The Expression of Epidermal Stem Cell Marker and SIRT1 in Atopic Dermatitis: A Discussion of Regenerative Potential

No abstract available.

Interactive Roles of Activin A in Epidermal Regeneration

No abstract available.

Decreased Galectin-3 and -7 Expressions in Old-Aged Skin and Their Differential Expression in Skin Equivalents

No abstract available.

The Effects of the 3-OH Group of Kaempferol on Interfollicular Epidermal Stem Cell Fate

BACKGROUND: Kaempferol (3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid known to have a wide range of pharmacological activities. The 3-OH group in flavonoids has been reported to determine antioxidant activities. OBJECTIVE: We tested whether kaempferol can affect the expression of integrins and the stem cell fate of interfollicular epidermal stem cells. METHODS: Skin equivalent (SE) models were constructed, and the expression levels of stem cell markers and basement membrane-related antigens were tested. The immunohistochemical staining patterns of integrins, p63, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were compared between kaempferol- and apigenin-treated SE models. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of integrins. RESULTS: Kaempferol increased the thickness of the epidermis when added to prepare SEs. In addition, the basal cells of kaempferol- treated SEs appeared more columnar. In the immunohistological study, the expression of integrins α6 and β1 and the numbers of p63- and PCNA-positive cells were markedly higher in the kaempferol-treated model. However, apigenin showed no effects on the formation of three-dimensional skin models. RT-PCR analysis also confirmed that kaempferol increased the expression of integrin α6 and integrin β1. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that kaempferol can increase the proliferative potential of basal epidermal cells by modulating the basement membrane. In other words, kaempferol can affect the fate of interfollicular epidermal stem cells by increasing the expression of both integrins α6 and β1. These effects, in particular, might be ascribed to the 3-OH group of kaempferol.

Fucoidan Promotes the Reconstruction of Skin Equivalents

In this study we investigated the effects of fucoidan on the proliferation of fibroblasts and the reconstruction of a skin equivalent (SE). Fucoidan significantly stimulated the proliferation of CCD-25Sk human fibroblasts and Western blot analysis demonstrated that fucoidan markedly increased the expression of cyclin D1 and decreased the expression of p27. Fucoidan was used to reconstruct SE. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the addition of fucoidan to dermal equivalents increased expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p63. In addition, expression of alpha6-integrin was significantly increased by fucoidan, whereas expression of beta1-integrin, type 1 collagen, elastin, fibronectin did not markedly change. These results suggest that fucoidan has positive effects on epidermal reconstruction and will therefore be beneficial in the reconstruction of SE.

Stamp-Form Contact Plate: A Simple and Useful Culture Method for Microorganisms of the Skin

No abstract available.

Stamp-Form Contact Plate: A Simple and Useful Culture Method for Microorganisms of the Skin

No abstract available.

Dipeptides Inhibit Melanin Synthesis in Mel-Ab Cells through Down-Regulation of Tyrosinase

This study investigated the effects of proline-serine (PS) and valine-serine (VS) dipeptides on melanogenesis in Mel-Ab cells. Proline-serine and VS significantly inhibited melanin synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner, though neither dipeptide directly inhibited tyrosinase activity in a cell-free system. Both PS and VS down-regulated the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase. In a follow-up study also described here, the effects of these dipeptides on melanogenesis-related signal transduction were quantified. Specifically, PS and VS induced ERK phosphorylation, though they had no effect on phosphorylation of the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). These data suggest that PS and VS inhibit melanogenesis through ERK phosphorylation and subsequent down-regulation of MITF and tyrosinase. Properties of these dipeptides are compatible with application as skin-whitening agents.

Topical Hypopigmenting Agents for Pigmentary Disorders and Their Mechanisms of Action

Melanin is produced in melanocytes and stored in melanosomes. In spite of its beneficial sun-protective effect, abnormal accumulation of melanin results in esthetic problems. Hydroquinone, competing with tyrosine, is a major ingredient in topical pharmacological agents. However, frequent adverse reactions are amongst its major limitation. To solve this problem, several alternatives such as arbutin, kojic acid, aloesin, and 4-n-butyl resorcinol have been developed. Herein, we classify hypopigmenting agents according to their mechanism of action; a) regulation of enzyme, which is subdivided into three categories, i) regulation of transcription and maturation of tyrosinase, ii) inhibition of tyrosinase activity, and iii) post-transcriptional control of tyrosinase; b) inhibition of melanosome transfer, and c) additional mechanisms such as regulation of the melanocyte environment and antioxidant agents.

