Narrow band ultraviolet B irradiations cause alteration in interleukin-31 serum level in psoriatic patients

Scientific communications indicate the disturbed expression of neuropeptides in the skin and serum in psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) patients. Narrow-band ultraviolet radiation (NB-UVB) is one of the systemic therapies of PsV. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of NB-UVB therapy on substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and interleukin-31 (IL-31) serum concentrations in PsV patients. 59 psoriatic patients with mean PASI (psoriasis area and severity index) 14.3 were treated with NB-UVB (20 exposures). The control group consisted of 50 healthy subjects, whose age and sex matched. In all patients, serum concentration of BDNF, CRF, IL-31 substance P and CGRP was analyzed by ELISA before the treatment and in psoriatic group the analysis was also done after 10 and 20 irradiations. In patients there was found a significantly higher concentration of IL-31 (215.3 vs. 748.6 ng/ml; p < 0.0001), SP (25.7 vs. 67.2 pg/ml; p < 0.01), CGRP (31.4 vs. 44.15 pg/ml; p < 0.01) and a lower concentration of CRF (0.89 vs. 0.426 ng/ml; p < 0.0001) and BDNF (16.39 vs. 14.15 ng/ml; p = 0.1216) in comparison with the controls. 20 NB-UVB exposures caused a significant decrease in IL-31 level (748.6 vs. 631.7 ng/ml; p < 0.0001). The NB-UVB therapy had no major effect on neuropeptides serum levels regardless of a number of irradiations. On the basis of our study it can be suggested that IL-31 is involved in pathogenesis of psoriasis and the NB-UVB therapy causes alterations in its level.     

Effects of a sunscreen formulation on albino hairless mice: a morphological approach

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of a sunscreen formulation on the skin of albino hairless mice subjected to simulated solar light (SSL) in terms of morphological changes. Young adult albino hairless mice HRS/J (n = 36) were used as an experimental model for determining skin photoaging changes. Mice were irradiated with SSL, and the sunscreen (estimated SPF 30, PF-UVA) was obtained from the Pharmacy College/UFRJ, Brazil. The animals were divided into four groups: non-treated (G1), radiation only (G2), sunscreen-treated (G3) and vehicle + radiation (G4). Animals from groups G2, G3 and G4 were irradiated weekly (5 weeks), with no immobilization. One week after the final exposure, the dorsal skin was observed using a dermatoscopic camera. Biopsies were analyzed in order to quantify neovascularization and to evaluate histological aspects of the skin. Neovascularization was also evaluated with immunohistochemical reactions for the Von Willebrand factor. Animals from G2 displayed classical morphological changes denoting skin photoaging: thickening of the epidermis, increased dermal cellularity, follicular keratosis, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and angiogenesis. Animals from groups G3 and G1 displayed similar morphological profiles, without these changes. Animals from group G4 showed more morphological changes than group G2, emphasizing the relative importance of the putative photosensitizing components present in the vehicle formulation. The extent of the morphological skin changes suggested that the sunscreen formulation was effective against SSL, and showed the importance of assessing the phototoxicity of vehicle formulations.     

Oxidative Stress in Alopecia Areata: A Case–Control Study

Background

Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation are seen in many dermatologic disorders, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, acne vulgaris, pemphigus vulgaris, and lichen planus. In alopecia areata (AA), there is increased production of ROS from perifollicular inflammatory cells.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative stress index (OSI) and lipid peroxidation by studying serum total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) values in AA patients.

Methods

The study included 35 AA patients and a control group consisting of 30 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. The serum TOC, TAC, and MDA values were measured, and the OSIs were calculated and compared in both groups.

Results

The mean serum TOC (p < 0.001), MDA (p < 0.001), and OSI (p < 0.001) values were found to be significantly higher in AA patients than in the control group. The mean serum TAC value was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in cases than in controls. Significantly higher MDA (p < 0.001), TOC (p < 0.001), and OSI values (p < 0.001) and lower TAC values (p < 0.01) were found in severe AA than in mild or moderate AA.

Conclusion

The demonstrated results confirmed the presence of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in AA. Whether these changes play a role in disease pathogenesis or result from the inflammatory process requires further investigation.     

Squamous cell carcinoma appearing in X-ray-treated mycosis fungoides.

