A Clinical Study of Multiple Non-melanoma Skin Cancers over 4 Years in a Single Institution Center / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs, basal cell carcinoma [BCC], and squamous cell carcinoma, [SCC]) are skin conditions, and the propensity of NMSCs to develop multiple tumors may be associated with some genodermatoses, arsenic poisoning, and chronic exposure to radiation or coal tar. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of treating multiple NMSCs and to investigate the clinical characteristics of NMSCs. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 16 patients who had been diagnosed with NMSCs from May 2010 to December 2014. RESULTS: The male-female sex ratio was 0.6:1 in the patients with multiple BCCs and SCCs. The most frequent age group was the seventh decade (75%). The mean patient age was 76.36 years. The most common involved site was the face, particularly the cheek (54.3%). Nodular BCCs were the most frequent (61.9%), followed by infiltrate BCCs (28.6%) and superficial BCCs (9.5%). Among the SCCs, the moderately differentiated SCCs were the most frequent (50%). More NMSCs were found on the left than on the right side of the head and neck areas in both sexes. Development of BCC (68.8%) was more frequent than that of SCC in sun-exposed areas. CONCLUSION: In our study, differences in the demographic variables, such as age, sex, or residence were found between the patients with multiple BCCs and SCCs. The incidence of BCC has markedly increased, which is mainly because of the increment of aged people in their residence, along with environmental factors. Further cohort studies that include cumulative lifetime sun exposure and a large sample size are needed.

Efectos irritantes en piel, mucosas respiratorias y oculares en trabajadores expuestos a humos de asfalto de una empresa de infraestructura vial en Cundinamarca, Colombia / Irritant effects on the skin, respiratory and eye mucous, in workers exposed to asphalt fumes of a road infrastructure company: Cundinamarca, Colombia / Efeitos irritantes na pele e mucosas respiratórias e oculares em trabalhadores expostos à fumaça de asfalto, estudo de caso em uma empresa de infraestrutura rodoviária, Cundinamarca, Colômbia

Objetivo: identificar los posibles factores de riesgo del individuo y ocupacionales asociados a la presencia de efectos irritantes en piel y mucosas de trabajadores expuestos a asfalto en una empresa de infraestructura vial en el 2012. Mate- riales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de prevalencia analítica mediante la aplicación de cuestionarios de síntomas respiratorios, dermatológicos, autoreporte de síntomas oculares y realización de un examen médico de participación voluntaria a trabajadores expuestos que elaboran y aplican asfalto. Se utilizó la regresión logística en el análisis estadís- tico. Resultados: de 24 trabajadores dedicados a la elaboración de asfalto, 22 (95,8%) presentaron diferentes síntomas irritantes, cinco (20,8%) efectos irritantes de la piel, 12 (50,0%) signos de irritación ocular y 9 (37,5%) efectos en las vías respiratorias bajas. De 111 trabajadores que aplican asfalto, 108 (97,3%) presentaron diferentes síntomas irritantes, 61 (55,0%) efectos irritantes de la piel, 93 (83,8%) presentaron signos oculares, 20 (18,0%) efectos en las vías respiratorias bajas. La antigüedad en el oficio de 5 a 10 años se asoció con la presencia de síntomas oculares, OR=15,9 (IC 95% 1,63-154,53) y con síntomas de irritación en piel (OR= 4,1 (IC 95% 1,45-11,96). La antigüedad en el oficio mayor a 10 años en los trabajadores que elaboran el asfalto y la jornada laboral mayor a 10 horas en trabajadores que aplican el asfalto se asoció a efectos respiratorios (OR=15,0 (IC 95% 1,03-218,3), OR= 15,7 (2,05-120,67 respectivamente) Conclusión: los efectos en salud se presentaron en los trabajadores clasificados en niveles de exposición Alto o Muy Alto y en aquellos con tiempo en el oficio mayor a cinco años, lo que sugiere una probable relación...

