Markers for proliferation and keratinization in the margin of the active psoriatic lesion

To study the development of the psoriatic lesion, biopsies were taken from the margin of spreading plaques and acute pinpoint papules. Consecutive sections across the margin were stained using different monoclonal antibodies to characterize epidermal growth (Ki-67) and abnormal keratinization (Ks8.12, RKSE60). All three immunohistochemical markers showed pronounced changes in the lesional skin with a clear transition to the uninvolved skin. The suprabasal Ks8.12 binding was the earliest change found in the epidermis, and its localization high in the suprabasal compartment indicates that metabolic dysregulation in this cell population was not a consequence of the recruitment process in the basal layer.     

Active vitamin D3 does not suppress recruitment of G0 cells following injury

The effect of topically applied active vitamin D3 on epidermal regeneration was studied in eight healthy volunteers following sellotape stripping. The mobilization of resting (Go) cells was assessed by means of DNA flow cytometry, using a narrow window in the mid-S phase to monitor the progress of the recruited cells. Although vitamin D3 was applied at a concentration exceeding the range reported to be effective in psoriasis, we were unable to find any effect of active vitamin D3 on Go mobilization in vivo.     

DNA content and Ks8.12 binding of the psoriatic lesion during treatment with the vitamin D3 nalogue MC903 and betamethasone

Twenty patients with psoriasis were treated with the vitamin D3 analogue MC903 and betamethasone ointment in a double-blind trial with a left-right comparison. In addition to the clinical severity scores, Ks8.12 binding which detects keratin 16 expression and the DNA synthesis were quantified using flow cytometry. Both markers decreased significantly with treatment, but remained above the normal range even in those who had total clearance of the lesions. Treatment with MC903 with regard to Ks8.12 binding was significantly better than with betamethasone.     

Decreased Fat and Nitrogen Losses in Patients with AIDS Receiving Medium-Chain-Triglyceride-Enriched Formula Vs Those Receiving Long-Chain-Triglyceride-Containing Formula

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare two enteral formulas, differing only in fat source, for product acceptance, tolerance, and effect on fat malabsorption and nutritional status in subjects with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).Design The double-blind, randomized 15-day trial was divided into a 3-day period in which solid food was consumed followed by a 12-day experimental period in which liquid formulas were consumed.Setting/subjects Twenty-three men and one woman with AIDS and fat malabsorption completed the study. The study was conducted in the General Clinical Research Center, University of Alabama Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Laboratory assays were performed in the Department of Nutrition Sciences.Interventions After 3 days of consuming a controlled, solid food diet containing 100 g fat per day from mixed sources to document fat malabsorption, subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each group received a liquid formula containing 35% of energy as fat for 12 days. One group received a formula containing 85% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and the control group received a formula containing 100% long-chain triglycerides.Main outcome measures Determinations included stool number, consistency, weight, and fat and nitrogen content; urine nitrogen and creatinine levels; and body weight.Statistical analysis performed Subject demographic and other baseline characteristics were compared using two-sample t tests; stool and urine assessments were compared between groups at the initial experimental period using two-sample t tests; changes from initial to final experimental periods were assessed by means of analysis of covariance; changes in pooled intake, body weight, and the number and consistency of bowel movements were also assessed using analysis of covariance. All statistical tests were two-tailed and considered significant at P<.05.Results Within-group comparisons indicated that subjects fed the MCT formula showed significantly decreased stool fat and stool nitrogen content (P=.01 and P=.03, respectively) and increased fat absorption (P=.03), whereas those fed the control formula did not. Differences in stool fat between the groups were not statistically significant. However, the difference in fat absorption from the initial to final formula period was significant (P=.04). Subjects consuming the MCT formula also tended to have a decreased number of bowel movements and abdominal symptoms, whereas subjects fed the control formula showed no improvement. All subjects maintained their body weights.Applications There may be advantages to using an MCT-based formula in the treatment of AIDS-associated malabsorption.     

Periodontal disease in mothers indicates risk in their children

Introduction.  It is well established that severe periodontitis clusters in families, but there are no data about the relationship between mothers with chronic periodontitis and their children's periodontal status.
Objective.  To evaluate a risk for periodontal diseases in children of periodontally diseased and healthy mothers.
Methods.  Four study groups were included: (I) 20 female patients with untreated generalized severe chronic periodontitis, (II) their children (34), (III) 13 periodontally healthy mothers and (IV) their children (13). Material was collected from years 2004–2006. The clinical examination included registration of visible plaque index, modified gingival index and, bleeding sites on probing. Periodontal microbiological samples were obtained from all study subjects and the isolates were identified according to morphology and biochemical profiles; similar interfamilial pathogens were compared by PCR-technique.
Results.  The children of diseased mothers more frequently had periodontal diseases, especially gingivitis. In addition, clinical parameters of gingival inflammation were more expressed and oral hygiene was worse in this group of children. VPI and VPI% of the diseased and healthy mothers differed significantly. The most common oral pathogens were P. intermedia/nigrescens and A. actinomycetemcomitans . The children of healthy mothers harboured pathogens less frequently than the children of diseased mothers. The sharing of P. intermedia/nigrescens was more frequent (5 families) than A. actinomycetemcomitans (2 families).
Conclusion.  Maternal indicators, such as periodontitis, hygiene habits, and periodontal microflora are risk factors for childhood periodontal diseases, and might be predictive of future childhood and adolescent periodontitis.