Association of Behçet disease with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Behçet disease (BD) is a debilitating multi-systemic vasculitis with a litany of muco-cutaneous manifestations and potentially lethal complications. Meanwhile, psoriasis (PSO) is a cutaneous and systemic inflammatory disorder marked by hyperplastic epidermis and silvery scales, which may be accompanied by a distinct form of arthropathy called psoriatic arthritis (PsA). While the clinical pictures of these two are quite different, they feature some important similarities, most of which may stem from the autoinflammatory components of BD and PSO. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prospective link between BD and cutaneous and articular manifestations of psoriasis. BD, PSO, and PsA cohorts were extracted using the National Health Insurance Service of Korea database. Using χ2 tests, prevalence of PSO and PsA with respect to BD status was analysed. Relative to non-BD individuals, those with personal history of BD were nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed with PSO. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 2.36 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.91-2.93, p < 0.001]. Elevated PSO risk was more pronounced in the male BD cohort (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.16-1.23, p < 0.001). In age-group sub-analysis, individuals over 65 years with PSO were one and a half times more likely to be affected with BD, relative to those under 65. The adjusted OR for the older group was 1.51 (95% CI 1.43-1.59, p < 0.001). BD individuals with "healthy" body weight were significantly less likely to be affected by PSO (aOR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.57-0.62, p < 0.001). On the other hand, there was a correlation between BMI and the risk of BD, with the "moderately obese (30-35 kg/m2)" group having an aOR of 1.24 (95% CI 1.12-1.38, p < 0.001). BD patients were also twice more likely to be associated with PsA (aOR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.42-3.38, p < 0.001). However, in contrast to the case of psoriatic disease itself, females were exposed to a greater risk of developing BD compared to the male PsA cohort (aOR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.88-2.16, p < 0.001). As with PSO, older BD patients were exposed to a significantly higher risk of developing PsA (aOR = 3.13, 95% CI 2.90-3.40, p < 0.001). Behçet disease may place an individual at a significantly increased risk of psoriasis, and still greater hazard of being affected with psoriatic arthritis. This added risk was pronounced in the male cohort, and tended to impact senile population, and this phenomenon may be related with the relatively poor prognosis of BD in males and PSO in older patients.

An updated review of mucosal melanoma: Survival meta-analysis.

Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a highly lethal variant of melanoma that carries a poor prognosis. Extremely low incidence and survival rates have led to few clinical trials, and a lack of protocols and guidelines. The present study performed a survival meta-analysis for the quantitative synthesis of available evidence to search for key patterns that would help clinicians tailor optimal therapeutic strategies in MM. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and other databases were searched. Hazard ratios, in disease-specific and overall survival, were calculated for each of the survival-determining variables. MM was 2.25 times more lethal than cutaneous melanoma (CM). The most significant threats to survival were advanced Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage, sino-nasal location, and old age. Chemotherapy was the most effective form of adjuvant therapy. Disease-specific survival, the primary measure of the effect sizes, can fluctuate depending on the accuracy of the reported cause of mortality. In conclusion, MM is a peculiar type of melanoma, with clinical and molecular profile vastly different from the much-familiar CM. In the wake of the era of precision oncology, further studies on driver mutations and oncogenic pathways would likely lead to improved patient survival.

A Nationwide, Population-based Cohort Study on Potential Autoimmune Association of Ménière Disease to Atopy and Vitiligo.

Ménière disease (MD), an idiopathic disorder of sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo, shares many similarities with two common skin conditions, atopic dermatitis (AD) and vitiligo. Recent studies have suggested that MD may be related to or triggered by autoimmune conditions, notably Hashimoto thyroiditis and alopecia areata. These evidences led to the authors contemplating the possibility of immunological bridge between MD and the two skin conditions. The authors have tested this hypothesis with population-based cohort from the National Health Insurance Service Database of Korea. A cohort of 1.1 million patients was extracted from the database. Using χ2 tests, prevalence of the two skin disorders in relation to MD status was analysed. In MD patients, the odds ratios for having concurrent AD and vitiligo were 0.717 (95% CI, 0.535-0.962, p = 0.026) and 2.149 (95% CI, 1.396-3.308, p = 0.001), respectively. Females and older patients were more than twice likely to be affected by the two skin conditions. The relationship between vitiligo and MD was significant in younger subgroup only. Socio-economic subgroup analysis revealed the observed patterns are primarily a middle-upper class phenomenon. Uncertainty regarding temporal sequence of onset, and lack of detail on disease severity and subtype kept the study from more refined conclusion. In concluding, AD and vitiligo might be linked to MD through Treg-driven action of cellular immunity, but further big data-based investigations must follow.