Two patients with mycosis fungoides developed a squamous cell carcinoma of the skin on the neck. Upon verification by routine biopsy testing of material taken from a suppurating infiltrate of the neck, both patients were treated intermittently with X-rays. Both had developed the squamous cell carcinoma on a sun-exposed area. Patient 1 had been treated with Grenz-ray irradiation totalling 10 kilovolt (kV) 4400 rad. and Dermopan step IV (50 kV) 5200 rad.; while patient 2 recieved altogether: Grenz-rays 4600 rad., Dermopan step IV 400 rad., and soft X-rays (150 kV) 800 r. The latency period was, respectively, 3 and 10 years.     

Skin rash during erlotinib for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: is age a clinical predictor?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intensity and the duration of acneiform skin rash in young and elderly patients, to define a possible relationship between age and skin rash. We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients with advanced NSCLC who developed acneiform skin rash during erlotinib treatment at our Clinical Oncology Unit from June 2006 to May 2011. We divided the general case study into two subgroups: young and elderly patients (≥65 years) and we compared clinical, pathological and therapeutical characteristics of both subgroups. Among 25 patients affected by advanced NSCLC treated with erlotinib during the reference period, 19 patients (76.0 %) developed acneiform skin rash. Fourteen (73.7 %) of 19 patients were elderly. The majority of elderly patients has developed acneiform skin rash (82.4 vs 62.5 %). In addition, in elderly patients, acneiform skin rash has a higher intensity (for mild rash 7.1 vs 20.0 %, for moderate rash 57.1 vs 60.0 %, for severe rash 35.7 vs 20.0 %) and longer duration, especially for mild and moderate rash (for mild rash 154 vs 40 days, for moderate rash 120 vs 76 days, for severe rash 31 vs 85 days). The univariate analysis showed no statistical significant difference in OS between young and elderly patients (p = 0.191), such as age, does not seem to influence the appearance (p = 0.386), duration (p = 0.455) and grade of acneiform skin rash (p = 0.765). In conclusion, we can affirm that age is an insufficient predictor of acneiform skin rash during erlotinib treatment in advanced NSCLC and does not seem to statistically influence the appearance, duration and grade of skin rash.     

A prospective study comparing topic platelet-rich plasma vs. placebo on reducing superficial perioral wrinkles and restore dermal matrix

Introduction: The goal of our prospective study was to assess the efficacy of the topical Platelet-rich plasma on reducing superficial perioral wrinkles and restoring the dermal matrix.

Materials and methods: 50 women with moderate to severe perioral wrinkles were treated on the perioral area by a single session of fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing plus intradermal injection of prp. 25 patients (group 1) applied topically prp twice a day for 12 weeks as post laser treatment. 25 (group 2) applied gentamicin and betamethasone twice a day for the first 7 days and then hyaluronic acid gel for the following 12 weeks.

Results: In group 1, moisture (p < 0.001), amount of collagen fiber (p < 0.001) skin elasticity (p < 0.001), PSAl (p < 0.001) and SSAl (p < 0.001) improved significantly. In group 2 all the parameters investigated improved but did not reach significant difference.

Discussion: Our medical device with a plasma-like formulation is able to maintain prp active for a period of 7 days so patients are able to apply topically growth factors at home.

Conclusions: Our prospective study proves that the use of topical prp reduces superficial perioral wrinkles and restore dermal matrix when used at home for 12 weeks.     

Topical tacrolimus in combination with simulated solar radiation does not enhance photocarcinogenesis in hairless mice

Abstract:  Numerous studies have demonstrated the utility of topical tacrolimus ointment in atopic dermatitis. However, there is a concern that local immunosuppression by calcineurin inhibitors may enhance dermal photocarcinogenesis and carcinogenesis. Therefore, we investigated the influence of topical tacrolimus ointment on squamous cell carcinoma formation in hairless female C3.Cg/TifBomTac immunocompetent mice exposed to solar simulated radiation (SSR). In a first experiment, mice ( n  = 200) had tacrolimus applied on their dorsal skin three times weekly followed by SSR (2, 4 or 6 standard erythema doses, SED) 3–4 h later. Tacrolimus did not reduce the time to tumor development and in the group receiving 4 SED it even had a protective effect (156 days vs 170 days, P  = 0.008). In a second experiment, mice ( n  = 50) were irradiated with 6 SED three times weekly for 3 months and subsequently treated five times weekly with topical tacrolimus to mimic the use of tacrolimus on sun-damaged skin. The median time to the first skin tumor was 234 days in SSR + tacrolimus group compared with 227 days in the only SSR-irradiated group ( P  = 0.160). In a third experiment, mice ( n  = 25) had tacrolimus applied on their dorsal skin every day for 1 month, thereafter the group was irradiated with 4 SED three times weekly. The median time to the first skin tumor was 142 days in tacrolimus + SSR group compared with 156 days in the only SSR-irradiated group from experiment 1 ( P  = 0.363). We conclude that tacrolimus ointment does not accelerate photocarcinogenesis or induce any dermal carcinogenicity in hairless mice.     

