Ivana Binic

Skin Ageing: Natural Weapons and Strategies

The fact that the skin is the most visible organ makes us aware of the ageing process every minute. The use of plant extracts and herbs has its origins in ancient times. Chronological and photo-ageing can be easily distinguished clinically, but they share important molecular features. We tried to gather the most interesting evidence based on facts about plants and plant extracts used in antiaging products. Our main idea was to emphasize action mechanisms of these plant/herbal products, that is, their “strategies” in fighting skin ageing. Some of the plant extracts have the ability to scavenge free radicals, to protect the skin matrix through the inhibition of enzymatic degradation, or to promote collagen synthesis in the skin. There are some plants that can affect skin elasticity and tightness. Certainly, there is a place for herbal principles in antiaging cosmetics. On the other hand, there is a constant need for more evaluation and more clinical studies in vivo with emphasis on the ingredient concentration of the plant/herbal products, its formulation, safety, and duration of the antiaging effect.

Crusted (Norwegian) Scabies Following Systemic and Topical Corticosteroid Therapy

It is a case study of a 62-yr-old female with crusted (Norwegian) scabies, which appeared during her treatment with systemic and topical corticosteroid therapy, under the diagnosis of erythroderma. In the same time, the patient had been suffered from hypothyoidism, and her skin changes were misdiagnosed, because it was thought that they are associated with her endocrine disorder. Suddenly, beside the erythema, her skin became hyperkeratotic, with widespread scaling over the trunk and limbs, and crusted lesions appeared on her scalp and ears. The microscopic examination of the skin scales with potassium hydroxide demonstrated numerous scabies mites and eggs. Repeated topical treatments with lindan, benzoyl benzoat and 10% precipitated sulphur ointment led to the complete resolution of her skin condition.

Evaluation of healing and antimicrobiological effects of herbal therapy on venous leg ulcer: pilot study.

Venous leg ulcers represent a significant public health problem that will increase as the population ages. Numerous herbs and their extracts are potentially conducive to wound healing, including the ability to serve as an antimicrobial, antifungal, astringent, etc. A total of 32 patients with venous leg ulcers were randomized into two groups: a group with herbal therapy treatment (PT) (17 patients) and a control group (C) (15 patients). The investigation focused on five controls of parameter changes important for ulcer healing and the control of microbiological flora. Within‐treatment analysis of the PT group showed that, following herbal therapy treatment, there was a significant decrease in the scores of surface leg ulcer and venous leg ulcer after week 7 of treatment (p < 0.05). In group C following topical antibiotic treatment there was no significant decrease in the surface leg ulcer. Comparing the results of decreased venous leg ulcer surface of the) PT group with the C group showed a significant difference at p < 0.05 after week 7 of treatment. The number of different types of isolated bacterial species decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after the use of herbal preparations. The results of this pilot study demonstrate the healing and antimicrobiological effects of herbal therapy on non‐infected venous leg ulcer. Copyright

Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica (Bazex syndrome)n

Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica of Bazex is rare condition, characterized with scaly hyperkeratotic psoriasiform plaques on acral parts of body (helices, nose, and malar and acral surfaces), and in later stages propagation to the limbs and trunk.This syndrome is distinct marker for different neoplastic conditions, predominantly squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract with possible cervical lymph node metastases.In this paper we present 56 years old male patient, with hyperkeratotic plaques on the skin of his palms, soles, ear lobes and apex of the nose. Detailed examination found tumorous swelling on the left side of his neck. Histopathologic examination revealed solid anaplastic metastatic tumor. Patient died before primary tumor could be found. Bazex syndrome can appear before the diagnosis of internal malignancies, and thus is important for dermatologists to recognize it in favor of early diagnosis of specific malignant process.

