Systematic Review of Light-Based Treatments for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. / Revisión sistemática de las terapias con luz en el tratamiento de la hidradenitis supurativa.

Treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa include light-based therapy. This systematic review aimed to update our understanding of the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of these treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa by evaluating the literature published since the 2015 Cochrane review on this topic. We conducted an electronic search of the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination database, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Skin Register, University of Nottingham's Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology database, and TESEO. The systematic review included 6 case series, 3 systematic reviews, and 2 clinical trials on the use of conventional and intralesional photodynamic therapy, intense pulsed light therapy, and Nd:YAG, carbon dioxide, and diode laser therapy for hidradenitis suppurative in 248 patients.

Terapia fotodinámica con azul de metileno en úlceras cutáneas infectadas con Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Fusarium spp / Photodynamic Therapy With Methylene Blue for Skin Ulcers Infected With Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Fusarium spp

La terapia fotodinámica tiene una importante acción antimicrobiana. Se presentan 2 casos clínicos de úlceras crónicas en las extremidades inferiores sobreinfectadas por hongos y bacterias de difícil manejo, en los que el tratamiento fotodinámico con azul de metileno como fotosensibilizante resultó en la curación clínica y microbiológica. No se presentaron efectos adversos reseñables. La posibilidad de utilizar la terapia fotodinámica con azul de metileno en el manejo de las úlceras crónicas sobreinfectadas constituye una interesante alternativa para reducir el uso de antibióticos y disminuir la aparición de resistencias (AU)

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic modality with significant antimicrobial activity. We present 2 cases of chronic lower limb ulcers in which fungal and bacterial superinfection complicated management. PDT with methylene blue as the photosensitizer led to clinical and microbiological cure with no significant adverse effects. PDT with methylene blue is a valid option for the management of superinfected chronic ulcers, reducing the use of antibiotics and the induction of resistance (AU)

Mycobacterium fortuitum infection after acupuncture treatment.

Actinic keratoses are cutaneous lesions that appear as the result of the proliferation of atypical keratinocytes. These lesions are considered pre-malignant and they can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Ingenol mebutate has been approved as an effective treatment for AK on the face and trunk. We studied the local skin reactions to this therapy. Data about local skin reactions were collected in a series of 5 patients with photographic documentation, a visual analog scale, and a ranking of satisfaction of the patient. Moderate to severe reactions were reported in most of patients, but only one stopped treatment early. The short duration of treatment contributes to high adherence to the therapy.

Resistance of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer to Nonsurgical Treatments. Part I: Topical Treatments. / Resistencias al tratamiento no quirúrgico en cáncer cutáneo no melanoma. Parte I: tratamientos tópicos.

A wide range of treatments is now available for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including 5-fluorouracil, ingenol mebutate, imiquimod, diclofenac, photodynamic therapy, methotrexate, cetuximab, vismodegib, and radiotherapy. All are associated with high clinical and histologic response rates. However, some tumors do not respond due to resistance, which may be primary or acquired. Study of the resistance processes is a broad area of research that aims to increase our understanding of the nature of each tumor and the biologic features that make it resistant, as well as to facilitate the design of new therapies directed against these tumors. In this article we review resistance to the authorized topical treatments for NMSC.

Utilidad de la terapia fotodinámica en el manejo de la onicomicosis / Usefulness of Photodynamic Therapy in the Management of Onychomycosis

La onicomicosis, o infección fúngica de las uñas, constituye una de las enfermedades micóticas más prevalentes en la población. Su tratamiento tiene una efectividad limitada, además de ser largo y tedioso y, en el caso de los antifúngicos sistémicos, no está exento de efectos adversos. La terapia fotodinámica (TFD) podría ser una buena alternativa para las infecciones cutáneas superficiales, entre ellas la onicomicosis. El presente artículo revisa la experiencia publicada, tanto in vitro como in vivo, acerca de la utilidad de la TFD en las onicomicosis, mostrando el potencial de diversos fotosensibilizantes, así como sus limitaciones. Desde el punto de vista clínico el azul de metileno y el ácido 5-aminolevulínico muestran tasas de curación del 80% y el 43% respectivamente al año de seguimiento. Finalmente, basado en la bibliografía y en la propia experiencia, se propone un protocolo de 3 sesiones de TFD, usando metil-aminolevulinato 16% como fotosensibilizante y luz roja (lambda = 630 nm, 37J.cm−2), separadas por 1 o 2 semanas. Estas irán precedidas de la aplicación de urea 40% durante unos días. Nuevos ensayos clínicos deben optimizar los protocolos y establecer qué pacientes se benefician especialmente de recibir este tratamiento