Syringocystadenocarcinoma Papilliferum: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum (SCACP) is a rare malignant adnexal neoplasm, which is considered as a malignant counterpart of syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP). Clinically, SCACP appears as a nodule, inflammatory plaque, or tumor. The lesion is usually covered with crusts, which are formed by secretion of the apocrine epithelial cells. Histologically, SCACP resembles SCAP, with cystic papillomatous invaginations connected to the skin surface by funnel-shaped structures lined by infundibular epithelium. The stroma of the tumor consists of a dense inflammatory infiltrate of plasma cells and lymphocytes. SCACP differs from SCAP in terms of the architectural and cytological features of the tumor cells, and is characterized by higher nuclear cytoplasmic ratio, nuclear irregularity, coarse chromatin, and increased mitotic activity. However, the immunohistochemical findings of SCACP vary. Since only 49 cases of SCACP have been reported in the English literature, the clinical and histologic characteristics of SCACP have not been fully established. Further studies on the diagnostic criteria for SCACP are warranted. Here, we report a rare case of SCACP and present a review of other relevant literature.

Investigation of Immune-Regulatory Effects of Mageumsan Hot Spring via Protein Microarray In Vitro.

BACKGROUND: Empirical evidences for efficacy of hot spring (HS) water in inflammatory skin disorders have not been substantiated with sufficient, immunological "hard evidence". Mageumsan HS water, characterized by its weakly-alkaline properties and low total dissolved solids content, has been known to alleviate various immune-inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVE: The trial attempted to quantitatively analyze in vitro expression levels of chemical mediators in cutaneous inflammation from HaCaT cell line treated with Mageumsan HS, and suggest the likely mode of action through which it exerts the apparent anti-inflammatory effects in AD. METHODS: Using membrane-based human antibody array kit, customized to include 30 different, keratinocyte-derived mediator proteins, their expression levels (including interleukin [IL]-1, IL-6, IL-8, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor) were assessed in vitro. Selected key proteins were further quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: There was a clear pattern of overall suppression of the mediators, especially those noted for their pro-inflammatory role in AD (monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted, cutaneous T-cell-attracting chemokine, Eotaxin, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, etc.). Also, reduced expression of involucrin and cytokeratin 1 was also reduced in the HS-treated group. CONCLUSION: The present study has shown that Mageumsan HS water may exert its effects on inflammatory skin disorders through regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. These evidences are to be supported with further future investigations to elucidate immunological mechanism behind these beneficial effects of HS water in the chronically inflamed skin of AD.

Association of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the MBL2 with Atopic Dermatitis in Korean Patients.

BACKGROUND: Human mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum lectin taking part in the innate immunity by opsonizing various microorganisms for phagocytosis. The MBL serum concentration is affected by several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of the MBL2 gene. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between MBL2 polymorphisms and atopic dermatitis (AD) susceptibility. METHODS: To examine whether the MBL2 SNPs are related to AD susceptibility, we examined 237 patients with AD and 94 controls by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism and PCR-sequence specific primer analyses of four polymorphic loci: two (H/L and X/Y) within the promoter region and the other two (P/Q and A/B) within exon 1. MBL concentrations in the blood were estimated by ELISA. RESULTS: The prevalence of haplotype HYPB, leading to MBL deficiency, was significantly decreased in the AD patients compared to the controls (p=0.002), while the prevalence of haplotype HYPA was increased with a clear trend toward significance (p=0.056). The frequency of MBL2 LYPB/LXPA (odds ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.009~0.655; p=0.021) were significantly decreased in the AD patients. The blood log [total immunoglobulin E, IgE] levels of MBL2 HYPA/HYPA, HYPA/LYPA, HYPA/LYPB, HYPA/LYQA, and LYQA/LXPA haplotype pairs were significantly increased in the AD patients. CONCLUSION: The frequency of MBL2 HYPB haplotype was significantly decreased in the AD patients compared to the controls. The frequency of LYPB/LXPA had a possibly protective effect on AD. Moreover, the MBL2 HYPA haplotype pairs, which were related to higher blood total IgE levels, were possibly associated with extrinsic AD.

