Evaluation of the relationship between serum G protein-coupled estrogen receptors (GPER-1) levels and the severity and duration of the disease in patients with androgenetic alopecia: A case-control study.

There are studies revealing the effects of estrogen receptors alpha (α) and beta (ß) on hair follicles. However, the effects of G protein-coupled estrogen receptors (GPER-1) on hair follicles have not been elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between serum GPER-1 levels and the severity and duration of the disease in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study included 81 patients with AGA aged 18 to 50 years (22 men and 19 women with an onset of AGA more than 5 years, and 20 men and 20 women with an onset of AGA less than 5 years) and 40 healthy controls (20 men, 20 women). The mean age of participants with AGA was 29.12 ± 8.15 (18-50), and the mean age of the control group was 25.21± 4.71 (19-42). Serum GPER-1 levels were measured, and the relationship between GPER-1 levels and duration of the disease, severity of the disease, and sex was statistically evaluated. The serum level of GPER-1 was significantly higher in patients with AGA as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). A negative correlation was found between serum GPER-1 levels and the duration of the disease in both men and women (p < 0.001, r = 0.793; p < 0.001, r = 0.711, respectively). There was a significant relationship between serum GPER-1 levels and the severity of the disease in both men and women (p = 0.003; p = 0.002, respectively). Additionally, a significant difference in GPER-1 levels was noted between male and female patients with AGA (p = 0.001). However, no statistically significant relationship was identified between GPER-1 levels and estrogen levels (p = 0.097). The higher levels of GPER-1 in patients with AGA compared to the control group, and the significant relationship between GPER-1 levels and both the duration and severity of the disease, suggest an estrogen-independent role of GPER-1 in the pathogenesis of AGA. The fact that GPER-1 levels are high in the early stages of AGA when inflammation is prominent suggests that treatments targeting these receptors may be effective at this stage.

Analysis of factors influencing target PASI responses and side effects of methotrexate monotherapy in plaque psoriasis: a multicenter study of 1521 patients.

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used as first-line systemic treatment agent in psoriasis. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment responses of patients with psoriasis undergoing MTX monotherapy. Data from adult patients with plaque psoriasis who received MTX monotherapy for at least 3 months between April 2012 and April 2022 were retrospectively evaluated in 19 tertiary care centers. Our study included 722 female and 799 male patients, a total of 1521 participants. The average age of the patients was 44.3 ± 15.5 years. Mode of treatment was oral in 20.4% of patients while in 79.4% it was subcutaneous. The median treatment duration was 8 months (IQR = 5-15). The median weekly dose was 15 mg (IQR = 11-15). 1448 (95.2%) patients were taking folic acid supplementation. At week 12, 16.3% of the patients achieved PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) 90 response while at week 24, 37.3% achieved it. Logistic regression analysis for week 12 identified the following independent factors affecting PASI 90 achievement positively: median weekly MTX dose ≤ 15 mg (P = 0.011), subcutaneous administration (P = 0.005), no prior systemic treatment (< 0.001) and folic acid use (0.021). In logistic regression analysis for week 24; median weekly MTX dose ≤ 15 mg (P = 0.001), baseline PASI ≥ 10 (P < 0.001), no prior systemic treatment (P < 0.004), folic acid use (P = 0.001) and absence of comorbidities (P = 0.009) were determined as independent factors affecting the achievement of PASI 90. Adverse effects were observed in 38.8% of the patients, with nausea/vomiting (23.9%) and transaminase elevation (13%) being the most common. The most common reasons for interruptions (15.3%) and discontinuations (27.1%) of the treatment were patient related individual factors. The use of MTX as the first systemic treatment agent, at doses ≤ 15 mg/week and concurrent folic acid application are positive predictive factors for achieving the target PASI response both at weeks 12 and 24. In our study, which is one of the most comprehensive studies on MTX treatment in psoriasis, we observed that MTX is an effective and safe treatment option.

