The ceramide [NP]/[NS] ratio in the stratum corneum is a potential marker for skin properties and epidermal differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Specific species of ceramides (Cer), major constituents of lipids in the stratum corneum (SC), are decreased and are correlated with SC barrier and water-holding functions in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) or psoriasis (Pso). However, possible correlations between Cer subclass ratios and skin properties in barrier-disrupted skin and in healthy skin remain unclear. The objective of this study was to identify a new marker to evaluate skin properties and epidermal differentiation in SC not only in barrier-disrupted skin but also in healthy skin. METHODS: The Cer subclass ratios in the SC of healthy control subjects and in patients with AD or Pso were evaluated. Correlations with candidate markers and facial skin features of healthy Japanese females (20-74 years old, n = 210) were investigated. Variations of markers during epidermal differentiation were studied in human epidermis and in cultured keratinocytes. RESULTS: The ratios of Cer [NP]/[NS], Cer [NH]/[NS], Cer [NP]/[AS], Cer [NH]/[NS], Cer [NDS]/[AS], Cer [AH]/[AS] and Cer [EOP]/[AS] showed significant differences between non-lesional skin of AD patients and normal skin of healthy control subjects, as well as Pso patients and their healthy control subjects. The Cer [NP]/[NS] ratio was correlated with SC functional parameters (transepidermal water loss and capacitance) and with skin appearance (texture, scaling and color) even in the cheek skin of healthy female subjects. The Cer [NP]/[NS] ratio in the SC was approximately 18-times higher than in living keratinocytes, and it increased as they differentiated. CONCLUSIONS: The Cer [NP]/[NS] ratio in the SC is a potential marker for skin properties and epidermal differentiation in barrier-disrupted skin as well as in healthy skin.

Hair growth stimulatory effect by a combination of 5-aminolevulinic acid and iron ion.

BACKGROUND: 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a precursor of a tetrapyrrole compound. 5-ALA has been used for photodynamic therapy as well as for plant growth. 5-ALA and iron ion are precursors of heme, which is incorporated into hemoglobin and cytochrome. AIM: To explore the possible application of a 5-ALA and iron ion admixture on hair growth in mice. METHODS: The effect of a 5-ALA and iron ion admixture on hair growth and cell proliferation in mice was examined. The dorsal hair of 8-week-old male CeH/HeN mice was clipped, and a 5-ALA and iron ion admixture was applied to the dorsal skin once daily for 21 days in a room supplied with common room lights. Hair growth was later examined by calculating the ratio of the area showing hair growth to the total clipped area. For the cell proliferation assay, a 5-ALA and iron ion admixture at several different concentrations was added to a culture medium containing keratinocytes or fibroblasts, and the cell numbers were counted. RESULTS: Mice treated with an admixture of 5-ALA and iron ion showed significant hair growth (P < 0.05) at day 15 relative to those treated with iron ion alone, as revealed by the Tukey-Kramer test. The stimulatory effect of the mixture was almost identical to that of 5% minoxidil. No proliferation of keratinocytes or fibroblasts was observed, however, when an admixture of 5-ALA and iron ion was added to the medium. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that an admixture of 5-ALA and iron ion stimulates murine hair growth in vivo independent of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, although the precise mechanism is still uncertain. This mixture has the potential to become a beneficial new treatment for alopecia.

Augmentation of lipogenesis by 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 in hamster sebaceous glands: identification of cytochrome P-450-mediated 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 production.

Prostaglandins (PGs) play important roles in the regulation of cutaneous cell functions under physiological and pathological conditions. In this study, we examined the involvement of PGs in sebocyte lipogenesis using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in vivo and in vitro. Hamster auricle sebocytes spontaneously differentiated to accumulate intracellular triacylglycerol (TG), under which the relative levels of 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2) to PGF(2alpha) and PGE2 increased. 15d-PGJ2 was found to augment the formation of lipid droplets, which was because of an increase of TG synthesis by diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT). Furthermore, sebocytes constitutively produced cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), but not COX-1, in vivo and in vitro. When sebocytes were treated with COX inhibitors such as indomethacin, diclofenac, or NS-398, the production of PGF(2alpha) and PGE2 decreased. The production of 15d-PGJ2, however, was increased in these inhibitor-treated sebocytes. In addition, indomethacin, diclofenac, and NS-398 augmented the synthesis of TG along with the increase in DGAT activity. Similarly, topical administration of indomethacin to hamster auricles caused the development of sebaceous glands with the augmentation of sebum deposition in vivo. Furthermore, indomethacin and NS-398-augmented 15d-PGJ2 production and TG synthesis were suppressed by a non-selective cytochrome P-450 (CYP) inhibitor, SKF-525A. A ligand activator of peroxisome proliferation activating receptor gamma (PPARgamma), troglitazone-induced synthesis of TG, however, was not altered even in the presence of SKF-525A. These results suggest that 15d-PGJ2 is a crucial stimulator of sebocyte lipogenesis by augmenting DGAT-mediated synthesis of TG. In addition to the COX-2-dependent pathway of PG synthesis, our findings suggest a sebocyte-specific pathway of 15d-PGJ2 production by CYP, the activity of which may be evoked by inhibiting COX-2.

Olfactory neuroblastoma causing ectopic ACTH syndrome.

A 39-year-old woman who presented with typical Cushingoid appearance (moon facies, central obesity, purpura) was admitted to our hospital because of pulmonary infection. She was found to have hypertension, severe hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis. Endocrine data revealed elevated plasma levels of ACTH and cortisol with lack of circadian rhythm, non-suppressibility to high-dose dexamethasone, and hyperresponsiveness to CRH stimulation. Although no pituitary mass was detected by MRI of the brain, inferior petrosal sinus sampling showed a step-up of central to peripheral ACTH levels; these data are consistent with the diagnosis of Cushing's disease. She was successfully treated with metyrapone to control hypercortisolemia. Ten months later, a mass was detected in the ethmoid sinus, which was surgically removed. After resection of the ethmoid sinus tumor, her Cushingoid features and hypercortisolemia disappeared, but recurred after enlargement of a second mass in the maxillary sinus. After resection of the maxillary sinus tumor, her hypercortisolemia subsided. Histologically, the tumor tissues from both the ethmoid and maxillary sinus were identical and consistent with the diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma. Immunohistochemically, the immunoreactivities of ACTH and POMC were positive in the cytoplasm of tumor cells, and immunoreactive ACTH was demonstrated in both tumor tissues. Thus, this is the second rare case with ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by olfactory neuroblastoma thus far reported.