지

Dermatofibromas are common benign fibrohistiocytic tumors that occur primarily as a solitary lesion, while multiple eruptive dermatofibromas (MEDFs) are a rare presentation of dermatofibromas and MEDFs are frequently associated with altered immunity, such as autoimmune diseases and immunosuppression. It is still unclear why MEDFs occur in association with these conditions, but this relationship may suggest that MEDFs are the result of an abortive immunoreactive process. We herein report on a case of MEDF that developed in a patient who was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A Case of Tuberculosis Cutis Orificialis with Perianal Involvement

Tuberculosis cutis orificialis (TCO) is a rare manifestation of cutaneous tuberculosis that is caused by auto-inoculation of mycobacteria in patients with advanced internal tuberculosis. TCO occurs in oral, perianal, or genital mucosa and adjacent skin. The tongue is the most frequently affected site, but the perianal area can also be affected. A 39-year-old male presented with a 4-month history of painful ulcers on the perianal area. The histopathologic findings revealed granulomatous infiltrates composed of epithelioid cells and Langhans-type giant cells in the dermis, and a few acid-fast bacilli noted on Ziehl-Neelsen staining. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the chest X-ray showed findings consistent with active pulmonary tuberculosis in both upper lung zones. The skin lesion showed complete resolution 2 months after the start of treatment with antituberculosis agents. We report a case of TCO with perianal involvement in a patient with underlying active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Cytotoxic Effect of X-irradiation of Mouse Tumor Cells in the Presence of Korean Ginseng Extract / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: We already reported the results that aqueous extract of Korean ginseng roots showed a marked cytotoxicity. In this study, we investigated whether combined ginseng product with X-irradiation increase the cytotoxicity of tumor cells than X-irradiation or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty gram of Korean ginseng powder mixed with 1 L of distilled water was extracted with reflux flask under condition of 100 degrees C for 5 hrs. This aquaous ginseng extract was filtered, centrifuged and then was freezed under condition of -90degrees C for 16-18 hrs. The freezing extract was dried with freeze drier, and then diluted. X-irradiation was given to tumor cells by 6 MeV linear accelerator. The cytotoxicity of ginseng in vitro was evaluated from its ability to reduce the clonogenecity of fibrosarcoma (FSa II) cells. In X-irradiation alone group, each 2, 4, 6 and 8 Gy was given to tumor cells. In X-irradiation with ginseng group, 0.2 mg/mL of ginseng extract was exposed to tumor cells for 1 hour before X-irradiation. RESULTS: The yield for 50 g of ginseng extract which was treated with freezing drier was 3.13 g (6.3%). Cytotoxicity in vitro was measured as survival fraction which was judged from the curve, at ginseng concentration of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/mL were 0.89+/-0.04, 0.86+/-0.06, 0.73+/-0.01 and 0.09+/-0.02, respectively. Survival fraction at X-irradiation alone of 2, 4, 6 and 8 Gy were 0.81+/-0.07, 0.42+/-0.08, 0.15+/-0.02, 0.03+/-0.01, respectively. But, survival fraction in combined group of X-irradiation and ginseng (0.2mg/mL) at each same radiation dose were 0.28+/-0.01, 0.18+/-0.03, 0.08+/-0.02, 0.006+/-0.002, respectively ( p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The yield for ginseng extract which was treated with freezing drier was 6.3%. Cytotoxicity of Fsa II in combined ginseng with X-irradiation group was increased than that of X-irradition alone group, and its enhancing effect seemed to be added.