Dermatoses in overweight and obese children and their relationship with insulin and skin color.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of obesity-related dermatoses in obese children, and the association between these dermatoses and insulin resistance as well as skin color. METHODS: Obese, overweight, and normal weight children according to body mass index who were followed up and treated in the outpatient clinics were included in the study. Dermatological examinations of the participants were performed, and fasting insulin and glucose levels were checked. RESULTS: The obese and overweight children were evaluated as the patient group (70 girls, 41 boys, mean age: 12.37 ± 3.14 years). One hundred one healthy children with normal weight were determined as the control group (59 girls, 42 boys, mean age: 12.15 ± 2.43). The first five common dermatoses in the patient group when compared with the control group were keratosis pilaris (KP), striae distensae, hyperhidrosis, acanthosis nigricans (AN), and plantar hyperkeratosis. The first five dermatoses which were positively correlated with formation and insulin resistance were KP, striae distensae, AN, hyperhidrosis, and plantar hyperkeratosis. According to the Fitzpatrick skin scale, we found that the darker the skin color, the higher the probability of AN and KP (OR, 0.298; 95% CI, 0.106-0.834, p = 0.021; OR, 0.306; 95% CI, 0.117-0.796, p = 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSION: Some dermatoses associated with obesity and insulin resistance were not found in obese children, or there was no significant association. These results indicate that many skin morbidities may be prevented by preventing and treating obesity and insulin resistance in the early period.

The relationship between erythema nodosum and prognosis in systemic sarcoidosis: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background: Erythema Nodosum (EN) is the most common skin manifestation in sarcoidosis and has often been associated with a good prognosis. Objectives: To compare the clinical characteristics and treatment-related features in patients with sarcoidosis according to whether or not EN was seen as a presenting symptom at the time of diagnosis. Methods: A 20-year single-center retrospective study was performed. The following two groups were identified: one group with EN as one of the presenting symptoms at the time of diagnosis of sarcoidosis (EN group) and a second group without EN as a presenting symptom at diagnosis (non-EN group). The clinical characteristics and treatment modalities were collected from the medical records. Results: A total of 122 patients (31 in the EN group, 91 in the non-EN group) were included. Radiological stages of pulmonary disease were significantly lower in the EN group. Articular involvement was more common in the EN group (p = 0.001), whereas other systemic organ involvements (p = 0.025), especially neurological involvement (p = 0.036), were significantly more common in the non-EN group. In the EN group, a higher percentage of patients were managed without systemic therapy (71.0% vs. 54.9%) and spontaneous remission was more frequent (25.0% vs. 14.1%), however, this wasn't statistically significant. Study limitations: Retrospective design. Conclusions: The lower radiological stage of pulmonary sarcoidosis and lower frequency of systemic organ involvement in patients with EN augment the prognostic value of EN highlighted in the literature. However, this study couldn't confirm that the patients with EN would need less systemic therapy in the course of their disease.

How are Acne Vulgaris Patients Using Oral Isotretinoin Affected by Covid-19?

Introduction: It has been reported that the use of oral isotretinoin may have positive and negative effects on the course of COVID-19 and the risk of transmission. Objectives: The purpose of our study is to evaluate how our patients that took oral isotretinoin during the pandemic were affected by COVID-19. Methods: The clinical processes of moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris patients between March 2020 and February 2021 were evaluated. Results: Of 102 moderate-to-severe acne patients, 67 were using oral isotretinoin and 35 were using a topical treatment. Of 27 patients who tested positive for COVID-19, 16 (59.3%) were using oral isotretinoin and 11 (40.7%) were using topical treatment, there was no statistical difference in the rates of COVID-19 positivity between the two groups (P = 0.412). The rates of positive tests for COVID-19 were similar between contacted patients of two groups (P = 0.391). Loss of smell/taste was lower in patients using oral isotretinoin compared to patients receiving topical treatment (46.7% and 72.7%, respectively.). Headache symptoms were less common in patients using oral isotretinoin (P = 0.047). Conclusions: The use of oral isotretinoin did not cause an increase or decrease in the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The patients using oral isotretinoin had a lower incidence of taste/smell loss and headache.