Objective: to identify potential risk factors and occupa- tional individual associated with the presence of irritating effects on skin and mucous membranes of workers exposed to asphalt in road infrastructure company in 2012. Materials and Methods: a study of analytical prevalence is performed by applying questionnaires respi- ratory and dermatological symptoms, ocular symptoms by self-reported and undergo a medical examination. With voluntary participation of workers exposed to road infrastructure company. Results: 24 workers dedicated to the production of asphalt, 22 (95.8%) presented diffe- rent irritative symptoms, five (20.8%) with skin irritating effects, 12 (50.0%) with signs of irritation ocular and 9 (37.5%) with effects on the lower respiratory tract. 111 workers applying asphalt, 108 (97.3%) had different irri- tative symptoms, 61 (55.0%) with skin irritating effects, 93 (83.8%) had ocular signs, 20 (18,0 %) with effects on the lower respiratory tract. Relationship between senio- rity in the task from 5 to 10 years with the presence of ocular symptoms was found, OR = 15.9 (95% CI 1.63 to 154.53), and presence of symptoms of skin irritation (OR = 4.1 (95% CI 1.45 to 11.96). A seniority in task upper to 10 years in the workers elaborating the asphalt and a workday upper to 10 hours in workers applying asphalt was associated with respiratory effects ((OR = 15.0 (95% CI 1 03-218.3), (OR = 15.7 (2.05 to 120.67) respectively). Conclusion: health effects occurred in workers classi- fied in high or very high exposure levels and those with time on the job more than 5 years, which may indicate a probable occupational relationship between these symp- toms and exposure levels. Specific measures to reduce exposure and improve medical surveillance, as well as assessment of concentrations of exposures to asphalt fumes.

DNA methylation and telomere damage in occupational people exposed to coal tar pitch / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the promoter methylation of p16, FHIT and RASSF1A gene and telomere damage in the workers exposed to coal tar pitch, and to explore the effective biomarker of occupational exposure to coal tar pitch.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>180 cases of workers exposed to coal tar pitch in a certain carbon plant named as exposure group, and 145 healthy cases with a medical examination in the first affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou University were selected as control group. Relative telomere length in peripheral blood DNA was detected using real-time quantitative PCR, and the promoter methylation rate of p16, RASSF1A and FHIT gene in peripheral blood DNA were determined by real-time quantitative methylation specific PCR. The relative telomere length and gene promoter methylation in two groups were compared, and influencing factors were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Relative telomere length in exposed group was lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (Z = -5.395, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the promoter methylation rate of p16, FHIT and RASSF1A gene between the two groups (P > 0.05). Stratification analysis by gender, age, and smoking, we found that when the age was less than or equal to 40, the promoter methylation rate of p16 in exposed group was more than that in control group, and the difference was statistically significant (Z = -1.914, P = 0.011).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Occupational exposure to coal tar pitch may induce leukocyte DNA telomere length of human peripheral blood shortened, and may not change the promoter methylation rates of p16, FHIT and RASSF1A gene.</p>

