Comparative analysis of the effects of CO2 fractional laser and sonophoresis on human skin penetration with 5-aminolevulinic acid.

Successful delivery of a photosensitizer into the skin is an important factor for effective photodynamic therapy (PDT). The effective method to increase drug penetration within short incubation time overcoming skin barrier have been investigated. This study was performed to analyze and compare the effectiveness of ablative fractional laser (FXL) pretreatment and/or sonophoresis for enhancing the penetration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into human skin in vivo. Twenty-four identical 1 × 1 cm2 treatment areas were mapped on the backs of ten healthy male subjects. Each area received FXL pretreatment and/or sonophoresis with different energy settings and ALA incubation times. After treatments, porphyrin fluorescence reflecting the ALA penetration were measured. Application of ablative CO2 FXL pretreatment resulted to higher fluorescence intensities than the non-treatment group. Incubation times were positively correlated with the increments of ALA penetration. However, increasing pulse energy or combining with sonophoresis did not show additional positive effects on ALA penetration. Ablative CO2 FXL pretreatment effectively facilitated ALA penetration in human skin in vivo. Ablative CO2 FXL alone without sonophoresis setting pulse energy of 10 and 20 mJ with more than 60 min of ALA incubation time could be an ideal setting for ALA penetration.

Association Studies of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Gene Polymorphisms With Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplantation Recipients.

OBJECTIVE: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) belong to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily of proteins. This study was performed to evaluate the association of BMP gene polymorphisms with acute renal allograft rejection (AR) and graft dysfunction (GD) in Koreans. METHODS: Three hundred thirty-one patients who had kidney transplantation procedures were recruited. Transplantation outcomes were determined in terms of AR and GD criteria. We selected six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs1979855 (5' near gene), rs1049007 (Ser87Ser), rs235767 (intron), rs1005464 (intron), rs235768 (Arg190Ser), and rs3178250 (3; untranslated region). RESULTS: Among the six SNPs tested, the rs235767, rs1005464, and rs3178250 SNPs were significantly associated with AR (P < .05). The rs1049007 and rs235768 SNPs also showed an association with GD (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these results suggest that the BMP2 gene polymorphism may be related to the development of AR and GD in kidney transplant recipients.

Everolimus-Induced Systemic Serositis After Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report.

Although everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, has been used as a potent immunosuppressive agent in organ transplantation, data regarding its adverse effect profile compared with that of sirolimus in clinical circumstances are limited. A 50-year-old man who underwent simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation 14 months previously was admitted with large pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and ascites. Laboratory findings and cultures for possible infectious causes were all negative. Pericardial window surgery with drainage of the pericardial fluid was performed on day 3. Pleural and pericardial biopsy revealed non-specific inflammation without evidence of malignant cells. Everolimus was discontinued and replaced by mycophenolate mofetil on day 4. Significant clinical improvement was observed after discontinuation of everolimus, and follow-up echocardiography and chest radiography showed no recurrence of the pericardial or pleural effusion after discharge.

Pilot study on the correlation between skin auto-fluorescence and serum antioxidant enzyme: skin auto-fluorescence is negatively associated with levels of malondialdehyde.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Various methods have been used to objectively record skin changes. However, estimating the intrinsic and extrinsic aging of skin remains a challenge. Our objective was to study intrinsic skin aging with respect to patient age and extrinsic photo-aging of human dorsal (photo-exposed) and volar (photo-protected) forearm in vivo through skin auto-fluorescence (AF). We also examined the correlations between serum antioxidant enzyme, malondialdehyde(MDA), and skin AF. METHODS: 37 healthy volunteers were enrolled. We measured skin AF and its heterogeneity on the dorsal and volar forearms. We also examined serum concentration of catalase, superoxide dismutase, vitamin E, and MDA levels in every participant. RESULTS: In photo-protected areas, skin AF intensity in the 40 years or older group was significantly higher compared to the group less than 40 years-old. On the other hand, heterogeneity value was significantly higher in the less than 40 years-old group in photo-protected area. With respect to serum antioxidant enzyme and MDA level, only MDA level showed a negative correlation with skin AF intensity in photo-exposed area. CONCLUSION: We determined that skin AF intensity of the photo-protected area reflects intrinsic skin aging. In addition, degree of photo-aging could be indirectly inferred by skin AF of photo-exposed area and serum MDA level.