Body Region Involvement and Quality of Life in Psoriasis: Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Adalimumab

Background

Psoriasis severity and treatment responsiveness vary by body region, which differentially impacts quality of life (QoL).

Objective

The objective of the study was to examine adalimumab efficacy by body region and regional response and QoL relationship.

Methods

Patients (n = 1212) with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were randomized 2:1 to 80 mg at week 0, followed by adalimumab 40 mg or placebo every other week for 16 weeks in the double-blind REVEAL study. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) responses and Dermatology Life Quality Index outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Week 16 regional mean PASI improvements were significantly greater with adalimumab (83.1 ± 1.57, 81.3 ± 1.58, 75.7 ± 1.34, and 73.9 ± 1.26% in the trunk, head, upper extremities, and lower extremities, respectively; all p < 0.001 vs. placebo). Likewise, percentages of patients with regional PASI ≥75/≥90/100% reduction from baseline were significantly higher with adalimumab (all p < 0.001); adalimumab responses were greater for the trunk (77.9/65.0/59.1%) and head (74.6/66.1/62.8%; all p ≤ 0.0001 vs. lower) than upper (67.7/45.1/39.6%; p = 0.4, p = 0.04, p = 0.0005, respectively, vs. lower) and lower extremities (65.7/40.0/31.3%). Adalimumab significantly improved Dermatology Life Quality Index scores vs. placebo (8.2- vs 1.7-point decrease from baseline; p < 0.001).

Limitations

The study was a post hoc analysis.

Conclusions

Adalimumab treatment resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in disease severity and QoL. QoL improvements were associated with PASI responses in all body regions.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00237887.

     

Invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma incidence in US health care workers

Little data on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) epidemiology within the United States are currently available. Prior studies have focused on populations outside of the United States or been limited to regions within the US. In this study, prospective data were collected via biennial questionnaires from a total of 261,609 participants, which included women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS, 1976–2008) and Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS II, 1989–2009), and men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS, 1986–2008). History of physician-diagnosed invasive SCC was confirmed by pathology record review. Over the entire follow-up period for each cohort, there were 1,265 invasive SCC cases per 100,000 persons in the NHS cohort, 389 cases per 100,000 persons in NHS II, and 2,154 cases per 100,000 persons in HPFS. An 18-year follow-up of participants in these cohorts revealed increasing invasive SCC incidence rates over time, with rates for men being consistently higher than those for women. In women, a larger proportion of invasive SCC lesions occurred on the lower extremities as compared to men (21 % in NHS vs. 6 % in HPFS, p < 0.0001; 14 % in NHS II vs. 6 % in HPFS, p < 0.0001), while in men, a larger proportion occurred on the head/neck (43 % in NHS vs. 60 % in HPFS, p < 0.0001; 48 % in NHS II vs. 60 % in HPFS, p < 0.0001). In summary, invasive SCC incidence rates among US men have been greater than those for women with distinct sites of common occurrence between men and women.     

