Possible therapeutics for Pseudomyxoma peritonei: a rare, lethal, and the least investigated disease

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) refers to a growth disorder characterized by glycoprotein neoplasm in the peritoneum, where mucin oversecretion occurs. The tumors of the appendix region are well associated with PMP; however, ovarian, colon, stomach, pancreas, and urachus tumors have also been linked to PMP. Other mucinous tumors in the pelvis, paracolic gutters, greater omentum, retrohepatic space, and Treitz ligament can be the reason for PMP. Despite being rare and having a slow growth rate, PMP can be lethal without treatment. It is treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the option of cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. In the current study, we hypothesize that there may be novel gentle ways to inhibit or eliminate the mucin. Dr. David Morris has used mucolytics - such as bromelain and N-acetyl cysteine to solubilize mucin. In the present review, we aimed to study the regulation of mucin expression by promoter methylation, and drugs that can inhibit mucin, such as boldine, amiloride, naltrexone, dexamethasone, and retinoid acid receptors antagonist. This review also explored some possible pathways, such as inhibition of Na + , Ca2+ channels and induction of DNA methyltransferase along with inhibition of ten-eleven translocation enzymes, which can be good targets to control mucin. Mucins are strong adhesive molecules that play great roles in clinging to cells or cell to cell. Besides, they have been greatly involved in metastasis and also act as disease markers for cancers. Diagnostic markers may have exclusive roles in disease initiation and progression. Therefore, the present review explores various drugs to control and target mucin in various diseases, specifically cancers. (AU)

Modern aspects of rosacea therapy

This work is aimed at studying the problems of timely diagnostics and therapy of various forms of rosacea, identifying the factors that influence the compliance, prognosis, and quality of life of the patients, as well as the stages of combination therapy. The efficiency of rosacea therapy is determined by the timely identification of patients, as well as the clinical variety of the disease. Complex therapy of rosacea includes identification of the precipitating factors, basic skincare, and the use of systemic and local pathogenetic preparations. The "Gold Standard" of topical rosacea therapy is the antimicrobial and antiprotozoal drug called metronidazole. An important role in disease therapy is played by active cooperation between the doctor and the patient. Comprehensiveness, timeliness, and rationality of rosacea therapy are defined not only by the mechanisms of the disease development but also by aggravating factors, the need for basic care and photosensitivity of the patients

ROS play an important role in ATPR inducing differentiation and inhibiting proliferation of leukemia cells by regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive and mostly incurable hematological malignancy with frequent relapses after an initial response to standard chemotherapy. Therefore, novel therapies are urgently required to improve AML clinical outcomes. 4-Amino-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl retinate (ATPR), a novel all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) derivative designed and synthesized by our team, has been proven to show biological anti-tumor characteristics in our previous studies. However, its potential effect on leukemia remains unknown. The present research aims to investigate the underlying mechanism of treating leukemia with ATPR in vitro. METHODS: In this study, the AML cell lines NB4 and THP-1 were treated with ATPR. Cell proliferation was analyzed by the CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to measure the cell cycle distribution and cell differentiation. The expression levels of cell cycle and differentiation-related proteins were detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The NBT reduction assay was used to detect cell differentiation. RESULTS: ATPR inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell differentiation and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, ATPR treatment induced a time-dependent release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway was downregulated 24 h after ATPR treatment, which might account for the anti-AML effects of ATPR that result from the ROS-mediated regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations could help to develop new drugs targeting the ROS/PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway for the treatment of AML.

Pharmacological treatment options for acne

Acne vulgaris is a very common condition affecting up of about 80% to 90% of adolescents. The patients with acne have been shown to be adversely impacted by the effect of acne on their quality of life. Four factors are believed to play a key role in the development of acne lesions: excess sebum production, disturbed keratinization within the follicle, colonization of the pilosebaceous duct by Propionibacterium acnes, and the release of inflammatory mediators into the skin. Consequently, the target for acne therapy is these well-known pathogenic factors responsible for this disease state. Topical retinoids correct abnormal keratinization, but it should be applied cautiously because of irritation. Benzoyl peroxide is an effective bactericidal agent against P. acnes. Main topical antibiotics are erythromycin and clindamycin. Fixed combination topical products with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics have been introduced. Use of systemic antibiotics, including tetracyclines and macrolides rapidly improves inflammatory acne lesions. Oral isotretinoin is effective against all of the main pathogenic features of acne but is contraindicated in pregnant women and has been associated with cheilitis and dry skin. Hormonal therapy has been found to improve acne in some selective patients and should be considered for appropriate candidates. This review will present the general aspects of the pharmacological treatments for acne.

