Protective effect of ethyl acetate extract of Ishige okamurae against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in rats / 대한수의학회지

Several compounds and extracts isolated from a brown alga, Ishige (I.) okamurae, exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study investigated whether the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of I. okamurae (EFIO) could ameliorate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered with EFIO at 10 or 50 mg/kg per day for 2 consecutive days before CCl4 injection (3.3 mL/kg, i.p.). Twenty four hours later, the rats were anesthesized with diethyl ether and dissected. Pretreatment with EFIO significantly reduced the increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in CCl4-treated rats. Pretreatment with EFIO also significantly inhibited the reduced activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the CCl4-injured liver. Histopathological evaluations showed that hemorrhage, hepatocyte necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fatty degeneration induced by CCl4 treatment were ameliorated by the administration of EFIO. Additionally, liver immunohistochemical analyses revealed the marked reduction in ED1-positive monocyte-like macrophages in EFIO-pretreated rats given CCl4. These results suggest that EFIO ameliorates CCl4-induced liver injury, possibly through the inhibition of oxidative stress.

A Case of an Unusual Eccrine Poroma on the Left Forearm Area

A 40-year-old woman presented with an asymptomatic red to brown colored walnut-sized, dome shaped, hemorrhagic, crusted nodule on the left forearm. There was no previous history of trauma to the area. The first impression of this case was a vascular tumor or malignant lesion due to the large size and bleeding tendency. However, the final diagnosis, according to histologic and immunostaining methods, was a benign eccrine poroma that occurred on the left forearm, which is an unusual area for such a lesion. The tumor was excised and no recurrence was noted when she was examined 24 months later.

A Case of Tinea Scroti / 대한의진균학회지

Tinea cruris is a superficial dermatophyte infection of the groin. It is the second most common dermatophytosis. Scrotal dermatophystosis develops in low frequency in spite of extensive infection in nearby sites such as groin and thigh. The lesions are usually finely scaly and faint erythematous patch. In our case, the patient presented with erythematous lichenified plaques on the scrotum and groin. It was definitely diagnosed as dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum. Although scrotal fungal infection is rare, dermatophyte infection should be suspected in cases with scaly lesions on the scrotum.

A Case of Pyoderma Gangrenosum Treated by Combination Therapy with Oral Cyclosporin and Platelet Rich Plasma / 대한피부과학회지

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon, chronic, neutrophilic ulcerative condition of uncertain pathophysiology. Although the main therapy is the systemic administration of high doses of steroid therapy, many other therapeutic modalities have been widely used. Combination therapy with systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporin has proven effective in many cases. However, prolonged therapy is associated with significant side effects. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has many growth factors such as PDGF (platelet derived growth factor), VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) and FGF (fibroblast growth factor). Recently, PRP has been gaining attention in the treatment of recalcitrant cutaneous ulcers. An 82-year-old woman presented with recurrent painful ulcers on the dorsal surface of both hands. She had been treated with systemic steroids, cyclosporine, minocylclin, triamcinolone intradermal injection and PRP. Thus, we report a case of pyoderma gangrenosum that was successfully treated with combination therapy of oral cyclosporine and PRP.

The Treatment Effects of Ultrasonic Surgical Aspiration for Axillary Osmidrosis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Axillary osmidrosis is a distressing and uncomfortable condition that can be a serious handicap in a person's personal and social life. There are many different surgical methods to treat axillary osmidrosis. However, they have caused frequently marked complications. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasonic surgical aspiration for the treatment of axillary osmidrosis. METHODS: From January 2007 to September 2008, a total of 62 patients was treated for axillary osmidrosis using ultrasonic surgical aspiration. RESULTS: Fifty-three (85.4%) patients had excellent to good results. Postoperative complications were seen in 5 (4.1%) patients out of 124 axillae. All of them were hematoma. The axillary scars are small and nearly negligible. The average recovery period was 5 days. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic surgical aspiration displayed satisfactory therapeutic efficacy. This operation has many advantages with a high success rate, small and short scars, a low complication rate and a rapid recovery period.

A Case of Cutaneous Metastasis of Cholangiocarcinoma-like Ulcerative Nodule on the Scalp / 대한피부과학회지

Cholangiocarcinoma frequently metastasizes to several internal organs but rarely to the skin. We report a case of a cutaneous metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma in a 59-year-old female who had asymptomatic, firm, ulcerative nodules and papules on the scalp. She had been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma 3 years earlier, and histopathologic examination of the cutaneous lesion showed well differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma.

A Case of Photoallergic Dermatitis due to Fluorescein / 대한피부과학회지

Fluorescein has been used for decades in ophthalmology for fluorescence angiography and it is the only fluorophore routinely used in experimental dermatology for in vivo study of the skin. It absorbs blue light, with peak absorption and excitation wavelengths between 465 and 490 nm and fluoresces at yellow-green wavelengths of 520~530 nm. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, and other adverse events such as a vasovagal response, cardiac or respiratory effects, neurologic manifestations or allergy, including anaphylaxis, were also reported. But a photosensitive reaction to fluorescein is very rare. We report here on a case of photoallergic dermatitis due to fluorescein after fluorescence angiography.