Comparative study of skin autofluorescence expression in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis: A prospective in vivo study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis requires their differentiation from other eczematoid dermatitis and a determination of disease severity. However, both can be clinically difficult and the findings subjectively interpreted. We investigated the utility of in vivo autofluorescence (AF) measurements for diagnosis of both diseases, and determination of severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with AD and 30 with psoriasis were recruited, together with sex- and age-matched patients with healthy skin. AF intensity was measured using the EcoSkin® fluorescence video dermatoscope. In AD and psoriasis patients, AF in non-sun-exposed lesional and non-lesional skin was measured. To identify the locations that reflect characteristics of AD, AF was also measured at the other sites in the patients with AD. RESULTS: AD was associated with lower AF and psoriasis with higher AF intensity peaking around 620 nm. In addition, skin AF intensity of each disease was associated with severity of lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive measurement of skin AF in vivo can aid in diagnosis of AD and psoriasis as well as in treatment monitoring.

A Promoter Polymorphism in the CD46 Complement Regulatory Protein Gene Is Associated With Acute Renal Allograft Rejection.

OBJECTIVES: CD46 molecule (complement regulatory protein [CD46]), known as a human cell surface receptor, plays an important role in complement and T-cell regulation for organ transplantation. This study was performed to evaluate the association of promoter polymorphism (rs2796267, -496 A/G) of the CD46 gene with acute renal allograft rejection (AR), late acute rejection (LAR), and graft loss (GL) in Korean patients. METHODS: A total of 334 patients with kidney transplants were recruited. Transplantation outcomes were determined in terms of AR, LAR, and GL criteria. The promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of CD46 was genotyped by direct sequencing. RESULTS: The rs2796267 SNP exhibited significant differences between the AR group and non-AR group (codominant1 model, P = .012; odds ratio [OR], 0.47 [95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.84]; dominant model, P = .012; OR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.29-0.86]; and allele distribution, P = .034; OR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.43-0.94]). In addition, the SNP also exhibited significant associations with LAR (codominant2 model, P = .041; OR, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.02-0.92]; recessive model, P = .005; OR, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.02-0.94]; and allele distribution, P = .038; OR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.35-0.97]). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the promoter polymorphism (rs2796267, -496 A/G) CD46 gene may be related to susceptibility of AR in Korean kidney transplantation recipients.

Association Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-4 Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Acute Rejection and Graft Dysfunction After Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Cytokine genotypes have previously been studied in patients undergoing solid organ transplantation; certain polymorphisms have been implicated in the development of acute rejection (AR) and graft dysfunction (GD). Allograft outcomes determined, in part, by alloimmune responses is mainly mediated by T-cell responses, activated and driven by cytokines. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is one such cytokine, which exerts its biological effects through binding to the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) complex on target cells. In the present study, we investigated whether polymorphisms of the IL-4 and/or IL-4R gene were associated with susceptibility to acute AR and GD after kidney transplantation. METHODS: We analyzed 2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of IL-4 (rs2243250 and rs2070874) and 3 SNPs of IL-4R (rs1801275, rs2107356, and rs1805010) in 344 kidney transplant recipients. These patients included 62 of whom had developed AR and 215 of whom had GD in 1 year after kidney transplantation. RESULTS: The AR group included 62 patients (45 men and 17 women). There was a statistically significant difference in the male-to-female ratio and the use of tacrolimus in the AR group. The GD group included 215 patients. Patients who developed GD were more likely to be older and have an underlying cause of end-stage renal disease that was unknown compared with patients who did not have GD, the cause of which was typically known. Among the SNPs examined, 1 of the SNPs in the IL-4R gene (ie, rs1801275) showed a statistical association with AR (co-dominant model, P = .061; dominant model, P = .019; and log-addictive model, P = .029). In addition, 1 of the IL-4R SNPs (ie, rs2107356) was statistically associated with GD (dominant model, P = .034). No significant difference in the IL-4 genotype was observed between the AR/GD and non-AR/non-GD subjects. CONCLUSIONS: One IL-4R gene polymorphism (rs1801275) was associated with AR. In addition, a separate IL-4R SNP (rs2107356) was statistically associated with GD after kidney transplantation.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Polymorphisms and New-Onset Diabetes After Kidney Transplantation in Korean Renal Transplant Subjects.

