A non-inferiority clinical trial comparing probiotics and oral corticosteroids for the management of acute exacerbation of atopic dermatitis patients.

A prospective controlled pilot study on the feasibility of utilization of a probiotic mixture for management of acute exacerbation of atopic dermatitis (AD). Patients were allocated to either standard of care (SOC) therapy with tapering dose of steroids or a probiotic mixture over 3 weeks. After the 3-week intervention, patients on steroids achieved significantly higher clinical response rates and significantly deeper response as measured by the change in SCORAD score. No gut microbiome changes could be appreciated in either group after the treatment period. We could conclude that probiotics cannot replace SOC therapy for the management of acute exacerbation of AD.

Identifying the association between polymorphisms in the GZMB and IFIH1 genes and psoriasis in Egyptians.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine whether the genetic variants in the genes for Granzyme B (GZMB) and Interferon Induced with Helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1) were associated with psoriasis. BACKGROUND: Psoriasis, a papulosquamous skin disease, was initially thought of as a disorder primarily of epidermal keratinocytes but is now recognized as one of the most common immune-mediated disorders. It is caused by the interplay between multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This case-control study has 65 participants with psoriasis and 65 healthy controls. Real-time PCR was used to genotype GZMB (rs8192917) and IFIH1 (rs35667974). RESULTS: Genotype occurrence and allelic spreading for both SNPs are in Hardy - Weinberg equilibrium. The genotype and allele distributions of rs35667974 showed no differences between the studied groups. Regarding rs8192917, compared to Group II, there is a statistically significant rise in the CC genotype and C allele in Group I. Higher PASI scores are detected in the C/C and C/T genotypes more than the T/T genotype. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that BMI, catalase, MDA, and rs8192917 (C/C) are associated with psoriasis. CONCLUSION: GZMB rs8192917 was significantly related to psoriasis risk; its C allele is likewise associated with psoriasis vulnerability. However, our investigation found no link between rs35667974 and psoriasis.

Dopamine as a potential diagnostic biomarker in women's sexual dysfunction.

Dopamine and prolactin are the key mediators involved in sexual function in both males and females, but the role of dopamine in female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is still unclear. The aim was to investigate the possible role of dopamine and their relationship with sex steroid hormones (estrogen, progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone; DHEA) and prolactin levels in Egyptian women suffering from sexual dysfunction. This study included 84 women having sexual dysfunction (FSD group) and 84 normal sexual function (control group). All women were subjected to the questionnaire to assess their demographic and gynecological data as well as female sexual function index (FSFI). Blood samples were collected from all women for measuring serum estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, prolactin and dopamine levels. FSD patients had significantly higher serum progesterone and DHEA and prolactin levels; while significantly lower dopamine and estradiol levels versus controls (p < 0.001). In all women, dopamine level appeared as a predictor of FSD at cut-off point ≤8.8 ng/mL with sensitivity (75%), specificity (92%) and accuracy (83%) (p < 0.001). The low levels of dopamine were associated with significantly higher prevalence in patients with low estradiol (p < 0.001) and high progesterone (p < 0.001), DHEA (p < 0.001) and prolactin (p = 0.004). Also, dopamine was significantly positive correlation with arousal score (r = 0.16, p = 0.04), and negative correlation with age (r = -0.31, p < 0.001), pain score (r = -0.19, p = 0.01), DHEA (r = -0.45, p < 0.001) and prolactin (r = -0.28, p < 0.001). Low serum dopamine level is a potential diagnostic biomarker in women's sexual dysfunction and their association with high prolactin and sex steroid hormones dysfunction.

Corrigendum: Unveiling the therapeutic potential of exogenous ß-hydroxybutyrate for chronic colitis in rats: novel insights on autophagy, apoptosis, and pyroptosis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1239025.].

