Hae Jeong Youn

Tissue and Serum Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Korean Psoriasis Patients: A Comparison between Plaque and Guttate Psoriasis.

Background The phenotypic heterogeneity of psoriasis could be explained by the alternate activation of either T-helper (Th)-1- or Th-17-related cytokines. However, evidence directly supporting this hypothesis is scarce. Objective To characterize the expression of Th-1- and Th-17-related cytokines according to the morphological psoriasis phenotype: guttate vs. plaque. Methods In this study, we enrolled 68 patients exhibiting either guttate or plaque psoriasis, and 10 healthy controls. To avoid age-related bias, age matching was performed for each group. Circulating levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1RA, IL-2, IL-12p40, IL-17A, IL-22, and IL-23 were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Psoriasis-affected tissue was obtained through biopsy sampling from the eight patients who exhibited the most typical morphology. Levels of IL-1RA, IL-12p40, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 in the psoriasis tissue samples were measured with western blot analysis. Results ELISAs of the serum samples showed higher levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1RA, IL-2, IL-23, and IFN-γ in patients with psoriasis than in healthy controls. However, the inflammatory cytokine levels did not differ significantly between guttate and plaque psoriasis patients. Western blot analysis of psoriatic tissue revealed higher protein levels of Th-1- and Th-17-related cytokines in patients than in healthy controls. The levels of IL-12p40 and IL-23 were unexpectedly higher in plaque tissue than in guttate tissue. Conclusion The morphological phenotype of psoriasis does not appear to be determined by a specific activation of either the Th-1 or Th-17 pathway. Rather, the cytokine profile influences disease activity and is altered according to the status of the lesion (early or chronic).

Efficacy and Safety of Cream Containing Climbazole/Piroctone Olamine for Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Single-Center, Open-Label Split-Face Clinical Study

Background Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a multifactorial disease; Malassezia species play an important role in its pathogenesis. Objective We aimed to determine whether a cream containing climbazole/piroctone olamine (C/P cream), antifungal agents with expected efficacy against Malassezia species, could improve SD symptoms. Methods We instructed 24 patients with mild-to-moderate SD to apply the C/P cream and emollient cream on the right and left sides of the face, respectively, every morning and evening for 4 weeks. The casual sebum level (measured with Sebumeter®; Courage & Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Germany) and the extent of erythema (measured with Mexameter®; Courage & Khazaka Electronic GmbH) on the face were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined to demonstrate the antifungal activity of the C/P cream. Results The casual sebum level and erythema were measured at week 4, and the median values demonstrated a quantitative improvement on the C/P cream-treated right side of the face compared to the emollient cream-treated left side. For the C/P cream, the MICs were 0.625, 5, 0.625, and 2.5 mg/ml for Malassezia restricta, M. globosa, M. sympodialis, and M. slooffiae, respectively. Conclusion Based on the reduced casual sebum level and extent of erythema, the antifungal activity of C/P cream against Malassezia species seems useful for the treatment of mild to moderate SD.

23‐Hydroxytormentic acid protects human dermal fibroblasts by attenuating UVA‐induced oxidative stress

Ultraviolet A (UVA), one of the major components of sunlight, can penetrate the dermal layer of the skin and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). It causes alterations in the dermal connective tissue and gene expression, inflammation, photoaging, and DNA damage.

Kinetin Improves Barrier Function of the Skin by Modulating Keratinocyte Differentiation Markers

Background Kinetin is a plant hormone that regulates growth and differentiation. Keratinocytes, the basic building blocks of the epidermis, function in maintaining the skin barrier. Objective We examined whether kinetin induces skin barrier functions in vitro and in vivo. Methods To evaluate the efficacy of kinetin at the cellular level, expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers was assessed. Moreover, we examined the clinical efficacy of kinetin by evaluating skin moisture, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin surface roughness in patients who used kinetin-containing cream. We performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers in HaCaT cells following treatment. A clinical trial was performed to assess skin moisture, TEWL, and evenness of skin texture in subjects who used kinetin-containing cream for 4 weeks. Results Kinetin increased involucrin, and keratin 1 mRNA in HaCaT cells. Moreover, use of a kinetin-containing cream improved skin moisture and TEWL while decreasing roughness of skin texture. Conclusion Kinetin induced the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers, suggesting that it may affect differentiation to improve skin moisture content, TEWL, and other signs of skin aging. Therefore, kinetin is a potential new component for use in cosmetics as an anti-aging agent that improves the barrier function of skin.

