Kyu-Han Kim

Systemic transplantation of human adipose stem cells attenuated cerebral inflammation and degeneration in a hemorrhagic stroke model

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are readily accessible multipotent mesenchymal stem cells and are known to secrete multiple growth factors, and thereby to have cytoprotective effects in various injury models. In the present study, the authors investigated the neuroprotective effect of ASCs in an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) model. ICH was induced via the stereotaxic infusion of collagenase, and human ASCs (three million cells per animal) isolated from human fresh fat tissue, were intravenously administered at 24 h post-ICH induction. Acute brain inflammation markers, namely, cell numbers positively stained for terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), myeloperoxidase (MPO), or OX-42, and brain water content were checked at 3 days post-ICH. In addition, the authors quantified brain degeneration by measuring hemispheric atrophy and perihematomal glial thickness at 6 weeks post-ICH, and determined modified limb placing behavioral scores weekly over 5 weeks post-ICH. The results showed that brain water content, TUNEL+, and MPO+ cell numbers were significantly reduced in the ASC-transplanted rats. ASC transplantation attenuated neurological deficits from 4 to 5 weeks post-ICH, and reduced both the brain atrophy and the glial proliferation at 6 weeks. Transplanted ASCs were found to densely populate perihematomal areas at 6 weeks, and to express endothelial markers (von Willebrand factor and endothelial barrier antigen), but not neuronal or glial markers. In summary, ASCs transplantation in the ICH model reduced both acute cerebral inflammation and chronic brain degeneration, and promoted long-term functional recovery.

Alteration of the TGF-β/SMAD pathway in intrinsically and UV-induced skin aging

In an effort to characterize transforming growth factor (TGF-β) signaling and to determine its association with the aging and photoaging processes, we directly compared the expressions of TGF-β/SMAD in intrinsically aged and photoaged human skin in vivo. By using an RNase protection assay and by immunohistochemistry, we found that the expression levels of TβRII mRNA and protein in the epidermis of the forearm (sun-exposed) of the elderly were significantly lower than that of the upper-inner arm (sun-protected) skin of the same individual. In the epidermis, the expressions of Smad7 mRNA in both the intrinsically aged and photoaged skin of the elderly were higher than in the sun-protected skin of the young, and this was elevated in the photoaged epidermis. Decreased pSmad2 immunoreactivity was observed in the epidermis of photoaged forearm skin versus matched intrinsically aged skin. This decrease was also found in the epidermis of upper-inner arm skin of the elderly versus the young. These results suggest that the UV-induced down-regulation of TβRII and the concerted over-expression of Smad7 may trigger the inhibition of the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad2.

Acute effects of UVB radiation on the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes

Purpose: The effects of UVB radiation on the proliferation and differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes were investigated with respect to timing, dosage, and repeated exposures.

Botulinum toxin A treatment for contouring of the lower leg.

Background: Botulinum toxin type A is widely used in the treatment of bilateral masseteric hypertrophy in Asians. Botulinum toxin A may have plausible effects on the oversized calf muscles that cause mental distress in Korean women. Objective: We report our successful use of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of two patients with muscular legs. Methods: The toxin was injected into the gastrocnemius muscle, 300–360 U per side. Results: A reduction in calf circumference was noticed 3 weeks after treatment and was maintained for 6–8 months without systemic side effects. Conclusion: Botulinum toxin treatment for enlarged gastrocnemius muscles is a non‐invasive alternative method for the improvement of calf contours.

Overview of efficacy and safety of tacrolimus ointment in patients with atopic dermatitis in Asia and other areas.

Objectiveu2002 To assess the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus ointment in a large population of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) by pooling data from individual Asian studies, and to compare the results of this study with those in the United States, Europe, and Japan.

A review on the role of moisturizers for atopic dermatitis.

Effective management of atopic dermatitis (AD) involves the treatment of a defective skin barrier. Patients with AD are therefore advised to use moisturizers regularly. To date, there are few comparative studies involving moisturizers in patients with AD, and no classification system exists to objectively determine which types of moisturizers are best suited to specific AD phenotypes. With this in mind, a group of experts from allergy and immunology, adult and pediatric dermatology, and pediatrics centers within Southeast Asia met to review current data and practice, and to develop recommendations regarding the use of moisturizers in patients with AD within the Asia-Pacific region. Chronicity and severity of AD, along with patient age, treatment compliance, and economic background should all be taken into account when selecting an appropriate moisturizer for AD patients. Other considerations include adjuvant properties of the product, cosmetic acceptability, and availability over the counter. Well-defined clinical phenotypes of AD could optimally benefit from specific moisturizers. It is hoped that future studies may identify such differences by means of filaggrin mutation subtypes, confocal microscopic evaluation, pH, transepidermal water loss or presence of allergy specific IgE. Recommendations to improve the regular use of moisturizers among AD patients include measures that focus on treatment compliance, patient and caregiver education, appropriate treatment goals, avoidance of sensitizing agents, and collaboration with other relevant specialists.

Changes of Cutaneous Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Young and Old Individuals

Background: Reactive oxygen species, which are believed to play an important role in the aging process, are also found to be related to allergic skin diseases. Skin reactions to allergens are known to affect the antioxidant defense system such as antioxidant enzymes. Objectives: This study was conducted in order to investigate changes of the enzymatic antioxidant defense system in the lesional skin of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in vivoand the influence of skin aging on the changes in the enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Methods: Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) application was used to induce ACD in 10 volunteers under 30 years old and in 10 over 70 years old. Antioxidant enzyme assays were performed in 5 young volunteers and 6 elderly volunteers who showed a weakly positive reaction after DPCP application. The activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in the lesional skin of ACD and in normal control skin. The differences between the two age-distinct groups were also compared and analyzed. Results: Compared with the control site, the DPCP-affected skin revealed a significantly lower catalase activity in both the young and the old groups. Reductions in cutaneous catalase activity were not different in the young and old skins. In contrast, SOD and GPx did not show any significant difference with respect to the presence of contact dermatitis or age. Conclusion: The catalase activity of human skin with ACD decreased in both young and old skins. These findings suggest that cutaneous catalase may play an important role in the pathophysiology of ACD.