ABSTRACT
Background@#Low-level laser (light) therapy is a promising technology that stimulates healing, relieves pain and inflammation, and restores function in injured body parts.However, few studies have compared the effects of lightemitting diodes of different fluence levels or different treatment durations. @*Objective@#Here, we investigated the effects of various fluence levels and treatment durations on wound closure in mice. @*Methods@#Full-thickness wounds were created on the dorsal skin using an 8-mm diameter punch, and the wounds were irradiated at 1, 4, or 40 J/cm 2 for 5 consecutive days starting on day 1. To determine the optimal irradiation duration, wounds were irradiated at the most potent fluence of previous study for 5, 10, or 15 days. Photographic documentation, skin biopsies, and wound measurements were performed to compare the effects of different treatment parameters. @*Results@#The most effective fluence level was 40 J/cm 2 at day 5, as determined by monitoring wound closure. There were no statistically significant differences in wound healing with different durations. @*Conclusion@#We have shown that repeated exposure to low levels of light significantly stimulates wound healing in mice and demonstrated more efficient wound closure with certain fluences of 830 nm irradiation.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Low-level laser (light) therapy is a promising technology that stimulates healing, relieves pain and inflammation, and restores function in injured body parts.However, few studies have compared the effects of lightemitting diodes of different fluence levels or different treatment durations. @*Objective@#Here, we investigated the effects of various fluence levels and treatment durations on wound closure in mice. @*Methods@#Full-thickness wounds were created on the dorsal skin using an 8-mm diameter punch, and the wounds were irradiated at 1, 4, or 40 J/cm 2 for 5 consecutive days starting on day 1. To determine the optimal irradiation duration, wounds were irradiated at the most potent fluence of previous study for 5, 10, or 15 days. Photographic documentation, skin biopsies, and wound measurements were performed to compare the effects of different treatment parameters. @*Results@#The most effective fluence level was 40 J/cm 2 at day 5, as determined by monitoring wound closure. There were no statistically significant differences in wound healing with different durations. @*Conclusion@#We have shown that repeated exposure to low levels of light significantly stimulates wound healing in mice and demonstrated more efficient wound closure with certain fluences of 830 nm irradiation.
ABSTRACT
No abstract available.
Subject(s)
Carbon Dioxide , Carbon , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Epithelial Cells , PhotochemotherapyABSTRACT
A 61-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of erythematous firm nodules on the hands and feet. Histopathological findings of the lesional skin revealed perivascular and diffuse neutrophilic infiltrations on the upper and mid-dermis. Increased and dilated blood vessels were observed in the upper dermis. Fibrinoid necrosis of the vessel walls was unremarkable, but endothelial swelling and scant red blood cell (RBC) extravasation were noted. Fibrosis and sclerosis of collagen fibers were noted on the deep dermis. Results of laboratory examinations, including complete blood count (CBC), routine chemistry, c-reactive protein (CRP), syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests, and serum immunoglobulin electrophoresis, were all negative or within normal limit. A diagnosis of erythema elevatum diutinum was made based on the clinical and histological findings. The patient was treated with prednisolone, dapsone, colchicine, and intralesional injection of triamcinolone and showed slight improvement after treatment for 8 months.
Subject(s)
Humans , Middle Aged , Blood Cell Count , Blood Vessels , C-Reactive Protein , Chemistry , Colchicine , Collagen , Dapsone , Dermis , Diagnosis , Electrophoresis , Erythema , Erythrocytes , Fibrosis , Foot , Hand , HIV , Immunoglobulins , Injections, Intralesional , Necrosis , Neutrophils , Prednisolone , Sclerosis , Skin , Syphilis , TriamcinoloneABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cutaneous drug eruption is very common, and its clinical manifestations are variable. Diagnosis of drug eruption is usually based on clinical findings and medication history. To date, few studies have compared the variable histopathologic findings of drug eruption according to medication. OBJECTIVE: We focused on morbilliform eruption among diverse manifestations of drug eruption and investigated the differences in histopathologic findings between antibiotics- and chemotherapeutic-agent-induced morbilliform drug eruption. METHODS: We reviewed medical charts established from March 1998 to August 2016 at our hospital. Inclusion criteria were histopathologically confirmed drug eruptions, clinical demonstrations of typical morbilliform eruptions obtained from medical photographs, and causative drugs identified as chemotherapeutic agents or antibiotics. Immunohistochemical staining was performed and included CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD56, CD68, langerin, CD138, and c-kit. RESULTS: A total of 40 cases (20 cases, chemotherapeutic group; 20 cases, antibiotics group) were included in this study. The most frequent histologic feature of the epidermis was exocytosis (95%) in the chemotherapeutic group and necrotic keratinocytes (100%) in the antibiotics group. Inflammatory infiltration depths were significantly deeper in the antibiotics group than in the chemotherapeutic group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of immunohistochemical staining. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that in patients with morbilliform drug eruption, chemotherapeutic agents cause more superficial inflammation compared to antibiotics. These findings may facilitate the differentiation of the culprit agents of morbilliform drug eruption in cancer patients. Further large, well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Subject(s)
Humans , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Antineoplastic Agents , Diagnosis , Drug Eruptions , Epidermis , Exocytosis , Inflammation , KeratinocytesABSTRACT
No abstract available.
