Demodex folliculorum infestations in common facial dermatoses: acne vulgaris,rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis

BackgroundDemodex mites are found on the skin of many healthy individuals. Demodex mites in high densities are considered to play a pathogenic role.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between Demodex infestation and the three most common facial dermatoses: acne vulgaris, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.MethodsThis prospective, observational case-control study included 127 patients (43 with acne vulgaris, 43 with rosacea and 41 with seborrheic dermatitis) and 77 healthy controls. The presence of demodicosis was evaluated by standardized skin surface biopsy in both the patient and control groups.ResultsIn terms of gender and age, no significant difference was found between the patients and controls (p > 0.05). Demodex infestation rates were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.001). Demodex infestation rates were significantly higher in the rosacea group than acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis groups and controls (p = 0.001; p = 0.024; p = 0.001, respectively). Demodex infestation was found to be significantly higher in the acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis groups than in controls (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). No difference was observed between the acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis groups in terms of demodicosis (p = 0.294).Study limitationsSmall sample size is a limitation of the study. The lack of an objective scoring system in the diagnosis of Demodex infestation is another limitation.ConclusionThe findings of the present study emphasize that acne vulgaris, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis are significantly associated with Demodex infestation. Standardized skin surface biopsy is a practical tool in the determination of Demodex infestation.     

Systemic capillary leak syndrome triggered by anti-programmed death 1 checkpoint inhibitor in psoriasis

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used for the treatment of malignancies. Despite the clinical benefits, unpredictable and potentially fatal side-effects may occur. We report a psoriatic patient who developed systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) after starting a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor. In order to determine which factors could trigger the development of SCLS in a patient with stable psoriasis after starting anti-PD-1 therapy, serum cytokines were serially measured before and after the development of SCLS in this patient. We also retrospectively reviewed 28 previously reported patients presenting clinical exacerbations of pre-existing psoriasis or the de novo induction of psoriasis after anti-PD-1 therapy. In 16 of the 28 patients (57.1%), the interval between last anti-PD-1 therapy and exacerbations of pre-existing psoriasis or the de novo induction of psoriasis was less than 28 days. The timing of the onset of SCLS in this patient was coincident with the increase in lymphocyte counts and at 22 days after last anti-PD-1 therapy. In 75%, however, anti-PD-1 therapy was able to be restarted and was tolerated well. Increased levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, in addition to a persistent increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were detected at onset of SCLS. An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and VEGF, when combined with a rapid and sequential recovery of neutrophils and lymphocytes after anti-PD-1 therapy, would predict the development of SCLS. Clinicians need to be aware that patients with psoriasis are at risk of a potentially fatal disease, SCLS, when anti-PD-1 therapy is started.     

Pénfigo vulgar: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de sus características clínicas,tratamientos empleados y evolución

BackgroundPemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an uncommon, serious disease that is treated with systemic corticosteroids and corticosteroid-sparing agents.ObjectivesTo describe and analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with PV.Material and methodsRetrospective cohort study of adults diagnosed with PV over a period of 12 years.ResultsPV presented with mucosal lesions in 20 of the 32 patients studied (63%); the most common site was the oral mucosa followed by the vulva. Mucosal involvement was more common in women (P = .03). Lesions were found at more than 1 mucosal site in patients whose disease began in the mucosa, independently of age or sex (P = .003). Disease onset before the age of 40 years was associated with generalized skin lesions (P = .003), a need for corticosteroid-sparing therapy (P = .05), and refractory PV (P = .02). Azathioprine was the most widely prescribed corticosteroid-sparing agent (in 22 patients). Eight patients (25%) were dependent on corticosteroids and disease recurred in 26 (81%). Complete remission, with or without treatment, was achieved in 15 patients (47%). Patients remained disease-free for a median of 14 months, and 2 patients died (6%).ConclusionOnset before the age of 40 years could be a sign of poor prognosis in patients with PV, as it was significantly associated with a higher risk of generalized skin involvement, a need for corticosteroid-sparing therapy, and refractory disease.     

