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Silver nanoparticles supported on nanoscale silicate platelets (AgNP/NSP) possess interesting properties, including a large surface area and high biocide effectiveness. The nanohybrid of AgNP/NSP at a weight ratio 7/93 contains 5-nm Ag particles supported on the surface of platelets with dimensions of approximately 80×80×1 nm3. The nanohybrid expresses a trend of lower cytotoxicity at the concentration of 8.75 ppm Ag and low genotoxicity. Compared with conventional silver ions and the organically dispersed AgNPs, the nanohybrid promotes wound healing. We investigated overall wound healing by using acute burn and excision wound healing models. Tests on both infected wound models of mice were compared among the AgNP/NSP, polymer-dispersed AgNPs, the commercially available Aquacel, and silver sulfadiazine. The AgNP/NSP nanohybrid was superior for wound appearance, but had similar wound healing rates, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A levels and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expressions to Aquacel and silver sulfadiazine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) (CXCL12) has been observed to enhance tumor angiogenesis. However, the comprehensive role of SDF-1α (CXCL12)–CXCR4 interaction, exerted during angiogenesis, has not been well understood. We have previously demonstrated that human basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tissues and a BCC cell line (BCC-1/KMC) had significant expression of CXCR4, whose level was higher in invasive than in the non-invasive BCC types. Here, we observed that human BCC tissues with high expression levels of CXCR4 had higher vascularity. Further, among the 71 BCCs diagnosed between the years 2004–2005, BCCs with high CXCR4 expression had concomitantly higher microvessel density, as compared with those with low CXCR4 expression (P < 0.001). We found that SDF-1α induced angiogenic activity in human BCC cells, both in vitro and in vivo. SDF-1α significantly upregulated several angiogenesis-associated genes such as interferon-alpha-inducible protein 27, interleukin (IL)-6, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-6, SOCS2 and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX)-2 in human BCC cells. Among them, IL-6 was the earliest and highest upregulated gene whose induction was observed within 6 h of the commencement of SDF-1α–CXCR4 interaction. The mechanisms behind the SDF-1α-induced time and dose-dependent upregulation of messenger RNA expression and protein secretion of IL-6 were investigated. The transcriptional regulation of IL-6 by SDF-1α was mediated by phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 and activation of the nuclear factor-κB complex. The identification of the angiogenic profiles induced through SDF-1α–CXCR4 interactions in human BCC cells may contribute further insights into the mechanisms involved in the angiogenic potential of SDF-1α (CXCL12). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a member of the CCN family of secreted, matrix-associated proteins encoded by immediate early genes that play various roles in angiogenesis and tumor growth. CCN family proteins share uniform modular structure which mediates various cellular functions such as regulation of cell division, chemotaxis, apoptosis, adhesion, motility, angiogenesis, neoplastic transformation, and ion transport. Recently, CTGF expression has been shown to be associated with tumor development and progression. There is growing body of evidence that CTGF may regulate cancer cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and anoikis. In this review, we will highlight the influence of CTGF expression on the biological behavior and progression of various cancer cells, as well as its regulation on various types of protein signals and their mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact dermatitis simulating erythema multiforme can be caused by many allergens. The chemical agent 1,2-ethanedithiol, which serves as a protective group in chemical synthesis, has hitherto only been implicated as an irritant. We report on a 22-year-old female chemistry student who developed widespread erythema multiforme-like lesions after local contact with 1,2-ethanedithiol. Many target lesions were observed bilaterally on her hands, forearms, arms, and on her forehead. One such lesion was histologically compatible with erythema multiforme. The patient had a positive patch test to 1,2-ethanedithiol, whereas none of 30 healthy subjects showed a positive reaction. However, eight of the 30 controls (26.7%) developed irritant reactions to 1,2-ethanedithiol. Cautious handling of the compound is a prudent precaution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction In multiple randomized controlled clinical trials, dupilumab demonstrated robust efficacy in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Long-term effectiveness of dupilumab in real-world AD treatment is one of the main objectives of the ongoing GLOBOSTAD study. Comprehensive data on Asian patients with moderate-to-severe AD treated with dupilumab are limited. Objectives: To report patient-reported outcomes and physician-assessed AD clinical measures to evaluate disease characteristics, severity, and treatment effectiveness 1 year after initiating dupilumab treatment in Asian patients. The baseline disease severity and patient demographics have been reported previously. Methods: This 5-year, multinational, multicentre, prospective, observational study (GLOBOSTAD; NCT03992417) included Asian patients ≥12 years-old with moderate-to-severe AD who initiated dupilumab treatment based on country-specific prescribing criteria. Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were assessed at baseline, 3 months (± 1 month), 6 months (± 2 months), and 12 months (± 2 months). Data are reported as observed in patients self-reported as Asian for enrolment/safety (N = 204; data cutoff: March 2023) and follow-up (N = 194) populations. Results: During the study, EASI (>21 = severe; ≤7 = mild/no disease) score improved from 28.0 (12.1), mean (SD) at baseline to 7.4 (8.5) at 3 months, 5.7 (6.9) at 6 months, and was sustained until the end of observation period, 12 months, at 4.7 (7.1). Similarly, SCORAD (>50 = severe; <25 = mild/no disease) score improved from 61.5 (16.9) at baseline to 25.4 (16.6) at 3 months, 22.5(14.8) at 6 months, and further improved to 18.6 (13.3) at 12 months. During the study, patients also reported early improvements in POEM, mean (SD) from 19.1 (7.3) at baseline to 8.0 (5.8) at 3 months, 7.6 (5.5) at 6 months, and to 7.2 (5.0) at end of observation period (12 months); PP-NRS decreased from 5.7 (2.3) to 2.1 (2.2) to 1.7 (1.8), and to 1.4 (1.7) at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months respectively; and DLQI improved from 13.2 (7.4) to 4.9 (4.6) to 4.0 (3.8), and to 4.1 (4.0) at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months respectively. Dupilumab-related adverse events were reported in 44 (21.5%) patients while 4 (2.0%) reported dupilumab-related severe adverse events. Conclusion In Asian patients, the initiation of dupilumab treatment led to early improvements in all AD outcome measures, sustained throughout the 1-year observational period. Safety and treatment effectiveness were consistent with overall population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 62-year-old woman with erosive lesions. The lesions were found in the woman after the polymysitis treatment with low doses of the immunosuppressant drugs prednisolone and MTX for seven years. It also discusses the health risks associated with the administration of immunosuppressants which can lead to the development of B cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDS) induced by the Epstein Barr virus.

Focuses on the phenomenon of chemotherapy-induced recall dermatitis. Definition of recall dermatitis; Revelation that administration of chemotherapeutic agent induces an inflammatory reaction at a previously irradiated site on skin; Information that a patient with acute myeloid leukemia developed recall dermatitis on a previously scalded wound after chemotherapy.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe multiorgan hypersensitivity reaction mostly caused by a limited number of eliciting drugs in patients with a genetic predisposition. Patients with DRESS syndrome present with characteristic but variable clinical and pathological features. Reactivation of human herpesviruses (HHV), especially HHV-6, is the hallmark of the disease. Anti-viral immune responses intertwined with drug hypersensitivity make the disease more complicated and protracted. In recent years, emerging studies have outlined the disease more clearly, though several important questions remain unresolved. In this review, we provide an overview of DRESS syndrome, including clinical presentations, histopathological features, pathomechanisms, and treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LHSCCs) are common head and neck cancers with a high propensity for lymph node (LN) and lung metastasis. Here, we report that LHSCCs express high levels of functional CXCR4 receptors, native for chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12). Primary tumor immunohistochemistry from LHSCC patients has revealed significant expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12. Greater expression of CXCR4 but not that of CXCL12 is correlated with LN and distant metastasis. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blots have demonstrated that CXCR4 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were expressed in LHSCC cell lines as well, but failed to detect CXCL12 mRNA expression. CXCL12 treatment enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation and the motility/invasiveness of LHSCC cell lines, which were blocked by treatment with a CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100) and a specific MEK inhibitor (U0126). Results show that the mRNA and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, but not MMP-2 or MMP-9, were elevated in HEp-2 cells in response to CXCL12. Again, U0126 almost inhibited the induction of MMP-13 in HEp-2 cells by stimulating CXCL12. The transcriptional factor, c-Jun, a downstream factor of ERK pathway, was found to be readily phosphorylated and translocated to the nucleus after 10 min of exposure to CXCL12. Blockage of c-Jun activity by transfection with c-jun antisense oligodeoxynucleotide significantly decreased CXCL12-induced MMP-13 expression and cell invasion. CXCL12 seems to enhance LHSCC cell invasion through paracrine-activated CXCR4, which triggers ERK/c-Jun-dependent