Pitiriasis rubra pilaris atípica en pediatría. A propósito de un caso / Atypical pityriasis rubra pilaris in pediatrics. A case report

Resumen Pitiriasis rubra pilaris es una dermatosis eritematoescamosa infrecuente, de etiología desconocida producida por una alteración en la queratinización de la epidermis. Presenta una distribución bimodal con mayor incidencia en la primera y sexta década de vida. Posee una clínica heterogénea clasificada en 6 subtipos según Griffiths, de acuerdo a su presentación clínica y pronóstico. Sus principales hallazgos son pápulas hiperqueratósicas foliculares, queratodermia palmoplantar y placas eritematoesmamosas rojo-anaranjadas que pueden progresar a eritrodermia, con islas de piel sana. En niños las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes son la III y IV de la clasificación de Griffiths, según distintos estudios. La histología no es específica pero apoya el diagnóstico. Existen múltiples opciones terapéuticas según la extensión y severidad del cuadro. Presentamos el caso de un preescolar de 5 años de edad con diagnóstico de PRP atípica asociado a eritema extenso, con buena respuesta a corticoides sistémicos y posteriormente a retinoides tópicos.

Summary Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is an unusual erythematous squamous dermatosis of unknown etiology, caused by an alteration of keratinization in the epidermis. This disease presents a bimodal distribution, being its incidence greater in the first and sixth decade of life. It has a heterogeneous clinical manifestation, and, according to Griffiths, has been classified into 6 subtypes, based on clinical features and prognosis. The typical manifestations of this disease are follicular hyperkeratotic papules, palmoplantar keratoderma and orange-red scaly plaques that can progress to erythroderma, with islands of sparing. According to different studies, the most frequent clinical manifestations in children are type III and IV according to Griffiths classification. Histology is not specific but supports diagnosis. There are multiple therapeutic options, depending on the extension and severity of the disorder. This review presents the case of a 5-year- old child case with a diagnosis of atypical PRP associated with extensive erythema, his response to treatment of systemic corticosteroids and later to topical retinoids being good.

Isotretinoin therapy for acne vulgaris and first episode psychosis in an adolescent patient / Primer episodio psicótico en adolescente con acné vulgar y tratamiento con isotretinoína

ABSTRACT Introduction: Isotretinoin is a member of the retinoid family of drugs, and has been used for the treatment of severe acne. Its use has been associated with various psychiatric and behavioural symptoms. Methodology: A case report and a non-systematic review of the literature are presented. Results: The case concerns a 13 year-old adolescent with insomnia, delusions, and auditory hallucinations, after two months of treatment with isotretinoin. The patient was admitted to hospital, where the use of psychoactive drugs and systemic disease that could explain the psychotic symptoms are ruled out. After two weeks of stopping the isotretinoin and starting with treatment with olanzapine 10 mg per day, there was complete remission of the psychotic symptoms. Discussion: On the onset of psychotic symptoms in an adolescent with no prior personal or family history of mental illness, the diagnosis of a secondary psychosis needs to be considered. Conclusion: Clinicians would benefit from knowing the psychiatric symptoms that could be associated with the use of this drug, as well as its suspension and specific treatment for emerging psychotic illness.

RESUMEN Introducción: La Isotreitonina, un medicamento de la familia de los retinoides ha sido utilizada para el tratamiento del acné severo. Su uso ha sido asociado con diversos síntomas psiquiátricos de tipo afectivo, psicótico y comportamental. Metodología: Reporte de caso y revisión no sistemática de la literatura relevante. Resultados: Hombre adolescente de 13 anos con insomnio, ideas delirantes, alucinaciones auditivas, luego de dos meses de tratamiento con isotretinoina. El paciente es hospital izado, se descartó el consumo de drogas psicoactivas y enfermedad sistémica que explicaran los síntomas psicóticos. Luego de dos semanas de suspender la isotretinoina y recibir tratamiento con olanzapina 10 mg al día remitieron los síntomas psicóticos. Discusión: El inicio de síntomas psicóticos en un adolescente sin antecedentes personales ni familiares de enfermedad mental exige considerar el diagnósitico de psicosis secundaria. Los clínicos se benefician de conocer los síntomas psiquiátricos que se pueden asociar con este medicamento, considerar la suspensión y el tratamiento específico para la psicopatología emergente.