Circadian clock gene expression and polymorphism in non-segmental vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is an acquired and progressive mucocutaneous disease with the damage of functioning epidermal melanocytes. Metabolic syndrome is associated with inflammatory skin diseases incorporating vitiligo. The circadian dysfunction triggers the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, so our study aimed to determine the relationship between aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like gene, a ligand-activated transcription factor and sensor of environmental chemicals, expression and polymorphism with non-segmental vitiligo, as well as its effect on lipid profile. METHODS: This case-control study was handled on 50 non-segmental vitiligo patients (generalized (12) and localized type (focal; 24 and acrofacial; 14)) and 50 matched controls. Each subject was proposed for full history taking, clinical examinations, serum lipid profile, and measurement of BMAL1 gene expression in the blood, and BMAL1 rs2279287 polymorphism of DNA extract from whole blood by real time-PCR. RESULTS: We identified that total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein were significantly higher, but high-density lipoprotein was significantly lower in non-segmental vitiligo patients than in the control group. A significant increase in circadian gene expression in non-segmental vitiligo patients was observed, with more detection of the BMAL1 T/C genotype (92%) than the T/T genotype. There was a significant positive relationship between the level of the circadian gene and the vitiligo patient's age, age of onset, and VIDA Score. The level of the circadian gene at Cutoff  ≥ 1.16 can predict the prognosis of vitiligo with a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 84%, and accuracy of 81%. CONCLUSION: The circadian gene has an active role in the progress of non-segmental vitiligo and targeting this gene could have a significant impact on its management.

Serum and Seminal Plasma Levels of Lead and Arsenic in Cigarette Smokers and Their Relation to the Semen Parameters.

Male infertility along with altered semen parameters have been related to smoking. Smoking-related elevations in serum and seminal lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) may play a role in mediating the toxic effects of smoking on seminogram. This research aims to determine whether smoking has any significant impact on Pb and As levels in the seminal plasma and serum, as well as on the various semen parameters, when compared to nonsmokers. In total, 80 adult males were included: 60 smokers and 20 age-matched nonsmokers. Based on the number of cigarettes smoked/day (CPD), the smokers were categorized into mild (1-10), moderate (11-20), and severe (> 20). The analysis of semen was conducted in accordance with the 2010 WHO laboratory manual. Using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Pb and As concentrations in the serum and seminal plasma of all groups were determined. Compared to nonsmokers, smokers had a significantly reduced sperm count, motility, and viability, as well as a larger percentage of aberrant forms (P = 0.001, 0.025, 0.034, 0.002 respectively). Smokers had higher Pb concentrations in their serum and seminal fluid than nonsmokers (P = 0.002, 0.001 respectively). Seminal Pb had a significant negative correlation with sperm count (P = 0.004, r = -0.320). Serum Pb levels were found to positively correlate with seminal Pb levels (P 0.001, r = 0.648), and cigarette smokers had substantially greater seminal As levels than nonsmokers (P = 0.024). Sperm viability was strongly inversely related to seminal As (P = 0.042, r = -0.264). Seminal As levels and aberrant sperm shapes were found to be significantly correlated (P = 0.001, r = 0.414). In smokers, a significant positive relationship between seminal As and seminal Pb was observed. Therefore, semen parameters could be adversely affected by smoking through high levels of Pb and As (P = 0.012, r = 0.298).