MMP-13 upregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Lebrikizumab, a high-affinity IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-13, prevents the formation of the interleukin-4Ra-interleukin-13Ral heterodimer receptor signaling complex. METHODS We conducted two identically designed, 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials; both trials included a 16-week induction period and a 36-week maintenance period. Eligible patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (adults [218 years of age] and adolescents [12 to <18 years of age, weighing >40 kg]) were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either lebrikizumab at a dose of 250 mg (loading dose of 500 mg at baseline and week 2) or placebo, administered subcutaneously every 2 weeks. Outcomes for the induction period were assessed up to 16 weeks and are included in this report. The primary outcome was an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 (indicating clear or almost clear skin; range, 0 to 4 [severe disease]) with a reduction (indicating improvement) of at least 2 points from baseline at week 16. Secondary outcomes included a 75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score (EASI-75 response) and assessments of itch and of itch interference with sleep. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS In trial 1, the primary outcome was met in 43.1% of 283 patients in the lebrikizumab group and in 12.7% of 141 patients in the placebo group (P<0.001); an EASI-75 response occurred in 58.8% and 16.2%, respectively (P<0.001). In trial 2, the primary outcome was met in 33.2% of 281 patients in the lebrikizumab group and in 10.8% of 146 patients in the placebo group (P<0.001); an EASI-75 response occurred in 52.1% and 18.1%, respectively (P<0.001). Measures of itch and itch interference with sleep indicated improvement with lebrikizumab therapy. The incidence of conjunctivitis was higher among patients who received lebrikizumab than among those who received placebo. Most adverse events during the induction period were mild or moderate in severity and did not lead to trial discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS In the induction period of two phase 3 trials, 16 weeks of treatment with lebrikizumab was effective in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. (Funded by Dermira; ADvocatel and ADvocate2 ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT04146363 and NCT04178967, respectively.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pruritus is an unpleasant sensory perception that negatively affects quality of life and is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Current antipruritic therapies are insufficiently effective. Thus, the mediation of diabetic pruritus by histamine-independent pathways is likely. The aim of this study was to identify possible mediators responsible for diabetic pruritus. A total of 87 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were analysed, of whom 59 had pruritus and 28 did not. The 2 groups were assessed for baseline demographics, serum biochemistry parameters, cytokines, and chemokines. This study also investigated the associations of these factors with the severity of itching. Neither haemoglobin A1c nor serum creatinine levels were correlated with severity of itching. Significantly higher levels of interleukin-4 (p=0.004), interleukin-13 (p=0.006), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (p<0.001) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (p=0.028) were observed in the patients with pruritus than in those without pruritus. Moreover, the levels of these mediators were positively correlated with the severity of itching. Thus, novel antipruritic drugs can be developed to target these molecules. This is the first study to compare inflammatory mediators comprehensively in patients with diabetes mellitus with pruritus vs those without pruritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis is a prevalent inflammatory skin disease that manifests clinically as pruritus and eczema. Severe forms of atopic dermatitis can be chronic and relapsing or associated with other dermatological complications and comorbidities, resulting in lifelong impacts across multiple aspects for patients. This study was conducted to calculate the atopic dermatitis-related economic burden in Taiwan. First, the out-ofpocket costs incurred by 200 patients with atopic dermatitis were estimated using a specifically designed questionnaire. Secondly, work impairment was converted into quantifiable costs. The costs reimbursed by the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI), which were estimated in our previous work, were included in the final calculation. The atopic dermatitis-related economic burden for patients in Taiwan in 2018 was estimated as (2018 New Taiwan dollars; NT$) 37.90 billion, which is 0.207% of Taiwan’s gross domestic product. This substantial economic burden suggests an existing need for more effective and equitable treatment for atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Integrated safety data for lebrikizumab (LEB) treatment in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) has been previously published. Conjunctivitis and keratitis were identified as adverse events (AEs) of special interest in the AD program. Objectives: Further characterize patient-reported conjunctivitis and keratitis AEs in LEB clinical trials for AD. Methods: Data from adult and adolescent patients were analyzed in 2 groups: a) LEB 250mg every 2 weeks (LEBQ2W, N=783) vs placebo (PBO, N=404), weeks 0-16 (PC 0-16wk) from 4 clinical trials (ADvocate1, ADvocate2, ADhere, Phase 2b study); and b) patients who received at least one dose of LEB (ALL-LEB, N=1720) from 8 clinical trials (ADvocate1, ADvocate2, ADhere, ADore, ADjoin (ongoing), ARBAN, TREBLE, Phase 2b study). Conjunctivitis and keratitis refer to cluster definitions defined by MedDRA preferred terms conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis; and keratitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, allergic keratitis, ulcerative keratitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, respectively. Exposure adjusted incidence rates (IR) are provided as per 100 patientyears. Results: In PC 0-16wk, at baseline, similar proportions of LEB (21.5%) and PBO (19.3%) patients had medical history (MH) of conjunctivitis. Of ALL-LEB, 22.2% had MH of conjunctivitis; of those with conjunctivitis or keratitis AE, 40% had MH of conjunctivitis. In PC 0-16wk, conjunctivitis cluster was reported by 8.5% (IR:30.6) LEBQ2W vs 2.5% (IR:8.9) PBO; keratitis cluster was reported by 0.6% (IR:2.2) and 0.3% (IR:0.9) of patients, respectively. All conjunctivitis and keratitis events in PC 0-16wk were mild or moderate in severity; 5 events (3 conjunctivitis, 2 keratitis) led to treatment discontinuation (LEBQ2W) vs 1 conjunctivitis event (PBO). ALL-LEB treatment duration ranged from 1 dose to 100 weeks. In ALL-LEB, conjunctivitis cluster was reported by 10.6% (IR:12.2), with the majority being mild or moderate (10.3%) and 0.3% severe. Keratitis was reported by 0.5% (IR:0.6), with 1 severe event of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis and keratitis events resulted in 17 (1.0%) and 3 (0.2%) treatment discontinuations, respectively. Similar proportions of adult (11.3%; 0.6%) and adolescent (8.3%; 0.3%) patients reported conjunctivitis and keratitis events. The majority were reported within first 16 weeks of treatment. Conclusions: Conjunctivitis is an AE reported by LEB-treated patients. Patients with MH of conjunctivitis may have higher risk of developing treatment-emergent conjunctivitis or keratitis. Most events were mild or moderate in severity, did not lead to treatment discontinuation, were reported within first 16 weeks of treatment, and IR did not increase with longer duration of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis has a substantial impact on work and activity impairment according to studies from Western communities. Prospective studies of work productivity and activity impairment in Asian patients with atopic dermatitis are lacking. The aims of this study were to investigate the impacts of atopic dermatitis on work productivity and activity impairment among Taiwanese patients, and to stratify the analyses by disease severity. One-third of employed participants reported missing work (absenteeism) in the preceding week due to atopic dermatitis, while 88.5% of the remaining two-thirds reported impaired work effectiveness (presenteeism). In addition, 92.5% of all participants reported impaired daily activities. Overall work impairment (aggregate productivity loss from absenteeism and presenteeism) was 1.8- and 2.6-fold greater in subjects with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, respectively, compared with those with mild atopic dermatitis. Presenteeism, but not absenteeism, contributes to the majority of total work impairment in this cohort. Daily activity impairment was 1.5-fold greater in moderate atopic dermatitis, and 2.0-fold greater in severe atopic dermatitis, compared with mild atopic dermatitis. Both work and activity impairment showed significant positive correlations with atopic dermatitis severity scores (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis; SCORAD). In conclusion, work productivity and activity impairment is significantly correlated with disease severity in this Taiwanese atopic dermatitis cohort. In order to obtain a full picture of disease burden to patients and caregivers, patients with atopic dermatitis should be monitored for disease activity as well as corresponding impacts on quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The GLOBOSTAD study aims to assess the extended realworld effectiveness of dupilumab in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) receiving dupilumab as part of their normal care. Objectives: To report patient-reported outcomes and physician-assessed AD clinical measures for evaluating disease characteristics, severity, and treatment effectiveness 1 year after initiating dupilumab treatment. Methods: This 5-year, multinational, prospective, observational study (NCT03992417) enrolled patients aged =12 years with moderate-to-severe AD. Patients received dupilumab based on country-specific prescribing information. Assessments were performed at baseline, 3 months (± 1 month), 6 months (± 2 months), and 12 months (± 2 months). Data are reported as observed for enrollment/safety (N = 955; data cutoff: March 2023) and follow-up (N = 903) populations including 13 adolescent patients with AD (=12 and <18 years old). Results: In this study, 758/863/705 patients