The impact of low-dose methotrexate on erectile dysfunction, sex hormone profile and spermiogram in male patients with psoriasis: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Psoriasis, affecting approximately 2% of the world's population, often necessitates systemic treatments, with methotrexate (MTX) as a cornerstone therapy. Despite documented systemic side effects of MTX, concerns about its impact on male reproductive health persist. We aim to investigate low-dose MTX effect on hormonal, cellular and functional ability of male reproductive system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our prospective study on 40 male psoriasis patients receiving low-dose MTX (<15mg/week) comprehensively investigates its effects on erectile function, sex hormones, and spermiogram parameters. RESULTS: After six months of MTX treatment, a significant decline in erectile function (p < 0.001) decreased total testosterone levels (p = 0.03) were observed. No significant reduction in sperm count was noted after six months of MTX treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights a significant decline in erectile function following low-dose MTX therapy, warranting further investigation into this potential side effect. While reassuring for sperm quantity and quality, the findings emphasise the necessity for larger cohorts and longer follow-up times to validate results and comprehend the complex interactions between MTX and male sexual health.

Importance of the C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Mycosis Fungoides.

INTRODUCTION: The C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) lately has demonstrated as a prognostic factor and an indicator of disease activity, severity and prognosis in solid organ malignancies and inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of CAR have not been investigated in mycosis fungoides (MF) patients yet. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the potential role of CAR as a diagnostic and a prognostic indicator in MF. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the electronic medical records of 97 patients with MF admitted to the Dermatology Clinic of Health Sciences University, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital between January 2014 and December 2020. In total, 60 patients with MF were enrolled in the study. CAR was evaluated, patient and control group. Also, the other clinicopathological factors including age, lactate dehydrogenase, stage of disease, beta-2-microglobulin levels, and sedimentation levels were evaluated. RESULTS: The median value of CAR was 0.85 (0.10-7.51) in the patient group, whereas it was 0.39 (0.0-1.11) in the control group (P < 0.001). Patients with disease progression (N = 16, 13M, 3 F) had a median value of CAR 0.84 (0.10-7.51) and the median value of CAR (N = 44) was 0.86 (0.12-4.57) in the group of patients with stable disease. The CAR value had no prognostic significance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is no association between the CAR and progression in the stage in MF patients. But the CAR is significantly higher in patients with MF than in the control group. The CAR can be a guide for us in cases where we have difficulty in diagnosing.

Relationship between body mass index z-score and acne severity in adolescents: a prospective analysis.

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder influenced by a variety of factors, including a high body mass index (BMI) and obesity. Aim: To investigate the association between BMI z-scores and acne severity in boys and girls aged 10-18 years. Material and methods: A 72-patient prospective analysis was performed, in which patient weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body mass index z score (BMI z-score), percentiles, and demographic information were collected, and acne severity was categorized as mild or moderate/severe. Results: The results indicated that patients with moderate/severe acne were significantly older and had higher weight, height, BMI, and BMI z-scores than those with mild acne (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings suggest that higher BMI z-scores are linked to increased acne severity. These results emphasize the importance of addressing weight-related risk factors for the prevention and treatment of acne vulgaris. The early detection and management of weight-related conditions can play a crucial role in improving the overall well-being of individuals with acne, considering its negative impact on mental health and social functioning.

Ischemic modified albumin as a new biomarker in predicting oxidative stress in alopecia areata

Background/aim: Results show that oxidative stress is a pathophysiologic factor for alopecia areata (AA); however, the markers used can be confounding. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of AA through an evaluation of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA); other markers of the oxidant/antioxidant system, such as SOD, CAT, GSH-ST, and MDA; and contributing clinical risk factors. Materials and methods: The usefulness of IMA as a new marker for oxidative stress was compared with that of other markers and evaluated in patients with AA. Results: The mean serum level of IMA was of higher statistical significance in AA patients than in the control group (IMA: 0.57 ± 0.01 vs. 0.52 ± 0.02 ΔABSU, P < 0.0001). IMA (P = 0.03, OR = 25.8, 95% CI = 1.4­482.7) was found to be an independent predictor of oxidative stress in patients with AA. Increased severity of AA was found as an independent risk factor for IMA. Conclusion: Long-lasting disease, male sex, >1 site of involvement of disease, and increased severity of disease were correlated with increased oxidation. Presence of AA, male sex, and severe disease were determined to be independent risk factors for antioxidant and oxidant systems. IMA has great potential as a biomarker of oxidative stress in AA when compared to other studied biomarkers.