Lung Regeneration Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 결핵및호흡기질환

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a critical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Although several medications are available, there are no definite treatments. However, recent advances in the understanding of stem and progenitor cells in the lung, and molecular changes during re-alveolization after pneumonectomy, have made it possible to envisage the regeneration of damaged lungs. With this background, numerous studies of stem cells and various stimulatory molecules have been undertaken, to try and regenerate destroyed lungs in animal models of COPD. Both the cell and drug therapies show promising results. However, in contrast to the successes in laboratories, no clinical trials have exhibited satisfactory efficacy, although they were generally safe and tolerable. In this article, we review the previous experimental and clinical trials, and summarize the recent advances in lung regeneration therapy for COPD. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitations and future perspectives of this emerging field.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Systemic Antibiotics and Systemic Retinoids in Hidradenitis Suppurativa / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease showing recurrent painful nodules and abscesses. Many treatment modalities, such as topical antibiotics, systemic antibiotics, retinoids, immunomodulators, biologics, and surgical treatment are used to treat the disease, but there is no single effective treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa. OBJECTIVE: We conducted this study to compare the clinical outcomes of treatment with systemic antibiotics and systemic retinoids. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical features, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa and compared the clinical outcomes of treatment modalities. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients were enrolled. Male patients were predominant, and the mean age was 28.1 years. Buttock (42.0%) was the most commonly affected site and 63 patients (81.8%) had lesions at Hurley stage I. Forty-eight patients (62.3%) were treated with systemic antibiotics and 29 (37.7%) with systemic retinoid. Seventy-one patients (92.2%) showed improvement after a mean treatment duration of 8.3 weeks, and 69 (89.6%) experienced recurrence after improvement. Systemic antibiotics showed a relatively high improvement rate, short mean treatment duration, and low recurrence rate compared with systemic retinoids, but the differences were not statistically significant. Among systemic antibiotics, both tetracycline and macrolide showed good therapeutic effects for HS, but the differences were also not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In this study, systemic antibiotics were associated with superior treatment outcomes compared to systemic retinoids, though without statistical significance. In the case of mild lesions, treatment with systemic retinoids appears to show comparable effectiveness to systemic antibiotics.

Genetic Risk Factors for Psoriasis in Turkish Population: -1540 C/A, -1512 Ins18, and +405 C/G Polymorphisms within the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) as a potent mediator of angiogenesis and inflammation in psoriasis has revealed variations in this gene as surrogate markers of psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: VEGFA gene polymorphisms (-1540 C/A, -1512 Ins18, -460 T/C, and +405 C/G) in psoriasis susceptibility in Turkish population were investigated. METHODS: A total of 200 age, sex and ethnicity-matched psoriatic and healthy individuals were examined for clinical type, response to therapy, serum VEGFA and its receptor levels, genotypes and haplotypes. RESULTS: The +405 GG, +405 CG, -1540 CA, and -1512 +Ins18 genotypes conferred a significant risk for developing psoriasis. The C-InsTC haplotype in the controls and C+InsTG, A+InsTC, and A-InsTG haplotypes in psoriatic patients were observed to be significantly high. Increased serum levels of VEGFA were detected in psoriatic patients with the C-InsTC haplotype than that in the controls. The +405 GG genotype was significantly more frequent in psoriatic patients with a positive family history, and the moderate form of psoriasis was more frequent among C+InsTG haplotype carriers than that among the other patients. The +405 GG genotype was found to be more frequent in patients responding to oral retinoids. Serum VEGFR1/FLT1 and VEGFR2/KDR levels were not significantly different when psoriatic patients and controls were stratified based on the risk polymorphic variants. CONCLUSION: VEGFA gene +405 GG and CG, -1512+Ins18, and -1540 CA genotypes are associated with an increased risk of psoriasis in Turkish population. The G allele at +405 and an 18-bp insertion at -1512 are primarily the risk factors for psoriasis, and this risk is potentiated by the presence of the A allele at the -1540 locus.

Advances in phototherapy for psoriasis.

