Moetaz El-Domyati

Effect of topical tretinoin on photoaged facial skin: a histometric, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

Backgroundu2002 Topical tretinoin is a recognized treatment for photoageing.

Misbalanced CXCL12 and CCL5 Chemotactic Signals in Vitiligo Onset and Progression

Generalized nonsegmental vitiligo is often associated with the activation of melanocyte-specific autoimmunity. Because chemokines play an important role in the maintenance of immune responses, we examined chemotactic signatures in cultured vitiligo melanocytes and skin samples of early (≤2 months) and advanced (≥6 months) vitiligo. Analysis showed that melanocytes in early lesions have altered expression of several chemotaxis-associated molecules, including elevated secretion of CXCL12 and CCL5. Higher levels of these chemokines coincided with prominent infiltration of the skin with antigen presenting cells (APCs) and T cells. Most of the intralesional APCs expressed the CD86 maturation marker and co-localized with T cells, particularly in early vitiligo lesions. These observations were confirmed by inxa0vivo animal studies showing preferential recruitment of APCs and T cells to CXCL12- and CCL5-expressing transplanted melanocytes, immunotargeting of the chemokine-positive cells, continuous loss of the pigment-producing cells from the epidermis, and development of vitiligo-like lesions. Taken together, our studies show that melanocyte-derived CXCL12 and CCL5 support APC and T-cell recruitment, antigen acquisition, and T-cell activation in early vitiligo and reinforce the role of melanocyte-derived CXCL12 and CCL5 in activation of melanocyte-specific immunity and suggest inhibition of these chemotactic axes as a strategy for vitiligo stabilization.

Microdermabrasion: a clinical, histometric, and histopathologic study

Microdermabrasion is a nonchemical superficial resurfacing procedure that removes the stratum corneum. Because it is a somewhat subtle procedure, it may be difficult to demonstrate its cosmetic benefit.

Hair follicle changes following intense pulsed light axillary hair reduction: histometrical, histological and immunohistochemical evaluation

Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been used for years in hair reduction; however, no previous studies discussed quantitative histological and immunohistochemical changes of hair follicles after IPL. Accordingly, this study aims to objectively quantify histological and immunohistochemical changes of hair follicles after IPL hair reduction. Right axillae of 21 volunteers were subjected to 6 IPL sessions using Quanta system IPL and evaluated at 1xa0week and 1xa0month after last session (i.e., 3 and 4xa0months from the start of treatment, respectively) in comparison to baseline and left control axillae. Using hair count, histological and immunohistochemical assessment of vertical and serial transverse sections coupled with computerized morphometric analysis, determination of hair reduction percentage, measurement of hair shaft (HS) diameter, calculation of percentage of hair follicle types and quantitative evaluation of PCNA, Ki67 and P53 markers were performed. After IPL, there was significant decrease of hair count, HS diameter, percentage of terminal anagen follicles, terminal/vellus (T/V) ratio, anagen/telogen (A/T) ratio and expression of PCNA and Ki67; however, significant increase of percentage of terminal telogen and total vellus follicles with vellus-like type and P53 expression was identified. So, reduction of hair number and thickness occurred after IPL by induction of telogenesis and miniaturization through decreased hair follicle proliferation and increase in DNA damage that could favor apoptosis.

Vulval Syringoma: First report of a case in an Egyptian female

157 A 23-year-old married woman presented with a history of multiple, pinhead-sized vulval skin lesions since nine months. The patient noticed no exacerbation of the lesions during menstruation or summer season. There was no history of similar lesions elsewhere or in among the family members. She denied any extramarital relationships. She had been treated with topical steroid preparations in the past without any relief. Serology for VDRL and HIV was negative. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed no organomegaly.

Nail Disorders in Dark Skin

The nail unit is a skin appendage produced by the skin. Its major function is mechanical protection of the distal digit, also representing a part of the overall cosmetic appearance of the body. Genetic disorders, infections, various dermatoses, senility, tumors, etc. may result in a series of changes of the nail showing alterations of growth, color, thickness, and contour of the nail plate. Thus, examination of the digits and nails often provides diagnostic clues for underlying cutaneous or systemic disease. Alterations and deformities of the nails may be characteristic and helpful for the physician to support his diagnosis; others are not specific but still provide valuable clues for targeted medical investigation. Major differences of nail pathology between Caucasians and dark-skinned ethnic populations are not known or prominent; however, environmental exposure and socioeconomic circumstances in populations living in hot climate zones differ and cause differences in the clinical presentation and medical assistance. In addition, pigment lability in dark skin easily causes diffuse or striate melanonychia [1].