Antifungal efficacy of pure boron on yeast and mold isolates causing superficial mycosis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the in vitro antifungal effects of water-soluble pure elemental boron with an alkaline solution against Candida species, Trichophyton species, and Aspergillus fumigatus that cause superficial mycosis. METHODS: The study was conducted at the microbiology laboratory of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Hospital, Kahramanmaras, Turkey, from June to December 2018, and comprised fungal strains isolated from patients with superficial mycosis who visited the dermatology clinic. The in vitro antifungal effects of the boron solution at various concentrations were determined using the microbroth dilution method. Candida albicans ATTC 90028 and Candida albicans MYA 274 served as the quality control strains, while fluconazole and amphotericin B were used as comparator antifungal agents. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 58 strains, 28(48.3%) were Candida albicans, 9(15.5%) non-Candida albicans, 12(20.7%) Trichophyton rubrum, 4(6.9%) Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 2(3.4%) Trichophyton species and 3(5.2%) were Aspergillus fumigates. Boron at a concentration of 78.125 µg/mL inhibited the growth of Candida albicans. The 50% and 90% minimum inhibitory concentrations of the solution in non-Candida albicanswere 78.125 and 312.5 µg/mL, respectively, whereas those in Trichophyton rubrum were 312.5 and 625 µg/mL, respectively. The 50% minimum inhibitory concentration of the solution in Aspergillus fumigatus was 625 µg/mL, whereas the 90% minimum inhibitory concentration could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS: Boron is an inexpensive, non-antibiotic element with potential uses as an antifungal agent.

The relationship between erythema nodosum and prognosis in systemic sarcoidosis: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Erythema Nodosum (EN) is the most common skin manifestation in sarcoidosis and has often been associated with a good prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical characteristics and treatment-related features in patients with sarcoidosis according to whether or not EN was seen as a presenting symptom at the time of diagnosis. METHODS: A 20-year single-center retrospective study was performed. The following two groups were identified: one group with EN as one of the presenting symptoms at the time of diagnosis of sarcoidosis (EN group) and a second group without EN as a presenting symptom at diagnosis (non-EN group). The clinical characteristics and treatment modalities were collected from the medical records. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients (31 in the EN group, 91 in the non-EN group) were included. Radiological stages of pulmonary disease were significantly lower in the EN group. Articular involvement was more common in the EN group (p = 0.001), whereas other systemic organ involvements (p = 0.025), especially neurological involvement (p = 0.036), were significantly more common in the non-EN group. In the EN group, a higher percentage of patients were managed without systemic therapy (71.0% vs. 54.9%) and spontaneous remission was more frequent (25.0% vs. 14.1%), however, this wasn't statistically significant. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: The lower radiological stage of pulmonary sarcoidosis and lower frequency of systemic organ involvement in patients with EN augment the prognostic value of EN highlighted in the literature. However, this study couldn't confirm that the patients with EN would need less systemic therapy in the course of their disease.

Assessment of Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress and Raftlin in Vitiligo.

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic skin disease characterized by white macules on the skin due to loss of melanocytes. Although there are many theories about the etiopathogenesis of the disease, oxidative stress is identified as an important determinant in the etiology of vitiligo. In recent years, Raftlin has been shown to play a role in many inflammatory diseases. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the patients with vitiligo and the control group to determine both oxidative/nitrosative stress markers and Raftlin levels. Materials and Methods: This study was designed prospectively between September 2017 and April 2018. Twenty-two patients diagnosed with vitiligo and 15 healthy people as the control group were included in the study. Blood samples collected to determine oxidative/nitrosative stress, the antioxidant enzyme, and Raftlin levels were sent to the biochemistry laboratory. Results: In patients with vitiligo, the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S transferase were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.0001). In vitiligo patients, the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, nitrotyrosine (3-NTx), and Raftlin were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The results of the study support that oxidative stress and nitrosative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. In addition, the Raftlin level, a new biomarker of inflammatory diseases, was found high in patients with vitiligo.

Evaluation of serum G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) levels in patients with androgenetic alopecia.