Ultraviolet light has a wide spectrum of effects on human skin depending on the wavelength. Ultraviolet light often used for therapy of psoriasis comprises of electromagnetic spectrum ranging from 200nm – 400nm. Phototherapy of psoriasis is frequently used in combination regimens to achieve higher clearance rates, longer disease-free intervals, and to reduce the patient`s cumulative radiation dose thereby lowering the carcinogenic risk. Phototherapy may be combined with topical or systemic agents. Topical agents most commonly used are anthralin, tar, vitamin D analogues and tazarotene. Among systemic agents, retinoids are the most widely used. Ultraviolet B wavelengths in the range of 300-313nm is more efficacious than conventional broad-band UV-B [Philips TL 40W/12 lamp] and causes greater remission of psoriatic lesions. 311nm narrow-band UV-B (TL-01) phototherapy is more effective and probably has no greater risk than conventional UV-B (TL-12) phototherapy in the treatment of psoriasis.

Lung Retinoid Metabolism and Signaling in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

There are a number of sites that are required for the production and/or action of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). In particular, interruption of different components of the chain of trafficking and metabolism has been associated with cancers arising in numerous organs of the body. Preliminary work suggests that such interruptions may be a factor in lung disorders induced by the smoke exposure. The active metabolite of retinoid, ATRA offers a therapeutic strategy to protect against functional abnormality in the lung, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review deals with the lung retinoid metabolism and mediators of retinoid trafficking and signaling with special emphasis on their roles in health and disease.

Abordagem cirúrgica de faixas constritivas em Síndrome de Vohwinkel / Surgical correction of constrictive bands in Vohwinkel syndrome

A Síndrome de Vohwinkel ou ceratodermia hereditária mutilante é uma ceratodermia palmoplantar rara, que se manifesta na infância e se torna mais evidente nas fases de adolescência e idade adulta. Doença de herança preferencialmente autossômica dominante, acomete mais mulheres e caucasianos. A hiperceratose palmoplantar difusa, com aparência de favo de mel; as faixas constritivas digitais conhecidas como pseudoainhum, e as placas ceratósicas em forma de estrela-do-mar no dorso de mãos e pés, podendo acometer cotovelos e joelhos, são os achados clínicos característicos da Síndrome. O presente trabalho trata de um relato de caso de uma paciente com Síndrome de Vohwinkel e a terapêutica cirúrgica realizada nas faixas constritivas.

Vohwinkel syndrome, also known as hereditary mutilating keratoderma, is a rare palmoplantar keratoderma that manifests in childhood and becomes more evident in adolescence and adulthood. This preferential autosomal dominant disease affects more women and Caucasians. Its clinical features are diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with the appearance of honeycomblike constricting rings in the fingers and toes known as pseudo-ainhum, and starfish-shaped keratotic plaques on the dorsal aspect of the hands and feet that can affect the elbows and knees. The present report describes a case report of a patient with Vohwinkel syndrome and surgical correction of the constrictive bands.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and their management strategies.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) comprise a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by the proliferation of skin-homing post-thymic T-cells. It is the second most common extranodal non-Hodgekin's lymphoma. Many variants of mycosis fungoides and CTCLs are known to date, differing in clinical, histological, and immunophenotypic characteristics. Oral involvement has also been reported rarely in CTCLs. Treatment depends on the disease stage or the type of variant. New insights into the disease and the number of emerging novel therapeutic options have made it an interesting area for dermatologists and medical oncologists.

Tratamento cirúrgico da paquidermoperiostose primária - relato de dois casos / Surgical Treatment of Primary Pachydermoperiostosis: Report of Two Cases / Surgical Treatment of Primary Pachydermoperiostosis: Report of Two Cases

A paquidermoperiostose primária é uma doença rara, caracterizada por aposição excessiva do periósteo do crânio, coexistindo com espessamento da epiderme e derme (paquidermia), provocando deformidades grosseiras. Devido à diversidade de estruturas acometidas, há várias opções cirúrgicas e métodos complementares que são utilizados no tratamento das alterações faciais desses pacientes. Esse trabalho apresenta o lifting subperiosteal como uma opção de tratamento estético para a face de pacientes portadores dessa síndrome, através do relato de dois casos operados no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.