Evaluation of Mean Platelet Volume in Patients With Behcet's Disease as an Indicator of Vascular Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Behcet's disease (BD) are recognized with increased risk for venous and/or arterial thrombosis. Thrombotic tendency of BD is not known. Vascular injury, loss and dysfunction/hyperfunction of endothelial cells are believed to play a role in thrombosis development. Injury and inflammation due to vasculitis can cause platelet response with increase in mean platelet volume (MPV) and thrombosis in BD. In this study, we aimed to compare the levels of MPV between patients with BD and healthy controls, and also show its effect on thrombosis. METHODS: One hundred patients with BD and 100 healthy controls were evaluated for MPV levels with clinical findings in age-gender matched case-control study. The variables of patients and controls were compared and correlated using chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and Spearman tests. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of vascular involvement and thrombosis. RESULTS: Mean MPV was significantly higher in patients with BD than healthy controls (MPV; Patients: 9.2 ± 0.9 [7.3-12.9] vs. Controls: 8.2 ± 0.6 [6.8-10.6] fl; P<0.0001). Platelets levels were lower than controls, but not significantly (236 ± 52.3 [112-451] vs. 245 ± 52.8 [141-467] x109 /L, P=0.55). Negative correlation was found between platelet count and MPV in patients (r = -0.51, P=0.01). Presence of erythema nodosum (EN) and MPV were determined as predictors for vascular involvement and thrombosis (EN: P<0.0001, OR [95% CI] = 35.4 [6.3-178.2]; MPV: P<0.0001, OR [95% CI] = 12.8 [4.1-24.3]). CONCLUSION: MPV is a simple measurement for indirect monitoring of platelet activity and thrombotic potential. MPV and EN may be independent risk factors for vascular thrombosis in BD. Patients with higher MPV levels and EN in BD, might have been pursued closely for enhancing thrombosis. We advise to check the MPV and put the patients on anticoagulation if it is high.

An overlap case of Parry-Romberg syndrome and en coup de sabre with striking ocular involvement and anti-double-stranded DNA positivity.

Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) may overlap localized scleroderma (morphea) lesions with linear depression (en coup de sabre [ECDS]). Overlap case with PRS and ECDS was presented. Enophthalmos, uveitis, ocular torticollis, keratic linear precipitates, and anti-double-stranded DNA positivity were identified. Subendothelial keratic precipitates detected by an in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy were the first profiled in the literature. Patients must be evaluated and followed up carefully by their clinics to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures such as surgery of ocular torticollis as muscular torticollis.

Does the corticotropin-releasing hormone system play a role in the pathogenesis of lichen planus?

INTRODUCTION: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease, where the psychogenic factors seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis. AIM: To determine the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor type 1 (CRH-R1) in LP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two LP patients and 17 age/gender-matched controls were included in the study. Detailed information about the disease and body surface area (BSA) covered by the lesions was recorded. Immunohistochemically, the expression of CRH-R1 was stained in the lesional skin of patients with LP and in the control group. RESULTS: The comparison of CRH-R1 expression showed a statistically significant difference between LP patients and the controls (p < 0.05). Additionally, we did not observe any correlation between BSA and staining intensity in LP patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed an increase in CRH-R1 expression in LP lesions. These results support the participation of the cutaneous CRH/CRH-R1 system in the pathogenesis of LP skin lesions.

Insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis: a case-controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic pustular inflammatory skin disease; however, its pathogenesis is not well understood. Several factors, such as genetics, tobacco use and autoimmune issues, may contribute to this disease. AIM: This research was conducted to investigate the relationships between insulin resistance, thyroid disease and PPP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with PPP and 27 age- and gender-matched controls were analysed for their smoking histories, thyroid function tests, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) levels, fasting glucose, fasting insulin levels and the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index for insulin resistance. RESULTS: We found significant differences between the PPP and control groups according to their tobacco use and anti-TPO levels (p = 0.009 and p = 0.009, respectively). The proportion of tobacco use was 90% in the PPP patients and 63% in the controls. Gender and tobacco use were predictive risk factors for PPP in the multivariate analysis (OR = 141.7, p < 0.0001 and OR = 147.6, p = 0.006, respectively). An anti-TPO level > 35 U/ml and the presence of a thyroid abnormality were independent risk factors in the univariate, but not the multivariate analysis (OR = 4.2, p = 0.025 and OR = 5.4, p = 0.004, respectively). A moderate correlation between the gender and anti-TPO level was found (r = 0.361, p = 0.039); however, the fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA index were not significant between the PPP and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Female gender and smoking were the most important risk factors for PPP; however, the increase in the anti-TPO level may be related to the predominance of females afflicted with this disease. Additional studies are necessary to clarify the relationships between PPP, thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus.