Adiponectin serum levels and ADIPOQ (rs2241766) polymorphism in alopecia areata Egyptian patients.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia Areata (AA) is an acquired autoimmune form of non-scarring hair loss. Adiponectin and its gene polymorphism were related to many autoimmune disorders. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of adiponectin serum levels and adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) (rs2241766) Single Nucleoid Polymorphism (SNP) in AA patients and correlating the results with the disease severity in those patients. METHODS: This study included 75 AA patients and 75 age and gender-matched healthy subjects (controls). The severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score assessment to evaluate AA severity was done. Adiponectin serum levels by ELISA and ADIPOQ (rs2241766) SNP using PCR were performed. RESULTS: Adiponectin serum levels were significantly lower in AA patients than controls (p = 0.001). ADIPOQ (rs2241766) TG genotype and G allele were significantly predominant in AA patients increasing its risk by 5 and 4 folds (OR = 5.17, p = 0.001), (OR = 3.82, p = 0.001) respectively. Serum adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with SALT score (r = -0.435, p = 0.001) and associated with alopecia totalis (p = 0.016). ADIPOQ (rs2241766) TG genotype was significantly associated with low serum adiponectin levels and higher SALT score (p = 0.001). STUDY LIMITATIONS: The small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: ADIPOQ (rs2241766) gene polymorphism (TG genotype and G allele) may modulate AA risk and contribute to the development of AA in Egyptian populations. Decreased circulating adiponectin levels may have a dynamic role in AA etiopathogenesis. Adiponectin serum concentration can be considered a severity marker of hair loss in AA.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 in the Skin of Patients Affected by COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: After many recorded cases of acute pneumonia of unknown cause, the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 as the start of a new coronavirus disease pandemic in 2019. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is reduced by a protease known as transmembrane serine type 2 in the host cell, which then activates the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 regulating coronavirus entry into the host cells. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of ACE 2 in the skin of patients affected by COVID-19 with and without cutaneous manifestations and to correlate ACE2 expression with clinical and pathologic parameters. METHODS: Skin biopsies were obtained from skin lesions of 25 patients presenting with cutaneous manifestations and from the left forearm of 22 patients without cutaneous manifestations. The specimens were processed for evaluation of histopathologic changes and ACE2 immunohistochemical evaluation. RESULTS: Positive ACE2 expression was significantly higher in patients without cutaneous manifestations (96%) than those with cutaneous manifestations (72.7%). Positive ACE2 expression in the skin of affected patients was significantly associated with the presence of comorbidities, positive family history, high ABCD score, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, high D-dimer, rapid respiratory rate, and low oxygen saturation. CONCLUSIONS: The skin could be involved in COVID-19 infection in the form of inflammatory changes, such as pityriasis rosea-like lesions. Patients with COVID-19 who presented with cutaneous manifestations are usually less severe. The presence of ACE2 in the skin of patients with COVID-19 is an indicator of worse status. Patients with COVID-19 without skin manifestations showed higher positivity for ACE2, which may explain the severity of the cases.

Adiponectin serum levels and ADIPOQ (rs2241766) polymorphism in alopecia areata Egyptian patients

Abstract Background Alopecia Areata (AA) is an acquired autoimmune form of non-scarring hair loss. Adiponectin and its gene polymorphism were related to many autoimmune disorders. Objective Assessment of adiponectin serum levels and adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) (rs2241766) Single Nucleoid Polymorphism (SNP) in AA patients and correlating the results with the disease severity in those patients. Methods This study included 75 AA patients and 75 age and gender-matched healthy subjects (controls). The severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score assessment to evaluate AA severity was done. Adiponectin serum levels by ELISA and ADIPOQ (rs2241766) SNP using PCR were performed. Results Adiponectin serum levels were significantly lower in AA patients than controls (p = 0.001). ADIPOQ (rs2241766) TG genotype and G allele were significantly predominant in AA patients increasing its risk by 5 and 4 folds (OR = 5.17, p = 0.001), (OR = 3.82, p = 0.001) respectively. Serum adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with SALT score (r = -0.435, p = 0.001) and associated with alopecia totalis (p = 0.016). ADIPOQ (rs2241766) TG genotype was significantly associated with low serum adiponectin levels and higher SALT score (p = 0.001). Study limitations The small sample size. Conclusions ADIPOQ (rs2241766) gene polymorphism (TG genotype and G allele) may modulate AA risk and contribute to the development of AA in Egyptian populations. Decreased circulating adiponectin levels may have a dynamic role in AA etiopathogenesis. Adiponectin serum concentration can be considered a severity marker of hair loss in AA.