Protective effects of rosmarinic acid against hydrogen peroxide­induced cellular senescence and the inflammatory response in normal human dermal fibroblasts.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induces numerous cellular events, including cellular senescence and inflammatory responses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Rosmarinic acid (RA) in H2O2­induced oxidative stress in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Cytotoxicity assays were performed using a water­soluble tetrazolium salt, and senescence­associated ß­galactosidase activity was determined to investigate the proportion of senescent cells. Antioxidant capacities were evaluated via H2O2­scavenging activity, reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction, NRF2 luciferase reporter gene activity and intracellular ROS scavenging assays. Cytokine­coded gene expression analysis and nuclear factor­κB luciferase activity were determined to verify the anti­inflammatory effect of RA. As a result, the present study demonstrated that rosmarinic acid inhibited H2O2­induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in normal human dermal fibroblasts. Initially, the doses of RA that exerted minimal cytotoxic effects in NHDFs were determined using a cytotoxicity assay. Subsequently, pretreatment with the appropriate doses of RA significantly reversed the H2O2­induced decrease in NHDF cell viability and decreased cellular senescence of NHDFs. In addition, RA inhibited H2O2­induced ROS production in NHDFs, as determined by a ROS scavenging assay. The protective effects of RA were mediated by the inhibition of nuclear factor erythroid­derived 2­like 2, a transcription factor that functions as a key regulator of redox sensitivity. Furthermore, RA suppressed H2O2­induced inflammation in NHDFs and significantly rescued H2O2­induced downregulation of sirtuin 1. RA also inhibited nuclear factor (NF)­κB transcriptional activity and the expression of NF­κB target genes, including tumor necrosis factor­α and interleukin­6, in H2O2­exposed NHDFs. Taken together, these data indicate that RA inhibits H2O2­induced cellular damage in NHDFs.

Transoral Cross-Lip (Abbé-Estlander) Flap as a Viable and Effective Reconstructive Option in Middle Lower Lip Defect Reconstruction.

The Abbé-Estlander flap surgery is a cross-lip procedure that is valuable in repairing a defect on the lower lip using a full-thickness flap, consisting of the skin, muscle and mucosa, from the upper lip. As usefulness and practicality of the flap in reconstruction of lower lip surgical defects in Asian ethnicity have not been documented, the authors present a case of successful lower lip reconstruction with a staged, Abbé-Estlander lip switching flap with commissuroplasty as an illustrative example. A 71-year-old male has presented with an ulcerating lip nodule in the middle one third of the lower lip, measuring about 1.5×2 cm across its long and short axes. Wide excision of the tumor was followed by delineation of the triangular Abbé-Estlander flap from the upper lip, in which the medial hinge point of the base was chosen as the pedicle. Then, the flap elevation was carried out from the lateral commissure and then was transferred into the lower lip defect. Three weeks later, commissuroplasty was performed to correct the rounding at the new commissure. The patient is currently performing his daily activities with no apparent compromise in orbicularis oris strength or oral continence. Given the size of the primary defect and the flap-to-defect ratio of size, the degree of microstomia was acceptable. Even with other myriad of reconstructive options at surgeons' disposal, the Abbé-Estlander lip-switching flap is a reliable, and less morbid method of lower lip reconstruction for Asian surgical candidates. The authors illustrate an exemplary case in which a relatively large lower lip defect was successfully repaired using an upper lip flap of a significantly smaller size in an Asian subject of advanced age, without any remarkable long term sequelae which have traditionally been associated with the trans-oral lip switching flap technique.

Pretreatment of Ferulic Acid Protects Human Dermal Fibroblasts against Ultraviolet A Irradiation.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 90%~99% of ultraviolet A (UVA) ray reaches the Earth's surface. The deeply penetrating UVA rays induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in oxidative stress such as photoproducts, senescence, and cell death. Thus, UVA is considered a primary factor that promotes skin aging. OBJECTIVE: Researchers investigated whether pretreatment with ferulic acid protects human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) against UVA-induced cell damages. METHODS: HDF proliferation was analyzed using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay. Cell cycle distribution and intracellular ROS levels were assessed by flow cytometric analysis. Senescence was evaluated using a senescence-associated ß-galactosidase assay, while Gadd45α promoter activity was analyzed through a luciferase assay. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A and C, matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 3, as well as p21 and p16 were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Inhibition of proliferation and cell cycle arrest were detected in cells that were irradiated with UVA only. Pretreatment with ferulic acid significantly increased the proliferation and cell cycle progression in HDFs. Moreover, ferulic acid pretreatment produced antioxidant effects such as reduced DCF intensity, and affected SOD1 and CAT mRNA expression. These effects were also demonstrated in the analysis of cell senescence, promoter activity, expression of senescent markers, and DNA repair. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that ferulic acid exerts protective effects on UVA-induced cell damages via anti-oxidant and stress-inducible cellular mechanisms in HDFs.