Usefulness of ischemia-modified albumin in predicting oxidative stress in patients with vitiligo.

AIM: To investigate the emphasis of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of vitiligo through an evaluation of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). Results/methodology: IMA was of higher statistical significance in patients than in the control group (IMA: 0.57 ± 0.2 vs 0.52 ± 0.2 ΔABSU; p < 0.0001). IMA (p < 0.0001; OR: 8.9; 95% CI = 3.1-26.1) was found as an independent predictor of oxidative stress. Increases in affected body surface area and age were found to be independent risk factors for IMA. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values and capacity of IMA were higher than other studied biomarkers. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: IMA can be detected in the condition of oxidative stress in vitiligo; it has great potential as a biomarker of said condition, when compared with other studied biomarkers.

Increased Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory and immune processes can be triggered in vitiligo due to a decreased number of melanocytes and their anti-inflammatory effects. Because of the systemic nature of vitiligo, metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance and lipid profile disturbances as well as skin involvement may be observed in vitiligo. AIMS: To investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and vitiligo. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: The demographic, clinical and laboratory features in the subjects were compared according to presence of vitiligo and metabolic syndrome [patients (n=63) vs. gender-age matched controls (n=65) and metabolic syndrome positive (n=38) vs. negative (n=90)]. A logistic regression analysis was also used. RESULTS: We identified metabolic syndrome in 24 (38.1%) subjects with vitiligo and 14 (21.5%) subjects without vitiligo (p=0.04). Active vitiligo, segmental vitiligo, an increased duration of vitiligo and an increased percentage in the affected body surface area were determined to be independent predictors of metabolic syndrome [activity of vitiligo: p=0.012, OR (95% CI)=64.4 (2.5-1672); type of vitiligo: p=0.007, OR (95% CI)=215.1 (4.3-10725.8); duration of vitiligo: p=0.03, OR (95% CI)=1.4 (1.1-2.0); percentage of affected body surface area: p=0.07, OR (95% CI)=1.2 (0.98-1.5)]. CONCLUSION: The risk of developing metabolic syndrome is increased in patients with vitiligo. The poor clinical features of vitiligo, such as active, extended and segmental vitiligo with an increased duration of time, are independent predictors for developing metabolic syndrome.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Cryosurgery in Patients With Sebaceous Hyperplasia of the Face.

BACKGROUND: Cryosurgery is an effective treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia, but there have been few clinical studies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cryosurgery in the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia. METHODS: Cryosurgery was performed 6 times, at 2-week intervals, with liquid nitrogen, and evaluated in 40 patients with 517 lesions ranging from 2 to 9 mm over the forehead, cheeks, and chin. All of the lesions were measured before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 54.7 ± 8.9 years, and the male/female ratio was 21/19 (1.1). The mean time of the disease duration was 4.2 ± 3.0 years. After 6 cooling cycles, an excellent response (76%-100%) was seen in 341 patients (65.9%), a very good response (51%-75%) was seen in 102 (19.7%), a good response (26%-50%) was seen in 57 (11.1%), a poor response (1%-25%) was seen in 15 (2.9%), and no response (0%) was seen in 2 (0.4%). Age ( P = .004) and sex ( P < .0001) were independent predictors of an excellent response. The excellent response rates were 71.4% for males, 61.8% for females, 70.4% for ages older than 55 years, and 61.8% for ages younger than 55 years. Temporary hyperpigmentation was found in 5 lesions (0.96%), and recurrence was not seen at the 4-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The well-aimed and controlled used of cryosurgery is an effective method for treating significant cosmetic disfigurement in patients with sebaceous hyperplasia. It is a low-cost therapy without scarring, hypopigmentation, or recurrence.

Assessment of systemic inflammation with neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in lichen planus.