皮肤组织蛋白酶D表达与晚期糖基化终末产物堆积的相关性研究

目的 研究组织蛋白酶D（CatD）与晚期糖基化终末产物（AGE）在不同年龄、不同曝光程度皮肤中的表达及其相关性,初步探讨CatD在光老化皮肤AGE降解和堆积中的作用。方法 15 ~ 20岁、35 ~ 40岁、55 ~ 60岁及75 ~ 80岁患者曝光和非曝光部位皮肤组织,共8组,每组6份。采用免疫组化和免疫荧光双染法分别检测CatD和AGE在各组皮肤中的表达。采用析因设计方差分析、Wilcoxon秩和检验和Kruskal?Wallis秩和检验分析CatD和AGE表达与年龄、曝光的关系,并用Pearson相关系数分析CatD和AGE两者表达的相关性。结果 免疫组化显示,CatD表达随年龄增加而明显下降,而AGE的沉积则随年龄增加而逐渐增多;曝光部位CatD表达较同年龄组非曝光部位明显降低,而AGE沉积比同年龄组非曝光部位明显升高。析因设计方差分析显示,曝光会降低CatD的表达（F = 58.70,P < 0.001）,但会增加AGE的表达（F = 158.18,P < 0.001）。年龄的增长亦会引起CatD表达降低（F = 79.49,P < 0.001）,但AGE表达随年龄的增长而增加（F = 106.06,P < 0.001）。除了15 ~ 20岁年龄组,其他年龄组曝光组和非曝光组间CatD（35 ~ 40岁组：0.020 ± 0.005比0.032 ± 0.005;55 ~ 60岁组：0.012 ± 0.004比0.026 ± 0.002;75 ~ 80岁组：0.002 ± 0.001比0.013 ± 0.004）和AGE平均吸光度值（35 ~ 40岁组：0.030 ± 0.008比0.010 ± 0.003 ;55 ~ 60岁组：0.066 ± 0.010比0.021 ± 0.004 ;75 ~ 80岁组：0.085 ± 0.015比0.035 ± 0.009 ）差异均有统计学意义（均P < 0.001）。在固定曝光因素各水平条件下,不同年龄组间CatD和AGE表达差异亦均有统计学意义（均P < 0.001）。免疫荧光双染结果与免疫组化结果相似。Pearson相关分析显示,曝光部位皮肤CatD表达与AGE沉积呈高度负相关（r = -0.915,P < 0.05）,在非曝光皮肤中两者呈中度负相关（r = -0.730,P < 0.05）。结论 随年龄增长皮肤组织中CatD表达水平下降,而AGE表达水平上升。非曝光部位皮肤CatD和AGE表达呈中度负相关,曝光部位皮肤CatD和AGE表达呈高度负相关,CatD很可能在光老化皮肤AGE降解和堆积中起重要作用。     

Biophysical skin properties of grade 1 pressure ulcers and unaffected skin in spinal cord injured and able-bodied persons in the unloaded sacral region

Aim of the study

To examine biophysical skin properties in the sacral region in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients suffering from a grade 1 pressure ulcer (PU) defined as non-blanchable erythema (SCI/PU), SCI patients in the post-acute phase (SCI/PA) and able-bodied participants (CON). Also, for SCI/PU patients, both the affected skin and healthy skin close to the PU were examined.

Expression and function of NET-1 in human skin squamous cell carcinoma

To evaluate the clinicopathological significance of NET-1 in human skin squamous cell carcinoma (SSCC). The expression of NET-1 and Ki67 protein was detected using immunostaining from 60 SSCC cases, 50 SIN samples and ten normal skin tissues. The vectors expressing NET-1, siRNA NET-1 and shRNA NET-1 were constructed, as well as negative controls (target-off). In transfected A431 cells, the expression of NET-1 was detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining; the proliferation and migration of cells was evaluated by MTT, flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell chamber assays. The stable cell lines transfected with shRNANET-1 was inoculated in nude mice for in vivo study. (1) The levels of NET-1 were significantly higher in SSCC (96.67 %) and SIN III (93.75 %) than that in SIN I and II (41.18 %), (P < 0.05). NET-1 expression was significantly enhanced in spindle-cell SSCC (75 %) versus other histological types (P < 0.05). (2) The expression of NET-1 in A431 cells transfected with siRNANET-1 or shRNANET-1 was significantly decreased; the proliferation and migration of these cells were obviously inhibited as compared to controls (P < 0.05). (3) The growth of subcutaneous tumors was significantly inhibited associated with reduction in the expression of NET-1 vs. the negative control or untreated group (P < 0.05). The overexpression of NET-1 in tumor cells may be closely related to the malignant phenotype of SSCC. NET-1 RNAi used in this study can specifically and effectively downregulate NET-1 gene expression; thus SSCC proliferation, invasion and tumor growth were attenuated. NET-1 might be one of the potential targets for SSCC therapy.     