completed =1 follow-up assessment at 3 months/6 months/12 months, respectively. During the study the mean (standard deviation [SD]) Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI; >21 = severe; =7 = mild/no disease) scores decreased from 25.1 (12.8) at baseline to 6.1 (8.0) at 3 months, 4.6 (6.4) at 6 months and sustaining throughout the observation period [12 months; 4.2 (8.4)]. Mean Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (SD) improved from 19.7 (6.4) at baseline descending to 8.7 (6.6) at 3 months, 7.7 (6.0) at 6 months and 7.1 (5.8) at 12 months. A significant improvement was also observed in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) from 13.7 (7.1) to 5.3 (5.1) to 4.4 (4.4) to 3.9 (4.2); and children's DLQI from 12.2 (6.2) to 2.7 (2.9) to 2.9 (3.0) to 4.8 (4.8) by the end of the 3, 6 and 12-months observational period respectively. Dupilumab-related adverse events were reported in 187 (20.8%) patients. Conclusions: In a real-world scenario, the initiation of dupilumab treatment led to early and sustained improvements in AD outcome measures throughout the 1-year observational period. Safety data remained consistent with findings from previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction & Objectives: Upadacitinib (UPA) is an oral Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor approved in multiple countries for the treatment of adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Here, we present the efficacy and safety of UPA administered over 140 weeks in an ongoing randomized, double-blinded, multicenter phase 3 study (Measure Up 1, NCT03569293). Materials & Methods: Patients (12-75 years) with moderate-to-severe AD were randomized 1:1:1 to receive UPA 15 mg (UPA15), UPA 30 mg (UPA30), or placebo (PBO) once daily at baseline. At week 16, PBO-treated patients were re-randomized 1:1 to receive UPA15 (PBO/UPA15) or UPA30 (PBO/UPA30) once daily. Co-primary endpoints were the proportion of patients achieving ≥75% reduction in EASI (EASI 75) from baseline and vIGA-AD of clear (0) or almost clear (1) with ≥2 grades of reduction from baseline (vIGA-AD 0/1) at week 16. A meaningful improvement in itch, defined as a ≥4-point reduction in Worst Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale (ΔWP-NRS≥4), was assessed among patients with baseline WP-NRS≥4. All efficacy endpoints were summarized using the Observed Cases (OC) approach, and no missing data imputation was applied. Safety was assessed by monitoring of serious adverse events (SAEs), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and treatment-emergent adverse events of special interest (AESI), which were analysed as exposure-adjusted rates per 100 patient-years (PY). Results: Efficacy results were sustained up to week 140 since week 16. Proportions of patients in the UPA15 (205), UPA30 (206), PBO/UPA15 (91), and PBO/UPA30 (94) groups achieving EASI 75 at week 140 were 88.8% (182), 90.3% (186), 83.5% (76), and 89.4% (84), respectively, and for vIGA-AD 0/1 was 63.4% (130), 65.5% (135), 60.4% (55), and 75.5% (71), respectively. Proportions of patients achieving an improvement (reduction) in WP-NRS≥4 from baseline at week 140 were 68.0% (136), 70.5% (146), 71.3% (62), and 81.3% (74) respectively. Overall, the rates of AESIs were similar across treatment groups, which aligned with prior reports at earlier time points. Both UPA15 and UPA30 were well-tolerated in all patients, and no new safety signals were observed compared to the known safety profile of UPA. Data from two additional pivotal studies will be available at the time of presentation. Conclusion: In this interim analysis, sustained skin clearance and itch and a consistent safety profile were observed with UPA 15 mg and UPA 30 mg across 140 weeks in adolescent and adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy and safety of dupilumab have been reported previously based on data from controlled clinical trials. The GLOBOSTAD study extends the scope of these trials by providing real-world data. This analysis reports baseline demographics and family disease history in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) who received treatment with dupilumab in a real-world setting. This 5-year, international, multicentre, non-interventional study (GLOBOSTAD; NCT03992417) included patients ≥12 years old with moderate-to-severe AD (Investigator’s Global Assessment score ≥3) who received dupilumab treatment based on country-specific prescribing criteria. Data reported are for the population at baseline (N=952; data cut-off: March 2022) in 22 countries. In the 952 patients included at baseline, mean (standard deviation) age at AD onset was 11.1 (16.0) years. Male patients represented 57.8% of patients and White patients 65.2%. The majority of patients were enrolled from Italy (17.2%), Japan (12.4%) and Spain (11.3%). Family history of type 2 inflammatory conditions (number of patients [%]) was prevalent, including AD (364 [38.2%]), asthma (238 [25%]), allergic rhinitis (219 [23%]), food allergies (74 [7.8%]), recurrent or chronic urticaria (31 [3.3%]), nasal polyposis (21 [2.2%]), eosinophilic esophagitis (11 [1.2%]) and other atopic/allergic conditions (39 [4.1%]). Most cases of type 2 inflammatory conditions were reported in first-degree relatives. Most patients enrolled in the GLOBOSTAD study developed AD during pre-adolescence. Family history of select type 2 inflammatory conditions, including AD, asthma and allergic rhinitis, was present in a moderate proportion of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes case studies regarding the successful use of rituximab and corticosteroids as first-line combination therapy for the autoimmune disease pemphigus. Topics discussed include acceptable side effects of rituximab, morbidities and mortalities associated with long-term use of corticosteroids, and disease severity among pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris patients. Also mentioned are a low relapse rate and better outcomes of using rituximab early in the disease's course.