Tumor necrosis factor-α and NF-κB play a role in macrophage-like THP-1 cells promoting coal tar pitch extract-induced tumorigenic transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To characterize the role of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and NF-κB play a role in macrophage-like THP-1 cells promoting coal tar pitch extract (CTPE)-induced tumorigenic transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From passage 10, CTPE-induced BEAS-2B cells cocultured with THP-1 cells were treated with NF-κB inhibitor-Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) every 3 passages and TNF-α antibody every passage. Alterations of cell cycle, karyotype and colony formation in soft agar of BEAS-2B cells at passages 20, indicative of tumorigenicity, were determined, respectively. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of TNF receptor associated factor2 (TRAF2) and Cyclin D1 in BEAS-2B cells were measured with Real Time-PCR and Western blot, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The percentages of S-phase BEAS-2B cells at passage 20 in PDTC group and TNF-α antibody group were (33.97±2.16)% and (34.29±2.04)% respectively, which were less than that in Co-culture+CTPE group of 20th passage [(44.46±0.83)%], P < 0.05; The number of cells with aneuploidy in 100 cells in 20th passage PDTC group and TNF-α antibody group were 40 and 37, and there were significantly different when comparing to that of 20th passage Co-culture+CTPE group (75); The number of colony formation and the rate of colony formation of BEAS-2B cells in soft agar at passage 20 in PDTC group were (15.17±2.48) and (1.51‰±0.25‰), (13.33±2.58)and (1.33‰±0.26‰) in TNF-α antibody group, which were less that those in 20th passage Co-culture+CTPE group [(172.33±12.09) and (17.23‰±1.20‰)], P < 0.05; at the same time, the mRNA and protein levels of TRAF2 and Cyclin D1 in BEAS-2B cells were decreased after PDTC and TNF-α antibody treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TNF-α and NF-κB could play an important role in THP-1 cells promoting coal tar pitch extract-induced tumorigenic transformation of BEAS-2B cells by influencing the expression of TRAF2 and Cyclin D1.</p>

Coal tar pitch smoke extract-induced pyroptosis in human bronchial epithelial cells / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore whether coal tar pitch smoke extract (CTP) induced pyroptosis in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>BEAS-2B cells were treated with different concentrations of CTP (1, 3 µg/ml) for 8h and 24 h, respectively. Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels in the supernatants of cell culture media were measured with LDH activity or human IL-1β ELISA kit, respectively. The activity of Caspase-1 was measured with Caspase-1 colorimetric assay kit.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The activity of caspase-1 in 1 and 3 µg/ml CTP groups were (9.29 ± 0.30) and (8.67 ± 0.59) µmol/ml respectively which were both significantly increased compared to that (7.42 ± 0.59) µmol/ml in the control group (P < 0.05) after 8 h exposure, but there was no significant difference in the activity of LDH and levels of IL-1β in the cell culture media among the CTP and control groups. 24 h after exposure, the activity of LDH in the CTP (1, 3 µg/ml) groups were (1323.03 ± 28.53) and (1148.45 ± 16.42) U/dl respectively which were significantly higher than that (1091.93 ± 26.64) U/dl in the control group (P < 0.05), and the levels of IL-1β in the CTP (1 and 3 µg/ml) groups were (125.37 ± 25.00) pg/ml and (92.04 ± 19.09) pg/ml respectively which were significantly higher than that (46.20 ± 14.43) pg/ml in the control group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the activity of Caspase-1 among CTP and control groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CTP treatment induced early increase in caspase-1 activity followed by the increase in LDH activity and IL-1 levels, indicative of pyroptosis in human bronchial epithelial cells.</p>

Changes of centrosome and related protein in malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cell induced by coal tar pitch smoke extracts / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the centrosome abnormalities in the malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) induced by coal tar pitch smoke extracts and to investigate the role and action mechanism of centrosome in the lung cancer induced by coal tar pitch.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Medium-temperature coal tar pitch smoke extracts were used to treat immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and establish a malignant transformation model. The treated BEAS-2B cells were used as exposure group, and solvent control group and normal control group were also set for passage culture. The changes of centrosome in BEAS-2B cells seeded on coverslips were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The mRNA expression of p53, p21, and cyclin E in BEAS-2B cells was measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and their protein levels in BEAS-2B cells seeded on coverslips were measured by semiquantitative immunohistochemical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall rate of centrosome abnormalities in BEAS-2B cells at passage 20 was 6.56±1.01% in the exposure group, significantly higher than those in the normal control group (3.40±0.86%) and solvent control group (3.14±0.59%) (P < 0.05). In addition, the exposure group had a significantly higher overall rate of centrosome abnormalities in BEAS-2B cells at passage 30 compared with the normal control group and solvent control group (22.39±9.5% vs 4.34±1.04%, P < 0.05; 22.39±9.5% vs 4.33±1.20%, P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group and solvent control group, the exposure group had significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of p53 and significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of cyclin E in BEAS-2B cells at passages 20 and 30 (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Centrosome abnormalities occur before the malignant transformation in BEAS-2B cells treated with coal tar pitch smoke extracts, and they may be mediated by the p53/p21/cyclin E signaling pathway.</p>