Association of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Polymorphisms with Total Plasma IgE Levels in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Korea.

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene is located on human chromosome 22q11.2 and is linked to atopic phenotypes. Plasma MIF and log [total IgE] levels are significantly elevated in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between two MIF polymorphisms, -173 G to C and -794 CATT5-8, and total plasma IgE levels in AD patients in Korea. We performed PCR-RFLP analysis in 178 AD patients and 80 control subjects to determine whether MIF SNPs are associated with susceptibility to AD. Plasma total IgE and MIF levels were determined, and then logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between a SNP or haplotype and plasma total IgE or MIF levels. The -173 G/C polymorphism, located in the MIF promoter, was significantly associated with AD; the odds ratios (ORs) for the CC homozygotes and GC heterozygotes were 9.3 and 2.5, respectively. The MIF C/5-CATT and the MIF C/7-CATT haplotypes were significantly associated with AD; the ORs for the MIF C/5-CATT and MIF C/7-CATT haplotypes were 9.7 and 4.5, respectively. Log [total IgE] levels were highly associated with the MIF -794 7-CATT polymorphism. Notably, the MIF C/7-CATT haplotype was associated with a decrease in plasma log [total IgE] levels in a gene dose-dependent manner. Although log [MIF] levels were not associated with the MIF polymorphisms, the frequencies of the MIF C/5-CATT haplotype-containing genotypes decreased in order of MIF levels. Our results demonstrate that MIF promoter polymorphisms in the -173 C allele and the MIF C/5-CATT and C/7-CATT haplotypes were significantly associated with an increased risk for AD. In particular, the -794 7-CATT locus and the MIF C/7-CATT haplotype were significantly associated with decreased total IgE levels in the plasma, suggesting that these polymorphisms might be a marker for intrinsic AD rather than extrinsic AD that shows high total IgE levels and presence of allergen-specific IgE.

Single Low-Dose Radiation Induced Regulation of Keratinocyte Differentiation in Calcium-Induced HaCaT Cells.

BACKGROUND: We are continually exposed to low-dose radiation (LDR) in the range 0.1 Gy from natural sources, medical devices, nuclear energy plants, and other industrial sources of ionizing radiation. There are three models for the biological mechanism of LDR: the linear no-threshold model, the hormetic model, and the threshold model. OBJECTIVE: We used keratinocytes as a model system to investigate the molecular genetic effects of LDR on epidermal cell differentiation. METHODS: To identify keratinocyte differentiation, we performed western blots using a specific antibody for involucrin, which is a precursor protein of the keratinocyte cornified envelope and a marker for keratinocyte terminal differentiation. We also performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We examined whether LDR induces changes in involucrin messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in calcium-induced keratinocyte differentiation. RESULTS: Exposure of HaCaT cells to LDR (0.1 Gy) induced p21 expression. p21 is a key regulator that induces growth arrest and represses stemness, which accelerates keratinocyte differentiation. We correlated involucrin expression with keratinocyte differentiation, and examined the effects of LDR on involucrin levels and keratinocyte development. LDR significantly increased involucrin mRNA and protein levels during calcium-induced keratinocyte differentiation. CONCLUSION: These studies provide new evidence for the biological role of LDR, and identify the potential to utilize LDR to regulate or induce keratinocyte differentiation.

Instrumental evaluation of anti-aging effects of cosmetic formulations containing palmitoyl peptides, Silybum marianum seed oil, vitamin E and other functional ingredients on aged human skin.