The expression of serotonin transporter protein correlates with the severity of psoriasis and chronic stress

Psoriasis may be worsened by stress and mood disorders. There is an increased expression of the serotonin transporter protein (SERT) in involved psoriatic skin as compared to non-involved psoriatic skin and normal skin. The aim of this study was to investigate if the increased expression of SERT in psoriasis correlates with the severity of disease, chronic stress, and depression. Biopsies from involved and non-involved skin from the back of 20 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were immunohistochemically analysed, using a monoclonal antibody to SERT. The severity of psoriasis was assessed for each patient using the Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Levels of depression and chronic stress were measured using Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the salivary cortisol test, respectively. A positive correlation (r = 0.53; p < 0.05) between PASI and the numbers of SERT-positive dendritic cells in the epidermis of involved psoriatic skin was determined. We also observed a negative correlation (r = ?0.46; p < 0.05) between salivary cortisol ratio levels and the numbers of SERT-positive cells in the epidermis of involved psoriatic skin, indicating a correlation between SERT expression and chronic stress. The serotonergic system may be involved in the chronic inflammation evident in psoriatic skin. Through modulating the levels of SERT, there might be a therapeutic possibility for reducing chronic inflammation in psoriasis.     

Moderate and Severe Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris Effectively Treated with Single-Agent Therapy by a New Fixed-Dose Combination Adapalene 0.3 %/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5 % Gel: A Randomized,Double-Blind,Parallel-Group,Controlled Study

Background

A need exists for topical treatments in managing more severe inflammatory acne.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adapalene 0.3 %/benzoyl peroxide 2.5 % (0.3 % A/BPO) topical gel in subjects with moderate and severe inflammatory acne.

Methods

This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study. Randomization was stratified by acne severity (50 % moderate and 50 % severe). Subjects received 0.3 % A/BPO, 0.1 % A/BPO (benchmark), or vehicle (comparator) once daily for 12 weeks. Co-primary efficacy endpoints were success rate at week 12 (the percentage of subjects rated ‘clear’ or ‘almost clear’ with at least a 2-grade improvement on Investigator’s Global Assessment [IGA]) and change in inflammatory (IN) and noninflammatory (NIN) lesion counts from baseline to week 12. Secondary efficacy endpoints were percent changes in IN and NIN lesion counts. Safety endpoints were incidence of adverse events (AEs) and local tolerability signs/symptoms.

Results

A total of 503 subjects were randomized: 217, 217, and 69 subjects in the 0.3 % A/BPO, 0.1 % A/BPO, and vehicle groups, respectively. For success rate (subjects rated ‘clear’ or ‘almost clear’ with ≥2-grade improvement in IGA), 0.3 % A/BPO was superior to vehicle, with a treatment difference of 22.7 % (33.7 vs. 11.0 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 12.8–32.6, p < 0.001). At week 12, 0.3 % A/BPO was superior to vehicle for mean reduction from baseline in IN (27.0 vs. 14.4) and NIN lesion counts (40.2 vs. 18.5), as well as for percentage reduction from baseline in IN (68.7 vs. 39.2 %) and NIN lesion counts (68.3 vs. 37.4 %) (all p < 0.001). Among subjects with severe inflammatory acne (IGA = 4), 0.1 % A/BPO did not reach statistical significance for success rate compared with vehicle (p = 0.443), whereas 0.3 % A/BPO demonstrated significantly greater efficacy (p = 0.029, requiring ≥3-point IGA improvement). Additionally, 0.3 % A/BPO was safe and well-tolerated.

Conclusions

Results of this clinical trial demonstrate the significantly greater efficacy of adapalene 0.3 % A/BPO topical gel compared with vehicle as well as a good safety profile in the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory non-nodulocystic acne, which increases patients’ treatment options.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier

NCT01880320.

     

Histological increase in inflammatory infiltrate in sun-exposed skin of female subjects: the possible involvement of matrix metalloproteinase-1 produced by inflammatory infiltrate on collagen degradation