Unveiling the therapeutic potential of exogenous ß-hydroxybutyrate for chronic colitis in rats: novel insights on autophagy, apoptosis, and pyroptosis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease of the colorectal area that demonstrates a dramatically increasing incidence worldwide. This study provides novel insights into the capacity of the exogenous ß-hydroxybutyrate and ketogenic diet (KD) consumption to alleviate dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in rats. Remarkably, both interventions attenuated disease activity and colon weight-to-length ratio, and improved macro and microstructures of the damaged colon. Importantly, both ß-hydroxybutyrate and KD curbed the DSS-induced aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activation as observed in mRNA and protein expression analysis. Additionally, inhibition of the NLRP3/NGSDMD-mediated pyroptosis was detected in response to both regimens. In parallel, these modalities attenuated caspase-1 and its associated consequences of IL-1ß and IL-18 overproduction. They also mitigated apoptosis as indicated by the inactivation of caspase-3. The anti-inflammatory effects of BHB and KD were confirmed by the reported decline in the levels of inflammatory markers including MPO, NFκB, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, these interventions exhibited antioxidative properties by reducing ROS production and improving antioxidative enzymes. Their effectiveness in mitigating UC was also evident in the renovation of normal intestinal epithelial barrier function, as shown by correcting the discrepancies in the levels of tight junction proteins ZO-1, OCLN, and CLDN5. Furthermore, their effects on the intestinal microbiota homeostasis were investigated. In terms of autophagy, exogenous ß-hydroxybutyrate upregulated BECN-1 and downregulated p62, which may account for its superiority over KD in attenuating colonic damage. In conclusion, this study provides experimental evidence supporting the potential therapeutic use of ß-hydroxybutyrate or ß-hydroxybutyrate-boosting regimens in UC.

Osteological Study of the Parietal Foramen in the Adult Human Skull Bones and its Clinical and Surgical Correlations / Estudio Osteológico del Foramen Parietal en los Huesos del Cráneo Humano Adulto y sus Correlaciones Clínicas y Quirúrgicas

SUMMARY: Parietal emissary foramina (PEF) are small holes, which are localized between the middle and posterior thirds of the parietal bone posterior surface close to the sagittal suture. PEF are important structures that protect the parietal emissary vein, which passes through it. During neurosurgery procedures, parietal foramina (PF) knowledge is crucial. This work aimed to evaluate presence and location of the PF in the skull of an adult human. Moreover, measure the distance amidst PF and the sagittal suture's midline to ascertain its clinical repercussions. 74 adult human skulls, without gross pathology, were observed for the PF's existence. The PF's and sagittal suture's midline distance were measured. According to the PF patterns of presence, five groups were distributed. Finally, specimens were photographed and subjected to statistical analysis. The PF was absent in 7 skulls (9.5 %). There were 9 skulls (12.2 %) exhibited central parietal foramen where the parietal foramen lies on the sagittal suture. 17 skulls (23 %) showed right unilateral parietal foramen, whereas 15 skulls (20.3 %) demonstrated left unilateral parietal foramen. The final 26 skulls (35.1 %) exhibited bilateral parietal foramen. This descriptive study supplies valuable information of PF variations, which is crucial for neurosurgeons in modifying surgical techniques and procedures to alleviate injury to PF-emerging structures such as emissary veins.

Los forámenes emisarios parietales (FEP) son pequeños orificios que se localizan entre los tercios medio y posterior de la superficie posterior del hueso parietal, cerca de la sutura sagital. Los FEP son estructuras importantes que protegen la vena emisaria parietal, que lo atraviesa. Durante los procedimientos de neurocirugía, el conocimiento de los forámenes parietales (FP) es crucial. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la presencia y ubicación del FP en el cráneo de hombres adultos, además, medir la distancia entre el FP y la línea mediana de la sutura sagital para conocer su repercusión clínica. Se examinaron 74 cráneos humanos adultos, sin patología grave, para determinar la existencia del FP. Se midió la distancia de la línea mediana de la sutura sagital y del FP. De acuerdo con los patrones de presencia del FP, se distribuyeron en cinco grupos. Finalmente, los especímenes fueron fotografiados y sometidos a análisis estadístico. El PF estaba ausente en 7 cráneos (9,5 %). Hubo 9 cráneos (12,2 %) que presentaban un PF central localizándose en la sutura sagital. 17 cráneos (23 %) presentaban un FP unilateral derecho, mientras que 15 cráneos (20,3 %) se observó un FP unilateral izquierdo. Los 26 cráneos restantes (35,1 %) exhibieron FP bilaterales. Este estudio descriptivo proporciona información valiosa sobre las variaciones del FP, que es fundamental para los neurocirujanos en el momento de modificar las técnicas y los procedimientos quirúrgicos para aliviar las lesiones de las estructuras emergentes del FP, como las venas emisarias.