注射氨基酮戊酸光动力疗法对大鼠痤疮样炎性结节模型的疗效及组织病理学影响

【摘要】 目的 探讨注射氨基酮戊酸（ALA）光动力疗法对大鼠痤疮样炎性结节模型的疗效及组织病理改变。方法 40只SPF级SD大鼠分为正常对照组、模型对照组、注射ALA组、外敷ALA组，每组10只。除正常对照组不处理外，其余3组大鼠右耳廓内侧接种痤疮丙酸杆菌，建立大鼠痤疮样炎性结节模型。造模成功后，模型对照组不处理，注射ALA组将5%ALA注射入结节内再予红光照射，外敷ALA组直接外敷5%ALA于鼠耳痤疮样结节处再予红光照射，均为每周1次，共2次。末次治疗24 h后观察各组大鼠耳部大体表现和组织病理学变化，测量耳廓厚度，并检测肝肾功能。采用单因素方差分析和LSD-t检验比较各组差异。结果 正常对照组、模型对照组、外敷ALA组、注射ALA组大鼠耳廓厚度分别为（0.435 ± 0.006）、（1.269 ± 0.071）、（1.088 ± 0.098）、（0.699 ± 0.095） mm，差异有统计学意义（F = 235.60，P < 0.001），模型对照组耳廓厚度高于正常对照组、外敷ALA组和注射ALA组（t 值分别为24.18、5.24、16.48，均P < 0.01）；注射ALA组低于外敷ALA组（t = 11.24，P < 0.01）。外敷ALA组和注射ALA组大鼠耳廓局部红肿程度、结节数均低于模型对照组，真皮及皮下组织浸润炎症细胞数量减少，注射ALA组结节消退更明显，亦未见团块状分布的炎症细胞或微脓肿形成。各组大鼠丙氨酸转氨酶、天冬氨酸转氨酶、肌酐、尿素氮水平差异均无统计学意义（均P > 0.05）。结论 注射ALA光动力疗法治疗大鼠痤疮样炎性结节模型较外敷ALA光动力疗法治疗更有效。     

[Artículo traducido] Dermatoscopia como herramienta auxiliar en la evaluación de foliculitis por Malassezia: estudio observacional

Malassezia folliculitis is an under-recognized entity commonly affecting the face and upper trunk. Clinical picture mimics acne vulgaris and diagnosis is challenging at times. Ten percent potassium hydroxide examination is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. This study sought to describe the dermoscopic features in Malassezia folliculitis. Patients diagnosed clinically with Malassezia folliculitis and confirmed by 10% potassium hydroxide preparation were included in the study. Dermoscopy was performed with a videodermatoscope (Dino-Lite AM413ZT; Polarizer) from the most representative lesion. A total of 45 patients (M:F = 1:0.8) were recruited. All patients had monomorphic papulo-pustular lesions. Itching was present in 64.4% patients. Dermoscopy reveled folliculocentricity (100%), perilesional background erythema (100%), dotted/linear/tortous vessels (88.9%), dirty white scaling (77.8%), hypopigmentation of hair follicle (64.4%), coiled/looped hairs (57.8%) and broken hairs (13.3%).In conclusion, dermoscopy shows typical features in Malassezia folliculitis and can serve as a office-based tool for identification of this entity.     

Topical 2% ketoconazole cream monotherapy significantly improves adult female acne: A double‐blind,randomized placebo‐controlled trial

The emergence of bacterial resistance is a global crisis. Prolonged use of antibiotics especially in acne is one issue of concern among dermatologists. Ketoconazole (KTZ) cream, a topical antifungal with anti‐inflammatory and antiandrogenic actions, can decrease lipase activity of Cutibacterium acnes in vitro. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of KTZ cream in mild adult female acne (AFA) by conducting a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial using KTZ 2% and placebo cream twice daily for 10 weeks. We assessed the improvement of clinical severity, measured by AFA score graded by investigators and participants, and the change of acne count. Forty‐one participants enrolled in our study. The proportion of participants with acne improvement from baseline (42.9% vs 9.5%, P = 0.015) and the success rate (45.0% vs 14.3%, P = 0.043) in the KTZ group were significantly higher than that of the placebo group. The most common adverse events were dryness and itching. The percentage change of acne count decreased significantly compared with baseline but did not differ statistically between the two groups (P = 0.268). We concluded that the KTZ monotherapy showed a plausible effect in improving AFA with excellent safety profile. It should be considered as a viable option for mild AFA treatment.     