Primary pachydermoperiostosis is a rare disease characterized by excessive skull affixing of the periosteum, coexisting with thickening of the epidermis and dermis (pachydermia), thereby causing gross deformities. Owing to the variety of affected structures, there are several surgical options and complementary methods that are used in the treatment of facial alterations in these patients. This report describes the use of subperiosteal detachment as an aesthetic treatment option for the faces of two patients with primary pachydermoperiostosis, operated at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

Lípidos séricos y enzimas hepáticas en pacientes tratados con isotretinoína oral / Seric lipids and hepatic enzymes in patients treated with oral isotretinoin

La isotretinoína es un retinoide empleado en el tratamiento del acné. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar colesterol, triglicéridos, transaminasa glutámico oxalacética, transaminasa glutámico pirúvica y fosfatasa alcalina, pretratamiento, trimestralmente durante el tratamiento y postratamiento en pacientes tratados con isotretinoína oral procedentes de consultas dermatológicas del Estado Carabobo. La edad Promedio de la muestra estudiada fue (19,4 ± 4,7 años), los valores de colesterol mostraron variación estadísticamente significativa para el primer trimestre (P=0,044), Los triglicéridos se incrementaron en el segundo trimestre (P=0,036) para ambos géneros, mientras que para el tercer trimestre solo el género masculino experimentó incremento. Transaminasa glutámico oxalacético en el primer trimestre se incrementó en el género femenino, sin embargo, no fue estadísticamente significativo. En los demás trimetres los valores de las enzimas hepáticas no superaron los valores de referencia. No se evidencian diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los niveles del pretratamiento y postratamiento. Es recomendable monitorear los lípidos séricos y transaminasas durante el primer trimestre de tratamiento aunque los cambios observados fueron discretos en la mayoría de los pacientes

Isotretinoin is a retinoid used to treat acne. The aim of this sindy was to determine cholesterol, triglyceride, seric glutami oxalacetic transaminase, seric glutami pyruvic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase pretreatment, quarterly during treatment and post-treatment in patients treated with oral isotretinoin dermatological consultations from Carabobo State. The overage age of the sample was (19.4 ± 4.7 years), cholesterol values showed statistically significant variation in the first quarter (P=0.044). Triglycerides increased in the second quarter (P=0.036) for both genders, while for the third quarter only increase in male. Seric glutami oxalacetic transaminase in the first quarter increased in females, but was not statistically significant. In other quarters the liver enzyme values did not exceed reference values. No statistically significant differences are evident between the levels of pretreatment and postreatment. It is advisable to monitor serum lipids and transaminases during the first quarter of treatment although the observed changes were discrete in most patients

Retinoids for prevention and treatment of actinic keratosis / Retinoides para a prevencao e tratamento das queratoses actinicas

Actinic keratosis is a common cause of dermatological consultations and it presents a strong association with squamous cell carcinoma. Many substances are used for treatment and prevention, such as retinoids. Nevertheless, many studies on retinoids emphasize their application in treating and preventing non melanoma skin cancers. In this article, we reviewed studies about systemic and topical retinoids used with immunocompetent patients and organ transplant recipients with actinic keratosis, as primary or secondary outcomes. The majority of these papers pointed to a reduction in actinic keratosis count after treatment with retinoids. However, studies need to be better-defined in order to address the lack of a standardized dose, the absence of control groups, the low number of patients and short follow-up periods. Blind, randomized and controlled clinical trials with adequate sample sizes, specifically focused on actinic keratosis, are needed to clarify the real benefit of topical and/or oral retinoids. Comparison of efficacy and safety between oral and topical retinoids in the prevention and treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers and actinic keratosis is an essential pre requisite to establish new strategies to control these conditions. .

A queratose actínica é uma causa comum de consultas dermatológicas e apresenta forte associação com o carcinoma espinocelular. Muitas substâncias são utilizadas para seu tratamento e prevenção, assim como os retinoides. Entretanto, muitos estudos sobre retinoides salientam seu uso no tratamento e prevenção de cânceres de pele não melanoma. Neste artigo, nós revisamos estudos que avaliam o uso dos retinoides sistêmicos e tópicos para pacientes imunocompetentes e imunossuprimidos com queratoses actínicas, como desfechos primários e secundários. A maioria destes estudos mostra redução na contagem das queratoses actínicas após o tratamento com retinóides. Além disso, ajustes no delineamento dos estudos deveriam ser feitos quanto à falta de padronização da dose, ausência de grupos controle, número pequeno de pacientes e tempo curto de seguimento. Ensaios clínicos cegos, randomizados e controlados com tamanho amostral adequado tendo como alvo específico as queratoses actínicas são necessários para esclarecer o real benefício dos retinoides tópicos e/ou orais. A comparação da eficácia e segurança entre os retinoides orais e tópicos na prevenção e tratamento dos cânceres de pele não melanoma e queratoses actínicas é um pré-requisito essencial para o estabelecimento de novas estratégias para o controle destas condições.