BACKGROUND: New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is a serious metabolic complication that may follow renal transplantation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to insulin insufficiency and beta-cell dysfunction in a rat model. The MMP-2 concentrations were lower in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the plasma MMPs levels were related to diabetes. Similar to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and insulin secretion dysfunction occur in patients with the development of NODAT. Therefore, we examined the association between NODAT and 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the 3 genes of MMPs that might be related to NODAT. METHODS: A total of 309 renal transplant recipients without a history of diabetes were included in this study. DNA was extracted from the blood samples of recipients, and we analyzed the association between the development of NODAT and a panel of 11 SNPs within 3 MMP genes (MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3). RESULTS: In terms of allele frequencies, rs243849*C (MMP-2) was significantly higher in patients with NODAT. Two of the 11 (18.1%) SNPs were significantly associated with NODAT development after adjusting for age, sex, and tacrolimus usage: MMP-2 (rs1132896) and MMP-2 (rs243849). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, these 2 SNPs were significantly associated with the development of NODAT in the codominant and recessive or codominant and dominant models. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-2 gene rs1132896 and rs243849 polymorphisms may serve as genetic markers for the development of NODAT. The exact molecular mechanisms still must be clarified.

Impact of chemical peeling combined with negative pressure on human skin.

OBJECTIVE: In vivo changes in skin barrier function after chemical peeling with alpha hydroxyacids (AHAs) have been previously reported. However, the additional effects of physical treatment with chemical agents on skin barrier function have not been adequately studied. This study measured the degree of acute skin damage and the time required for skin barrier repair using non-invasive bioengineering methods in vivo with human skin to investigate the additional effect of a 4% AHA chemical jet accelerated at supersonic velocities. METHODS: Thirteen female subjects (average age: 29.54 ± 4.86 years) participated in this study. The faces of the subjects were divided into half according to the block randomization design and were then assigned to receive AHA peeling alone or AHA peeling combined with pneumatic pressure on each side of the face. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin colour and skin blood flow were evaluated at baseline and at 30 min, 2, 5 and 7 days after treatment. RESULTS: The TEWL and skin blood flow were significantly increased after 30 min in chemodermabrasion compared with chemical peeling alone (P < 0.05). The TEWL and skin blood flow recovered to baseline after 2 days, and TEWL was significantly decreased at 7 days compared with chemical peeling alone (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chemodermabrasion can temporarily impair skin barriers, but it is estimated that it can enhance the skin barrier function after 7 days compared to the use of a chemical agent alone. In addition, chemodermabrasion has a more effective impact in the dermis and relatively preserves the skin barrier.

