Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 4C and Autosomal Dominant Heterozygous Ichthyosis Vulgaris, with Bilateral Hearing Loss: A Novel Association with Review of Literature.

A 3-year-old boy, firstborn to nonconsanguineous parents, presented with motor development delay and floppiness of bilateral lower limbs since birth. No significant family history presented at time of check-up. He could stand with support, eat with a spoon without spillage, and speak in two-word sentences. There was no history suggestive of cranial nerve impairment. Examination revealed normal head circumference, dry, scaly skin lesions on the trunk, distal weakness with sluggish deep tendon reflexes in bilateral lower limbs, and a high stepping gait. Nerve conduction studies revealed demyelinating polyneuropathy. Brain stem-evoked response audiometry testing revealed auditory neuropathy. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a known pathogenic variant of 3325C > T in the SH3TC2 gene suggestive of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4C and ichthyosis vulgaris with a novel variant of 2218C > T in the FLG gene. We have reviewed the available literature for reported associations of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4C and ichthyosis vulgaris. This is probably the first reported association of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4C and ichthyosis vulgaris with bilateral hearing loss.

Ichthyosis Skin Changes in a Patient With Hereditary Hemochromatosis.

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is characterized by elevated iron absorption in the body, leading to iron accumulation with subsequent dysfunction and end-organ damage. While the progression of the disease can result in arthralgias, hepatomegaly, cardiomyopathies, and diabetes, over a third of HH patients present with cutaneous manifestations. We present the case of a 56-year-old male with HH who presented to dermatology with a rash and diffuse scaling. The patient exhibited brown plate-like scales clinically consistent with diffuse ichthyosis vulgaris. While ichthyosis has been seen in patients with idiopathic hemochromatosis, its association with HH is not well reported. Due to the high prevalence of cutaneous involvement in hereditary hemochromatosis, physicians should familiarize themselves with ichthyosis and the other dermatologic manifestations of this disease.

Filaggrin gene variants among Saudi patients with ichthyosis vulgaris.

Ichthyoses are a heterogeneous group of cornification disorders. The most common form of ichthyoses is ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) ([OMIM] #146,700), which can be inherited as autosomal semi-dominant mutation in the filaggrin gene (FLG). We present the findings of a study involving 35 Saudi patients with a clinical diagnosis of ichthyosis vulgaris. For identifying the pathogenic mutation of their disease, we used Sanger sequencing analysis of the extracted DNA samples. We also identified the underlying 22 FLG variants, which have been seen before. However, the detected mutations do not involve the common p.R501* c. 2282del4 mutations reported in European populations. Indeed, we did not identify any statistical influence of the homozygous or heterozygous genotypes on the phenotype severity of the disease.

Genotype Study of Filaggrin Gene Loss-of-Function Mutations in Central India Population with Atopic Dermatitis and Ichthyosis Vulgaris.

Background: A genotype study of filaggrin gene loss-of-function mutations in central India can provide valuable insights into the prevalence and association of these mutations with atopic dermatitis (AD) and ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) in the region. The FLG R501X and 2282del4 are both genetic variants in the human gene called filaggrin gene (FLG), which encodes a protein that plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of the skin barrier. In this study, we determined the FLG R501X and 2282del4 variants association with both AD and IV in Central Indian populations. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the Departments of Dermatology and Molecular and Virology Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore (Madhya Pradesh). The study was approved by the Clinical Research and Ethics Committee. A total of 180 patients aged between 3 months - 60 years who attended the skin outpatient department between March-2021 to June-2022 were recruited in this study. Among them, 60 patients were in AD-group, 60 patients in IV-group, and 60 patients were in the healthy control group. Polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used in genotyping for FLG mutations (R501X and 2282del4). Results: The most common FLG mutations were R501X (31.6% and 23.3%) and 2282del4 (18.3% and 13.3%) in AD and IV patients with heterozygous (AT) genotype, respectively. The combined mutation (FLG R501X and 2282del4) association was 10% and 5% in the AD and IV groups with heterozygous (AT) genotype, respectively, and in all the patients of control group with wild genotype (AA). There were no significant (P = 0.09) associations found with 2282del14 genotype. Conclusion: The R501X mutation in the gene encoding filaggrin is one of the robust genetic associations of AD and IV. The 2282del4 polymorphism was marginally less as compared to R501X.