Anti-aging cosmetics are widely used for improving signs of aged skin such as skin wrinkles, decreased elasticity, low dermal density and yellow skin tone. The present study evaluated the effects of cosmetic formulations, eye cream and facial cream, containing palmitoyl peptides, Silybum marianum (S. marianum) seed oil, vitamin E and other functional ingredients on the improvement of facial wrinkles, elasticity, dermal density and skin tone after 4 weeks period of application on aged human skin. Healthy volunteers (n=20) with aged skin were recruited to apply the test materials facially twice per day for 4 weeks. Skin wrinkles, elasticity, dermal density and skin tone were measured instrumentally for assessing the improvement of skin aging. All the measurements were conducted prior to the application of test materials and at 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Crow's feet wrinkles were decreased 5.97% after 2 weeks of test material application and 14.07% after 4 weeks of application in comparison of pre-application. Skin elasticity was increased 6.81% after 2 weeks and 8.79% after 4 weeks. Dermal density was increased 16.74% after 2 weeks and 27.63% after 4 weeks. With the L* value indicating skin brightness and the a* value indicating erythema (redness), the results showed that brightness was increased 1.70% after 2 weeks and 2.14% after 4 weeks, and erythema was decreased 10.45% after 2 weeks and 22.39% after 4 weeks. Hence, the test materials appear to exert some degree of anti-aging effects on aged human skin. There were no abnormal skin responses from the participants during the trial period. We conclude that the facial and eye cream containing palmitoyl peptides and S. marianum seed oil, vitamin E and other ingredients have effects on the improvement of facial wrinkles, elasticity, dermal density and skin tone.

Clinical and Histopathological Investigation of Seborrheic Keratosis.

BACKGROUND: Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is one of the most common epidermal tumors of the skin. However, only a few large-scale clinicohistopathological investigations have been conducted on SK or on the possible correlation between histopathological SK subtype and location. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and histopathological features of a relatively large number of cases of diagnosed SK. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-one pathology slides of skin tissue from patients with clinically diagnosed SK and 206 cases of biopsy-proven SK were analyzed. The biopsy-proven cases of SK were assessed for histopathological subclassification. The demographic, clinical, and histopathological data of the patients were collected for analysis of associated factors. RESULTS: The most frequent histopathological subtype was the acanthotic type, followed by mixed, hyperkeratotic, melanoacanthoma, clonal, irritated, and adenoid types; an unexpectedly high percentage (9.2%) of the melanoacanthoma variant was observed. The adenoid type was more common in sun-exposed sites than in sun-protected sites (p=0.028). Premalignant and malignant entities together represented almost one-quarter (24.2%) of the clinicopathological mismatch cases (i.e., mismatch between the clinical and histopathological diagnoses). Regarding the location of SK development, the frequency of mismatch for the sun-exposed areas was significantly higher than that for sun-protected areas (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: The adenoid type was more common in sun-exposed sites. Biopsy sampling should be performed for lesions situated in sun-exposed areas to exclude other premalignant or malignant diseases.

Current Status of Atopic Dermatitis-Related Information Available on the Internet in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) often resort to the internet for disease-related information. We believe that dermatologists be informed about the current accessibility of information to patients and the potential for misleading patients into making poor treatment decisions. OBJECTIVE: The study was carried out in order to determine the nature of AD-related information available on the internet in Korea, and to identify any changes since our last survey in 2005. The quality of information offered and the involvement of medical doctors in certain websites were also investigated. METHODS: Taking into account the current search engine market share in Korea, we gathered all search results obtained from the three major search engines using the keyword 'atopy', and investigated the nature of the information retrieved. RESULTS: The search results showed less commercial sites than our previous study in 2005. There is a dramatic increase in the number of public bodies offering information about AD. In addition, the quality of information available online has improved since our last survey. CONCLUSION: The phenomenon of 'commercial overcrowding' seems to have stabilized. As AD becomes a more social phenomenon, patients are better informed than ever before. However, the information available on the internet still requires to be accompanied by consultation by dermatologists. We believe that self-regulation using a format such as the Health on the Net Foundation's code of conduct (HONcode) may improve the quality of online information accessible to patients with AD in Korea.

Metaanalysis of BRAF mutations and clinicopathologic characteristics in primary melanoma.

BACKGROUND: BRAF mutations occur in some melanomas. We hypothesized that BRAF mutation rates may differ in melanomas found in Asian compared to white populations. OBJECTIVE: We performed a metaanalysis of BRAF mutations and their associations with the clinicopathologic characteristics of primary melanoma (PM), with a subgroup analysis to compare Asian and white patients with PM. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched up to November 2013. The incidence rates and odds ratios (ORs) of BRAF mutations were calculated using a fixed or random effects model. RESULTS: BRAF mutation was associated with younger age (OR = 1.734; P < .001), trunk location (OR = 2.272; P < .001), non-chronically sun damaged skin (OR = 2.833; P < .001), superficial spreading melanoma (OR = 2.081; P < .001), and advanced melanoma stage (OR = 1.551; P = .003). The incidence of BRAF mutations in Asian patients with PM was half that of white patients with PM, but it was linked to the same clinicopathologic characteristics. LIMITATIONS: Only a small number of studies have been conducted on Asian patients with PMs. CONCLUSIONS: The BRAF mutation in PM was associated with age, anatomic site based on ultraviolet radiation exposure, histologic subtype, and advanced stage of melanoma. The clinicopathologic associations with BRAF mutations were similar in Asian and white patients with PM.