A Simple Assay Method for Melanosome Transfer

Pigmentation is induced by production of melanin in specialized organelles termed melanosomes and by transfer of these organelles from melanocytes to surrounding keratinocytes. The chemical basis of melanogenesis is relatively well known but the mechanism of melanosome transfer is not well studied. Various pigmentary disorders and cosmetic applications require the use of depigmenting agents. Currently available topical agents used for the reduction of pigmentation mainly include tyrosinase inhibitors and/or melanocyte-cytotoxic agents. Recently, several agents have been introduced to inhibit melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. However, an experimental model for melanosome transfer is not well established. In this study, a simple assay method using flow cytometry is described.

Erythrocyte Malondialdehyde and Glutathione Levels in Vitiligo Patients

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is an acquired and progressive hypomelanotic disease that manifests as circumscribed depigmented patches on the skin. Although the precise mechanism remains to be elucidated, an imbalance of the oxidant/antioxidant system has been proposed as an important etiologic mechanism. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant status of vitiligo patients at the erythrocyte level. METHODS: Fifty-three vitiligo patients and 65 phototype-, age-, and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Blood samples were collected from all subjects, and all patients were instructed to answer a questionnaire. RESULTS: Erythrocyte levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were measured. All patients were told to answer a questionnaire regarding their habitual behavior, including frequency of smoking and type of diet. We observed significantly lower levels of GSH in vitiligo patients, but the levels of MDA did not differ between patients and controls. Vitiligo patients who smoked showed significantly lower GSH levels compared to non-smoking patients, but the levels of MDA were unchanged between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: From our results, we conclude that reduced erythrocytic or systemic GSH levels constitute a distinctive feature in vitiligo patients regardless of disease activity.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Kawasaki Disease Using Annealing Control Primer System

PURPOSE: Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis syndrome of children. Although its etiology is largely unknown, epidemiological findings suggest that genetic factors play a role in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease. We investigated differentially expressed genes in Kawasaki patients. METHODS: we extracted bloods of Kawasaki patients in acute, subacute, convalescent phase and normal control group. Gene expressions were investigated by annealing control primer (ACP)-based GeneFishing PCR. Products were visualized after electrophoresis in 2% agarose gel and automatically sequenced. RESULTS: 165 differentially expressed genes were identified by using 120 ACPs. Expression of immunoglobulin kappa and lambda (DEG 20,45,54) significantly was down-regulated in acute and subacute phase of Kawasaki disease but up-regulated in convalescent phase. Apollon gene (DEG 64) was down-regulated in kawasaki patients. TNIK and other DEGs were also found. CONCLUSION: This findings suggest that different genetic change occur in the coarse of Kawasaki disease. Further study of differentially expressed gene using annealing control primer system may provide etiology and pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease.

A Case of Cutis Verticis Gyrata due to Cerebriform Intradermal Nevus in the Neonate / 소아과

Cutis verticis gyrata(CVG) is a morphologic syndrome of the scalp characterized by folds and furrows resembling the surface of brain. The primary form of cutis verticis gyrata is commonly associated with a neuropsychiatric condition and a secondary form occurs as a response of inflammatory or neoplastic process. The patient was a 1-day-old girl, who had a 15x11 cm sized, convoluted mass over whole scalp. Skin biopsy from the lesion was consistent with cerebriform intradermal nevus. The baby girl was followed up as an outpatient with monitoring of the scalp lesion for 2 years and showed improvement of folds and furrows of the lesion.

Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Keratinocyte and Epidermalization of Skin

BACKGROUND: There are different models of skin substitutes, but no skin substitutes have the characteristics of native skin. It was reported that the incubation of skin substitutes in medium containing ascorbic acid extends cellular viability and promotes formation of an epidermal barrier in vitro. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of ascorbic acid on the proliferation of keratinocytes and on the reconstruction of epidermis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal human keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated and used for culturing living skin equivalent (LSE). RESULTS: When ascorbic acid was added, the expression of p63 and a6 integrin was definitely increased compared to control models. In addition, ascorbic acid increased the proliferation of normal human keratinocytes at a dose dependent manner. Especially, ascorbic acid induced the phosphorylation of ERK and up-regulation of EGF-R CONCLUSION: Results suggest that ascorbic acid is essential in the control of keratinocyte proliferation and basement membrane formation. Ascorbic acid-related keratinocytes proliferation is seemed to be mediated by ERK phosphorylation and EGF-R up-regulation.