Metodología para la atención integral a pacientes con genodermatosis

Las genodermatosis constituyen un grupo de enfermedades genéticas con afectación de la piel y sus anexos. En Cuba, el Programa Nacional de Diagnóstico, Atención y Prevención de Enfermedades Genéticas, en relación a las genodermatosis, no cuenta con protocolos para su diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar una metodología para la atención a los pacientes con genodermatosis. Se realizó en Las Tunas, provincia oriental de Cuba, un estudio cuasi-experimental, aplicándose la variante Delphy del método de expertos, siendo consultados un grupo de especialistas cubanos de dermatología, genética médica clínica y pediatría, con alto nivel científico y experiencia en el trabajo con pacientes con genodermatosis. Diseñándose la metodología que propone el protocolo del diagnóstico, tratamiento y algoritmo de seguimiento para estos pacientes. Se estudiaron 395 pacientes atendidos en el Departamento provincial de Genética Médica. Se estudiaron la tasa de prevalencia, la media de casos diagnosticados por año, la proporción de complicaciones presentadas, el índice de supervivencia e índice de letalidad y para relacionar las variables referentes a la mejoría del estado dermatológico y manifestaciones extracutáneas se utilizó la prueba estadística de Chi cuadrado de Mc-Nemar, con una significación estadística p≤0,05. Después de implementada la metodología, predominó la neurofibromatosis 1, síndrome de Ehlers Danlos clásico e ictiosis vulgar, la media de casos diagnosticados por año aumentó; disminuyeron las complicaciones, predominando las piodermitis (6.13 %); el índice de mortalidad fue bajo (1.27%) con alto índice de supervivencia (98.73%) y mejoría de las manifestaciones dermatológicas (MCNemar X2=90.41558, P=0.000000) y extracutáneas (McNemar X2=24.083334, P=0.000001). La metodología diseñada para la atención a pacientes con genodermatosis fortalece el Programa Nacional de Diagnóstico, Atención y Prevención de Enfermedades Genéticas, demostrando ser efectiva, con mayor número de casos diagnosticados, menor proporción de complicaciones, alta supervivencia, baja letalidad y mejoría clínica de las manifestaciones dermatológicas y extracutáneas.

The genodermatoses constitutes a group of genetic diseases with affectation of the skin and their annexes. In Cuba, the National Program of Diagnostic, Attention and Prevention of Genetic diseases, in relation to the genodermatoses, don't have protocols for their diagnosis, treatment and pursuit. The objective of this study is to evaluate a methodology for the attention to the patients with genodermatosis. Was carried out in The Tunas, oriental county of Cuba, a quasi-experimental study, being applied the varying Delphy of the method of experts, being consulted a group of Cuban specialists of dermatology, genetics clinical doctor and pediatrics, with high scientific level and experience in the work with patient with genodermatoses. Being designed the methodology that proposes the protocol of the diagnosis, treatment and pursuit algorithm for these patients. 395 patients were studied assisted in the provincial Department of Medical Genetics. Were studied the prevalence rate, the stocking of cases diagnosed per year, the proportion of presented complications, the index of survival and lethality index and to relate the relating variables to the improvement of the state dermatologic and extracutaneous manifestations the statistical test of square Chi of Mc-Nemar was used, with a significance statistical p≤0,05. After having implemented the methodology, prevailed the neurofibromatosis, Ehlers Danlos syndrome and ichthyosis vulgaris; the stocking of cases diagnosed per year increased; they diminished the complications, prevailing the piodermitis (6.13%); the index of mortality was low (1.27%) with high index of survival (98.73%) and improvement of the manifestations dermatologic (MCNemar X2=90.41558, P=0.000000) and extracutaneous (McNemar X2=24.083334, P=0.000001). The methodology designed for the attention to patient with genodermatoses strengthens the National Program of Diagnostic, Attention and Prevention of Genetic Illnesses, demonstrating to be effective, with bigger number of diagnosed cases, smaller proportion of complications, high survival, low lethality and clinical improvement of the dermatologic and extracutaneous manifestations.

