Jae Hong Ji

The Ethnic Differences of the Damage of Hair and Integral Hair Lipid after Ultra Violet Radiation

Background Genetic factors account for the majority of differences in skin color and hair morphology across human populations. Although many studies have been conducted to examine differences in skin color across populations, few studies have examined differences in hair morphology. Objective To investigate changing of integral hair lipids after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in three human ethnic groups. Methods We studied the UV irradiation induced hair damage in hairs of three human populations. UV irradiation had been performed with self-manufactured phototherapy system. Damaged hair samples were prepared at 12 and 48 hours after UVA (20 J/sec) and UVB (8 J/sec) irradiation. We evaluated the changes of hair lipid using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), lipid TEM and HP-TLC. After UV irradiation, hair surface damage was shown. Results African hair showed more severe damage on hair surface than others. The lipid compositions across human populations were similar, but Asian hair had more integral hair lipids than other groups as a whole. Especially, free fatty acid contents were higher than other lipids. After UV irradiation, lipid contents were decreased. These patterns were shown in all human populations. Asian hair has more integral hair lipid than European or African hair. After UV irradiation, European and African hair samples exhibited more damage because they have less integral hair lipids. However, Asian hair samples have less damage. Conclusion We conclude that integral hair lipid may protect the hair against the UV light.

Rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic type) effectively improved by topical xylometazoline.

One round of cytapheresis removed approximately 3.9 · 10 WBC from approximately 2000 mL blood. Short-term rapid removal of leukocytes from peripheral blood may cause some kind of alteration of phenotype, particularly the expression of the homing receptors of leukocytes to the skin, such as leukocyte adhesion molecule (LCAM)-1. Furthermore, IL-8, a potent leukocyte chemotactic agent, which is mainly produced by monocytes, is overexpressed in PG ulcers; however, the serum level of IL-8 did not increase in our case. LCAP using both leukocyteabsorbing filter and CCS may be more effective than GCAP alone, because the former can remove not only granulocytes but also IL-8-producing monocytes. The clinical efficacy of LCAP using CCS was equivalent to that of LCAP using leukocyte-absorbing filter in the treatment of IBD, but its efficacy in the treatment of PG remains to be investigated. In conclusion, LCAP using CCS can serve as an important and new treatment option for patients with steroid and immunosuppressant-resistant PG, and the efficacy of this treatment is similar to that of GCAP or LCAP using a leukocyte-absorbing filter.

Analysis of familial factors using the basic and specific (BASP) classification in Korean patients with androgenetic alopecia

BACKGROUND The mechanisms and inheritance of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) have yet to be elucidated. Several clinical studies suggest that a predisposition to AGA is affected by a variety of paternal and/or maternal hereditary factors. No previous study has addressed the association of AGA with family history based on the pattern of hair loss. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate paternal and/or maternal genetic influences in each type of hair loss pattern using the basic and specific (BASP) classification and to explore whether the morphology of AGA tends to be inherited in family members. METHODS Between October 2007 and September 2008, 1220 Korean participants, 998 male and 222 female, were classified according to the BASP classification at 13 university dermatologic centers. Information was collected using a standard questionnaire and BASP classification sheet. RESULTS Parental influences on anterior hairline shape in men were predominantly from the paternal side, whereas these effects were less notable in women. In the absence of a family history, statistical analysis showed a higher frequency for early-onset AGA than late-onset AGA (Pearson χ(2)P < .05). Basic types of hair loss had a higher degree of inheritance from the paternal side of the family, regardless of specific type. LIMITATIONS The evaluation of hair loss pattern and family history was done by the patients. CONCLUSIONS Familial factors affecting the morphology of AGA differ between male and female individuals, and for each type of BASP classification.

Development of a classification system for extrinsic hair damage: standard grading of electron microscopic findings of damaged hairs.

Human hairs experience damage and restoration processes consistently because of various external and internal factors. To analyze degrees of hair damage, morphological studies based on electron microscopy (EM), and biochemical studies based on protein and lipid analysis have been proposed and are widely used. Among them, morphological analysis through EM is a fundamental method in understanding the degree of damage and restoration. EM has been very useful in assessing extrinsic and intrinsic damage of hair and various pathological alopecias and also in estimating the efficacy of various kinds of products related to hair care. However, morphological studies have some limitations because they have been described using varying terms and subjective descriptions by different researchers. To establish an objective classification of damaged hair using uniform terms and standardizations. We analyzed over 2000 scanning electron microscopic and transmission electron microscopic findings of normal and of various kinds of damaged hairs to develop a standard grading system for the damaged hairs. After reviewing the results of the electron microscopic pictures, we proposed a standard grading system based on scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. We developed and proposed an easy, objective, and useful standard grading system of damaged hairs.