Subject(s)
Humans , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Epithelial Cells , Radiation, Ionizing , VeterinariansABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Healthy skin is an important determinant of the quality of life and physical and mental well-being. The demand for dermatological information is increasing not only in patients with skin diseases, but also in the general population with normal/healthy skin. However, public perception and behavior with regard to skin health among Koreans are not known. OBJECTIVE: To examine public perception and behaviors with regard to skin health in Koreans visiting the Skin Health Expo 2017. METHODS: A total of 597 participants completed a questionnaire that assessed demographics, status, and behavior for skin health and Expo satisfaction. RESULTS: Respondents with higher stress levels and a history of skin diseases showed lower satisfaction with self-skin health. Most participants considered adequate sleep and water intake to be important factors associated with healthy skin. One-on-one consultation with dermatologists was the most satisfactory among participants at the Expo. CONCLUSION: Educational tools using mass media and informative activities such as the Expo planned by dermatologists and the government are necessary to spread awareness and provide proper information to improve skin health in the general population and to emphasize the key role of dermatologists in skin disorders with a social burden.
Subject(s)
Humans , Demography , Drinking , Korea , Mass Media , Quality of Life , Research Report , Skin Diseases , Skin , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Topical tacrolimus is an effective anti-inflammatory therapy for acute and chronic states of atopic dermatitis (AD) in both adults and children. Topical tacrolimus has particular use at sensitive areas such as the face, anogenitals, and skin folds of neck and extremities. However, many AD patients also experience aggravated symptoms on trunk. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus for AD patients with truncal lesions. METHODS: AD patients with truncal lesions who were aged ≥2 years were recruited from 20 centres in Korea. They received treatment with topical tacrolimus ointment twice daily during 4 weeks. The primary end point was change of the local eczema area and severity index (EASI) of the trunk from baseline to day 28. The secondary end points were changes in the patient global assessment (PGA) score and itch visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the trunk between baseline and day 28. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-one patients were recruited, and 176 patients completed the full 4-week treatment course. By the end of the treatment, the mean local EASI of the trunk (2.2±4.71) was significantly decreased from that at baseline (4.71±4.03, p < 0.001). PGA (1.71±1.15) and itch VAS score of the trunk (2.61±2.19) on day 28 were also profoundly decreased compared with the baseline (2.96±1.07 and 5.15±2.47, respectively). No serious adverse events were observed during the study period. CONCLUSION: Topical tacrolimus is an effective and safe therapy for truncal lesions in AD patients.
Subject(s)
Adult , Child , Humans , Administration, Topical , Dermatitis, Atopic , Eczema , Extremities , Korea , Neck , Skin , TacrolimusABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The transforming growth factor-β/SMAD (TGF-β/SMAD) pathway plays an important role in tissue repair and collagen synthesis. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is increasingly used to alleviate pain and inflammation and promote wound healing. However, few studies have directly compared the effects of different wavelengths of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or examined their individual effects at the molecular level. OBJECTIVE: Here we used a mouse model to investigate the effect of blue (410 nm), red (630 nm), and infrared (830 nm) LEDs on wound closure and assessed the underlying changes in a signal transduction pathway. METHODS: A full-thickness wound was created on the dorsal skin of mice using a 6-mm-diameter punch. In part I, the wounds were irradiated using blue, red, and infrared LEDs. In part II, the wounds were irradiated at different time points. Photo documentation, serial skin biopsies, wound measurements, and immunohistochemical staining using TGF-β/SMAD pathway-related molecules were performed. RESULTS: The overall wound closure percentage was highest during the first 10 days when an 830-nm LED was used. The wound closure process was accelerated when the irradiation was initiated immediately after wounding. Irradiation using 830-nm LED upregulated TGF-β and collagen-1 but downregulated SMAD7. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that LLLT using an 830-nm wavelength LED delivered immediately after wound formation may have the best effect on wound healing by upregulating the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Biopsy , Collagen , Inflammation , Low-Level Light Therapy , Signal Transduction , Skin , Smad Proteins , Wound Healing , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Keloids are characterized by excessive collagen deposition in the dermis, in which transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling plays an important role. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is reported as effective in preventing keloids in clinical reports, recently. To date, studies investigating the effect of LLLT on keloid fibroblasts are extremely rare. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of LLLT with blue (410 nm), red (630 nm), and infrared (830 nm) light on the collagen synthesis in keloid fibroblasts. METHODS: Keloid fibroblasts were isolated from keloid-revision surgery samples and irradiated using 410-, 630-, 830-nm light emitting diode twice, with a 24-hour interval at 10 J/cm². After irradiation, cells were incubated for 24 and 48 hours and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed. Western blot analysis was also performed in 48 hours after last irradiation. The genes and proteins of collagen type I, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad7 were analyzed. RESULTS: We observed no statistically significant change in the viability of keloid fibroblasts after irradiation. Collagen type I was the only gene whose expression significantly decreased after irradiation at 410 nm when compared to the non-irradiated control. Western blot analysis showed that LLLT at 410 nm lowered the protein levels of collagen type I compared to the control. CONCLUSION: LLLT at 410 nm decreased the expression of collagen type I in keloid fibroblasts and might be effective in preventing keloid formation in their initial stage.