The effects of monocyte-macrophages on malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by extracts from coal tar pitch / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of monocyte-macrophages (THP-1) in malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) cells induced by coal tar pitch (CTP) and the expression of TNF-α in the process of the cell malignant transformation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>BEAS-2B cells and THP-1 Cells were divided into four groups: coal tar pitch (CTP) group, benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, BEAS-2B and THP-1 co-culture (co-culture group) group. Carcinogenesis model was established. The soft agar colony formation, chromosome aberrations and cell cycle tests were used to detect the cellular malignant transformation. The ELISA assay was utilized to measure the levels of TNF-α in the supernatant of CTP group and co-culture group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The chromosome number abnormalities could be observed in early stage of the experiment (the 10th generation cells), which showed the increased ratio of aneuploid to polyploid, and the decreased number of diploid. The colony formation rate of co-culture group (the 20th generation cells) was 17.63‰ ± 0.97‰, which was significantly higher than that (13.94‰ ± 0.84‰) of CTP group and that (12.96‰ ± 1.62‰) of B(a)P group (P < 0.05). The proportion of S phase cells in the co-culture group was 44.49% ± 0.68%, which was significantly higher than that (38.19% ± 1.26%) of CTP group and that (36.41% ± 1.19%) of B(a)P group (P < 0.05). The TNF-α level in the co-culture group was significantly higher than that in CTP group (P = 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Monocyte-Macrophages can accelerate the malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells induced by CTP and increase the expression level of TNF-α.</p>

The change of telomere protein in BEAS-2B malignant transformation cell induced by coal tar pitch smoke extracts / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>By testing the changes of telomere binding protein in malignant transformation BEAS-2B cells induced by coal tar pitch smoke extracts, to study the role of protection of telomeres 1 (POT1), telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1) and TRF2 in tumorgenesis that contact with coal tar pitch.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The BEAS-2B cells were induced by coal tar pitch smoke extracts to form malignant transformation cell model in vitro. The gene expression levels of mRNA were assessed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, the protein expression variations were determined by cell culture overslip of immunohistochemical methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In malignant transformation cells, the mRNA expression level (POT1: 0.63 ± 0.04, TRF1: 0.36 ± 0.01) and the protein expression level (POT1: 0.36 ± 0.05, TRF1: 0.09 ± 0.03) of POT1 and TRF1 was statistically significant decreased compared to that of BEAS-2B group (mRNA: POT1: 1.00 ± 0.04, TRF1: 1.01 ± 0.16; protein: POT1: 0.55 ± 0.07, TRF1: 0.27 ± 0.07) and DMSO group (mRNA: POT1: 0.89 ± 0.12, TRF1: 0.90 ± 0.08; protein: POT1: 0.55 ± 0.10, TRF1: 0.26 ± 0.04) (P < 0.05); mRNA expression level (1.45 ± 0.07) and the protein expression level (0.88 ± 0.06) of TRF2 was increased compared to that of BEAS-2B group (mRNA: 1.00 ± 0.07, protein: 0.48 ± 0.06) and DMSO group (mRNA: 1.00 ± 0.06, protein: 0.50 ± 0.06) (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The change of gene and protein expression level in POT1, TRF1, and TRF2 involved in the process that evolved into malignant transformation in bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B induced by coal tar pitch smoke extracts.</p>