A Case of Diffuse Neurofibroma with Hair / 대한피부과학회지

Diffuse neurofibroma is an uncommon subtype of neurofibroma that occurs principally in children and young adults. It is most common in the head and neck region and appears clinically as a plaque-like elevation of the skin. A 3-year-old girl presented to our hospital with a complaint of skin-colored elevated plaques with hair on her lower back since birth. An ultrasonogram showed several 5~10 mm sized subcutaneous hypoechoic nodules with increased vascularity. The histopathologic examination revealed ill-defined, uncapsulated infiltrative, spindle shaped cells within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Immunohistochemical examination with antibodies to S-100 protein showed positive. We report a rare case of diffuse neurofibroma with hair.

A Case of Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Silmazine(R) Cream / 대한피부과학회지

Silmazine(R) cream is an antibiotic agent widely used in burn therapy. It consists of Propylene glycol, Stearyl alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Sorbitan mono-oleate, Methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, Polyoxyl 40 stearate and varseline. A 24-year- old female presented with well-demarcated erythematous papules and vesicles with an itching sensation on the dorsal area of her right hand. She had applied Silmazine(R) cream on the dorsal area of her right handfor 4 days and the skin lesion became aggravated. A patch test with Silmazine(R) cream 'as is' showed a positive reaction and propylene glycol and stearyl alcohol, ingredients in Silmazine(R) cream, revealed a positive reaction. These two agents are known as weak sensitizers that can produce allergic contact dermatitis. There are some reports of allergic contact dermatitis from propylene glycol and stearyl alcohol used topically. As far as we know, there are no reports of allergic contact dermatitis from propylene glycol and stearyl alcohol in the Silmazine(R) cream (Silver sulfadiazine) that is commonly used as topical antibiotic medication for burns. We report this rare case of allergic contact dermatitis from propylene glycol and stearyl alcohol in Silmazine(R) cream (Silver sulfadiazine).

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis Induced by Itraconazole / 대한피부과학회지

A 40-year-old male had a history of tinea pedis, which had been treated with itraconazole. One week later fever and pruritic, multiple, symmetric, erythematous papules developed, some of which became confluent, producing plaques on his face, trunk, and limbs. The skin biopsy showed subcorneal and spongiform pustules. One month later we had patch tests with itraconazole and other drugs. The result of the patch test using itraconazole was a (++) reaction that showed erythematous macules, papulovesicles and patch (after 48 hours). So, we report here a rare case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) that manifests as generalized erythema, erythema multiforme and amicrobial pustules with fever due to itraconazole.

Expression of Apoptosis Related Genes from HaCaT Cell after UVB Irradiation / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a major harmful environmental factor causing cutaneous changes such as sunburn, skin aging and skin cancer. Excessive UVB irradiation induces apoptosis of keratinocytes through several molecular pathways. However, the precise molecular mechanisms have been underinvestigated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate expression levels of apoptosis-related genes in UVB- irradiated HaCaT ketratinocyte cell lines. METHODS: Cells were irradiated by UVB at various doses (0, 100, 200 and 400 mJ/cm2). Expression levels of caspases, Bax, Bcl2, and Bcl-XL were confirmed by RT-PCR analysis and western blotting. RESULTS: Expression of cytochrome C was increased followed by activation of caspase-3, 8 and 9 in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Furthermore, the expression of Bcl-XL was decreased from UVB 200 mJ/cm2 and Bcl2 was decreased weakly from UVB 400 mJ/cm2, implying that the expression of Bcl-XL is more sensitive to UVB. Interestingly, the down-regulation of Bcl-XL may be mediated by proteasome dependent pathways. CONCLUSION: Excessive UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells undergo apoptotic cell death following activation of caspases; degradation of Bcl-XL is particularly sensitive to UVB.

Expression of Apoptosis Related Genes from HaCaT Cell after UVB Irradiation / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a major harmful environmental factor causing cutaneous changes such as sunburn, skin aging and skin cancer. Excessive UVB irradiation induces apoptosis of keratinocytes through several molecular pathways. However, the precise molecular mechanisms have been underinvestigated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate expression levels of apoptosis-related genes in UVB- irradiated HaCaT ketratinocyte cell lines. METHODS: Cells were irradiated by UVB at various doses (0, 100, 200 and 400 mJ/cm2). Expression levels of caspases, Bax, Bcl2, and Bcl-XL were confirmed by RT-PCR analysis and western blotting. RESULTS: Expression of cytochrome C was increased followed by activation of caspase-3, 8 and 9 in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Furthermore, the expression of Bcl-XL was decreased from UVB 200 mJ/cm2 and Bcl2 was decreased weakly from UVB 400 mJ/cm2, implying that the expression of Bcl-XL is more sensitive to UVB. Interestingly, the down-regulation of Bcl-XL may be mediated by proteasome dependent pathways. CONCLUSION: Excessive UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells undergo apoptotic cell death following activation of caspases; degradation of Bcl-XL is particularly sensitive to UVB.