Subject(s)
Humans , Blotting, Western , Collagen Type I , Collagen , Dermis , Fibroblasts , In Vitro Techniques , Keloid , Low-Level Light Therapy , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Reverse Transcription , Transforming Growth FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder histopathologically characterized by epidermal hyperplasia, vascular proliferation, and inflammatory infiltrates. It runs a less severe course in women than in men. The role of estrogen in the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the clinicohistopathological differences between men and women with psoriasis and examined whether serum estrogen levels and immunohistochemical findings correlate with gender and disease severity. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 500 patients with psoriasis. Among these patients, 60 who consented to participate in the study were classified into four groups as follows: 10 men showing psoriasis on < 10% of their body surface area (BSA) with psoriasis area severity index (PASI) < 10; 20 men showing psoriasis on ≥10% of their BSA with PASI≥10; 10 women showing psoriasis on < 10% of their BSA with PASI < 10; and 20 women showing psoriasis on ≥10% of their BSA with PASI ≥10. Serum estrogen levels were measured using radioimmunoassay. Immunohistochemical staining of skin biopsy tissues was performed using ERα, ERβ, and CCL5. RESULTS: Men diagnosed with psoriasis showed higher BSA and PASI scores than women. Women aged ≥60 years showed higher BSA and PASI scores than women aged < 60 years. There were no histological differences between the four groups. Serum estrogen levels were higher in the patients presenting with mild psoriasis, as well as in women. ERα, ERβ, and CCL5 showed a stronger staining tendency in patients with more severe psoriasis. CONCLUSION: Gender influences the severity of psoriasis, and estrogen plays an important role. This finding is explained by the fact that estrogen decreases inflammation in psoriasis possibly via its action on estrogen receptors in epidermal keratinocytes.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Biopsy , Body Surface Area , Estrogens , Hyperplasia , Immunohistochemistry , Inflammation , Keratinocytes , Medical Records , Psoriasis , Radioimmunoassay , Receptors, Estrogen , Retrospective Studies , SkinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Skin laser treatment has improved significantly and has become an effective treatment approach for many skin diseases while also having applications for beauty treatments. However, since skin laser transfers energy directly to the skin, the misuse of such treatment may result in permanent damage to skin tissues. OBJECTIVE: This survey of Korean adults, conducted to obtain their perspectives on and their treatment experience with skin laser treatment, will be used to determine the current status of skin laser treatment and to identify necessary changes to ensure proper and safe conduct of skin laser treatment. METHODS: From April 5th to April 12th, 2016, a survey was conducted to obtain information regarding the perspectives and the treatment experience of adults aged 20~59 years. RESULTS: Approximately 50% of the participants had experience with skin laser treatment, and among these, 24.7% had not received treatment at a dermatology clinic. Compared to treatment at a dermatology clinic, the danger of side effects was 1.7 times higher at a non-dermatology clinic, 2 times higher at a skin care shop, and 5.3 times higher at an Oriental medical clinic. Among patients who received skin laser treatment, 16.1% experienced side effects, and among these, 1 out of 4 patients visited a non-dermatologist for treatment of these side effects. CONCLUSION: The results of the survey showed that in order for the public to receive safe and effective skin laser treatment based on professional diagnosis, there is a definitive need to provide correct information to the public and to implement changes to ensure proper understanding of skin laser treatment among this population.