The Effects of Melatonin on Oxidative Stress Parameters and DNA Fragmentation in Testicular Tissue of Rats Exposed to Microwave Radiation

BACKGROUND Microwaves from mobile phones are one of the environmental toxicants that are capable of compromising male fertility by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testes. Melatonin is a lipophilic tryptophan indole amine and a potent antioxidant. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin treatment on oxidative stress parameters and DNA fragmentation in the testicular tissue of rats exposed to microwave radiation (4 h/day). MATERIAL AND METHODS Adult Wistar rats were divided in 4 groups: I--treated with saline; II--treated with melatonin; III--exposed to microwaves; IV--exposed to microwaves and treated with melatonin. The melatonin (2 mg/kg ip) was administered daily. The animals were sacrificed after 20, 40 and 60 days. RESULTS Melatonin treatment prevented previously registered increases in malondialdehyde after only 20 days. Furthermore, it reversed the effects of microwave exposure on xanthine oxidase (after 40 days) and acid-DNase activity (after 20 days). However, neither protein carbonyl content nor catalase and alkaline Dnase activity were changed due to melatonin treatment. CONCLUSIONS Melatonin exerts potent antioxidant effects in the testes of rats exposed to microwaves by decreasing the intensity of oxidative stress; it also reduces DNA fragmentation.

Cutaneous tuberculosis and squamous-cell carcinoma

The incidence of all forms of cutaneous tuberculosis, including lupus vulgaris (the most common form) decreased progressively in developed countries during the twentieth century, this change being attributed to improved living standards and specific therapy. Despite the decrease in cutaneous tuberculosis, some cases are still found and correct diagnosis and management are fundamental, both for the patients and for public health. Long lasting, misdiagnosed or untreated cutaneous tuberculosis may lead to different forms of cancer. This case report involves a 74-year old male farmer with lupus vulgaris on his face. During anti-tuberculosis treatment he developed a tumor on his forehead, which was histologically confirmed as a squamous cell carcinoma.

Can You Combine Herbal Therapy with Physical Agents in the Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers

Introduction: Venous leg ulcers are an important and common health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of herbal therapies alone or in combination with physical therapy in the treatment of venous ulcers, as well as their antibacterial effects. Patients and Methods: Our study included 60 patients (3 groups, 20 patients each) with non-infected venous leg ulcers. The patients were treated with herbal therapy alone (group HTC), with a combination of electro-ionizing radiation and herbal therapy (group ERHT) or with a combination of polarized light and herbal therapy (group PLHT). Results: Surface area and score of venous leg ulcers were followed clinically at baseline and at the end of 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks of treatment. Comparing the results within the HTC, PLHT, and ERHT groups we found that the physical agents and herbal therapy significantly accelerated the healing of venous leg ulcers and reduced bacterial flora (p < 0.05). Comparing the results between the tested groups revealed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate healing and antibacterial effects of combined physical and herbal therapies, but no superiority of the combined treatment for venous leg ulcers as compared to treatment by herbal therapy alone.

Application of sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous basosquamous carcinoma.

Basosquamous carcinoma of the skin is a relatively rare cutaneous neoplasm that has significant metastatic potential and a metastatic rate greater than that of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. We describe the use of lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy in a 63-year-old man after identification of basosquamous carcinoma. Sentinel lymph node biopsy, which is a standard tool to detect regional lymphatic metastasis in cutaneous melanoma, has been rarely employed to detect lymphatic metastasis of basosquamous carcinoma. The approach was successful in detecting a regional lymphatic metastasis of two nodal basins with minor morbidity. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be useful for certain high-risk lesions of basosquamous carcinoma.

Does incomplete excision of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid mean tumor recurrence

INTRODUCTION Basal cell carcinoma is the most common tumor of the eyelid. In this region, reconstruction is complex and damage to healthy tissue should be minimal. OBJECTIVE To define the relationship between margin clearance at excision and the recurrence rate of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid. METHODS This prospective study was conducted with 111 patients submitted to surgery for basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid between 2001 and 2003 and followed up for a period of five years. The patients were evaluated according to age, tumor site, recurrence rate and margin clearance at excision. RESULTS No significant association was found between incomplete tumor excision and recurrence except in patients under 56 years of age, female patients and in the case of tumors of the medial canthus. CONCLUSION A risk of recurrence in incompletely excised basal cell carcinomas of the eyelid was only confirmed in younger patients, females and for tumors of the medial canthus.

Port wine stain, soft tissue bone hypertrophy and leg ulcer.

Vascular congenital malformations and the associated consequences commonly present with skin abnormalities including varicosities, leg ulcers and soft tissue hypertrophy.1 This point is illustrated here. We present the case of a 67-year-old male patient with a 2 year history of recalcitrant leg ulcer overlying an extensive vascular malformation and varicosities. Clinical examination revealed asymmetric hypertrophy of the upper and lower extremities, an extensive geographic port wine …