Change of structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC)1, SMC3, Separase and Securin expression in BEAS-2B malignant transformation cell induced by coal tar pitch smoke extracts / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>to study the role of structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC)1, SMC3, Separase and Securin in tumorgenesis that contact with coal tar pitch.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>the BEAS-2B cells was induced by coal tar pitch smoke extracts to form malignant transformation cell model in vitro. The gene expression levels of mRNA were assessed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and the protein expression variation were determined by cell culture overslip of immunohistochemical methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>in malignant transformation cells, the mRNA and the protein expression level of SMC1 gene was not statistically significantly different compared with the BEAS-2B group and DMSO group (P > 0.05); SMC3 and Separase was increased and Securin was decreased (P < 0.05), while the difference between other two control groups was not significant (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>the up expression level of SMC3 and Separase and the down expression level of Securin are involved in the process that evolves into malignant transformation in bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B induced by coal tar pitch smoke extracts.</p>

Corrosion inhibitor formulations from coal - tar distillation products for acid cleaning of steel in HCI

The chemical cleaning of boilers, heat exchangers, vessels, reactors, piping and other equipments from deposits and scales is usually conducted in acid solutions. Effective corrosion inhibitors are added to avoid the acid attack on metallic surface. The employed inhibitors in this field are based mainly on organic molecules containing nitrogen, sulfur and/or phosphorus. In this paper, inhibitor formulations prepared from coal-tar distillation products namely Anthracene Oil [AO] were evaluated for application in acid cleaning processes using weight loss and polarization measurements. These industrial byproducts contain large number of the above needed molecules. Some of the prepared formulations could offer high inhibition action [about 98%]. The effect of immersion time and temperature revealed quite stability of the inhibitors. Polarization data indicate general adsorption of the additives, affecting both the anodic and cathodic reactions of the metal corrosion

A comparative study of tar and betamethasone valerate in chronic plaque psoriasis: a study in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate and compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of coal tar (10% LCD, liquor carbonis detergens), with betamethasone valerate in the therapy of large plaque-type psoriasis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients with stable, mild to moderate plaque psoriasis at the Department of Medicine, Lerdsin General Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand were randomized for treatment with either coal tar (10% LCD) cream or betamethasone valerate cream (0.1%). All patients entered a 2 week wash-out period followed by the creams being applied twice daily until completion at 6 weeks. The patient severity of psoriasis was assessed using the modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score at baseline and after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment. RESULT: At the end of the trial, the mean reduction of the PASI score from baseline was 38.39% with the coal tar group and 69.36% with the betamethasone valerate group. The mean percentage of the PASI score reduction was statistically significant in both groups but the betamethasone valerate group was significantly superior to the coal tar group. Both drugs' adverse effects were limited to mild irritation localized to the skin without systemic side effects. The Betamethasone valerate cream was safe, effective, and well-tolerated while the coal tar cream was described as messy, malodorous, and with a tendency to staining clothes. CONCLUSION: The investigator's overall assessment of the treatment response at completion of the trial demonstrated that the betamethasone valerate group achieved significantly greater clearance and marked improvement compared with the coal tar group.

Lichen Striatus in a Girl: Successful Treatment with Pimecrolimus

Lichen striatus (LS) is a self-resolving condition, which may occasionally need treatment for significant pruritus, a persistent course or cosmetic problems. The options for treatment have usually been topical or intralesional corticosteroids, salicylic acid, coal tar, or more recently, topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. We report a case of LS successfully treated with pimecrolimus in a 15-year-old girl.

Eficacia terapéutica con el método de Goeckerman en pacientes con psoriasis en placas: Trabajo realizado en el servicio de dermatología del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín (Ecuador) Agosto-Noviembre de 2001 / Therapeutic efficacy of Goeckerman's method in patients with plaque psoriasis