Evidence on acne therapy / Evidencias sobre o tratamento da acne

Among the current treatments available for acne vulgaris, many widely practiced options lack support from studies at the best level of scientific evidence. The aim of this narrative review was to present the very latest information on topical and systemic treatments for acne vulgaris. Information from systematic reviews and well-designed clinical trials, obtained through a systematic search of the major medical databases, is emphasized. There are important issues regarding the clinical management of acne that still lack consistent grounding in scientific evidence. Among these are the optimum dose and duration of treatment with oral antibiotics that can be given without inducing bacterial resistance, and the safety of oral isotretinoin.

Na terapêutica atual da acne vulgar, muitas opções amplamente praticadas carecem de respaldo em estudos de melhor nível de evidência científica. O objetivo desta revisão narrativa é apresentar o que há de mais recente no tratamento tópico e sistêmico da acne vulgar. São enfatizadas as informações de revisões sistemáticas e de ensaios clínicos com bom desenho metodológico, obtidas a partir de busca sistematizada nas principais bases de dados em medicina. Há importantes questões referentes à conduta clínica diante da acne que ainda requerem embasamento em evidências científicas consistentes, entre elas a dose e a duração ideais do tratamento com antibióticos orais, sem que ocorra indução de resistência bacteriana, e a segurança da isotretinoína oral.

Expression and significance of retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t and 4-1BB/4-1BBL in oral lichen planus / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of the peripheral blood retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORgamma t) and 4-1BB/4-1BBL mRNA in oral lichen planus (OLP) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression levels of peripheral blood' RORyt mRNA and 4-1BB/4-1BBL mRNA of 30 samples of OLP patients and 30 cases of healthy human were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) technology.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the OLP group, the expression level of RORgamma t, 4-1BB, 4-1BBL mRNA were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After the conversion of the 2-delta delta CT, the expression levels of three kinds of mRNA in the OLP group were 3.087, 3.320 and 4.005 times of the control group respectively. In the OLP group, the expression levels of RORgamma t mRNA and 4-1BB mRNA had no obvious correlation (P > 0.05), the expression levels of 4-1BB and 4-1BBL mRNA had a positive correlation (r = 0.455 0, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The abnormal expression of RORyt, 4-1BB and 4-1BBL mRNA may play certain roles in the pathogenesis of OLP.</p>

The Effect of Metformin Treatment on CRBP-I Level and Cancer Development in the Liver of HBx Transgenic Mice

Retinoids regulate not only various cell functions including proliferation and differentiation but also glucose and lipid metabolism. After we observed a marked up-regulation of cellular retinol-binding protein-I (CRBP-I) in the liver of hepatitis B virus x antigen (HBx)-transgenic (HBx Tg) mice which are prone to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and fatty liver, we aimed to evaluate retinoid pathway, including genes for the retinoid physiology, CRBP-I protein expression, and retinoid levels, in the liver of HBx Tg mice. We also assessed the effect of chronic metformin treatment on HCC development in the mice. Many genes involved in hepatic retinoid physiology, including CRBP-I, were altered and the tissue levels of retinol and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) were elevated in the liver of HBx Tg mice compared to those of wild type (WT) control mice. CRBP-I protein expression in liver, but not in white adipose tissue, of HBx Tg mice was significantly elevated compared to WT control mice while CRBP-I protein expressions in the liver and WAT of high-fat fed obese and db/db mice were comparable to WT control mice. Chronic treatment of HBx Tg mice with metformin did not affect the incidence of HCC, but slightly increased hepatic CRBP-I level. In conclusion, hepatic CRBP-I level was markedly up-regulated in HCC-prone HBx Tg mice and neither hepatic CRBP-I nor the development of HCC was suppressed by metformin treatment.