Seung Ho Lee

Paracrine effects of adipose-derived stem cells on keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts.

Background Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are mesenchymal stem cells that have recently been applied to tissue repair and regeneration. Keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts play key roles in cutaneous wound healing. Objective We investigated the paracrine effects of ASCs on HaCaT cells (i.e., immortalized human keratinocytes) and human dermal fibroblasts to explore the mechanism of the effects of ASCs on cutaneous wound healing. Methods HaCaT cells and primary cultured human dermal fibroblasts were treated with 50% conditioned medium of ASCs (ASC-CM). Viability, in vitro wound healing, and fibroblast-populated collagen lattice contraction assays were conducted, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the type I procollagen α1 chain gene was performed. Results The proliferation of HaCaT cells and fibroblasts was increased by ASC-CM in the viability assay. ASC-CM promoted in vitro wound healing of HaCaT cells and increased the contraction of the fibroblast-populated collagen lattice. RT-PCR showed that the transcription of the type I procollagen α1 chain gene in fibroblasts was upregulated by ASC-CM. Conclusion The stimulatory effect of ASC on cutaneous wound healing may be partially mediated by paracrine effects of ASCs on other skin cells. Application of ASCs or ASC-derived molecules could be an innovative therapeutic approach in the treatment of chronic wounds and other conditions.

Effects of Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Nude Mice

BACKGROUND Despite numerous treatments available for deteriorated cutaneous wound healing such as a diabetic foot, there is still the need for more effective therapy. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are mesenchymal stem cells, which are self-renewing and multipotent. Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential for tissue repair and regeneration. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of human ASCs on the healing of cutaneous wounds in nude mice. METHODS 15-mm round full-thickness skin defects were generated on the back of BALB/c nude mice. The mice were divided into three groups for wound coverage: (i) human ASCs-populated collagen gel, (ii) human dermal fibroblasts-populated collagen gel, and (iii) collagen gel alone. Wound contraction was prevented with a splint method. Wound size was measured 10 days after injury. At 28 days histological analysis was performed. RESULTS Both ASCs and dermal fibroblasts accelerated wound closure, but dermal fibroblasts were more effective than ASCs. At 28 days, the dermal portion of ASCs or dermal fibroblasts wound scars were thicker than collagen gel wound scars. CONCLUSION ASCs and dermal fibroblasts stimulate cutaneous wound healing and improve scar thickness.

A case of argyria following colloidal silver ingestion.

Argyria is a rare cutaneous discoloration caused by the intake of silver or various compounds containing silver. We report a case of argyria in a 73-year-old male following ingestion of colloidal silver as an alternative medicine over 5 years. He had a diffuse, slate gray discoloration of his face and hands. A biopsy specimen from the face revealed brown-black extracellular granules in the upper dermis and between collagen bundles. We also found silver particles in the mucous of the colon. The ingestion of colloidal silver appears to be increasing among patients using alternative health practices. We report this case to bring peoples attention to the problems associated with the ingestion of colloidal silver.

Topical Immunotherapy with Diphenylcyclopropenone Is Effective and Preferred in the Treatment of Periungual Warts

Background There exists a treatment challenge with periungual warts. Topical immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) has recently been reported to be an effective treatment for recalcitrant warts, including periungual types. Objective We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and preference of topical immunotherapy with DPCP in treating periungual warts. Methods Twenty-seven patients with periungual warts who were treated with DPCP immunotherapy (2007 through 2010; Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea) were retrospectively recruited. Other treatment modalities were also used in some patients. Lesions were grouped into the types according to the following locations: proximal nail fold, lateral nail fold and hyponychium. Total and group clearance rates as well as treatment periods according to location and disease duration were evaluated. A patient questionnaire was performed to assess the satisfaction for the treatments in those who received multiple therapies. Results Total success rates were 85% (by subjects) and 91% (by individual lesions). Success rate and treatment period for proximal nail fold type seemed more desirable than other locations. Success rate decreased and treatment period increased as disease duration increased. The questionnaire revealed a significantly higher satisfaction rate for DPCP immunotherapy than for cryotherapy and pulsed-dye laser. Conclusion Topical immunotherapy with DPCP is an effective and preferred method in the treatment of periungual warts.

