Shikonin potentiates skin wound healing in Sprague-Dawley rats by stimulating fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Shikonin, a major component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exerts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and expedites wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of shikonin in a Sprague-Dawley rat model and cell models using fibroblast and endothelial cells. METHODS: The impact of shikonin on the activity of endothelial cells and fibroblasts was examined by cell counting kit 8 and wound-healing assays. A diabetic rat model was constructed, followed by wound creation for treatment with shikonin. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes, and Masson's trichrome method to detect collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen and CD31 was conducted to detect proliferation and vascular density. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry were carried out to assess pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factor concentrations. Western blot and immunofluorescence were implemented to analyze oxidative stress-related protein expression. RESULTS: Shikonin induced the activity of both fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Shikonin treatment contributed to facilitated wound healing and higher healing rates in rats. It also resulted in faster lesion debulking in tissues, reduced inflammatory infiltration, increased collagen deposition, and enhanced angiogenesis. Detection of markers at the wounds showed that shikonin accelerated cell proliferation, enhanced tissue remodeling, and inhibited oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Shikonin stimulates the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, resulting in faster wound healing.

Epidemiology of urticaria in China: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Urticaria is a common skin disease characterized by episodes of wheals, and it has a negative effect on patients' quality of life. Large-scale population-based epidemiological studies of urticaria are scarce in China. The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence, clinical forms, and risk factors of urticaria in the Chinese population. METHODS: This survey was conducted in 35 cities from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities of China. Two to three communities in each city were selected in this investigation. Participants completed questionnaires and received dermatological examinations. We analyzed the prevalence, clinical forms, and risk factors of urticaria. RESULTS: In total, 44,875 questionnaires were distributed and 41,041 valid questionnaires were collected (17,563 male and 23,478 female participants). The lifetime prevalence of urticaria was 7.30%, with 8.26% in female and 6.34% in male individuals ( P  < 0.05). The point prevalence of urticaria was 0.75%, with 0.79% in female and 0.71% in male individuals ( P  < 0.05). Concomitant angioedema was found in 6.16% of patients. Adults had a higher prevalence of urticaria than adolescents and children. Living in urban areas, exposure to pollutants, an anxious or depressed psychological status, a personal and family history of allergy, thyroid diseases, and Helicobacter pylori infection were associated with a higher prevalence of urticaria. Smoking was correlated with a reduced risk of urticaria. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the lifetime prevalence of urticaria was 7.30% and the point prevalence was 0.75% in the Chinese population; women had a higher prevalence of urticaria than men. Various factors were correlated with urticaria.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes and Elucidation of Pathophysiological Relevance of ABCA1 in HaCaT Cells Induced by PM2.5.

OBJECTIVE: In order to investigate the effects of PM2.5 on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and potential mechanism of human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. METHODS: HaCaT cells were treated with different concentrations of PM2.5 suspension for 24 hours. Cell viability was detected by the CCK-8 method. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Microarray analyses were used to find out the microarray gene expression profiling; data processing included gene enrichment and pathway analysis. Western blot was conducted to validate the key pathways and regulators in the microarray analysis. RESULTS: The cell activity decreased, and the cell cycle was significantly inhibited with the increase in PM2.5 concentration. Also, by conducting the gene expression microarray assay, we identified 541 upregulated genes and 935 downregulated genes in PM2.5-treated HaCaT cells. Real-time qPCR and western blot confirmed that PM2.5 treatment could induce the expression of ABCA1 while inhibiting that of END1 and CLDN1. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that PM2.5 could potentially regulate cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via ABCA1-, END1-, ID1-, and CLDN1-mediated pathways in human HaCaT cells, which laid a good foundation for follow-up drug intervention and drug development against skin damage caused by PM2.5 exposure.

[Sporadic cutaneous infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria: a retrospective study of 37 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and pathological characteristics of sporadic cutaneous infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and investigate the diagnostic criteria and therapeutic principal. METHODS: Totally 37 cases of sporadic cutaneous infections due to NTM were confirmed in the Department of Dermatology, Peking University People's Hospital from January 2000 to March 2014. The microbiologic and clinical data were reviewed, and their skin biopsy specimens were reassessed. RESULTS: Of all the 37 patients, 30 cases were Mycobacterium marinum infection, 6 were Mycobacterium abscessus infection, and one was Mycobacterium chelonea and Mycobacterium fortuitum infection. Identification of mycobacterial species by analysis of hsp65 gene in tissue DNA was more sensitive than traditional bacterial culture. The most common risk factors were traumatic injuries (21 of 37) and aquarium or fish-related job (21 of 37). One case of Mycobacterium abscessus infection occurred after autologous fat filling. Nodule and plaque were most common lesions in Mycobacterium marinum infection. Twenty-four of the 30 cases of Mycobacterium marinum infection presented with multiple lesions or sporotrichoid spread lesions. Ulceration, papules, abscess, and purulent discharge were observed in cases of Mycobacterium abscessus infection. Infective granuloma was most common histopathological appearance. For the treatment of Mycobacterium marinum infection, rifampin, ethambutol, and clarithromycin were commonly used (combination of two antibiotics, or three antibiotics), with the cure rate 90.00%. Four of the six Mycobacterium abscessus infections cases were cured, and one patient died. CONCLUSION: The most common species of sporadic cutaneous infections due to NTM is Mycobacterium marinum. Traumatic injuries, aquarium or fish-related job, and cosmetic surgeries are common risk factors. Mycobacterium marinum infection often presents with nodules, plaques, and sometimes sporotrichoid spread lesions. Lesions of Mycobacterium abscessus infection may vary. Pathological changes were not species specific, final diagnosis must be made depending on the identification of the microorganism. For the treatment of Mycobacterium marinum infection, excellent outcomes can be achieved by the combination of rifampin and ethambutol, and the combination of clarithromycin and rifampin or ethambutoland. Treatment regimens of Mycobacterium abscessus infection should be decided according to the results of antibiotic susceptibility testing.