Positivity rates of antithyroid antibody, antinuclear antibody and thyroid peroxidase antibody in different types of vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is associated with various autoimmune disorders, and organ-specific autoantibodies are frequently found in patients with this disorder. Vitiligo is classically divided into segmental vitiligo (SV) and nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV), and it is believed that the pathogenesis differs between these two types. As the NSV type is related to an autoimmune mechanism, autoantibody detection rates are likely to be higher in the NSV type than in the segmental type; however, no comparative studies have been performed. AIM: To analyse the rates of autoantibody positivity according to the clinical features in patients with vitiligo. METHODS: Rates of antithyroid antibody (Tg Ab), antinuclear antibody (ANA) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO Ab) positivity were analysed and compared according to the sex, clinical type and age of onset of 807 patients with vitiligo. RESULTS: There were 106 patients with SV (13.1%) and 701 patients with NSV (86.9%). Tg Ab and ANA positivity did not differ between the SV and NSV types. A positive TPO Ab result was obtained in 16 patients with SV (15.1%) and 173 patients with NSV (24.7%). The TPO Ab positivity rate was significantly higher in NSV (χ² = 4.14, P < 0.05). The positivity rates of the three autoantibodies differed significantly according to age of onset (P = 0.001, P = 0.02 and P < 0.001 for Tg Ab, ANA and TPO Ab positivity, respectively). The TPO Ab positivity rate also showed a sex difference (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The positivity rates for the three autoantibodies showed differences according to age of onset and sex. The rates of Tg Ab and ANA positivity showed no significant differences according to clinical type, but the TPO Ab positivity rate was significantly different between SV and NSV. It appears likely that an autoimmune mechanism contributes to the pathogenesis of SV.

Relationship between the HLA-G 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and susceptibility to autoimmune disease: a meta-analysis.

Numerous studies have investigated the potential relationship between the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G 14-bp insertion/deletion (INS/DEL) polymorphisms and autoimmune disease (AID). However, published results are inconclusive. Our aim was to determine whether the 14-bp INS/DEL polymorphism in the HLA-G gene contributes to the risk of AID. A systemic literature search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases was conducted to identify eligible studies investigating the association of the HLA-G 14-bp INS/DEL polymorphism with AID. Our analysis included 11 publications involving a total of 6462 individuals. Overall, no significant association between the HLA-G 14-bp INS/DEL polymorphism and AID was detected in any comparison model. Further subgroup analyses based on AID types and ethnicity also revealed no significant associations. Our results suggest that the HLA-G 14-bp INS/DEL polymorphism is unrelated to the development of AID. Further studies including larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these results.

Effect of mycophenolic acid on proliferation of dermal papilla cells and induction of anagen hair follicles.

BACKGROUND: Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil, has anti-inflammatory effects, and is widely used as an immunomodulatory agent. However, the beneficial effect of MPA in hair-loss disorders is not fully understood. AIM: To investigate the direct effect of MPA on dermal papilla cells (DPCs), and to examine the hair growth-stimulating effects of MPA topically applied to mouse skin. METHODS: Cultured DPCs were treated with various concentrations of MPA and analysed by MTT assay. Expressions of hair growth-related genes, including Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related genes and cellular apoptosis-regulating genes, such as Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-9, were examined using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and western blotting. The Wnt/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway was analysed by western blotting. The effect of topically applied MPA on anagen hair follicle induction after microneedle (MN) treatment with or without minoxidil (MXD) was evaluated by histopathological examination and RT-PCR. RESULTS: MPA showed a promoting effect on DPC proliferation, which was associated with increased Axin2 transcription levels. In addition, phospho-ERK protein was detected in the MPA-treated DPCs. An increased Bcl-2/Bax transcript ratio contributed to cellular proliferation, and this was maintained in the MPA-treated environment. Topically applied MPA promoted anagen hair follicle induction in mice. The effect of MPA on hair follicles was compatible with that of MXD, and this effect was accelerated by MN treatment. CONCLUSIONS: MPA promotes proliferation of DPCs and induction of anagen hair follicles in mice. This finding raises the possibility that MPA could be used as a treatment option for hair-loss disorders.

Autofluorescence analysis of dermatitis and squamous cell carcinoma in paraffin wax-embedded skin samples.

