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Association between interleukin 4 gene intron 3 VNTR polymorphism and recurrent aphthous stomatitis in a cohort of Turkish patients.

OBJECTIVE Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral mucosal diseases, with a multifactorial etiopathogenesis, an interaction between predisposing factors and/or systemic conditions and immunological components in genetically predisposed subjects. Although there is no clear genetic mode of inheritance, there is evidence that inheritance of specific gene polymorphisms may predispose individuals to RAS. The purpose of the present study was to investigate a possible association between the functional interleukin 4 (IL4) VNTR genetic polymorphism and RAS in a sample of Turkish patients. METHODS The study included 145 unrelated patients with a clinical diagnosis of RAS and 150 unrelated healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and IL4 gene 70 bp VNTR polymorphism determined by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers. RESULTS The distribution of genotype and allele frequencies of IL4 gene intron 3 VNTR polymorphism was statistically different between RAS patients and control group (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively) P2P2 genotype and P2 allele were also found to be protective with a lower risk for susceptibility to RAS (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that intron 3 VNTR polymorphism in the IL4 gene is associated with RAS susceptibility in Turkish population.

Oxidative stress status in patients with acute urticaria

Abstract Background: The conflicting information related to oxidative stress status in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria has been reported in several studies. However, the association between acute urticaria (AU) and oxidative stress has not been investigated exhaustively. Objectives: To evaluate the role of the oxidative stress in the patients with AU by determining the oxidant/antioxidant activity in AU and to establish its clinical significance. Methods: About 50 patients with AU, (10 males, 40 females) and 30 unrelated healthy controls (4 males, 26 females) were enrolled into the study. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), serum NO and protein carbonyls levels in the plasma were measured spectrophotometrically at samples. Results: A statistically significant increase was observed in serum Cu-ZnSOD activities of the patients when compared with that of the controls (p < 0.001), while a statistically significant decrease was observed in GSH-Px activities of the patients according to the controls (p = 0.002). Serum MDA and NO levels were significantly higher in patients with AU when compared with control group (p < 0.001 for both of them). The levels of protein carbonyls were significantly lower in patients with AU when compared with control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: It seems there is an oxidative burden in the patients with AU. Cutaneous oxidative stress may play a role in pathogenesis of the disease.

Oxidative stress status in patients with melasma

Abstract Background: Melasma is an acquired skin disease characterized clinically by development of gray–brown macules or patches. The lesions have geographic borders and most often seen on face and less frequently on the neck and forearms. Pathogenesis has not been completely understood yet. Although the disease constitutes a very disturbing cosmetic problem, it has not obtained an efficient treatment. There were not any studies in the literature that evaluates the role of oxidative stress in melasma. Objectives: The evaluation of the role of oxidative stress in melasma. Methods: Fifty melasma patients and 50 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The diagnosis was made clinically and the patients were evaluated by Melasma Area Severity Index. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl levels were measured both in the melasma group and the control group. Results: SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities were significantly higher in the patient group in comparison with the control group (p < 0.001). Protein carbonyl levels were significantly lower in the patient group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results show that the balance between oxidant and anti-oxidants was disrupted and the oxidative stress increased in melasma. These results improve the understanding of etiology–pathogenesis of the disease and its treatment.

Effects of isotretinoin on the inflammatory markers and the platelet counts in patients with acne vulgaris

Abstract Objective: Oral isotretinoin is an efficient treatment used commonly in treating the moderate and severe acne. It has various side effects that affect many systems in the body. In this study, we are planning to examine the possible effects of the oral isotretinoin on platelet density, mean platelet volume, neutrophil lymphocyte rate, platelet lymphocyte rate, and red-blood-cell distribution width level. Methods: Twenty-eight males and 84 females, 112 patients in total, diagnosed with acne vulgaris and receiving oral isotretinoin treatment were examined retrospectively. The full blood parameters of the patients before the treatment and in the third month of the treatment were recorded. Results: A statistically meaningful increase was observed in the platelet density, hemoglobin levels. And a statistically significant decrease has been determined in the red-blood-cell distribution width level while no meaningful differences were detected in the mean platelet volume, neutrophil lymphocyte rate, platelet lymphocyte rate, and white blood cell count. Conclusions: The oral isotretinoin treatment has been demonstrated as having increased the platelet density, hemoglobin levels and having decreased red-blood-cell distribution width level significantly.