To investigate morphological changes occurring during cutaneous photoageing, a correlation between the number of infiltrating cells in the dermis and the degree of collagen damage was examined using sections from clinically normal chronically sun-exposed and sun-protected skin of Japanese female subjects. Haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections from 134 sun-exposed (subjects aged 3-82 years) and 73 sun-protected (subjects aged 1-86 years) areas demonstrated a predominant lymphoid cell and to a lesser extent histiocyte infiltration. The mean +/- SD number of lymphoid cells and histiocytes in the sun-exposed skin sections (427.0+/-192.2 and 147.8+/-83.3 cells/mm2, respectively) was significantly higher than in the sun-protected skin sections (292.6+/-98.3 and 125.9+/-59.0 cells/mm2, respectively) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), and the number of lymphoid cells in the sun-exposed skin sections increased significantly with age up to 50 years (r = 0.400, P < 0.001). Sun-exposed skin sections with severe collagen degeneration had a significantly higher number of lymphoid cells than those with slightly degenerated collagen (mean 626.3 vs. 482.4 cells/mm2, P < 0.01). The mean count of mast cells in sun-exposed skin was 202.0 cells/mm2; this did not vary with the age of the subjects or the level of collagen damage. Immunohistochemical studies using 24 frozen sections identified most of the lymphoid cells infiltrating sun-exposed skin as memory T lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+ and CD45RO+). The number of cells which displayed immunoreactivity to matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 in the sun-exposed skin sections was significantly higher than in the sun-protected skin sections (mean 170.2 vs. 113.6 cells/mm2, P < 0.05). Among these cells were observed CD3 and MMP-1 double-stained T lymphocytes, and T lymphocytes contacting MMP-1-positive cells. These morphological observations suggest that T lymphocytes infiltrating photodamaged skin may play a part in the degeneration and reduction of collagen through MMP-1 activity.     

Osteopontin and adiponectin: how far are they related in the complexity of psoriasis?

Increasing attention has been drawn towards the involvement of both osteopontin (OPN) and adiponectin in psoriasis. The relationship between them has been studied before in the context of essential hypertension. To our knowledge, whether a relation between them exists in cases of psoriasis and the metabolic status in such patients have not been investigated. We aimed to verify their possible roles and relations in psoriasis and its metabolic associations. 35 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 35 controls were included. Patients were clinically assessed by PASI and investigated for the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and/or its components. Plasma levels of OPN and adiponectin were measured using ELISA. On comparing psoriatics to controls, patients showed significantly elevated levels of OPN (90.474 ± 21.22 vs 34.709 ± 13.95 ng/mL) and significantly depressed levels of adiponectin (4,586 ± 1.187 vs 5,905 ± 1.374 ng/mL), (p < 0.001). Strong negative correlation between plasma OPN and adiponectin was detected in patients (r = ?0.912, p < 0.001), but not in controls. OPN elevation was related to diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, and MetS. Adiponectin depression was related to body mass index, and MetS. This study demonstrates for the first time a significant correlation between OPN and adiponectin in psoriasis, hypothesized to be mostly attributed to the inflammatory milieu of psoriasis and MetS as well as the enhanced renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system previously documented in psoriasis. Adjuvant therapies aiming at modulating levels of OPN and adiponectin are speculated to add benefit in psoriasis treatment and protecting against its metabolic risks.     

Density and proportions of the epidermal T cell population in human sun-exposed skin differ from those in sun-protected skin: preliminary immunohistochemical study

Epidermal T cells, which are found in clinically normal human skin, show topographic differences in density and proportions; however, the mechanisms and the biological consequences of such differences are still unknown. In a previous work, we showed that epidermal T cells are altered in number and composition after a single exposure to solar-simulated radiation (SSR). The purposes of the present investigation were, first, to compare the density of epidermal T cells and the proportion of T cell subpopulations in habitually sun-exposed versus sun-protected sites; second, to determine the effects of repetitive exposures to SSR on the latter cell populations. Biopsies from habitually sun-exposed, sun-protected and solar-simulated-exposed skin of 28 healthy volunteers were taken and immunohistochemistry was performed on cryostat sections. Compared with sun-protected sites, epidermal CD3⁺ T cell numbers of habitually sun-exposed sites were significantly lower. Double staining showed that the number of CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells was significantly lower in sun-exposed than in sun-protected skin, whereas the numbers of CD3⁺CD4⁺ T cells were similar in both sites. Therefore, the CD4/CD8 ratio was markedly higher in sun-exposed compared to sun-protected sites. Moreover, repeated exposures of sun-protected skin to SSR induced a significant reduction in number of epidermal CD3⁺ T cells. The mean number of epidermal CD3⁺CD8⁺ double stained cells significantly decreased after such exposures, while the epidermal CD3⁺CD4⁺ T cell subpopulation was not significantly changed. In conclusion, both chronically sun-exposed skin and repeatedly SSR-exposed skin show a decrease in density of epidermal CD3⁺ and CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells. We hypothesize that such sun-induced changes may weaken the immunosurveillance capacity of the skin and therefore increase the occurrence of skin cancer.     