Antinuclear antibodies in patients with prurigo pigmentosa: a linkage or a coincidence?

Laboratory tests were within normal limits except for elevated ANA (1: 320, homogenous pattern), IgE ( 1 1,000 IU/ml) and eosinophil count (760 ! 10 6 /l). Other laboratory findings related to autoimmunity [anti-SS-A(Ro), anti-SS-A(La), ds-DNA antibodies] were negative. A skin biopsy showed marked spongiosis, exocytosis of neutrophils, blurring of dermoepidermal junctions, and superficial perivascular and interstitial lymphocytic infiltration ( fig. 2 a). Direct immunofluorescences (DIFs) were all negative. All of the features were consistent with PP. Daily treatment with 100 mg of doxycycline and 50 mg of dapsone was started. After 2 weeks, almost all of the lesions had been resolved leaving hyperpigmentation. The second patient was a 15-year-old female who presented with a 3-week history of a pruritic, erythematous eruption in the intermammary region and on the back ( fig. 1 b). She had been intermittently treated with topical corticosteroids for atopic dermatitis. Laboratory findings showed elevated ANA (1: 320, speckled pattern) and IgE (934 IU/ml). Additional laboratory findings related to autoimmunity [anti-SS-A(Ro), anti-SS-A(La), ds-DNA, anti-Sm antibodies] were negative. Histopathologic features showed intraepidermal blister, spongiosis, marked exocytosis, vacuolar alteration at the dermoepidermal junction and superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltration ( fig. 2 b). DIFs were all negative. After the diagnosis of PP, treatment with 8 mg of methylprednisolone and 0.05% desonide lotion induced a dramatic response. The last patient was a 16-year-old female with a 3-week history of pruritic vesicular skin lesion on her back ( fig. 1 c). We performed a Tzanck smear from vesicular lesions, but it was negative. Laboratory findings showed elevated ANA (1: 80, homogenous pattern) and IgE (139 IU/ml), and other laboratory findings including autoimmunity [anti-SS-A(Ro), anti-SS-A(La), ds-DNA, anti-Sm antibodies] were within normal limits or negative. Histopathologic features were consistent with PP ( fig. 2 c), and DIFs were all negative. She was treated with 20 mg of prednisolone and

Reliability of the pattern hair loss classifications: a comparison of the basic and specific and Norwood-Hamilton classifications.

Pattern hair loss (PHL) is the most common form of baldness in both sexes. The Norwood–Hamilton classification is the most commonly used classification worldwide, but it has many limitations. The basic and specific (BASP) classification was introduced as an improvement over the Norwood–Hamilton classification. Previous research was done to estimate the reliability of the Norwood–Hamilton classification and the result was unsatisfactory. However, the reliability of the BASP and Norwood–Hamilton classifications has not yet been compared. Eight dermatological specialists, 17 dermatological residents and 15 general physicians classified PHL in 100 sets of photographs using both the BASP and Norwood–Hamilton classifications. Intergroup reproducibility was evaluated by examining the match rate of the individual data in each group and the match rate between hair specialist and the other examiners. Intragroup repeatability was determined by calculating the match rate between the first and second studies. In terms of intergroup reproducibility of the match rate for individual data in each group, the basic type had the best agreement, the specific type had the second best, and the Norwood–Hamilton classification had the lowest match rate. In comparison, hair specialist and intragroup repeatability showed the same patterns. The BASP classification not only distinguishes all kinds of hair loss patterns, but also has better reproducibility and repeatability than the Norwood–Hamilton classification.

A Case of Membranous Lipodystrophy Observed in Lichen Amyloidosis

Membranous lipodystrophy is characterized by the presence of microcysts lined by amorphous, eosinophilic material with an arabesque appearance. We experienced a case of a 72-year-old man who had dark brownish, pruritic papules on the arms, legs, and back. Histopathologic examination of a biopsied lesion showed homogeneous, eosinophilic material in the papillary dermis, as well as membranous lipodystrophy. We report a case of membranous lipodystrophy observed in lichen amyloidosis.