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions characterized by different extents of epidermal necrosis and mucosal breakdown. A limited number of studies have reported the long-term patterns of SJS and TEN complications in patient populations over long follow-up periods. The aim of this retrospective study was to collect data on long-term sequelae in patients admitted for SJS, SJS/TEN overlap, or TEN between 1998 and 2012. Among all 102 patients eligible for analysis, the 2 most common sequelae were cutaneous and ocular problems, both with incidences of 44.1%. Visceral organ involvement was observed in 2 patients with irreversible deterioration of chronic kidney disease and in one patient with interstitial lung disease. Autoimmune disease was present in 6 patients: Sjögren's syndrome or Sjögren- like syndrome in 5 patients and concomitant systemic lupus erythematosus and Hashimoto thyroiditis in 1 patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims Ultraviolet light-signature mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene promoter have been identified in cutaneous melanomas, basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Whether these mutations also occur in periocular tumours, including periocular sebaceous carcinomas (PSCs) and in situ tumours, has not been studied. Methods DNA extraction, PCR and Sanger sequencing were used to determine the frequency of TERT promoter mutations in periocular tumours. The presence of mutations was correlated with histological evidence of solar elastosis. Results Sixty-three tumours were analysed. TERT promoter mutations were identified in 18 of 22 BCCs (82%), 6 of 10 SCCs (60%), 1 of 2 in situ SCCs (50%), 4 of 9 grade III conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN III) (44%) and 0 of 20 PSCs (0%). For BCCs, TERT promoter mutations were not associated with the histological risk categories of the tumours. For CIN III cases, all of the three lesions with solar elastosis had TERT promoter mutations, whereas the mutation was found in only one of the six CIN III cases without solar elastosis. Conclusions We demonstrate that ultraviolet lightsignature TERT promoter mutations are very common in periocular BCCs, SCCs and CIN III lesions, indicating important roles of ultraviolet light in the pathogenesis of these tumours. In addition, the mutations are present in in situ stage. By contrast, no TERT promoter mutation is found in PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor about side effect of a drug on a patient's skin, which was published in November 2003 issue of the periodical "Acta Dermato-Venereologica."

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are associated with invasion, angiogenesis, and poor prognosis in many human cancers. However, the role of TAMs in human basal cell carcinoma (BCC) remains elusive. We found that the number of TAMs infiltrating the tumor is correlated with the depth of invasion, microvessel density, and COX-2 expression in human BCC cells. TAMs also aggregate near COX-2 expressing BCC tumor nests. We hypothesize that TAMs might activate COX-2 in BCC cells and subsequently increase their invasion and angiogenesis. TAMs are a kind of M2 macrophage derived from macrophages exposed to Th2 cytokines. M2-polarized macrophages derived from peripheral blood monocytes were cocultured with BCC cells without direct contact. Coculture with the M2 macrophages induced COX-2-dependent invasion and angiogenesis of BCC cells. Human THP-1 cell line cells, after treated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), differentiated to macrophages with M2 functional profiles. Coculture with PMA-treated THP-1 macrophages induced COX-2-dependent release of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and subsequent increased invasion of BCC cells. Macrophages also induced COX-2-dependent secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor-A, and increased angiogenesis in BCC cells.Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2009) 129, 1016–1025; doi:10.1038/jid.2008.310; published online 9 October 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Correlation of several patient factors with contact sensitization to nickel, cobalt, chromate, and other metal allergens has not been reviewed in the Taiwanese population. Objectives: A retrospective analysis was performed to define the characteristics of patients with positive patch tests to metals in a tertiary referral medical centre between 1978 and 2003. Patients and Methods: Patch test data of 3559 patients at a medical centre in Taiwan from 1978 to 2003 were retrospectively analysed. Contact sensitization to metals was defined as a positive reaction to at least one of the metal substances in the patch test series. Chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: Female patients were more likely to have contact sensitization to metal allergens except chromate or mercurochrome. Patients who reacted to chromate were more likely to be male, with an occupational correlation, older age, and a site of predilection towards the extremities. Within the first and sixth decades of age, thimerosal and chromate were the leading causes of metal contact sensitization, respectively. Nickel was the major metal sensitizer among the other age groups. Conclusions: Several patient factors were characterized related to metal sensitization in the Taiwanese population. The sources of exposure were further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cysteine-rich 61 (Cyr61/CCN1), one of the members of CCN family, has been implicated in the progression of human malignancies. Previously, our studies have demonstrated that Cyr61/ CCN1 has a role in promoting gastric cancer cell invasion, but the mechanism is not clear yet. Here, we found that hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein, but not mRNA, expression was significantly elevated in gastric cancer cells overexpressing Cyr61. Supportively, a profound reduction of endogenous HIF-1α protein was noted in one highly invasive cell line, TSGH, when transfected with antisense Cyr61. By comparison, the induction kinetics of HIF-1α protein by recombinant Cyr61 (rCyr61) was distinct from that of insulin-like growth factor-1 and CoCl2 treatment, both well known for induction of HIF-1α. Using cycloheximide and MG132, we demonstrated that the Cyr61-mediated HIF-1α up-regulation was through de novo protein synthesis, rather than increased protein stability. rCyr61 could also activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, both of which were essential for HIF- 1α protein accumulation. Blockage of HIF-1α activity in Cyr61-expressing cells by transfecting with a dominant negative (DN)-HIF-1α strongly inhibited their invasion ability, suggesting that elevation in HIF-1α protein is vital for Cyr61-mediated gastric cancer cell invasion. In addition, several HIF-1α-regulated invasiveness genes were examined, and we found that only plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) showed a significant increase in mRNA and protein levels in cells overexpressing Cyr61. Treatment with PAl-1-specific antisense oligonucleotides or function-neutralizing antibodies abolished the invasion ability of the Cyr61-overexpressing cells. Transfection with dominant negative-HIF-1α to block HIF-1α activity also effectively reduced the elevated PAl-1 level. In conclusion, our data provide a detailed mechanism by which Cyr61 promoted gastric cancer cell invasive ability via an HIF-1α-dependent up-regulation of PAl-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cysteine-rich 61 (Cyr61/CCN1) is involved in human gastric cancer development and progression. Nonetheless, the role of Cyr61 as regards peritoneal dissemination of such cancers has not yet been completely characterized. We used liposome-mediated transfection to establish Cyr61, or antisense Cyr61, expression vectors into gastric cancer AGS or MKN45 cell lines. Transfectants were tested by means of a cancer-cell adhesion assay in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, a functional integrin fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay, reverse transcription-PCR, and an AP-1 reporter assay were performed to investigate the potential signaling pathway of Cyr61. It was shown that stable transfection of Cyr61 into the AGS cell line strongly enhanced its adhesion ability. The overexpression of Cyr61 within AGS cells significantly increased the functional expression of integrin α2β1. Function-neutralizing antibody to integrin α2β1 effectively suppressed the Cyr61-mediated enhanced adhesion of AGS cells to peritoneal tissue. Promoter assays of integrin α2 gene further revealed that the AP-1 pathway was evidently activated within Cyr61-expressing AGS cells. Animal studies have revealed that mice injected with Cyr61-overexpressed AGS cells featured a greater number of peritoneal seeding nodules and a lower survival rate than the Neo control cell lines, and when such cells were treated with functional blocking antibody to integrin α2β1, they were able to elicit a decline in the peritoneal dissemination. The data suggest that Cyr61 may contribute to the peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer by promoting tumor-cell adhesion ability through the up-regulation of the functional integrin α2β1 via an AP-1-dependent pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) inhibits the metastatic activity of human lung cancer cells in a mouse model; however, the mechanism of this modulation is unclear. We investigated the role of angiogenesis in this process. Methods: CL1-5 and A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells were stably transfected with vectors containing CTGF or hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) la or with vector controls. Transfected cells were injected into nude mice (n = 10 per group), and tumor growth, metastasis, and mouse survival were measured. Excised xenograft tumors and primary human lung adenocarcinomas (n = 24) were subjected to immunohistochemistry with antibodies to the endothelial cell marker CD31 and to CTGF. Expression of HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A was assessed in vitro by using reporter gene assays. Cells were transiently transfected with HIF-1α mutant and antisense arrest-defective 1 protein (ARD-1), and HIF-1α acetylation was assayed by immunoprecipitation. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: Xenograft tumors derived from CTGF transfectants grew more slowly than those from control-transfected cells and had reduced expression of HIF-1α and VEGF-A, vascularization (as assessed by CD31 expression), and metastasis (all P<.001). Xenograft tumors derived from CTGF-overexpressing cells that were transfected with HIF-1α had higher VEGF-A expression than CTGF-overexpressing xenografts. Mice with CTGF/HIF-1α xenografts had lower survival than mice carrying CTGF-overexpressing xenografts (CL1-5/Neo, mean = 69.6 days, 95% confidence interval [CI ] = 53.9 to 85.3 days versus CL1-5/CTGF, mean = 102.1 days, 95% CI = 92.1 to 112.1 days; P = .001, CL1-5/CTGF, mean = 102.1 days, 95% CI = 92.1 to 112.1 days versus CLI-5/CTGF/HIF-la, mean = 81.7 days, 95% CI = 66.5 to 96.9 days; P = .011, CLI-5/Neo, mean = 69.6 days, 95% CI = 53.9 to 85.3 days versus CL1-5/CTGF/HI F-1α, mean = 81.7 days, 95% CI = 66.5 to 96.9 days; P = .122). Tumors of patients with the same disease stage but with high CTGF protein expression had reduced microvessel density compared with tumors with low expression. Transfection with antisense-ARD1 decreased the level of acetylated HIF-1α and restored HIF-1α and VEGF-A expression in CTGF-overexpressing cells. Conclusion: CTGF inhibition of metastasis involves the inhibition of VEGF-A-dependent angiogenesis, possibly by promoting HIF-1α protein degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is critical for tumor formation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and prognosis. In this study, the role of COX-2 in antiapoptosis, tumorigenesis, and angiogenesis of human basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cells was investigated. Transfection of COX-2 constitutive expression vector into a BCC cell line yielded several overexpressing clones. All transfectants demonstrated remarkable resistance to ultraviolet B-induced apoptosis (confirmed by flow cytometry analysis, morphological change, and DNA fragmentation). Immunoblot analysis revealed marked increases in apoptosis-regulated genes Mcl-1 and Bcl-2. A 10-fold concentrated conditioned medium from COX-2-overexpressing BCC cells exhibited higher angiogenic activity in Matrigel plug and human umbilical vein endothelial cell tube formation assay. Cells exhibited increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) mRNA and protein, and secreted VEGF-A and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). COX-2-specific small interfering RNA markedly reduced the secreted species. After 7 weeks of inoculation, the tumor volume of COX-2-overexpressing cells in severe combined immunodeficient mice was significantly greater than that of vector control cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of CD31-positive vessels revealed a two-fold increase in microvessel density in COX-2 tumors, compared to control vector tumors. Our data indicate that Mcl-1 and Bcl-2, as well as VEGF-A and bFGF, are downstream effectors of COX-2-induced antiapoptosis and angiogenesis, respectively.Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2006) 126, 1143–1151. doi:10.1038/sj.jid.5700191; published online 9 March 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allopurinol, a commonly prescribed medication for gout and hyperuricemia, is a frequent cause of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR), which include the drug hypersensitivity syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The adverse events are unpredictable and carry significant morbidity and mortality. To identify genetic markers for allopurinol-SCAR, we carried out a case-control association study. We enrolled 51 patients with allopurinol-SCAR and 228 control individuals (135 allopurinol-tolerant subjects and 93 healthy subjects from the general population), and genotyped for 823 SNPs in genes related to drug metabolism and immune response. The initial screen revealed strong association between allopurinol-SCAR and SNPs in the MHC region, including BAT3 (encoding HLA-B associated transcript 3), MSHS (mutS homolog 5), and MICB (MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence B) (P < 10-7). We then determined the alleles of HLA loci A, B, C, and DRBI. The HLA-B*5801 allele was present in all (100%) 51 patients with allopurinol-SCAR, but only in 20 (15%) of 135 tolerant patients [odds ratio 580.3 (95% confidence interval, 34.4-9780.9); corrected P value = 4.7 × 10-24] and in 19 (20%) of 93 of healthy subjects [393.51 (23.23-6665.26); corrected P value = 8.1 × 10-18. HLA alteles A*3303, Cw*0302, and DRBI*0301 were in linkage disequilibrium and formed an extended haplotype with HLAeB*5801. Our results indicated that allopurinol-SCAR is strongly associated with a genetic predisposition in Han Chinese. In particular, HLA-B* 5801 allele is an important genetic risk factor for this life-threatening condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]