As genodermatoses são um grupo de doenças genéticas com envolvimento da pele e seus anexos. Em Cuba, o Programa Nacional de Diagnóstico, Cuidado e Prevenção de Doenças Genéticas, em relação às genodermatoses, não possui protocolos para seu diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento. O objetivo do estudo é avaliar uma metodologia para o cuidado de pacientes com genodermatose. Um estudo quase-experimental foi realizado em Las Tunas, província oriental de Cuba, aplicando a variante Delphy do método expert, sendo consultado um grupo de especialistas cubanos em dermatologia, genética médica clínica e pediatria, com alto nível científico e experiência no trabalho com pacientes com genodermatose. Desenho da metodologia que propõe o protocolo de diagnóstico, tratamento e algoritmo de acompanhamento para esses pacientes. Um total de 395 pacientes tratados no Departamento Provincial de Genética Médica foram estudados. Foram estudadas as prevalências, o número médio de casos diagnosticados por ano, a proporção de complicações apresentadas, a sobrevida e o índice de letalidade e para relacionar as variáveis referentes à melhora do estado dermatológico e das manifestações extracutâneas, utilizou-se o teste estatístico Qui-quadrado de Mc-Nemar, com significância estatística p≤0, 05. Após a implementação da metodologia, predominaram a neurofibromatose 1, a síndrome clássica de Ehlers Danlos e a ictiose vulgar, aumentando-se o número médio de casos diagnosticados por ano; complicações diminuídas, predominantemente piodermite (6,13%); a taxa de mortalidade foi baixa (1,27%), com alta sobrevida (98,73%) e melhora dermatológica (MCNemar X2=90,41558, P=0,000000) e extracutânea (McNemar X2=24,083334, P=0,000001). A metodologia desenhada para o cuidado de pacientes com genodermatose fortalece o Programa Nacional de Diagnóstico, Cuidado e Prevenção de Doenças Genéticas, mostrando-se eficaz, com maior número de casos diagnosticados, menor proporção de complicações, alta sobrevida, baixa letalidade e melhora clínica das manifestações dermatológicas e extracutâneas.

A Case of Ichthyosis Vulgaris and the Use of 70% Glycolic Acid Chemical Peels for Management.

Ichthyosis vulgaris is the most common of the inherited ichthyoses, with a semi-autosomal dominance. Approximately 37-50% of people affected have associated atopic eczema and a similar proportion have atopic relatives. In this case report, we present a 15-year-old female with a history of atopic eczema who clinically presented with asymptomatic, brown, scaly patches on the extensor surfaces of the lower limbs and flexural surfaces of the upper limbs, sparing the flexural creases on all limbs. She also had neck, abdominal, and mild truncal involvement. A clinical diagnosis of ichthyosis vulgaris was made and the differential diagnoses of X-linked recessive ichthyosis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and xerotic dermatitis were entertained. While waiting for the histological report, she was maintained on 5% glycerine in aqueous cream for daily moisturizing with alternating nightly applications of 10% glycolic acid lotion and a 5% salicylic acid mixture. The diagnosis of ichthyosis vulgaris was confirmed by histopathological findings of hyperkeratosis and an absent granular layer. She then received a 70% glycolic acid in-office chemical peel on the abdomen to test for the cosmetic outcome. The glycolic acid peel was approximately 90% efficacious in reducing the hyperkeratinization and is recommended as an adjunctive biannual maintenance regime in combination with other topical therapies such as daily emollients, topical alpha/beta hydroxy, and/or urea compounds.