A Case of Deep Candidiasis Presenting with Verrucous Plaque and Ulcer / 대한피부과학회지

The infections by the Candida species are superficial in most cases. Deep-seated ulcer due to Candida species usually occurs in immunocompromised or immunodeficiency patients and it is often misdiagnosed as neoplasm or pyoderma gangrenosum. A 72-year-old man presented with a verrucous plaque and ulcer on the both wrists and he'd had these lesions for several years. He had been previously treated at a private clinic with anti-diabetics and topical steroid cream to cure the verrucous lesion. The smear and fungal culture revealed Candidia species and this was identified as Candida albicans. The skin biopsies taken from both wrists revealed yeast cells and pseudohyphae in the dermis. Complete healing was obtained with administering fluconazole 100 mg twice daily for 10 days, followed by itraconazole1 200 mg, twice daily for 14 days. We report here on a rare case of dermal candidiasis that presented as verrucous plaque and deep ulcer in a diabetic patient.

A Case of Dermatophytosis of Trichophyton rubrum Developed on the Scalp and Trunk in an Adult by the Molecular Biologically Same Strain / 대한피부과학회지

The disease of tinea capitis rarely occurs in adults. Cases infected by Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) in the scalp of adults are especially rare. A 71 year-old woman presented who developed inflammatory scaly, erythematous papules and sparsely hairy patch on Rt. Side of scalp and scaly, erythematous patch with central clearing on lower abdomen and trunk. According to her history she had tinea pedis et unguium for a long time. The pruritic scaly patch had developed on scalp and trunk one week previously. We found ectothrix using KOH mount on her hair and hyphae on her toenail, toeweb, palm and trunk. T. rubrum was cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. A biopsy was performed on the sparsely hairy patch and we found infiltration of inflammatory cells in upper dermis and around hair follicle. Furthermore T. rubrum, which were cultured from several parts of body, were confirmed the same strain by analysis of DNA sequencing and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) nontranscribed spacer. Herein we proved a rare case of dermatophytosis in adult by the same strain, T. rubrum, identified by analysis of DNA sequencing and rDNA nontranscribed spacer, causing tinea capitis as well as tinea pedis and tinea corporis. We think that this will be useful basic data of epidemiologic study and classification of dermatophytes.

Two Cases of Dermatomyositis Associated with Malignant Tumor / 대한피부과학회지

Dematomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by specific skin manifestations and progressive symmetric proximal muscle weakness. Importantly, dermatomyositis is occasionally associated with the internal malignant tumor, which is clearly correlated with poor prognosis. We report two cases of dermatomyositis, showing characteristic skin lesions, that associated with small cell lung cancer in a 64-year old man and gallbladder cancer in a 54-year old man, respectively. On laboratory findings muscle enzymes and liver function markers were elevated prominently. We tried to treat these patients with systemic corticosteroid and chemotherapy. The patient with small cell lung cancer died of SAH due to head trauma and in the case of the patient with gallbladder cancer, the symptoms of the muscle weakness and the skin lesions are getting better and worse repeatedly fluctuating and regular periodic follow up is required.

Immunoreactivity of Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 in Dorsal Root Ganglia in the Rat / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Somatostatin has been suggested to play a role in the transmission of neurotransmitters and in the modulation of pain. Of the different subtypes of somatostatin receptors 2, sstr2A and sstr2B are important in the modulation and transmission of pain. The present study was carried out to investigate sstr2 immunoreactivity in rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells at the L4-L6 levels of the spinal cord of 10 rats (Sprague-Dawley, 200-250 g) were examined for sstr2 by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In the control group, sstr2A immunoreactivity was strongly positive in the dense network within laminae I and II of the dorsal horn at spinal levels (L4-L6). In contrast to sstr2A, sstr2B immunoreactivity was observed throughout laminae III-VI. In the DRG, sstr2A and sstr2B immunoreactivities were mainly found in medium-sized neurons. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of sstr2A immunoreactive cells among sstr2 in the dorsal root ganglia (L4-6) resembles that of somatostatin. Incontrast to sstr2A, sstr2B immunoreactivity showed a different distribution. The presence of sstr2A at laminae I and II, and sstr2B at laminae III-VI of the dorsal horn may modulate sensory functions at these different regions of the spinal cord. Considering different actions according to the receptors of the neurotransmitter, the functions of the isoforms of sstr2 appear variable in terms of modulating and transmitting pain.