Clinical and biometrological efficacy of a hyaluronic acid-based mesotherapy product: a randomised controlled study

Data demonstrating the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation are scarce. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of non-reticulated HA-based mesotherapy on skin elasticity and complexion radiance. 55 women with cutaneous ageing signs included in the Full Analysis Set (FAS) population blindly received intradermal micro-injections (50 × 0.02 mL) of non-cross-linked HA filler with mannitol (Glytone 1, HA concentration: 14 mg/g) in one cheek and saline physiological solution in the other according to hemifacial randomisation in 3 monthly sessions. Elasticity (E1 and E2 stiffness parameters) and dermis thickness were measured by cutometry and 20 MHz echography, before (D0) treatment and 1 (1M) and 3 months (3M) after the last injection. A trained panel blindly scored skin complexion radiance from standardised and calibrated photographs, using 100 mm analogue scales. In the FAS population, only HA filler significantly decreased E1 at 1M (?10.9 %, p = 0.026) and 3M (?10.5 %, p = 0.035) compared with D0; its effect versus the control tended to be more persistent, with a difference between treatments at 3M close to significance (p = 0.063). E2 also decreased at 1M (?8.2 %, p = 0.027 in the per protocol population, n = 53) and 3M after HA-treatment only. Dermis thickness significantly increased after HA-treatment at 1M (+3.4 %, p = 0.028) and 3M (+4 %, p = 0.008), and after control-treatment at 1M only (+2.5 %, p = 0.015). The HA filler significantly improved complexion radiance at 3M compared with the control (p = 0.012) and for 51 % of subjects, their skin status. Non-reticulated HA-based mesotherapy significantly and sustainably improves skin elasticity and complexion radiance.     

基质金属蛋白酶在曝光及非曝光部位皮肤中的表达

目的 检测基质金属蛋白酶－1、3、9（MMP-1、3、9）在曝光部位和非曝光部位皮肤中的表达,探讨它们在皮肤光老化机制中的作用。方法 应用免疫组化方法分别对23例女性健康志愿者前臂伸侧（曝光）和上臂内侧（非曝光部位）皮肤石蜡标本中的MMP-1、MMP-3、MMP-9进行检测,表达强度以免疫反应强度分布指数（IRIDI）表示,采用Wilcoxon符号秩和检验、Mann-Whitney秩和检验及Spearman秩相关分析进行统计学处理。结果 MMP-1、MMP-3、MMP-9在曝光和非曝光部位均表达,曝光部位皮肤组织中MMP-1、MMP-3、MMP-9的IRIDI均值（范围）分别为7.70（3 ～ 12）、9.22（6 ～ 12）、8.30（6 ～ 12）,非曝光部位分别为4.26（2 ～ 6）、5.39（2 ～ 9）、4.04（1 ～ 6）,曝光部位MMP-1、MMP-3、MMP-9的IRIDI均显著高于非曝光部位（均P < 0.01）。50岁以上组曝光部位皮肤组织MMP-1、MMP-3、MMP-9的IRIDI分别为9.17（6 ～ 12）、10.58（8 ～ 12）、8.92（8 ～ 12）,非曝光部位分别为4.75（2 ～ 6）、6.42（4 ～ 9）、4.33（3 ～ 6）,曝光部位均显著高于非曝光部位（P < 0.05）;50岁以下组曝光部位皮肤组织MMP-1、MMP-3、MMP-9的IRIDI分别为6.09（3 ～ 8）、7.73（6 ～ 9）、7.64（6 ～ 12）,非曝光部位分别为3.73（2 ～ 6）、4.27（2 ～ 8）、3.73（1 ～ 6）,曝光部位均显著高于非曝光部位（P < 0.05）;50岁以上组曝光部位显著高于50岁以下组,而两组非曝光部位皮肤组织MMP-1、MMP-9的IRIDI值差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。曝光部位皮肤组织MMP-1、MMP-3、MMP-9的IRIDI值与年龄呈正相关（r = 0.66、0.69、0.74,P < 0.01）,非曝光部位皮肤组织MMP-1、MMP-9的IRIDI值与年龄无相关性。结论 MMP-1、MMP-3、MMP-9在曝光部位表达显著高于非曝光部位,三者在光老化的发生发展中均起作用,但作用机制可能不同。