Role of KLF2: New insight in inflammatory acne pathogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Acne is an inflammatory skin condition of pilosebaceous unit. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial with a central role of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines mediators. Downregulated Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) leads to rapid secretion of many cytokines that are involved in acne pathogenesis. AIMS: This study aimed at evaluating the level of KLF2 mRNA, clarifying its role in acne pathogenesis and its relation to acne lesion type, degree of severity, and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The level of KLF2 mRNA was measured in 100 patients with acne and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: The value of KLF2 mRNA was lower in acne patients than control group (P < .001), being lowest in inflammatory acne group (grades III, IV, and V) than noninflammatory acne group (grades I and II) and highest in the control group (P < .001). KLF2 mRNA was decreased significantly with increased acne severity grade (P < .001). KLF2 mRNA was lower in cases healed by scars than those healed by postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased serum level of KLF2 is not only a claimed for AV pathogenesis but also a predictor for degree of acne severity and outcome.

Effect of Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Healing of Bone Fractures.

This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on bone healing and to assess the role of various chemical stimulants and mediators in healing. Forty female mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (10 mice each) after the induction of fixed fractures: group I: received fixation only; group II: received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); group III: received intralesion MSCs (IL-MSCs); and group IV: received intraperitoneal MSCs (IP-MSCs). Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and the expression of the osteocalcin (OCN), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) genes were measured. ALP reached baseline level only in IL-MSCs, whereas OCN reached baseline level in MSCs recipients (IL-MSCs and IP-MSCs). BMP-2 significantly increased in MSCs recipients 3 weeks postfracture and increased in all groups 8 weeks postfracture with significant increases in MSC recipients than the fixation and PBS groups. The highest BMP-2 expression was reached in IL-MSC group. MSCs either locally or systemically improves or accelerates the healing of bone fractures with better results obtained after local injection, as shown by biochemical, radiological, and histological findings. MSCs are effective candidates for bone regeneration.

Evaluation of BCL2 and TNFα as mRNA biomarkers for monitoring the immune response in critically ill children.

BACKGROUND: Hospital acquired infection (HAI) and multiple organ dysfunctions (MODS) remain a leading cause of death in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) despite the great efforts to control it. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the mRNA of TNFα and BCL2 for prediction of HAI and/or MODS in our community. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty children, admitted to PICU, were included in the study after exclusion of cases of end-stage renal failure, end-stage liver failure and congenital immune deficiency. Serial Blood samples were collected for complete blood count (CBC) and other routine investigations. Gene expression of (TNFα and BCL2) was quantified using quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Centers of disease control (CDC) criteria were used to detect HAI, and organ failure index (OFI). Pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD) and pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) scores were used for follow up. The results were compared between the group who acquired HAI and who didn't. Gene expression was tested with a ROC curve to detect its ability to predict HAI. MAIN RESULTS: The overall complication (HAI and/or MODS) rate was 52%, Complicated cases had a significantly longer duration of stay in PICU (0.002) and in overall hospital stay (p = 0.013) and a higher death rate (p = 0.000). On day1; TNFα, BCL2 and lymphocytic count were lower in patients who developed complications (p = 0.02, p = 0.000 and p = 0.04, respectively), all had the ability to predict the complications with AUC (0.7, 0.8 and 0.67 respectively). On day 4: TNFα and BCL2 returned to normal levels while the lymphocytic count still lower in complicated cases, p = 0.001 and AUC = 0.73. CONCLUSIONS: TNFα and BCL2 on admission can predict HAI and MODS (AUC = 0.7 and AUC = 0.8), but were of no use in the follow-up, however, the lymphocytic count is a rapid, easy and cheap test to assess the immune state with a good predictive and follow up values.