BACKGROUND: Recent research has investigated the use of autofluorescence (AF) for distinguishing between normal and cancerous tissues according to different fluorescence characteristics. AIM: To analyze if AF can help differentiate cancerous lesions from other nonneoplastic lesions, such as dermatitis, in each layer of the skin ex vivo. METHODS: Paraffin wax-embedded tissue samples were obtained from patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), psoriasis, chronic dermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus, prurigo nodularis) or acute dermatitis (atopic dermatitis). AF intensity was measured in four layers of the epidermis (corneal, granular, spinous and basal) and two layers of the dermis (papillary and reticular). RESULTS: AF was highest in all layers of psoriasis samples compared with all layers of all other groups. Higher AF values were seen in SCC compared with all skin layers of acute and chronic dermatitis; this finding was especially true in the corneal layer, papillary dermis and reticular dermis. CONCLUSIONS: This ex vivo AF study provides basic data for future in vivo studies of AF as a noninvasive diagnostic tool.

Association between an HLA-G 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and non-segmental vitiligo in the Korean population.

Vitiligo is a pigmentary skin disorder characterized by the chronic and progressive loss of melanocytes. Although the etiology of vitiligo is still unknown, several theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of vitiligo including autoimmune, neural, self-destruction, oxidative stress, and genetic theories. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a nonclassic, major histocompatibility complex class I molecule that plays an important role in suppression of the immune response. Several recent studies have provided evidence that a 14 bp insertion (INS)/deletion (DEL) polymorphism in the HLA-G gene might be associated with autoimmune disease. Our aim in this study was to determine whether the 14 bp INS/DEL polymorphism in the HLA-G gene contributes to the risk of developing non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) in the Korean population. We conducted a case-control association study of 192 NSV patients and 491 matched, unaffected controls. The HLA-G 14bp INS/DEL polymorphism was analyzed by gene scan after amplification using the polymerase chain reaction. Genotype frequencies for the 14bpINS/DEL were different between the vitiligo group and Korean control group. The proportion of subjects with a homozygote 14bpINS/14bpINS genotype was significantly higher in the vitiligo group compared with the control group (7.1 vs. 3.5 %, OR 2.25, 95 % CI 1.06-4.76, p = 0.039 in the recessive model). Our results suggest that the HLA-G 14bpINS/DEL polymorphism is associated with the development of NSV in the Korean population.

Nonablative fractional laser as a tool to facilitate skin penetration of 5-aminolaevulinic acid with minimal skin disruption: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Effective penetration of a photosensitizer is an essential step in photodynamic therapy (PDT). There have been trials of several methods, including laser treatment, to facilitate prompt and sufficiently deep transdermal drug delivery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of nonablative fractional laser pretreatment on 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) penetration of the skin. METHODS: Twelve treatment areas (1 × 1 cm(2)) on the backs of 10 healthy male subjects were mapped. Test areas received laser treatment followed by incubation with ALA. Laser treatment was performed with a 1550 nm fractional erbium glass laser, and the laser energy was set to 20 or 50 mJ with a spot density of 50 cm(-2). ALA incubation time was 30, 60 or 180 min. Porphyrin fluorescence was measured. RESULTS: Sites pretreated with nonablative fractional laser showed significantly increased porphyrin fluorescence compared with nonpretreated areas. Laser energy strength and ALA incubation time were positively correlated with ALA absorption. CONCLUSIONS: Nonablative fractional laser treatment effectively enhanced ALA skin penetration. Pretreatment with a nonablative fractional laser can be used for ALA-PDT to achieve higher ALA uptake and shortened ALA incubation times with minimal skin barrier disruption compared with ablative laser.

TLR9 gene polymorphism (rs187084, rs352140): association with acute rejection and estimated glomerular filtration rate in renal transplant recipients.