Epigallocatechin Gallate-Mediated Alteration of the MicroRNA Expression Profile in 5α-Dihydrotestosterone-Treated Human Dermal Papilla Cells

Background Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induces androgenic alopecia by shortening the hair follicle growth phase, resulting in hair loss. We previously demonstrated how changes in the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile influenced DHT-mediated cell death, cell cycle arrest, cell viability, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and senescence. Protective effects against DHT have not, however, been elucidated at the genome level. Objective We showed that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea, protects DHT-induced cell death by regulating the cellular miRNA expression profile. Methods We used a miRNA microarray to identify miRNA expression levels in human dermal papilla cells (DPCs). We investigated whether the miRNA expression influenced the protective effects of EGCG against DHT-induced cell death, growth arrest, intracellular ROS levels, and senescence. Results EGCG protected against the effects of DHT by altering the miRNA expression profile in human DPCs. In addition, EGCG attenuated DHT-mediated cell death and growth arrest and decreased intracellular ROS levels and senescence. A bioinformatics analysis elucidated the relationship between the altered miRNA expression and EGCG-mediated protective effects against DHT. Conclusion Overall, our results suggest that EGCG ameliorates the negative effects of DHT by altering the miRNA expression profile in human DPCs.

Single Low-Dose Radiation Induced Regulation of Keratinocyte Differentiation in Calcium-Induced HaCaT Cells.

Background We are continually exposed to low-dose radiation (LDR) in the range 0.1 Gy from natural sources, medical devices, nuclear energy plants, and other industrial sources of ionizing radiation. There are three models for the biological mechanism of LDR: the linear no-threshold model, the hormetic model, and the threshold model. Objective We used keratinocytes as a model system to investigate the molecular genetic effects of LDR on epidermal cell differentiation. Methods To identify keratinocyte differentiation, we performed western blots using a specific antibody for involucrin, which is a precursor protein of the keratinocyte cornified envelope and a marker for keratinocyte terminal differentiation. We also performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We examined whether LDR induces changes in involucrin messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in calcium-induced keratinocyte differentiation. Results Exposure of HaCaT cells to LDR (0.1 Gy) induced p21 expression. p21 is a key regulator that induces growth arrest and represses stemness, which accelerates keratinocyte differentiation. We correlated involucrin expression with keratinocyte differentiation, and examined the effects of LDR on involucrin levels and keratinocyte development. LDR significantly increased involucrin mRNA and protein levels during calcium-induced keratinocyte differentiation. Conclusion These studies provide new evidence for the biological role of LDR, and identify the potential to utilize LDR to regulate or induce keratinocyte differentiation.

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptom Syndrome Induced by Lamotrigine

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptom (DRESS) syndrome is a type of severe adverse drug-induced reaction. Dermatologists should make a quick diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment for DRESS syndrome to reduce mortality rates, which can be as high as 10%. We present the case of a 47-year-old man with schizoaffective disorder treated with lamotrigine who developed DRESS syndrome to emphasize the importance of close observation of patients with drug eruption. He was consulted for erythematous maculopapular rashes on the trunk that developed 3 weeks after starting lamotrigine. A few days later, he developed generalized influenza-like symptoms. The skin rashes spread over his entire body, and the sense of itching was rapidly aggravated within a few days. Increased liver enzyme levels and significant eosinophilia were found on laboratory test results. His condition was diagnosed as DRESS syndrome, and he was treated with systemic and topical corticosteroids for 2 weeks.