The effect of oestrogens in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) pathophysiology has not been clearly understood. However, they are considered to have a place in the AGA pathogenesis as the androgens do. The effects of estrogen occur via the estrogen receptors alpha and beta, and the recently discovered G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1). Aim of this study is to examine serum GPER-1 levels of AGA patients and to evaluate the place of them in AGA pathogenesis for the first time through the literature. 40 AGA patients with clinical AGA stage 2-3-4 diagnoses according to the Hamilton-Norwood classification for males, and AGA stage 2 according to Ludwig system for females and with normal serum dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, total testosterone, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were included in the study in addition to 40 healthy controls with similar characteristics by means of age and gender. We received the medical history and performed the physical examinations. We measured serum GPER-1 levels. Serum GPER-1 levels of AGA patients and the control group were 30.43 ± 3.83 ng/mL and 14.18 ± 3.61 ng/mL (mean ± SD), respectively. The levels were detected as significantly increased in AGA group compared with the control group (p = 0.007). No serum GPER-1 level differences were found among female and male patients (p = 0.101). Significantly high levels of serum GPER-1 levels in AGA patients without any relationship between gender and GPER-1 Levels compared with healthy controls reminded us that GPER-1 might have a role in AGA pathogenesis independent from the gender.

Erythropoetin and erythropoetin receptor systems, and oxidative status in patients with basal cell.

INTRODUCTION: Erythropoietin (Epo) controls a variety of signal transduction pathways during oxidative stress. The main function of Epo and its receptor (EpoR) is the stimulation of erythropoiesis. AIM: The role of Epo and EpoR on non-hematopoietic normal and cancerous tissues is still poorly understood. This is the first report in which we aimed to investigate the role of Epo and EpoR systems at oxidative condition in human basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common tumour in the world.Materials and methods: Fresh normal and cancerous skin paired tissue was obtained from 63 patients who underwent curative BCC resection in Kahramanmaras, Turkey. Preliminary diagnosis of BCC was made in the dermatology clinic by excision and then the diagnosis was confirmed as histopathologic findings. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in biopsy samples were measured spectrophotometrically, and also the levels of Epo and EpoR were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: While the levels of MDA in cancerous tissue of patients with skin BCC were significantly higher than normal neighbouring skin tissue (p<0.05), SOD and CAT activities decreased (p<0.05). Furthermore, a remarkable increase was found in the Epo level ofpatients with skin BCC in comparison with the normal neighbouring skin tissue (p<0.05). However, we found that EpoR levels decreased (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that there is an active oxidative process in BCC biopsies. The levels of increased Epo and decreased EpoR in oxidative condition due to hypoxia may aggravate tumour growth by its angiogenic activity.

Evaluation of the effects of hair colouring products on the oxidative status in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Permanent hair dyes, oxidant creams, and henna are usually used for cosmetic purposes and sometimes for therapeutic expectations. The effects of these products, which are used to change hair colour and can be absorbed percutaneously on the oxidative status is not known exactly. AIM: To investigate the effects of these products, which have various contents, on the oxidative status using an in vivo rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The products used for hair colouring were prepared as recommended for human use and applied to the back region of Wistar albino rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were measured in serum and liver samples of rats. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences in serum SOD, aspartate aminotranspherase (AST), alanine aminotranspherase (ALT), and liver MDA levels among the study groups. RESULTS: There were statistically significant positive correlations between hepatic MDA values and AST and ALT values. Hair dyes, oxidant creams, and henna were found to have oxidative and hepatotoxic effects. Surprisingly, comparisons revealed that oxidative effect and hepatic toxicity of the oxidant cream and henna were similar. The oxidant cream was more oxidating and hepatotoxic than the hair dye. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the facts about these products, which are easily accessible to every individual in society and are considered to be innocent, will prevent possible harm.