The effect of l‐carnitine supplementation on serum levels of omentin‐1, visfatin and SFRP5 and glycemic indices in patients with pemphigus vulgaris: A randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with potentially fatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of l ‐carnitine (LC) on secreted frizzled‐related protein‐5 (SFRP5), omentin, visfatin, and glycemic indices in PV patients under corticosteroid treatment. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 52 patients with PV were divided randomly into two groups to receive 2 g of LC or a placebo for 8 weeks. Serum levels of SFRP5, omentin, visfatin, and also glycemic indices were evaluated at the baseline and end of the study. LC supplementation significantly decreased the serum level of visfatin (95% CI [?14.718, ?0.877], p = .05) and increased the serum levels of SFRP5 (95%CI [1.637, 11.380], p < .006) and omentin (95% CI [9.014, 65.286], p < .01). However, LC supplementation had no significant effects on the serum levels of glycemic factors such as insulin (95% CI [?1.125, 3.056], p = .426), fasting blood sugar (95% CI [?4.743, 3.642], p = .894), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (95% CI [?0.305, 0.528], p = .729), and quantitative insulin‐sensitivity check index (95% CI [?0.016, ?0.010], p = .81). LC supplementation decreased visfatin serum level and increased omentin‐1 and SFRP5 serum levels in patients with PV. However, it has no significant effect on the serum levels of insulin and glycemic indices.     

石榴皮活性成分治疗痤疮作用机制的网络药理学预测及实验研究＊

目的 采用网络药理学及实验验证的方法，探索皮类中药石榴皮治疗痤疮的作用机制。方法 利用网络药理学技术筛选石榴皮治疗痤疮的活性成分和作用靶点，采用String数据库对活性成分靶点与痤疮疾病靶点进行蛋白互作网络分析，并通过David数据库对其结果进行KEGG通路富集分析。基于以上结果，采用Cytoscape3.6.1软件构建石榴皮治疗痤疮的“成分-靶点-通路”网络关系图。通过动物实验，观察石榴皮多酚乳膏对金黄地鼠皮脂腺斑面积及PI3K蛋白表达情况的影响。结果 本研究共获得药效成分31个，药物靶点193个，痤疮靶点1371个，药效成分与疾病的交集靶点79个。石榴皮治疗痤疮的主要成分为槲皮素、山奈酚、木犀草素等；核心靶点为Akt1、IL-6、VEGFA和PTSG2；关键信号通路可能包括PI3K-Akt信号通路、TNF信号通路、T细胞受体信号通路、FoxO信号通路等。体内实验证实，石榴皮能够降低金黄地鼠皮脂腺斑PI3K蛋白表达水平，抗皮脂腺斑增生。结论 本研究预测了石榴皮治疗痤疮可能的作用机制，为“以皮治皮”理论在中医皮肤科的应用提供现代理论依据。     

Serum and blister fluid levels of cytokines and chemokines in pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus constitute two major autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD) with complicated disease pathomechanisms involving a multitude of cytokines and immunological pathways. The purpose of our literature review of the cytokines and chemokines involved in these AIBDs was to allow for a meta-analysis of studies detailing differential cytokine and chemokine changes in these conditions. Elucidation of inflammatory pathways could lead to more targeted therapies, several of which specific monoclonal antibodies already exist and are used safely for other autoimmune diseases. A systematic review of the Pubmed/Medline database was performed for articles characterizing cytokines/chemokines involved in BP and pemphigus. Further, a meta-analysis was carried out using standardized methods, including assessment for heterogeneity. The results of our analysis demonstrated numerous inflammatory alterations in these AIBDs. Significant alterations included serum levels of IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, CCL-17, and CCL-26 in patients with BP, and increased blister fluids levels of IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, CCL11, and TNF-α. Blister fluid levels of IL-1α are decreased in BP. In pemphigus, we identified significantly increased serum levels of IL-10, IL-17, and CCL17. We have additionally summarized all studies excluded from meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive summary of cytokine/chemokine alterations in these two conditions.