Se trata de un estudio experimental, longitudinal, prospectivo, simple ciego y controlado aleatoriamente, en el que se propuso demostrar los beneficios del tratamiento con alquitrán de hulla más rayos UVB (Método de Goeckerman ), en comparación con el uso de PUVA en pacientes con psoriasis en el servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín (HCAM Quito-Ecuador), durante el período de agosto-noviembre de 2001. El estudio trabajó con valores de significancia del 99% y de potencia de un 90%. La selección de la muestra fue intencionada y la asignación de los grupos fue aleatoria mediante el programa de asignación aleatoria PEPI. Se realizó el estudio con 26 pacientes, en quienes se aplicó el regimen de Goeckerman en la mitad de pacientes, mientras que en los 13 restantes se trató con la terapia de PUVA. Se compararon los grupos en base a medias de proporciones, utilizando como prueba de significancia a Kruskar Wallis. Además, los pacientes elegidos tuvieron que cumplir con criterios de inclusión y ser considerados aptos para este estudio. Finalmente se procedió a analizar los datos mediante los programas EPIINFO y EXCELL. La edad media del total de pacientes fue de 44.7 años, correspondiendo a 45.3 años para el grupo PUVA y a 44.1 años para el grupo Goeckerman. La media del PASI de entrada de ambos grupos fue de 22.9 puntos, correspondiendo a 20.27 para PUVA y a 25.69 para Goeckerman. Respecto al sexo 5 fueron mujeres (19.2%) y 21 fueron hombres (80.8%); la distribución en los grupos fue aleatoria con lo cual 1 mujer y 12 hombres pertenecieron al grupo PUVA y 4 mujeres y 9 hombres pertenecieron al grupo Goeckerman. Durante el estudio se obtuvieron algunos efectos adversos, siendo el prurito el más común en ambos grupos con una prevalencia de 62.9% para la terapia PUVA y de 100% en la terapia Goeckerman, seguido del eritema con un 42.2% de prevalencia en PUVA y un 84.6% en Goeckerman. Efectos adversos como naúseas y mareos se presentaron únicamente en la terapia PUVA con porcentajes de 46.2 y de 30.8% respectivamente. El porcentaje de reducción de la escala de PASI fue de 51.16%.

This is an experimental, prospective, double blind, placebo-controlled, experimental study to demonstrate the effects of coal tar plus UVB treatment (Goeckerman's method) compared with PUVA in patients with psoriasis. The study was performed at the Department of Dermatology of the Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín (HCAM Quito-Ecuador) during August - November 2001. The study considered 99% significance levels and a potency of 90%. The selection of the samples was unintentional and subjects were assigned to the treatment groups using PEPI random assignment package. The sample was consisted in 26 subjects equally assigned to both arms of the study (Goeckeremans vs PUVA). The difference among treatment groups were measured using Krusal Wallis tests using EPI-INFO and EXCEL software. Mean age for each group were 45.3 for PUVA, and 44.1 for Goeckerman (average 44.7). The initial PASI score for both groups was 22.9 (PUVA: 20.27, Goeckerman: 25.69). The group was composed by 5 women and 21 men distributed randomly among treatment arms. The adverse events included pruritus (62.9% PUVA, 100% Goeckerman), erythema (42.2% PUVA, 84.6% Goeckerman). Systemic adverse effects included nausea and dizziness only in PUVA 46.2% and 30.8 respectively. The percentage of PASI score reduction was 51.6%.

