The Efficacy of Topical Formulation Containing Ciplukan (Physalis angulata Linn.) in Modulating Interleukin-17 and Interferon Gamma Expression in Mice (Mus musculus) Psoriasis Model.

Background: Interleukin 17 (IL-17) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris (PV). Topical corticosteroids are still utilised as first-line therapy for mild to moderate PV. However, long-term use of corticosteroid is associated with various side effects. Physalis angulata Linn. (Ciplukan) possesses anti-inflammatory properties that could serve as a potential alternative topical therapy for PV. Objective: To assess the efficacy of topical ciplukan as an anti-inflammatory agent targeting the expression of IL-17 and IFN-γ. Methods: Psoriasis was induced using imiquimod cream, therefore divided into five groups. Group I, the psoriasis control group, received only imiquimod cream. Groups C1 and C2 received imiquimod cream followed by a mixture of Ciplukan and vaseline in a 1:2 and 1:4 ratio, respectively. Group M, the standard therapy group, received imiquimod cream, followed by mometasone furoate cream. Lastly, group V, the vehicle group, received imiquimod cream followed by vaseline album. Expression of IL-17 and IFN-γ in mice's skin tissue was analysed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after seven days of treatment. Results: The mean expression of IL-17 in Group C1 (22.60) was significantly lower (p = 0.012) than in the psoriasis control group (23.60), and there was no significant difference (p = 0.613) in Group M (22.41). The mean expression of IFN-γ in Group C1 (26.97) and Group C2 (27.03) was also significantly lower (p = 0.026 and p = 0.026, respectively) than Group I (28.80), and there was no significant difference (p = 0.180 and p = 0.093, respectively) than Group M (26.03). Conclusion: Expression of IL-17 and IFN-γ in the ciplukan group is lower than in the psoriasis control group, and there is no significant difference compared to the standard therapy group.

Atypical Nevus Sebaceus at an Unusual Location Treated with Carbon Dioxide Laser: A Case Report.

Nevus sebaceus (NS) or organoid nevus is an epidermal nevus comprising predominantly sebaceous glands with a prevalence of approximately 0.3% of the newborns. The initial clinical manifestations of NS are single or less commonly multiple yellowish patches with overlying alopecia, usually confined to the scalp. However, it can also appear on the face, preauricular area, and the neck. During puberty, skin lesions will turn into round or linear verrucous plaques accompanied with an increase in number due to the influence of androgens. As they progress, about 20% of the NS cases might turn into secondary tumors which can be benign or malignant (in 2.5% cases). NS can manifest as atypical lesions and may also arise on areas other than its predilection sites. A case of a lesion presented on an atypical location of an 18-year-old male patient treated with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser was reported. Physical examination revealed skin-colored and blackish-brown papules arranged in groups on the left side of the patient's chest. Histopathological examination on a sample taken from one of the skin lesions on the chest showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, papillomatosis, and sebaceous hyperplasia, confirming the diagnosis of NS. The patient was treated with CO2 laser, and clinical improvements were observed. Histopathological examination of NS is not routinely performed; however, it should be carried out when the lesion is atypical and presented at an unusual location, or there is a suspicion of malignancy.