A case of pityriasis lichenoides: Rapid resolution with azithromycin monotherapy in 3 weeks

Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a spectrum of inflammatory skin diseases which include PL et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) and PL chronica (PLC) as two ends of the disease and rarely both entities can coexist on the same patient. Treatment options are based on case series‐reports, and anecdotes, and include topical corticosteroids, topical immunomodulators, systemic antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin), and phototherapy. Herein, we report a 13‐year‐old boy, exhibiting mixed manifestations of PLEVA and PLC lesions concurrently, with a rapid and dramatic response to azithromycin monotherapy.

Evaluation of the pregnant women referred for dermatology consultation

Gebelik, karmaşık hormonal, immünolojik, metabolik, vasküler ve psikolojik değişikliklerin olduğu ve her an anneye fetüs için acil müdahale gerektirebilecek durumların ortaya çıkabileceği fizyolojik bir dönemdir1. Bu süreçte deride ortaya çıkan değişiklikler anne adaylarında kadın hastalıkları ve doğum ya da dermatoloji uzman kontrolüne gereksinim hissettirebilir. Burada, kadın hastalıkları ve doğum kliniğinden dermatolojiye konsülte edilen gebe ve postpartum dönemdeki kadınların yakınmalarının değerlendirilmesi amaçlandı.

Stevens-Johnson Sendromu sonrasında gelişen Fox-Fordyce hastalığı: olgu sunumu

Fox-Fordyce hastaligi (FFH), apokrin ter bezlerin kronik, nadir gorulen, klinik olarak kasintili papullerle karakterize bir hastaligidir. Kadinlarda daha sik gorulur ve etyolojisi tam olarak net degildir. Bu makalede Stevens-Johnson Sendromu sonrasinda dudaklarinda FFD gelisen 17 yasinda bir erkek hasta sunuldu.

Prevalence and related factors of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis: a community-based study

BACKGROUND/AIM We aimed to determine the prevalence of psoriasis (PS) and seborrheic dermatitis (SD) (erythematous-squamous diseases) in our region and reveal the frequently encountered associated factors to aid in planning appropriate healthcare. MATERIALS AND METHODS A community-based study was conducted with 85 sample groups that reflected the population rate and demography of Tokat Province in northern Anatolia. RESULTS In this community, the prevalence of PS in people older than 20 years of age was 1.2% and the prevalence of SD was 5.2%. SD rates were higher in patients who used tobacco and especially alcohol. SD prevalence was also higher in patients treated for depression and epilepsy. Furthermore, as education levels increased, SD prevalence increased proportionally. CONCLUSION In general, PS prevalence in this region was higher than in Asia and Africa but lower than in Europe and the United States. Whereas SD prevalence varies between 2% and 12% throughout the world, the average SD prevalence was 5.2% in this study.

Effects of colchicine treatment on mean platelet volume and the inflammatory markers in recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Abstract Objective: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most commonly seen inflammatory disease in the oral mucosa affecting 5%–25% of the general population. The etiology of RAS is still not fully understood and its treatment is very challenging. With its anti-inflammatory affects, colchicine is used for systematic treatment of RAS. In this study, we want to examine the effects of colchicine on platelet density, mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and red cell distribution width (RDW) of the patients with RAS. Methods: Fifteen male and 45 female RAS patients that were taking colchicine were investigated retrospectively. The whole blood parameters of the patients were observed before starting colchicine treatment and in the third month of colchicine treatment. Results: Significant decrease in the levels of NLR, white blood cell count and RDW of the RAS patients under colchicine treatment was observed. Moreover, no changes were seen on MPVs, PLRs and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Conclusion: It was determined that colchicine lowers the levels of NLR, white blood cell count and RDW. Furthermore, no changes were seen on MPVs, PLRs and Hb levels.

Depression, Anxiety Levels and Quality of Life in Patients with Seborrheic Dermatitis

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the risk of depression and anxiety levels of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) and effect of illness on quality of life. Methods: We conduct this study among patients referred to dermatology outpatient clinic in our hospital. Patients diagnosed with SD according to medical history and dermatological examination were included in the study. After recording sociodemographic information such as age, gender, education level and their clinical features of SD, Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD) and Short form-36 (SF-36) were administered to patients. Results: We enrolled 50 patients in the study (27 females and 23 males). It was determined that 32% of patients were at risk for anxiety while 34% were at risk for depression. Deterioration in all fields, foremost emotional role functioning and social functioning, were determined in SD patients. Conclusion: It was evaluated that depression and anxiety levels of SD patients were high and quality of life is impaired in patients with SD.