Elastic fiber staining and cytokeratin 15 expression pattern in trichoepithelioma and basal cell carcinoma

Trichoepithelioma (TE) is a benign neoplasm of the skin that resembles basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in its clinical and histological features. In this study, we evaluate the usefulness of elastic fiber staining and cytokeratin 15 expression pattern in terms of distinguishing TE from BCC. Eleven TE and 17 BCC were examined histochemically and immunohistochemically. It was found that BCC contain more elastic fiber than TE, and that more TE show peripheral localization than BCC in cytokeratin 15 expression patterns. The present study shows that elastic fiber staining and cytokeratin 15 expression pattern may aid the differentiation of TE from BCC.

Papular elastorrhexis: a case and differential diagnosis.

Papular elastorrhexis is a rare cutaneous disorder that occurs predominantly during adolescence. The disorder is characterized by asymptomatic indurated white or flesh papules showing decreased and fragmented elastic fibers in the dermis. We herein report on a 12-year-old girl with multiple asymptomatic white, nonfollicular, firm papules scattered on the extremities and trunk. Histological examination revealed focal areas showing increased layers of collagen fibers and decreased and fragmented elastic fibers in the upper dermis.

A Case of Hypersensitivity to Mosquito Bites without Peripheral Natural Killer Cell Lymphocytosis in a 6-Year-Old Korean Boy

Hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) is a rare disease characterized by intense skin reactions such as bulla and necrotic ulcerations at bite sites, accompanied by general symptoms such as high-grade fever and malaise occurred after mosquito bites. It has been suggested that HMB is associated with chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and natural killer (NK) cell leukemia/lymphoma. We describe here a Korean child who presented with 3-yr history of HMB without natural killer cell lymphocytosis. He has been ill for 6 yr with HMB. Close observation and examination for the development of lymphoproliferative status or hematologic malignant disorders is needed.

Treatment of Verrucous Carcinoma of the Lower Lip with Topical Imiquimod (Aldara®) and Debulking Therapy

Verrucous carcinoma is an unusual, non-metastasizing, distinct variant of squamous cell carcinoma composed of four subtypes according to the site of occurrence: oral type, anogenital type, plantar type, and other cutaneous sites. Oral type verrucous carcinoma usually shows slow progression with a low incidence of metastases. Treatment of verrcous carcinoma is challenging; multiple medical and surgical therapies are often attempted, with limited success. We reported on 2 cases of verrucous carcinoma of the lip treated with topical imiquimod and debulking therapy.

Multiple Nuchal-Type Fibromas on the Scalp: A Case Report

Nuchal-type fibroma is a rare, benign, fibrous, tumor-like proliferation characterized by dense hypocellular bundles of collagen, with sparsely scattered fibroblasts, interspersed fat tissue, and entrapped nerve fibers. It usually develops in the posterior neck as a solitary, firm, poorly circumscribed, subcutaneous mass. Herein, we report about a 32-year-old man who presented with a 6-year history of multiple nodules on the scalp. Histopathological features were consistent with those of nuchal-type fibroma. The tumors were surgically excised.

Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis with Tap Water Iontophoresis: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Single-Blind, and Parallel-Designed Clinical Trial

Background Palmar hyperhidrosis is a common disorder of excessive sweating. A number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of iontophoresis in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. However, controlled clinical studies on iontophoresis for palmar hyperhidrosis have been limited. Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of iontophoresis in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with a randomized, sham-controlled, single-blind, and parallel-designed study. Methods Twenty nine patients with significant palmar hyperhidrosis were enrolled in this study. They received active iontophoresis treatment (group A) or sham treatment (group B). Iontophoresis was performed 20 minutes each time, five times per week, for 2 weeks. Its efficacy was assessed with starch-iodine test, mean sweat secretion rate, and hyperhidrosis disease severity scale. Results Twenty-seven of the 29 patients completed the 2-week treatment. After completion of 10 times of treatment, results of the starch-iodine test showed clinical improvement in 92.9% of patients in group A and 38.5% of patients in group B (p=0.001). The mean sweat secretion rate was reduced by 91.8% of patients in group A and by 39.1% of patients in group B (p<0.001). Improvement in quality of life was reported by 78.6% of patients in group A and by 30.8% of patients in group B (p=0.028). In group A, one case of localized adverse event was noted, although no adverse event was encountered in group B. Conclusion Tap water iontophoresis could be used as an effective and safe treatment modality for palmar hyperhidrosis.