Omalizumab usage in chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis: data from South-East province of Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Omalizumab is a current treatment option for IgE-associated dermatoses, such as urticaria and atopic dermatitis. AIM: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory findings of patients with chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis who received omalizumab. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was planned as a cross-sectional and retrospective one. One hundred forty-six cases were included in the study. Omalizumab at a dose of 300 mg for patients with chronic urticaria and 600 mg for patients with atopic dermatitis, was given every 4 weeks. The response to the given treatment and remission status of patients were investigated. RESULTS: Of 146 patients included in the study, 70.5% (n = 103) were female and their mean age was 42.3 ±13.8 (min.-max.: 14-85). Of the patients, 136 had chronic urticaria and 10 had atopic dermatitis. 29.9% (n = 26) of patients with chronic urticaria had a complete response to omalizumab treatment, whereas 40% (n = 4) of patients with atopic dermatitis had remission. CONCLUSIONS: The decline of complaints with different treatment schemes in different patients suggests that treatment should be designed individually and that personal biomarkers playing a role in the effectiveness of the drug are important. Patients with the high IgE and eosinophil percentages and positive autologous serum test had a better treatment response to omalizumab treatment. Meanwhile, remission was found to be more frequent in atopic dermatitis patients with omalizumab treatment compared to the patients with urticaria. It may be more appropriate to choose patients based on certain criteria to ensure cost-effectiveness in omalizumab treatment.

Serum collagenase-2 and BMI levels in pregnant women with striae gravidarum.

OBJECTIVE: Striae gravidarum is a form of scarring on the skin observed during pregnancy and can cause serious cosmetic problems. Striae gravidarum may be influenced by hormonal changes, although the etiology is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether body mass index (BMI) and serum collagenase-2 levels in pregnant women are related to the development of striae gravidarum. METHODS: Thirty pregnant women with striae, 30 pregnant women without striae, and 32 health controls were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: BMI and serum collagenase-2 levels were measured in the participants. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with striae gravidarum had increased serum collagenase-2 and BMI levels when compared to pregnant women without striae gravidarum and healthy controls (P < 0.05). The increase in serum collagenase-2 levels was related to the development of striae gravidarum alone, or secondary to BMI increase.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Adenosine Deaminase over the Alopecic Area of the Patients with Alopecia Areata.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune, T-cell mediated, and chronic inflammatory disorder. The pathological mechanisms of disease are unclear, but oxidative stress may be involved. To our knowledge, no studies have examined the oxidative stress levels or biomarkers within the lesional area and skin surface in patients with AA. Similarly, adenosine deaminase (ADA) has not been characterized in AA. AIMS: Therefore, we aimed to define ADA levels and the factors involved in oxidative stress from scalp-scrapes of patients with AA. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHOD: A total of 60 patients (30 diagnosed AA patients and 30 healthy controls) were included in the study. ADA as well as oxidative stress factors, including malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed from scalp-scrapes in both groups and quantified by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Activities of SOD (p=0.000), CAT (p=0.033), and ADA (p=0.004) as well as levels of GSH (p=0.000) and MDA (p=0.032) in patients with AA were higher than the controls statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, factors associated with oxidative stress were elevated in AA patient scalp-scrapes compared to controls and may have a defined role the disease pathogenesis. Alterations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes from AA patient scraping samples may be a local effect of elevated oxidative stress levels. In this disease, oxidative stress may affect not only hair follicle but also any layers of the skin.

The evaluation of local oxidative/nitrosative stress in patients with pityriasis versicolor: a preliminary study.

Yeast of Malassezia, members of the microbiologic flora of the skin, cause pityriasis versicolor and have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of other superficial dermatoses. The mechanisms by which the yeast cause these dermatoses, however, are not yet clear, and there have been no studies on the interaction between fungi and keratinocytes, especially the effects of fungi on the production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species by human keratinocytes. This is the first study we aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative/nitrosative stress in affected skin areas in patients with pityriasis versicolor. Sixty pityriasis versicolor patients and 60 healthy subjects as control group were enrolled. Scraping samples were obtained from the lesional skin areas in patients and from the normal skin areas in controls. The distribution of lesions of pityriasis versicolor was mild in all patients. We have isolated two Malassezia species: M. furfur being isolated in 75% of patients, followed by M. globosa (25%). The levels of oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers were significantly higher in patients than the controls (P < 0.001). Our results demonstrated that pityriasis versicolor is associated with significant alteration in oxidant/antioxidant balance. It might be secondary consequence of pityriasis versicolor infection or contributing factor in its pathogenesis.

Evaluation of local trace element status and 8-Iso-prostaglandin F2α concentrations in patients with Tinea pedis.

