Expression of Sodium-dependent Vitamin C Transporter in Rat Dermal Fibroblasts / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is one of the most typical types of water-soluble antioxidants that exerts a variety of biochemical actions on a living body. It acts on the skin by promoting wound healing, preventing skin aging, and inhibiting skin cancer. It also works not only as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from UV radiation but also as an anti-inflammatory agent. It reinforces immunity as well. Recent studies proved the whitening effect of vitamin C, and it can be instilled into the skin by way of iontophoresis. When vitamin C is transported in vivo it is either by simple diffusion or by a transporter. Only a small amount is transported by simple diffusion and the transporter is responsible for most of the vitamin C transport. This study was designed to evaluate the presence of sodium dependent vitamin C transporter (SVCT) and to identify which factor controls its expression. METHODS: Expressions of SVCT 1 and 2 mRNA in the rats' dermal fibroblast were measured by RT-PCR at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. RESULTS: The results were used to compare the expression levels of SVCT-1 and SVCT-2 when treated with TGF-beta, estradiol, and retinoic acid. Estradiol showed the highest level of expression of SVCT-1 and SVCT-2. The next highest was TGF-beta, followed by retinoic acid. CONCLUSION: SVCT-1 and SVCT-2 were found to be expressed in the rats' dermal fibroblasts, and exposure to estradiol, TGF-beta and retinoic acid resulted in a higher degree of their expression.

A Case of Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis / 대한피부과학회지

Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis is caused by the external inoculation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the skin of a person who already has a significant degree of cell mediated immunity to this organism. This form of cutaneous tuberculosis is less common. A 29-year-old male had a solitary adult palm sized, verrucous surfaced scaly plaque for about 10 years. The lesion was excised about 10 years ago but gradually increased in size. At first we suspected a deep mycosis and treated him with anti-fungal medication for 3 months. However, the skin lesion did not improve. He was then treated with anti-tuberculosis medication for 9 months under the impression of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis. The skin lesion was almost healed and no recurrence has been observed for 8 months after the treatment.

Two Cases of Pityriasis Versicolor on the Scalp in the Course of Treatment for Alopecia Totalis / 대한의진균학회지

No available abstract.

Blood Levels of Iron in Korean Patients with Female Diffuse Hair Loss / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Female diffuse hair loss is a common baldness with a multifactorial origin. In recent studies, it has been suggested that reduced or depleted iron stores are a cause of female diffuse hair loss. OBJECTIVE: We performed this study in order to elucidate the pathogenesis of female diffuse hair loss and to evaluate the differences in serurn iron levels between normal females and those with diffuse hair loss in Korea. METHODS: Blood levels of hemoglobin, iron, TIBC, ferritin, testosterone, thyroid function, ANA and Zn were examined in 30 patients with female diffuse hair loss and 20 normal females. RESULTS: 1) Serum Zn, testosterone, T4, TSH of the patient group were not statistically significant compared to those of the control group (p>0.05). 2) TIBC values were significantly increased, but serum ferritin levels were signifieantly decreased in the patient group (p0.05). 3) No significant differences between clinical severity and the values of serum Zn, testosterone, T4, TSH, TIBC, serum femtin, hemoglobin and serum iron were observed (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that the variations of TIBC, serum femtin levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of female diffuse hair loss, but further studies will be needed for evaluation of this condition.

A Case of Maffucci's Syndrome Associated with Spindle-cell Hemangioendothelioma

A case of a 21-year old female with Maffucci's syndrome is presented where the patient developed multiple cutaneous spindle-cell hemangioendotheliomas. She had multiple pea to walnut sized, non-tender, normal skin colored or slight bluish nodules and bony mass-like lesions on the left upper extremity and hand. A histological examination of the lesions showed that they were composed of irregularly dilated, thin walled cavernous blood spaces containing phleboliths and collapsed vascular spaces separated by spindled fibroblastic cells. Radiologically, the bony lesions showed radiolucent densities with calcified spots within the second proximal phalanx and metacarpal bone of the left hand, which were consistent with enchondromas.

A Case of Sarcoidosis with Diabetes Inspidus / 대한피부과학회지

Sarcoidosis, a multisystemic disease of unknown cause characterized by the formation of noncaseat,ing granulomas, may involve any organ of the body. The most common sites of predilection are the lungs, lymph nodes, skin and eyes. Cutaneous sarcoidosis is seen in approximately 20-35% of patients with systcmic disease. Involvement of the central nervous system with sarcoidosis is relatively uncommon with an estimated incidence of only 3.5-5.0%. A 57-year-old male had been admitted to Department of Internal Medicine due to weight loss, polydipsia, polyuria, visual disturbance and bilateral hilar enlargement. He was diagnosed as sarcoidosis with diabetes inspidus by mediastinoscopic biopsy and a water deprivation test. On his first visit to dermatology he had several well-demarcated smooth-surfaced erythematous plaques on his forehead which had been there for 7 months. Histopathologically, many noncaseating epithelioid tubercles which are characteristic findings of sarcoidosis, were found in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. We treated him with predniscilone 40 mg daily for 3 months and skin lesions markedly improved.

A Case of Sebaceous Carcinoma Developed in a Scapular Area / 대한피부과학회지

Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare malignant appendageal tumor of the skin and is usually located on the meibomian glands if the eyelid. We present a case of sebaceous carcinoma developed in a scapulir area. A 77-year old male had been suffering from a 3x2.5 cm sized ulcerated mass with an indurated margin an the left scapular area for 10 years. Histopathologirally, irregular, lobular formations were composed of sebaceous and undifferentiated cells showing considerable variation in the shape and size of their nuclei. We removed the lesion by surgical excision and could not find any recurrence for 30 months.