Photoprotective effect of arctiin against ultraviolet B-induced damage in HaCaT keratinocytes is mediated by microRNA expression changes.

Human keratinocytes are located in the outermost skin layer and thus particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation exposure. Previous studies have focused on the cellular and molecular perspectives of UVB-induced keratinocyte damage. In the present study, it was demonstrated that pretreatment with the phytochemical arctiin, one of the lignin compounds, protects human HaCaT keratinocytes from UVB-mediated damage. Biochemical assays revealed that UVB-induced cytotoxicity and cell death were significantly reduced in arctiin-pretreated HaCaT cells. In addition, arctiin promoted the wound healing and DNA repair properties of keratinocytes. The photoprotective effects of arctiin were associated with changes in the expression levels of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in HaCaT cells. A bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the miRNAs were functionally involved in cancer, cell cycle, and Wnt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. In the present study, the results from the cellular and molecular assays demonstrated a novel role for arctiin in UVB protection in keratinocytes, which is mediated by miRNA responses and the suppression of UVB-induced cell death. Furthermore, arctiin is implicated as a potential chemopreventive agent through UVB protection of keratinocytes.

Oridonin protects HaCaT keratinocytes against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress by altering microRNA expression.

microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to function as primary regulators of a variety of biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in human keratinocytes. However, the biological significance of miRNAs in the defense against oxidative stress in keratinocytes remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that oridonin, a diterpenoid compound isolated from Rabdosia rubescens with established antioxidant properties, protects HaCaT human keratinocytes from oxidative stress induced by exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Our data demonstrate that low doses of oridonin (1-5 µM) protect keratinocytes against H2O2-induced apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, as shown by our results, oridonin markedly decreased H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species production in HaCaT cells. Oridonin mediated these effects by altering miRNA expression. Bioinformatics analysis identified several putative target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs. Assessment of their gene ontology annotation revealed that these target genes are likely involved in cell growth and inhibition of apoptosis. Thus, the data from this study establish a role for miRNAs in mediating oridonin-induced protective effects against oxidative stress in human keratinocytes.

Molecular biological identification of malassezia yeasts using pyrosequencing.

BACKGROUND: A Pyrosequencing assay has been used in identification of fungal species such as Candida or Aspergillus and diagnosis of pathogenic bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori but there has been no report on successful isolation and identification of Malassezia yeasts using the pyrosequencing method. OBJECTIVE: Examine the applicability and plausibility of the pyrosequencing method in identification of the Malassezia species. METHODS: At internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sites 1 and 2, three primers were developed using Pyrosequencing Assay Design Software (Biotage AB). Pyrosequencing was performed on 11 standard strains and 83 genomic DNA samples obtained from 66 healthy controls aged from 1 to 80. RESULTS: The eleven Malassezia standard species and 83 genomic DNA samples were successfully identified using the pyrosequencing assay. CONCLUSION: The pyrosequencing method is a new tool for analysis of Malassezia yeasts, and its precision and rapidity suggests its clinical applicability.

Epidemiologic Study of Malassezia Yeasts in Acne Patients by Analysis of 26S rDNA PCR-RFLP.

BACKGROUND: Although acne is a common follicular inflammatory dermatosis, studies of the relationship between Malassezia yeasts and acne have rarely been conducted. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify Malassezia yeasts from acne patients and establish a relationship between specific types of species of Malassezia and acne. METHODS: Sixty acne patients were enrolled. Each strain obtained was identified as one of eleven species by 26S rDNA PCR-RFLP. We then compared these data with those of age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. RESULTS: Growth of Malassezia was evident in fewer patients with acne (50%) in comparison to controls (70.6%). M. restricta was dominant in patients with acne (23.9%), whereas M. globosa was most common (26.7%) in healthy controls. In the patients group, the rate was the highest (71.7%) in the twenties and, in terms of body site, the rate was the highest (60%) in the chest. In the control group, the rate was the highest (75.0%) in the thirties and in the forehead (85.0%). CONCLUSION: The detection rate of Malassezia yeasts was conspicuously low in the acne patients group. Statistically significant differences were observed between the patient and the control groups in the twenties and thirties, and in terms of body site, in the forehead and chest.