The Expression and Role of Kruppel-Like Factor 4 in Psoriasis

BACKGROUND: Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcription factor that regulates a diverse array of cellular processes, including development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Although its function in keratinocytes has been widely studied, its exact role in psoriasis has not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE: We designed this study to investigate epidermal expression levels of KLF4 and the change in KLF4 expression after treatment in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: We compared the expression levels of KLF4 in the basal, suprabasal, and superficial epidermal layers, in psoriatic lesional, non-lesional, and normal skin, using an immunoreactivity intensity distribution index (IRIDI). In addition, we measured the change in KLF4 expression on the basis of the IRIDI and by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis after treatment. RESULTS: The combined IRIDI scores in psoriatic lesional skin were significantly higher than the scores in both non-lesional and normal skin. The psoriatic epidermis, particularly the suprabasal layer, showed a significantly increased IRIDI score compared to that of non-lesional and normal skin, which was significantly decreased after treatment. RT-PCR analysis exhibited a slight increase in KLF4 mRNA expression level after treatment; however, this increase was not significant. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that KLF4 could regulate epidermal proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, we believe that KLF4 may play an important role in the physiological reaction to counteract abnormal differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes.

Onychomadesis Following Hand-foot-mouth Disease: A Report of Five Children / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Efficacy of Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum with Curettage Method / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a frequently occurring viral infection, which affects children and adults. Although spontaneous clearance occurs in months to years, many patients are bothered by its prolonged course. Though various treatment trials, including topical treatments are reported, and curettage technique is most commonly used. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the outcome and efficacy of curettage treatment, and to find out the risk factors that are associated with treatment failure of MC removal by surgical curettage. METHODS: A total of 39 patients with MC were treated by surgical curettage, under topical anesthesia. Follow up evaluation and treatment was performed in week 4 and in week 8, after the initial visit. RESULTS: After first curettage treatment, 25 out of 39 patients (64.1%) were cured. The recurrence rate of the MC lesion was 35.9% (14 out of 39), 35.71% (5 out of 14) in week 4 and in week 8, respectively. No severe adverse reaction was reported. Risk factors for treatment failure were the number of lesions at day 0 (p=0.036 and p=0.031, at week 4 and 8 respectively). CONCLUSION: Successive scheduled curettage was found to be an effective treatment for MC. Numbers of initial lesions came out to be a major risk factor for the treatment failure.