Atopic Dermatitis and Food Additives in Childhood

Many different additives are added to the food that we consume, and the number of additives is estimated to range from 2,000 to 20,000. These substances include preservatives, stabilizers, conditioners, thickeners, colorings, flavorings, sweeteners, and antioxidants. Despite the multitude of additives known, only a surprisingly small proportion of them has been associated with hypersensitivity reactions. A number of investigators have suggested that a significant proportion of patients with chronic urticaria, angioedema, atopic dermatitis, and asthma have symptoms related to the ingestion of food additives. However, the incidence and mechanisms of reactions to additives in patients with chronic urticaria, angioedema, and atopic dermatitis remain unknown. Monosodium glutamate(MSG) produces the flavor-enhancing properties of seaweed, the traditional component of Japanese and Chinese cooking. A few studies on MSG have reported an association between MSG and atopic dermatitis, but the exact nature of the relationship remains unknown. Dyes approved under the Food Dye and Coloring Act are coal tar derivatives, the best known of which is tartrazine(FD&C yellow no. 5). The group of azo dyes includes ponceau(FD&C red no. 4) and sunset yellow (FD&C yellow no. 6). Amaranth(FD&C red no. 5) was banned from use in US in 1975 due to the claims related to carcinogenicity. Most of them were reported to be associated with an aggravation of atopic dermatitis. Parabens are aliphatic esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid. Sodium benzoate is a closely related substance usually reported to cross-react with these compounds. These agents, which are widely used as preservatives in both foods and drugs, are well recognized as the cause of severe contact dermatitis. Additives can serve as haptens to create a response mediated by IgE. Only a few reports have suggested IgE-mediated reactions, notably to sulfites and parabens. Instead, the overwhelming majority of these reactions are not of the immediate hypersensitivity type. Many cases of additive-provoked urticaria or dermatitis occur as late as 24 hours after the challenge,arguing against an IgE-mediated mechanism.

Two Cases of Multiple Basal Cell Carcinoma / 대한피부과학회지

Multiple basal cell carcinoma (mBCC) is a rare skin condition, and the propensity to develop mBCC may be associated with some genodermatoses, arsenic poisoning, and chronic exposure to radiation or coal tar. We experienced two rare and interesting cases of mBCC. One case was a 67-year-old woman, who presented with a twenty year history of numerous, black to brownish crusted patches over the whole body. Histopathologic features of the lesions indicated superficial basal cell carcinoma. The other case was a 70-year-old woman, who had multiple, black to brown colored papules on the face, neck and trunk. Biopsy specimens from lesions revealed histopathologic features of superficial, micronodular and morpheaform basal cell carcinoma.

Monitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and the metabolites in Workers using Coal tar Paints / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the exposure levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene(1-OHP) were surveyed among the workers using coal tar paint. METHOD: The study subjects for the exposed group were 107 male coal tar workers in 10 factories, and for the comparison group were 201 male clerk workers who had never been exposed to coal tar paint. Ambient PAHs, and pre-shift and end-shift urinary 1-OHP were sample and 16 PAHs were analysed. Smoking history was recorded during the survey day. RESULTS: The geometric mean of ambient concentration of total PAHs was 120.17 microgram/m3. Naphthalene had the highest level among the 16 PAHs. The pre-shift 1-OHP in the exposed group (8.89 micro mol/mol creatinine) was significantly higher than that in the control group (0.29 micro mol/mol creatinine). The end-shift 1-OHP in the exposed group (19.02 micro mol/mol creatinine) was significantly higher than that in the pre-shift (8.89 micro mol/mol creatinine) (Ed- confirm). 1-OHP of smokers was significantly higher than that of non-smokers in both groups. The difference between pre-shift and end-shift 1-OHP in smokers (12.40 micro mol/mol creatinine) was twice as high as that in non-smokers (6.06 micro mol/mol creatinine). The difference of 1-OHP between smokers and nonsmokers was 7.59 micro mol/mol creatinine in pre-shift and 13.96 micro mol/mol creatinine in end-shift. Thus, the effect of smoking and exposure to PAHs on 1-OHP may not be additive. In regression analysis for 1-OHP, the significant independent variables were pre-shift 1-OHP and PAHs. The direction of these variables was positive. When the analysis was performed in workers exposed to higher PAHs, smoking was significant independent variable. CONCLUSION: The above results suggest that not only ambient PAHs but also smoking, one of the most important non-occupational PAHs source, influenced the level of 1-OHP. Moreover, the effect of smoking to 1-OHP changed according to the exposure level of PAHs.

¿Conoce usted esta lesión dermatológica? / Do you know this dermatologic lesion?

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 49 años de edad con insuficiencia renal y prúrigo renal con liquenificación que clínicamente se presentó con rascado crónico