CRISPR-Cas9‒Based Genomic Engineering in Keratinocytes: From Technology to Application.

CRISPR-Cas9 is the most straightforward genome-editing tool to date. However, its implementation across disciplines is hampered by variable genome-editing efficiencies, reduced cell viability, and low success rates in obtaining clonal cell lines. This review aims to recognize all CRISPR-Cas9‒related work within the experimental dermatology field to identify key factors for successful strategies in the different keratinocyte (KC) cell sources available. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that most groups use immortalized KCs for generating knockout KCs. Our critical considerations for future studies using CRISPR-Cas9, both for fundamental and clinical applications, may guide implementation strategies of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies in the (experimental) dermatology field.

The Discovery and Function of Filaggrin.

Keratohyalin granules were discovered in the mid-19th century in cells that terminally differentiate to form the outer, cornified layer of the epidermis. The first indications of the composition of these structures emerged in the 1960s from a histochemical stain for histidine, followed by radioautographic evidence of a high incidence of histidine incorporation into newly synthesized proteins in cells containing the granules. Research during the next three decades revealed the structure and function of a major protein in these granules, which was initially called the 'histidine-rich protein'. Steinert and Dale named the protein 'filaggrin' in 1981 because of its ability to aggregate keratin intermediate filaments. The human gene for the precursor, 'profilaggrin,' was reported in 1991 to encode 10, 11 or 12 nearly identical repeats. Remarkably, the mouse and rat genes encode up to 20 repeats. The lifetime of filaggrin is the time required for keratinocytes in the granular layer to move into the inner cornified layer. During this transition, filaggrin facilitates the collapse of corneocytes into 'building blocks' that become an impermeable surface barrier. The subsequent degradation of filaggrin is as remarkable as its synthesis, and the end-products aid in maintaining moisture in the cornified layer. It was apparent that ichthyosis vulgaris and atopic dermatitis were associated with the absence of this protein. McLean's team in 2006 identified the cause of these diseases by discovering loss-of-function mutations in the profilaggrin gene, which led to dysfunction of the surface barrier. This story illustrates the complexity in maintaining a healthy, functional epidermis.

Filaggrin expression via immunohistochemistry in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Filaggrin is a protein integral to the structure and function of the epidermis. Filaggrin (FLG) loss-of-function (LOF) mutations are common and increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis (AD) and ichthyosis vulgaris (IV). Epidemiologic data suggest a link between skin cancer and AD. We examined if FLG staining pattern can be used to characterize cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), basal cell carcinomas (BCC), and reactive squamous epithelium. METHODS: Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were created from 196 cases of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) SCC and 144 BCC cases. TMAs and sections of reactive squamous epithelium were stained with optimized anti-FLG antibody and evaluated for FLG expression (normal, abnormal, or negative). RESULTS: FLG was absent in poorly differentiated (PD) compared to well-differentiated (WD) SCC (P < .0001) and moderately-differentiated (MD) (P = .0231) SCC, and in MD compared to WD SCC (P = .0099). Abnormal staining was significantly increased in PD compared to WD cases (P = .0039) and in MD compared to WD cases (P = .0006). Most BCC did not exhibit FLG expression (P < .05). Reactive squamous epithelium demonstrated normal, but exaggerated FLG expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the differences in FLG expression patterns in types of keratinocyte carcinomas and their mimickers.

A unique case of a digital tourniquet in ichthyosis vulgaris.

We report a unique case of a digital tourniquet in a patient with ichthyosis vulgaris. We have identified no previous case reports documenting the occurrence of a digital tourniquet in patients caused by this condition. Ichthyosis vulgaris is a skin condition which causes increased scaling of the skin and in this case, resulted in the formation of a tourniquet-like circumferential constriction to one of the patient's digits.

