G.-S. Chen

FK506 promotes melanocyte and melanoblast growth and creates a favourable milieu for cell migration via keratinocytes: possible mechanisms of how tacrolimus ointment induces repigmentation in patients with vitiligo

Backgroundu2002 Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by depigmentation of skin and hair. As the pathogenesis of this disease is still obscure, the treatment of vitiligo has generally been unsatisfactory and often disappointing. Topical tacrolimus (FK506) ointment has recently been added to the armamentarium against this pigmentary disorder. Despite its clinical efficacy, the underlying mechanisms of how topical tacrolimus induces repigmentation in vitiligo have rarely been investigated. As tacrolimus ointment is applied directly to the skin, its impact on keratinocytes (KCs) requires thorough investigation.

CXC chemokine receptor CXCR4 expression enhances tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of basal cell carcinoma

Backgroundu2002 Chemokines and their receptors, well known for their ability to attract leucocytes, also play important roles for tumour progression.

Cutaneous metastases from different internal malignancies: a clinical and prognostic appraisal.

Backgroundu2002 Cutaneous metastases are perceived as a sign of advanced disease and are regarded as a grave prognostic indicator. In addition, few reports have focused on the cutaneous metastasis profiles of Asian patients.

Effects of psoralen plus ultraviolet A irradiation on cultured epidermal cells in vitro and patients with vitiligo in vivo

Backgroundu2002 Both psoralen plus ultraviolet (UV) A (PUVA) and narrowband UVB (NB‐UVB) irradiation are effective treatments for vitiligo vulgaris. However, the mechanisms of PUVA and NB‐UVB in repigmentation are not thoroughly clarified. Our previous results showed that NB‐UVB irradiation directly promotes melanocyte (MC) migration and stimulates MC proliferation via keratinocytes (KCs).

FK506 inhibits tumour necrosis factor-α secretion in human keratinocytes via regulation of nuclear factor-κB

Backgroundu2002 Tacrolimus (FK506) ointment has been used for treatment of inflammatory dermatoses with remarkable success. Our previous studies have indicated that direct modulation of tacrolimus on keratinocytes (KCs) may have an impact on its therapeutic effect. The use of monoclonal antibody specific for tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α has shown efficacy in treating both psoriasis and Crohn disease. Topical tacrolimus has also been shown to be effective for treating cutaneous manifestations of both diseases.

Hyperglycaemic conditions hamper keratinocyte locomotion via sequential inhibition of distinct pathways: new insights on poor wound closure in patients with diabetes

Backgroundu2002 Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by impaired insulin signalling, elevated plasma glucose, and predisposition towards complications involving several organs. A major complication of DM is impairment of wound healing. In the re‐epithelialization process during wound healing, migration of keratinocytes is a crucial step. Our previous report demonstrated that keratinocytes cultured in hyperglycaemic media showed decreased cell mobility.

FK506 independently upregulates transforming growth factor β and downregulates inducible nitric oxide synthase in cultured human keratinocytes: possible mechanisms of how tacrolimus ointment interacts with atopic skin

Backgroundu2002 Tacrolimus ointment (FK506) has been used in recent years for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), with favourable results. Most of the therapeutic efficacy of FK506 in AD has been attributed to its immunomodulatory effects on different immune cell types, but its effects on keratinocytes (KCs) have rarely been discussed. Studies have shown that low expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and high expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) are implicated in the pathogenesis of AD.

Mechanistic correlations between two itch biomarkers, cytokine interleukin-31 and neuropeptide β-endorphin, via STAT3/calcium axis in atopic dermatitis.

Summary Backgroundu2002 Itch is the cardinal symptom of atopic dermatitis (AD). β‐Endorphin, a neuropeptide, is increased in both AD skin and sera. Interleukin (IL)‐31, an itch‐relevant cytokine, activates IL‐31 receptors in keratinocytes. However, how IL‐31 and β‐endorphin interact in AD skin remains elusive.

Distinct SPINK5 and IL‐31 polymorphisms are associated with atopic eczema and non‐atopic hand dermatitis in Taiwanese nursing population

Abstract:u2002 The term ‘hand dermatitis’ describes inflammatory skin condition localized to the hands. Nurses working at hospital settings are prone to develop hand dermatitis. The current study aimed to evaluate whether certain genetic polymorphisms were associated with the development of atopic eczema or non‐atopic hand dermatitis in Taiwanese population. Nurses of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital were recruited. Atopic eczema, non‐atopic hand dermatitis and normal control groups were identified. The serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 5 (SPINK5), filaggrin and interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) gene variants were compared between the diseased and control groups. Our results showed that rs2303070 T allele of SPINK5 (assuming recessive model; ORu2003=u20033.58, 95% CI 1.63–7.84; Pu2003=u20030.0014) and rs7977932u2003G allele of IL‐31 (assuming recessive model; ORu2003=u200318.25, 95% CIu2003=u20033.27–101.94; Pu2003=u20030.0009) were associated with increased risks of developing atopic eczema, while rs6892205u2003G allele of SPINK5 (assuming dominant model; ORu2003=u20033.79, 95% CI 1.55–9.28; Pu2003=u20030.0036) was associated with the development of non‐atopic hand dermatitis. In summary, our results showed that distinct SPINK5 and IL‐31 gene variants were associated with the development of atopic eczema and non‐atopic hand dermatitis. The barrier function, particularly those regulated by SPINK5, may play an important role in the development of both atopic eczema and non‐atopic hand dermatitis.

Hand dermatitis among university hospital nursing staff with or without atopic eczema: assessment of risk factors.

Background. Nurses are prone to develop hand dermatitis. Although an atopic constitution has been identified as a genetic risk factor, the behavioural risk factors associated with hand dermatitis in wet work conditions have not been fully explored.