Human beta-defensin 1 circulating level and gene polymorphism in non-segmental vitiligo Egyptian patients

Abstract Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmented skin disorder. It has a genetic and autoimmune background. Human beta defensin-1(HBD-1) plus its gene polymorphism were linked to some autoimmune disorders. Objectives: To elucidate the possible role of HBD-1 in the pathogenesis of non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) through evaluation of HBD-1 serum levels and its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in patients having NSV, in addition, to correlating the results with the extent of vitiligo in those patients. Methods: A current case-control study included 50 patients having NSV and 50 controls. The authors used Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score to assess vitiligo severity and laboratory investigations to assess serum HBD-1 level using ELISA and defensin-beta1 (DEFB1) SNP using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: There were significantly lower HBD-1 serum levels in NSV cases than in controls (p < 0.001). There was a significant predominance of GG DEFB1 genotype and G allele in NSV patients in comparison to controls (p < 0.001). The levels of serum HBD-1 and DEFB1 genotypes were not associated or correlated significantly with any of the personal and clinical parameters of vitiligo patients. Study limitations: The small sample size. Conclusions: DEFB1 gene polymorphism (GG genotype and G allele) may modulate vitiligo risk and contribute to vitiligo development in Egyptian populations. Decreased circulating HBD-1 levels might have an active role in vitiligo etiopathogenesis that could be mediated through its possible anti-inflammatory effects.

Human beta-defensin 1 circulating level and gene polymorphism in non-segmental vitiligo Egyptian patients.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmented skin disorder. It has a genetic and autoimmune background. Human beta defensin-1(HBD-1) plus its gene polymorphism were linked to some autoimmune disorders. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the possible role of HBD-1 in the pathogenesis of non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) through evaluation of HBD-1 serum levels and its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in patients having NSV, in addition, to correlating the results with the extent of vitiligo in those patients. METHODS: A current case-control study included 50 patients having NSV and 50 controls. The authors used Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score to assess vitiligo severity and laboratory investigations to assess serum HBD-1 level using ELISA and defensin-beta1 (DEFB1) SNP using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: There were significantly lower HBD-1 serum levels in NSV cases than in controls (p < 0.001). There was a significant predominance of GG DEFB1 genotype and G allele in NSV patients in comparison to controls (p < 0.001). The levels of serum HBD-1 and DEFB1 genotypes were not associated or correlated significantly with any of the personal and clinical parameters of vitiligo patients. STUDY LIMITATION: The small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: DEFB1 gene polymorphism (GG genotype and G allele) may modulate vitiligo risk and contribute to vitiligo development in Egyptian populations. Decreased circulating HBD-1 levels might have an active role in vitiligo etiopathogenesis that could be mediated through its possible anti-inflammatory effects.

Interleukin-17A in Egyptian leprosy patients: a clinical, genetic, and biochemical study

Abstract Background: Leprosy represents a long-term communicable disease resulting from Mycobacterium leprae infection. IL-17A is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that protects humans against many fungal and bacterial pathogens. Objective: To investigate IL-17A (rs2275913) gene polymorphism and its circulating level in leprosy patients, and to correlate the detected results with different clinical aspects of leprosy in the investigated patients. Methods: 60 patients with leprosy, and 29 age and sex-matched volunteers were investigated for IL-17A serum level and IL-17A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) by ELISA and RFLP-PCR respectively. Results: IL-17A serum level was significantly higher in leprosy patients than in controls (p = 0.034), and in TL than LL (p = 0.017). IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) G allele and GG genotype were associated significantly with LL (p = 0.005and 0.001 respectively). IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) AG genotype carriers demonstrated the highest IL-17A serum levels; however, its lowest levels were found in IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) AA genotype carriers (p = 0.005). Grade 2 disability (p = 0.030) and positive slit skin smear (SSS) (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) GG genotype. Study limitations: The small number of studied subjects. Conclusions: IL -17A may have a pivotal role in leprosy pathogenesis. IL-17A (rs2275913) GG genotype plus G allele might be related to the development of LL in the Egyptian population.