Whole exome sequencing identified two point mutations of COL7A1 and FLG in a Chinese family with dystrophic epidermolysis bullous pruriginosa and ichthyosis vulgaris.

We report a 21-year-old man with recurrent bullous eruptions and severe itching on the lower legs and feet since 5 years of age. Dry, dirty brown, tile-like scales covered his lower legs with dystrophic toenails. Nodular prurigo-like lesions, scarring papules and milia remitted after the bullous eruptions. His father and another two family members had similar but mild presentations with recurrent bullae on the lower legs. Whole exome sequencing detected the heterozygous variants of COL7A1 c.6698G>A and FLG c.7249C>T in this pedigree. COL7A1 c.6698G>A was reported in bullous dermolysis of the newborn and FLG c.7249C>T was reported in ichthyosis vulgaris. Thus, the diagnosis of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa associated with ichthyosis vulgaris was made.

Topical urea in skincare: A review.

Alterations in barrier function are associated with a number of skin diseases, including xerosis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Urea, a component of the natural moisturizing factor of the skin, plays an important role in the preservation of skin hydration and integrity. Several studies have investigated the effects of urea in the clinical setting. Here, we summarize the available clinical evidence regarding the effects of urea in the maintenance of healthy skin and management of skin disorders. At lower doses (≤10%), urea-containing topical formulations act as a skin moisturizer, while at higher concentrations (>10% urea), urea-based preparations exert a keratolytic action. Urea is also useful in combination therapies with anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal drugs, due to its activity as a penetration enhancer.

A rare case of acute intermittent porphyria with ichthyosis vulgaris in a young boy.

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) and ichthyosis vulgaris both are autosomal dominant disorders with incomplete penetrance caused by the deficiency of porphobilinogen deaminase enzyme and filaggrin protein, respectively. We report a rare case of a 9-year-old boy having two genetic diseases with an unclear association. An acute attack of AIP is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Although rare in the first decade of life, the presence of reddish urine with a typical presentation such as abdominal pain, hypertension, seizure, and paresthesias lead us to the diagnosis of AIP. The precipitating factor in the present case was prolonged fasting in Ramadan.

Eyelash length for the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis vulgaris in children-a case control study.

Eyelash trichomegaly (ET) is increased length (≥ 12 mm), curling, pigmentation, or thickness of eyelashes. Among acquired causes, allergic diseases and atopic dermatitis (AD) have been found to be associated with eyelash trichomegaly especially in children; however, to date, this claim has not been studied in detail. To compare the eyelash lengths of AD and ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) patients with those of age- and sex-matched patients with unrelated skin disorders, we measured (with a digital Vernier caliper) and compared the eyelash lengths of AD (n = 58) and IV (n = 31) patients to those of age- and sex-matched patients with unrelated skin disorders (n = 178). The eyelashes of the AD and male IV patients were found to be significantly longer than those of the controls (p < 0.05). The severity of atopic dermatitis, i.e., SCORAD of > 50, hyperlinearity of palms and soles, and high IgE levels significantly correlated with the long eyelashes. The limitations of study are single-center study and filaggrin gene mutation in patients of IV could not be studied. CONCLUSION: Thus, long eyelashes may act as surrogate marker of severe AD and serve as a cutaneous marker of IV patients. What is Known: • Among acquired causes, allergic diseases and atopic dermatitis have been found to be associated with eyelash trichomegaly especially in children. What is New: • The severity of atopic dermatitis, i.e., SCORAD of > 50, hyperlinearity of palms and soles, and high IgE levels significantly correlate with the long eyelashes; thus, long eyelashes may act as surrogate marker of severe atopic dermatitis. • It may also serve as a cutaneous marker of ichthyosis vulgaris especially in male patients and patients with palmoplantar hyperlinearity.

Steroid sulfatase and filaggrin mutations in a boy with severe ichthyosis, elevated serum IgE level and moyamoya syndrome.