Assessment of Coronary Artery Flow after Infusion of Adenosine in Kawasaki Disease by Transthoracic Echocardiography

PURPOSE: Coronary arterial lesions after Kawasaki disease may cause coronary endothelial dysfunction without initial coronary dilatation, stenosis, and aneurysm. TTE (transthoracic echocardiography) is a non-invasive and widely used method in clinical practice. Adenosine is short acting drug and induces coronary vasodilatation. This study was designed to measure accurate coronary dysfunction by adenosine infusion. Coronary flow reserve(CFR) is defined as "the ratio of peak hyperemic to basal coronary flow velocity(CFV) in the proximal coronary vessel". CFR measurements has provided useful clinical and physiologic information in pediatric patients with congenital or acquired heart disease. METHODS: We examined 29 patients who had a history of Kawasaki disease. 19 patients discontinued low dose aspirin(5 mg/kg/d) after recovered from coronary dilatation and 10 patients have taken low dose aspirin because they had coronary dilatation. Adenosine was infused at 160 microgram/kg/min for 4 min. Diameter, velocity and integral of coronary artery were measured. RESULTS: Diameter and velocity were increased after adenosine infusion in both coronary arteries. A reduced CFR of both coronary arteries was noted in unrecovered group. CONCLUSION: CFR measured by TTE can predict the presence of significant coronary dysfunction in convalescent phase of Kawasaki disease.

Antithrombin III in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Premature Infants / 소아과

PURPOSE: We evaluated the diagnostic implications and therapeutic efficacy of antithrombin III(AT III) in the disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC) of premature infants. METHODS: Ninety-two premature infants diagnosed with DIC and treated with AT III from March, 2000 to May, 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical manifestations, complete blood counts, coagulation tests, and AT III levels were compared between the two groups:definite DIC if clinical signs of DIC and AT III <70% with more than two abnormal laboratory parameters were present, and suspected DIC if not more than two abnormal laboratory parameters were present. RESULTS: AT III was given for an average of 3.2 days and no side effects related to the treatment were reported. The AT III levels increased significantly more than four fold with treatment in both groups. The clinical signs and laboratory values improved significantly after treatment. CONCLUSION: AT III level is a sensitive parameter in the diagnosis of DIC in premature infants, and it is useful as a treatment modality since it improves the clinical symptoms and the laboratory parameters without significant side effects.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase(MTHFR) Gene Expression in Kawasaki Disease / 소아과

PURPOSE: Hyperhomocysteinemia is known as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclesosis and myocardiac infarct. A common mutation in 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR) gene results in a valine for alanine substitution, which makes enzyme thermolabile and reduces enzymal activity. We examined the relation of MTHFR genetic mutation and Kawasaki disease. METHODS: We extracted DNA from the peripheral blood of Kawasaki disease patients who were treated in Ewha University Mokdong Hospital between January 2000 and June 2003, and normal children. We genotyped for the polymorphism by using PCR of known alleic varients and digested them with Hinfl restriction enzyme. Products were visualized after electrophoresis in 2.5% agarose gel. RESULTS:The respective prevalence of the homozygous and heterozygous genotypes(CC genotype, CT genotype, TT genotype) was 33.3%, 38.9%, and 27.8% in the control group and 31.3%, 47.9%, and 20.8% in the Kawasaki disease group(P>0.05). CONCLUSION:The mutation of MTHFR gene shows no relation to development of coronary artery complications in Kawasaki disease.

Rotavirus Infection in the Nursery / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the transmission route and determine the clinical characteristics of rotavirus infection in asymptomatic neonate in the nursery. METHODS: From November to December 2001, 88 term neonates in the nursery of Ewha Womans University Hospital were evaluated for the screening of rotavirus infection. Fecal specimens of neonate were tested for rotavirus by latex agglutination. The clinical characteristics were compared between the rotavirus positive and negative group and follow up was done by OPD visiting or by telephone. RESULTS: Among the 88 neonates, 17 cases(19%) were rotavirus positive result. There were no difference in sex, delivery method, gestational age, birth weight, birth place between the rotavirus positive group and negative group, but mixed feeding was more common in the rotavirus positive group (p=0.01). Only 3 neonates in the rotavirus negative group were readmitted because of diarrhea. Readmission rate and clinical symptoms were not different in the two groups during follow up. CONCLUSION: The positive rate of rotavirus in nursery is high, but most of all were asymptomatic. Routine rotavirus screening test among asymptomatic neonate seems to be unnecessary. The neonate with rotavirus have to be isolated for preventing the spreading.