BACKGROUND: Tinea pedis (TP) is an infection of the feet caused by fungi. The infectious diseases caused by dermatophytes are mainly related to the enzymes produced by these fungi. Up to the now, the local 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), concentration as oxidative stress biomarker and trace elements status have not been published in patients with TP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress and trace elements (Cu, Zn, Se), and to evaluate the ratios of Cu/Zn and Cu/Se in this disorder. METHODS: Forty-three consecutive patients with a diagnosis of unilateral interdigital TP were enrolled in this study. The samples were obtained by scraping the skin surface. 8-iso-PGF2α concentrations in scraping samples were determined by ELISA. In addition, the levels of Se, Zn and Cu in scraping samples were determined on flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer using Zeeman background correction. RESULTS: Oxidative stress was confirmed by the significant elevation in 8-iso-PGF2α concentrations (p < 0.05). When compared to non-lesional area, Zn and Se levels were significantly lower on lesional area, whereas Cu levels was higher on the lesional area than the non-lesional area (p < 0.05). In addition, the correlation results of this study were firstly shown that there were significant and positive correlations between Cu and 8-iso-PGF2α parameters, but negative correlations between Se-Cu; Se-8-iso-PGF2α parameters in lesional area. Furthermore, the ratios of Cu/Zn and Cu/Se were significantly higher on the lesional area than the non-lesional area (p < 0.05). According to sex and fungal subtypes, there was no significant difference in the concentrations of 8-iso-PGF2α and trace elements in patients with TP (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that there is a possible link between oxidative stress (increased 8-iso-PGF2α concentrations) and imbalanced of trace elements status in lesional area of TP patients. The use of antifungal agents together with both Zn and Se drugs could be helpful in the both regression of disease and in shortening the duration of disease.

Effect of the Syrian Civil War on Prevalence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-mediated skin disease, characterized by chronic wounds on the skin and caused by macrophages in protozoan parasites. It is an endemic disease in the southern and southeastern Anatolia region and is still an important public health problem in Turkey. Because of the civil war in Syria, immigrants to this region in the last 3 years have begun to more frequently present with this disease. The aim of this study was to draw attention to the dramatic increase in new cases with CL after the beginning of the civil war in Syria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated demographic, epidemiological, and clinical features of 110 patients diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis who were admitted to the Department of Dermatology at Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Faculty of Medicine between January 2011 and June 2014. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients included in the study; 50 (45%) were males, and 60 (55%) were females. The age range of the study group was 1-78 years, and the infection was more prevalent in the 0-20 year age group. Of these patients, 76 (69%) were Syrian refugees living in tent camps and 34 (31%) were Turkish citizens. The majority of the cases were diagnosed between October and December. CONCLUSIONS: Immigrations to endemic regions of Turkey from neighbouring countries where CL incidence is higher may lead to large increases in case numbers. In order to decrease the risk of exposure, housing conditions of the refugees must be improved, routine health controls must be performed, effective measures must be set in place for vector control, and infected individuals must be diagnosed and treated to prevent spread of the infection.

Emopamil binding protein mutation in conradi-hünermann-happle syndrome representing plaque-type psoriasis.

Conradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome (CDPX2, OMIM 302960) is an inherited X-linked dominant variant of chondrodysplasia punctata which primarily affects the skin, bones, and eyes. CDPX2 patients display skin defects, including ichthyotic lesions, follicular atrophoderma, cicatricial alopecia, and less frequently ichthyosiform erythroderma, cataracts, and skeletal abnormalities consisting of short stature, asymmetric shortening of the limbs, epiphyseal stippling, and craniofacial defects. CDPX2 results from mutations in emopamil binding protein (EBP) gene. The aim of our study is to identify EBP mutation in a unique case of Conradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome with rare psoriasiform lesions.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by iodixanol (Visipaque): a serious reaction to a commonly used drug.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an acute sterile pustular eruption most commonly induced by medications. Although antibiotics are the most commonly accused drugs in AGEP, non-antibiotic agents may also cause this disease. We present a case of AGEP following use of iodixanol for coronary angiography in a 61-year-old woman. Given the wide use of this substance in cardiology, clinicians should be aware of this potential complication.