X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) is a relatively common, recessive condition caused by mutations in the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene. Common loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) cause ichthyosis vulgaris and predispose individuals to atopic eczema. We report a case of a 6-year-old boy who presented with unusually severe XLI, an increased serum immunoglobulin E level (2120IU/ml) and moyamoya angiopathy. Whole-exome sequencing identified a gross deletion encompassing the STS in Xp22.31 and the p.K4022X FLG mutation. The deletion is at least 1.6Mb in size in the proband, based on real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results. No other genetic mutations related to ichthyosis, moyamoya or hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome were detected. Furthermore, his mother's brothers suffered from mild XLI and only had a deletion encompassing the STS. Additionally, his father and older sister suffered from mild ichthyosis vulgaris and had the p.K4022X FLG mutation. We report the first case of XLI with concurrent moyamoya syndrome. Moreover, an IgE-mediated immune response may have triggered the moyamoya signaling cascade in this patient with ichthyosis. Furthermore, our study strengthens the hypothesis that filaggrin defects can synergize with an STS deficiency to exacerbate the ichthyosis phenotype in an ethnically diverse population.

An Analysis of the Filaggrin Gene Polymorphism in Korean Atopic Dermatitis Patients.

Research of the FLG mutation in various ethnic groups revealed non-overlapping mutation patterns. In addition, Japanese and Chinese atopic patients showed somewhat different mutations. These ethnic differences make the research on Korean patients mandatory; however, no systematic research on Korean atopic dermatitis (AD) patients has been performed. This study aims to investigate the genetic polymorphism of FLG in Korean atopic dermatitis patients. The study was made up of three groups including 9 Ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) patients, 50 AD patients and 55 normal controls: the ichthyosis group was incorporated due to the reported association between the FLG mutation and IV. In comparison to other sequencing methods, the overlapping long-range PCR was used. We revealed the genetic polymorphism of filaggrin in Koreans, and at the same time, we discovered nonsense mutations in p.Y1767X and p.K4022X in Korean AD patients. By using FLG sequencing techniques confirmed in this study, new mutations or genetic polymorphisms with ethnic characteristics would be detected and further larger studies of repeat number polymorphisms could be performed.

Inherited ichthyosis: Non-syndromic forms.

Inherited ichthyoses are a group of genetic disorders characterized by generalized dry skin, scaling and hyperkeratosis, and often associated with erythroderma. These manifestations are due to mutations in genes mostly involved in skin barrier formation. Inherited ichthyoses consist of non-syndromic ichthyoses and ichthyosis syndromes. Non-syndromic ichthyoses are characterized by the phenotypic expression of the disorder being seen only in the skin. Non-syndromic ichthyoses include ichthyosis vulgaris, recessive X-linked ichthyosis, autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis, keratinopathic ichthyosis and other forms. This review focuses on updates for each type of non-syndromic ichthyosis, highlighting molecular mechanisms and phenotype/genotype correlations. Included in autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis are three of the major phenotypes (harlequin ichthyosis, lamellar ichthyosis and congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma) and three of the minor subtypes (self-healing collodion baby, acral self-healing collodion baby and bathing suit ichthyosis). Keratinopathic ichthyosis is proposed as an umbrella term for ichthyoses caused by mutations in keratin genes. Next-generation sequencing technologies have become powerful tools for the diagnosis of inherited ichthyoses and the discovery of their genetic causes. This article reviews the current understanding of molecular pathomechanisms for non-syndromic ichthyoses and explores future perspectives.

The research progress of Chinese medicine treatment of psoriasis vulgaris / 国际中医中药杂志

Based on the literature related to psoriasis in recent years,this paper first summarizes the modem practitioners' insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of psoriasis and then summarizes the therapeutic methods which can be divided into two parts:TCM internal medicine and TCM external treatment.On such basis,the pathogenesis of the disease,various treatments and the corresponding clinical efficacy are generalized.