Interleukin-17A in Egyptian leprosy patients: a clinical, genetic, and biochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy represents a long-term communicable disease resulting from Mycobacterium leprae infection. IL-17A is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that protects humans against many fungal and bacterial pathogens. OBJECTIVE: To investigate IL-17A (rs2275913) gene polymorphism and its circulating level in leprosy patients, and to correlate the detected results with different clinical aspects of leprosy in the investigated patients. METHODS: 60 patients with leprosy, and 29 age and sex-matched volunteers were investigated for IL-17A serum level and IL-17A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) by ELISA and RFLP-PCR respectively. RESULTS: IL-17A serum level was significantly higher in leprosy patients than in controls (p=0.034), and in TL than LL (p=0.017). IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) G allele and GG genotype were associated significantly with LL (p=0.005and 0.001 respectively). IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) AG genotype carriers demonstrated the highest IL-17A serum levels; however, its lowest levels were found in IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) AA genotype carriers (p=0.005). Grade 2 disability (p=0.030) and positive slit skin smear (SSS) (p=0.005) were significantly associated with IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) GG genotype. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The small number of studied subjects. CONCLUSIONS: IL -17A may have a pivotal role in leprosy pathogenesis. IL-17A (rs2275913) GG genotype plus G allele might be related to the development of LL in the Egyptian population.

Study of calprotectin gene polymorphism and serum level in acne vulgaris patients.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (AV) is an inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit. S100A8 and S100A9 (the light subunits of calprotectin) gene polymorphisms have been known to be associated with inflammatory disorder. Until now, no study investigated calprotectin gene polymorphism in acne patients. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate calprotectin serum levels and gene polymorphism (rs3806232) in acne vulgaris patients and to correlate them with different clinical aspects of them. METHODS: This case-control study included 50 patients having variable degrees of acne vulgaris (AV) severity, in addition to a control group of 26 age- and gender-matched seemingly healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Acne vulgaris patients had considerably greater (P < 0.001) mean serum calprotectin levels than the control group (3.86 ± 2.58 pg/ml vs. 0.29 ± 0.14). AA genotype of calprotectin S100 A8 (rs3806232) was significantly predominant over AG or GG genotypes in patients compared to the controls, and the A allele was significantly (P < 0.001) predominant in patients (80%), while A and G alleles were equally distributed in controls; also, there was a significantly higher serum calprotectin level in calprotectin AA genotype than in AG or GG (P < 0.001) in acne vulgaris patients. CONCLUSION: The serum levels of calprotectin were considerably greater in AV patients than in controls. AA genotype and A allele of the S100 A8 gene were significantly higher in patients, which was associated with significantly higher calprotectin serum levels. Thus, calprotectin, both gene and serum level, might participate in disease pathogenesis, which needs further studies.

S100A8 (rs3806232) gene polymorphism and S100A8 serum level in psoriasis vulgaris patients: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: S100A8 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and S100A8 blood level are related to many inflammatory disorders with no available conclusion in psoriasis. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of S100A8 in psoriasis pathogenesis through analyzing its S100A8 (rs3806232) gene polymorphism and S100A8 serum level in psoriasis vulgaris patients, in addition to correlate the detected results with severity psoriasis in those patients. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 50 patients having psoriasis vulgaris, and 26 controls. Severity of psoriasis was evaluated using psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score. S100A8 serum level and S100A8 (rs3806232) SNP were evaluated by ELISA and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) respectively. RESULTS: Serum S100A8 level was significantly higher in psoriatic patients than controls and was positively correlated with PASI score (r = 0.826, p < 0.001). S100A8 (rs3806232) AA genotype and A allele were significantly increased among psoriasis patients than controls (p < 0.001) increasing risk of psoriasis development by about 5, 12, and 6 times than AG, GG, and G alleles. AA genotype was significantly associated with psoriasis severity (p = 0.005) and high S100A8 serum levels (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating S100A8 could associated with disease severity and have an active role in psoriasis pathogenesis. S100A8 (rs3806232) SNP (AA genotype and A allele) might contribute to development and severity of psoriasis in the Egyptian population.

