Analysis of interleukin 7 and platelet-derived growth factor-BB mRNA expression as potential markers in erythema nodosum leprosum.

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an immunological complication of leprosy characterized by acute inflammation of the skin, nerves, and other organs. Identifying laboratory parameters is important for early diagnosis of leprosy reactions. Various cytokine biomarkers have been examined and only a few studies have reported on angiogenesis in leprosy. This study aims to understand the pathomechanism of ENL by examining IL-7 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB mRNA expression that can be the development and consideration of new effective therapies to prevent reactions, recurrences, and defects in leprosy. The study used a cross-sectional analytic design. Sampling was done by peripheral blood from the patient and measuring mRNA expression with specific primers RT-PCR. The expression of mRNA IL-7 and PDGF-BB was significantly different between multibasilar patients without reaction and with ENL reaction, where there was an increased expression in ENL patients. This could be used as the development of potential biomarkers in ENL and development of new therapeutic intervention pathways in ENL.

Incontinentia pigmenti / Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome: a case report.

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare genodermatosis that almost exclusively affects females. The disease is caused by a mutation of the nuclear factor-κB essential modulator (NEMO) gene in the Xq-28 locus of the X chromosome. The disease can seriously affect various organs, most notably the central nervous system and eyes. Cutaneous manifestation in incontinentia pigmenti is often mild but is an important diagnostic criterion for the disease. Treatment of cutaneous symptoms of incontinentia pigmenti is often not needed because they can spontaneously resolve. However, it should be noted that early diagnosis through parameters such as cutaneous manifestations is important so that prompt diagnosis and intervention for other organs can be made to prevent further fatal complications in the future.

Erythema annulare centrifugum: a rare case report.

Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is a rare skin disease that is thought to be caused by interactions between inflammatory cells, mediators, and foreign antigen substances. It typically starts as erythematous macules or urticarial papules that enlarge peripherally to form an arcuate or polycyclic plaque. Symptomatic relief is the main therapy for this disease because no effective treatment is yet available. We report the case of a 50-year-old male with reddish pruritic patches on both arms, around the thighs, on the abdomen, and on the buttocks. The complaint started 3 years prior to treatment and often recurred. Fungal examination was negative, and histopathological examination supported a diagnosis of EAC. The patient was prescribed a topical corticosteroid, topical antifungal, and antihistamine. Although the lesion only showed minimal improvement, the patient experienced significant reduction in pruritus with no occurrence of new lesions. Despite being a rare disease, EAC must be considered when encountering an annular erythematous plaque.

Laser tattoo removal: Fundamental principles and practical approach.

Tattoos have long become a part of human civilization. However, as the number of people who get tattoos increases, so is the number of people who wish to have their tattoos removed. Compared to other methods, laser-based devices are associated with the best efficacy and least side effects in tattoo removal. Lack of understanding of the fundamental principles of laser and managing its parameters may result in suboptimal result and increased risk of side effects. Recognizing and mastering multiple factors including skin types, nature and color of tattoos, and proper selection of laser parameters such as wavelength, fluence, and pulse, are central in achieving an optimal tattoo removal outcome. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the fundamental principle of laser and practical approaches in tattoo removal.

Associação entre Staphylococcus epidermidis e o nível de ácido palmítico em pacientes com acne vulgar / The association between Staphylococcus epidermidis and palmitic acid level in patients with acne vulgaris

INTRODUÇÃO: A acne vulgar é um distúrbio inflamatório da glândula pilossebácea. O ácido palmítico é um dos principais tipos de ácidos graxos livres e pode desempenhar um papel na patogênese da acne. Além disso, estudos recentes sugeriram que o Staphylococcus epidermidis pode estar envolvido na acne. OBJETIVO: Explorar a associação entre a Staphylococcus epidermidis e o ácido palmítico na acne vulgar. MÉTODOS: 43 estudantes do ensino médio de uma área urbana do sul de Sulawesi, na Indonésia, foram incluídos. O nível de ácido palmítico foi medido utilizando cromatografia gasosa e os comedões foram cultivados para detectar o perfil do microbioma. O teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para analisar a diferença do nível palmítico médio entre os grupos com diferentes graus de gravidade da acne vulgar. RESULTADOS: 14 pacientes (32,6%) apresentavam acne vulgar leve, enquanto 14 e 15 pacientes apresentavam acne vulgar moderada e grave, respectivamente. O grupo grave e moderado apresentou nível de ácido palmítico significativamente maior em comparação ao grupo leve. A análise de subgrupo de pacientes com acne vulgar moderada e grave, positiva para S. epidermidis, mostrou um nível significativamente maior de ácido palmítico comparado ao grupo leve. CONCLUSÕES: Esses resultados sugerem que S. epidermidis pode estar associado ao nível de ácido palmítico e pode contribuir na patogênese da acne.

INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous gland. Palmitic acid is one of the major types of free fatty acid and may play a role in acne pathogenesis. In addition, recent studies suggested that Staphylococcus epidermidis might be involved in acne. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between Staphylococcus epidermidis and palmitic acid in acne vulgaris. METHODS: Forty-three high school students at an urban area in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, were included. The palmitic acid level was measured using gas chromatography and comedone was cultured to detect the microbiota profile. Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the median palmitic level diference between groups with different acne vulgaris severity. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (32.6%) had mild acne vulgaris, while 14 and 15 patients had moderate and severe acne vulgaris, respectively The severe and moderate group showed significantly higher palmitic acid level compared with the mild group. Subgroup analysis of patients with moderate and severe acne vulgaris positive for S. epidermidis showed a significantly higher palmitic acid level compared with the mild group. CONCLUSIONS: This result suggests that S. epidermidis may be associated with the palmitic acid level and may contribute to acne pathogenesis.