The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are related to innate immunity. TLR9, a member of TLRs, is expressed in immune cell-rich tissues and mediates cellular response. We investigated the association between TLR9 polymorphisms and kidney allograft outcomes. To investigate whether TLR9 polymorphisms are associated with acute rejection after renal transplantation, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR9 gene (rs187084 -1486; rs352140, G2848A) were selected and genotyped by direct sequencing in 342 renal transplant recipients. SNPStats, SNPAnalyzer, Helixtree and Haploview version 4.2 were used to analyse genetic data. Multiple logistic regression models (codominant, dominant, recessive and log-additive) were used to evaluate odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and P values. Both SNPs, TLR9 rs187084 -1486 and rs352140 G2848A, of recipients were associated with the risk of acute rejection in renal transplantation. C allele of rs187084 -1486 and A allele of rs352140 G2848A were protective genotype for acute rejection (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.40-0.92; P = 0.018, OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.98; P = 0.04, respectively). rs187084 -1486 CT and rs352140 G2848A GA genotype were associated with a lower eGFR after a year of renal transplantation. TLR9 polymorphisms, rs187084 and rs352140, of recipients were associated with the risk of acute rejection in renal transplantation. The patients with rs187084 -1486 CT and rs352140 G2848A GA genotype showed a lower eGFR after a year of renal transplantation.

Impact of IL2 and IL2RB genetic polymorphisms in kidney transplantation.

Patient genetic make-up may contribute to a higher risk for acute rejection episodes (AREs). Because interleukin-2 (IL2) and IL2 receptor ß (IL2RB) play key roles in immune modulation, we investigated the effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL2 gene (rs2069762; T>G, promoter; and rs2069763; G>T, exon 1, Leu38Leu) and IL2RB gene (rs228942: C>A, exon 1, Asp391Glu; and rs228953: C>T, exon 8, Gly250Gly) on renal ARE risk in 61 ARE patients and 276 control renal allograft recipients in Korea. The genotype frequencies of the IL2 and IL2RB SNPs showed Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both ARE and control groups. No significant difference in the genotype frequencies of the 2 IL2 SNPs was detected between non-ARE and ARE subjects (P > .05). The occurrence of AREs was significantly associated with genetic variants of the IL2RB gene (rs228942: odds ratio [OR] 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-3.74; P = .0096, dominant model; rs228953: OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.04-2.38; P = .029, codominant model). In the haplotype-based analysis, the AC haplotype of IL2RB (χ(2) = 4.738; P = .0295) showed associations with ARE. Our results demonstrate that genetic variants of IL2RB may be associated with the development of AREs and may help predict ARE risk in kidney transplantation patients.

Purple urine bag syndrome: case report and literature review.

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a medical syndrome in which there is purple discoloration of the urine of catheterized patients as well as discoloration of the collecting bag and the associated tubing. This rare condition, which mostly affects women, is generally associated with catheter-associated urinary tract infection, chronic constipation and alkaline urine. PUBS may be caused by sequential chemical reactions involving tryptophan from food in the gastrointestinal tract. The clinical course of PUBS is generally benign, and intensive treatment is not usually needed. We present 3 cases of this unusual and interesting phenomenon and a literature review.

Upregulation of Krüppel-like factor 6 in the mouse hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus.

Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) is a transcriptional regulator involved in a broad range of cellular processes. To date, however, the expression of KLF6 in brains with pathophysiological conditions, such as epilepsy, has not been reported. Therefore, the present study investigated the temporal pattern of KLF6 expression in the mouse hippocampus and identified cell types expressing KLF6 after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE). Seizures were induced by administrating pilocarpine hydrochloride (280 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min after an injection of atropine methyl nitrate (3 mg/kg, i.p.). Pilocarpine- and saline-injected animals were sacrificed 1, 3, 7, 14, or 28 days after the onset of SE. Immunohistochemistry showed that the proportion of KLF6-positive cells increased in the hippocampus 1 day after SE onset, peaked at 3 days after SE, and then gradually decreased until 28 days after SE, consistent with the results from our immunoblot analysis. Cells expressing increased levels of KLF6 following pilocarpine-induced SE also expressed GFAP and Ox-42, markers for astrocytes and microglia, respectively. Quantitative analysis revealed that astrocytes were the major type of KLF6-expressing glial cells. These cells also expressed heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), a collagen-specific molecular chaperone. This is the first report showing that KLF6 is inducible in the hippocampus and may be associated with glial responses, especially HSP47-related tissue remodeling after pilocarpine-induced SE.