Relationship of steroid sex hormones with female sexual dysfunction in female patients having urinary incontinence.

To investigate serum estradiol, progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone levels on FSD in females having urinary incontinence (UI), we studied 150 females [100 having UI (50 with FSD and 50 without FSD) and 50 controls]. There were significant lower estradiol and progesterone and higher DHEA serum levels in patients than controls (P = 0.001for all). In UI patients, females having sexual disruption had significantly low levels of estradiol (p = 0.001). Low estradiol serum level represented an isolated predictive factor for sexual dysfunction in incontinent female patients (p = 0.001). A low estradiol serum level might be a possible risk factor for FSD in women having UI.

Fatty acid-binding protein 4 circulating levels in non-segmental vitiligo

Abstract Background: Vitiligo is an acquired and progressive mucocutaneous disease resulting from the loss of active epidermal melanocytes. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects about 25% of the world's population and is linked to inflammatory skin diseases including vitiligo. Fatty AcidBinding Protein 4 (FABP4) is an intracellular lipid chaperone. FABP4 is closely associated with MetS. Objectives: To evaluate the serum level of FABP4 in vitiligo patients and its relation to MetS in the investigated cases. Methods: This case control study was conducted on 45 patients having non segmental vitiligo and 45 matched controls. Their lipid profile, blood glucose and serum FABP4 levels were measured. Results: There were significant elevations in FABP4 (p < 0.001), cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.005), and glucose (fasting [p = 0.001] and 2 hours post prandial [p < 0.001]) levels in patients in comparison with controls. MetS was significantly more prevalent among vitiligo patients (p < 0.001) and associated with high FABP4 serum levels (p = 0.037). In vitiligo patients, there were significant positive correlations between FABP4 serum levels and triglycerides (p = 0.047), cholesterol (p = 0.001) and LDL (p = 0.001) levels and negative correlation regarding HDL level (p = 0.009). FABP4 level was a significantly good diagnostic test for early detection of vitiligo (p < 0.001). Study limitations: The small number of studied subjects. Conclusions: FABP4 may play an active role in the disease process of vitiligo that could be mediated through associated dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. FABP4 may be a marker of vitiligo helping in its early diagnosis, but it does not appear to be useful for determining vitiligo severity, activity or associated MetS.

The clinical and pathological effectiveness of microneedling and topical 5-fluorouracil in vitiligo treatment: An association with matrix metalloproteinase 2 immunohistochemical expression.

BACKGROUND: The current therapies for vitiligo require long duration with often disappointing outcomes. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapeutic agent approved for topical use in the treatment of several dermatologic conditions. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is synthesized by keratinocytes during the epidermal remodeling process and has been found to help in melanocyte migration. AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of flexible microneedling followed by application of 5-FU in vitiligo treatment and to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMP2 in involved skin in vitiligo patients before and after treatment. METHODS: Twenty patients presented with vitiligo were planned to receive one session every 2 weeks for 12 weeks of microneedling followed by 5-FU application. Clinical response to therapy was evaluated by VASI score. Pre- and post-treatment biopsies were taken from vitiliginous patches for MMP2 immunostaining. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (75%) responded to therapy with observed side effects such as pain, erythema, and hyperpigmentation of margins. The clinical response was more in young patients and those who have short disease duration. MMP2 was significantly increased in post-treatment biopsy compared with the pretreatment one. CONCLUSIONS: 5-Fluorouracil application after microneedling is effective in the treatment of vitiligo with 75% response, 60% patient satisfaction, and tolerable side effects. The improvement in vitiligo patients by microneedling and 5-fluorouracil could be due to upregulation of MMP2 in affected vitiligo specimens.