Melanin and lipofuscin as hallmarks of skin aging.

Discoloration are symptoms of skin aging. They are connected with presence of melanin and lipofuscin, whose excess and abnormal distribution in the skin cause dark spots to appear. Melanin is formed under the influence of tyrosinase during melanogenesis. Its content changes with age, which may be a result of menopause. Lipofuscin is another example of the age pigment. It is composed of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. It is described as an age pigment because its content increases with age. The formation and accumulation of lipofuscin is inevitable and leads to cell and homeostasis dysfunction because it reduces the proteasome activity.

Fractional laser therapy - the next step in alleviating the symptoms of skin aging (own observations).

Skin aging is a natural process of the skin, which accelerates in menopause and is additionally intensified by accumulating effects of repeated exposure to solar UV radiation and other external factors. Anti-aging skin treatment and constant improvement of its methods have become an important area of current research. The need to apply effective skin anti-aging methods that minimize traumatization resulted in the development of fractional laser technology delivering a laser beam to microscopic column skin zones in order to achieve skin photo-remodeling.

Investigations of seborrheic dermatitis. Part I. The role of selected cytokines in the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION: The etiology of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood. It has been observed that a number of anascogenic yeasts of Malassezia spp. is related to the intensity of the symptoms. The aim of the study is to measure the concentration of selected inflammatory factors IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α in the serum by an immunoenzymatic method, as well as to confirm the relationship between the studied factors and the clinical condition of the patients (sex, the intensity of skin lesions according to the Scaparro scale) and, finally, to compare the results with the control group. MATERIAL/METHODS: The total number of subjects who participated in the study was 66. The control group (C) consisted of 30 volunteers (23 females and 7 males), with no clinical disorders, aged 24-65 (37.41±6.08 years). Thirty-six patients with seborrheic dermatitis (16 females and 20 males), aged 19-76 (38.61±13.77), made up the study group. The determination of IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α was performed by ELISA using a Human High Sensitivity kit (Diaclone, France). Clinically, the intensity of the disease process was evaluated on the Scaparro et al. scale, as modified by Kaszuba. RESULTS: We observed statistically significantly higher levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in patients with seborrheic dermatitis compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that seborrheic dermatitis is a dermatosis characterized by a cell type immune response with an important role of IFN-γ and IL-2.

Investigations of seborrheic dermatitis. Part II. Influence of itraconazole on the clinical condition and the level of selected cytokines in seborrheic dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION: The pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis has not been fully elucidated. A number of anascogenic yeasts of Malassezia spp. appear to be involved in the intensity of the symptoms. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the levels of selected inflammatory cytokines, IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α, in the serum after treatment with itraconazole. MATERIAL/METHODS: Sixty-six subjects were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 30 participants (23 females and 7 males) without any clinical disorders, aged 24-65 (37.41±6.08 years). Thirty-six patients with seborrheic dermatitis (16 females and 20 males), aged 19-76 (38.61±13.77), constituted the study group. The measurement of IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α levels was performed by ELISA using a Human High Sensitivity kit (Diaclone, France). RESULTS: After six-week treatment with itraconazole administered daily at a dose of 200 mg using pulse therapy, there was remission of the disease or at least substantial clinical improvement in the patients with seborrheic dermatitis. The levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ cytokines in the study group were higher than in the control group. After the treatment the level of IFN-γ secretion in the male patients with seborrheic dermatitis significantly increased. The levels of the other studied cytokines did not significantly differ. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with itraconazole had a beneficial effect on the clinical condition of the skin of the patients. IFN-γ is a cytokine whose secretion might affect the condition of the skin in seborrheic dermatitis.

Infection cases in infants and small children with atopic dermatitis--own observations.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the work is to estimate the frequency of occurrence of various infections in infants and small children, aged between 0 and 36 months with atopic dermatitis in the practice of a family doctor. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study has been conducted on the basis of the retrospective analysis of medical documentation of disease among children born in 2005-2008 treated in Outpatient Clinic of the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital in Lodz. RESULTS: Children suffering from atopic dermatitis are more prone to develop infectious diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious diseases in children with atopic dermatitis are of more chronic nature and more often require antibiotic therapy. Such children often manifest chronic diarrhea and their stool contains Staphylococcus aureus. They are more often hospitalized because of difficulty in setting a diagnosis and applying treatment in outpatient clinics.