INTRODUCTION: Lichen planus (LP) is a papulosquamous eruption of the skin and mucous membranes. Although the exact pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear, it is believed that LP represents an inflammatory disorder. Neutrophil-lymphocyte (N/L) ratio is considered a systemic inflammatory marker that correlated with severity of the diseases. AIM: To investigate whether N/L ratio increases in LP and may be an independent severity marker for LP lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: White blood cell (WBC), neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, N/L ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were statistically compared between the patient (n = 55) and the control group (n = 48). The relationship of N/L ratio and the body surface area (BSA) was assessed. RESULTS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP were statistically higher in patients with LP than in controls (p < 0.0001). Our analysis revealed a significantly higher level of N/L ratio in patients with LP compared with controls, respectively (2.5 ±1.1 (1.2-7.3) vs. 1.4 ±0.4 (0.8-2.7), p < 0.0001). Body surface area (p = 0.001), CRP (p = 0.006), and ESR (p = 0.003) were identified as possible predictors of N/L ratio, but only BSA (p = 0.002) and ESR (p = 0.003) were found as significant independent predictors in a multiple linear regression model. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory process in LP was supported by our results. N/L ratio may have an impact to show the inflammatory status in patients with LP as an inexpensive, simple and effective predictor. It may be used for the severity and treatment option of LP. But, N/L ratio and LP relationship could be confirmed by other large prospective studies.

The Effect of Colchicine on Mean Platelet Volume in Behcet's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Behcet's Disease are recognized to be at an increased risk for venous and/or arterial thrombosis. Colchicine reduces the initiation and amplification of inflammation and is believed to suppress secretion of cytokines and chemokines and in vitro platelet aggregation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of colchicine on levels of mean platelets volume, platelets, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein in patients with Behcet's Disease. METHODS: Patients with Behcet's Disease were evaluated for mean platelets volume before colchicine therapy (Group 1) and after 6-month from beginning of colchicine treatment (Group 2). RESULTS: Fifty-two subjects were evaluated. The mean age was 38.3 years and the female/male ratio was 28/24=1.16. Laboratory tests were evaluated in Group 1 and Group 2. The median level of mean platelets volume was 9.2±0.8 fl in Group 1 and 8.9±0.9 fl in Group 2. Levels of mean platelets volume was found as significant between Group 1 and 2 (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Given the proposed relationship between MPV and platelet activity, MPV may serve as a surrogate essay for Behcet's response to colchicine. Colchicine might suppress platelet function and be used in vascular involvement together with immunosuppressant agents in Behcet's Disease. Further studies in large population are needed to evaluate the role of colchicine in platelet function and the effect of colchicine on thrombosis in BD.

Serum levels of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in patients with vitiligo before and after treatment with narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy and in a group of controls.

The association between vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine and vitiligo were studied in several studies, but the results are contradictory. Narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy is now considered as a gold standard for the treatment of diffuse vitiligo. The effects of NBUVB phototherapy on both vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine levels have not been studied in vitiligo patients yet. Serum levels of vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine were measured in vitiligo patients and control group and also both before and after NBUVB phototherapy in vitiligo patients. While levels of homocysteine in patients with vitiligo were significantly higher than controls (16.9±8.4 vs. 10. 9±3.4 µmol/L; p<0,001) vitamin B12 and folate levels were not different (p>0.05). NBUVB phototherapy led to a 33.7±21.9% (0-75%) response in patients with vitiligo after 80 seccions. Treatment with NBUVB improved vitiligo and decreased serum levels of vitamin B12 (375±151 vs. 346±119 pg/ml, p=0.024), while serum levels of folate and homocysteine did not change significantly after treatment (p=0.914, p=0.127). Further studies are needed to clarify the influence of NBUVB phototherapy on folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in patients with vitiligo. Furthermore, studies with the analysis of skin levels of homocysteine rather than circulating levels may be useful to elucidate the effects of phototherapy on homocysteine levels.

Sex hormones in male psoriasis patients and their correlation with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index.

Modulation of psoriasis severity by estradiol during pregnancy, menstruation and menopause has been investigated previously. The correlation between sex hormones and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) has not been studied in male psoriasis patients. We investigated serum sex hormones in male psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls and correlated these findings with PASI. Estradiol, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured in 47 male patients with psoriasis and 20 healthy controls. Patients with psoriasis showed higher body mass index and higher serum levels of FSH and LH relative to healthy controls, although this difference was not statistically significant. However, serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were significantly different between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. Testosterone was significantly increased in control patients and estradiol was significantly increased among psoriatic patients. A significant inverse correlation was found between estradiol and PASI. Although the role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been demonstrated, this is the first report of an inverse correlation between estradiol and PASI in male patients.