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nails, is one of the most prevalent fungal diseases in the general population. Treatment is of limited effectiveness, tedious, and must be administered for long periods. Furthermore, systemic antifungal agents are associated with adverse effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may prove to be a viable alternative in the treatment of superficial skin infections, including onychomycosis. We review articles relating to the usefulness of PDT in onychomycosis in both in vitro and in vivo settings and discuss the potential and limitations of various photosensitizing agents. In vivo, methylene blue and 5-aminolevulinic acid have led to cure rates in 80% and 43% of cases, respectively, at 12 months. Finally, based on data in the literature and our own experience, we propose a protocol of 3 PDT sessions, separated by an interval of 1 or 2 weeks, using methyl aminolevulinate 16% as a photosensitizing agent and red light (Lambda = 630 nm, 37J.cm -2). Each session is preceded by the topical application of urea 40% over several days. Clinical trials are needed to optimize PDT protocols and to identify those patients who will benefit most from this treatment

Documento de consenso hispano-portugués para el uso de la terapia fotodinámica con metil aminolevulinato y luz de día en el tratamiento de las queratosis actínicas / Spanish-Portuguese Consensus Statement on Use of Daylight-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy With Methyl Aminolevulinate in the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La terapia fotodinámica con luz de día (TFDLD) es una nueva modalidad de terapia fotodinámica (TFD) que, manteniendo la misma eficacia en queratosis actínicas (QA) grado Iy II que la técnica convencional, disminuye sus efectos adversos y la hace más eficiente. Los condicionantes meteorológicos propios de la España y Portugal hacen necesario el establecimiento de un protocolo adecuado y consensuado por expertos adaptado a los mismos. OBJETIVO: Establecer un protocolo para la TFDLD con metil-aminolevulinato (MAL) para el tratamiento de las QA grado I y II adecuado y consensuado a las características epidemiológicas, meteorológicas y clínicas que se dan en España y Portugal. MÉTODO: Doce dermatólogos de diferentes áreas geográficas de ambos países, con experiencia en el tratamiento de las QA con TFD, se reunieron para elaborar un documento de consenso para la realización de TFDLD con MAL. De la revisión de la bibliografía y de su experiencia se elaboró el procedimiento recomendado para su realización. RESULTADOS: Las recomendaciones adoptadas establecen que los pacientes con QA grado I y II múltiples, especialmente en el contexto de campo de cancerización, son los candidatos a realizar este tratamiento. La TFDLD se puede realizar durante todo el año, siendo limitaciones las temperaturas menores de 10°C o las excesivamente elevadas, así como los días de lluvia, nieve o niebla. El procedimiento es sencillo y requiere la aplicación de un fotoprotector FPS>30 que solo contenga filtros orgánicos, la preparación adecuada de las lesiones, la aplicación del MAL sin oclusión y su activación con la luz del día durante 2h. CONCLUSIÓN: Este documento de consenso supone una guía práctica y detallada para la realización de la TFDLD con MAL en España y Portugal destinada a la consecución de la máxima efectividad con mínimos efectos adversos

INTRODUCTION: Daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new type of PDT that is as effective as conventional PDT in grade 1 and 2 actinic keratosis but with fewer adverse effects, resulting in greater efficiency. The climatic conditions in the Iberian Peninsula require an appropriately adapted consensus protocol. OBJECTIVE: We describe a protocol for the treatment of grade 1 and 2 actinic keratosis with daylight-mediated PDT and methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) adapted to the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Spanish and Portuguese patients and the climatic conditions of both countries. METHODS: Twelve dermatologists from different parts of Spain and Portugal with experience in the treatment of actinic keratosis with PDT convened to draft a consensus statement for daylight-mediated PDT with MAL in these countries. Based on a literature review and their own clinical experience, the group developed a recommended protocol. RESULTS: According to the recommendations adopted, patients with multiple grade 1 and 2 lesions, particularly those at risk of developing cancer, are candidates for this type of therapy. Daylight-mediated PDT can be administered throughout the year, although it is not indicated at temperatures below 10°C or at excessively high temperatures. Likewise, therapy should not be administered when it is raining, snowing, or foggy. The procedure is simple, requiring application of a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 based exclusively on organic filters, appropriate preparation of the lesions, application of MAL without occlusion, and activation in daylight for 2hours. CONCLUSION: This consensus statement represents a practical and detailed guideline to achieve maximum effectiveness of daylight-mediated PDT with MAL in Spain and Portugal with minimal adverse effects

In vitro effect photodynamic therapy with differents photosensitizers on cariogenic microorganisms.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy has been proposed as an alternative to suppress subgingival species. This results from the balance among Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans in the dental biofilm. Not all the photosensitizers have the same photodynamic effect against the different microorganims. The objective of this study is to compare in vitro the photodynamic effect of methylene blue (MB), rose Bengal (RB) and curcumin (CUR) in combination with white light on the cariogenic microorganism S. mutans, S. sanguis and C. albicans. RESULTS: Photodynamic therapy with MB, RB and CUR inhibited 6 log 10 the growth of both bacteria but at different concentrations: 0.31-0.62 µg/ml and 0.62-1.25 µg/ml RB were needed to photoinactivate S. mutans and S. sanguis, respectively; 1.25-2.5 µg/ml MB for both species; whereas higher CUR concentrations (80-160 µg/ml and 160-320 µg/ml) were required to obtain the same reduction in S. mutans and S. sanguis viability respectively. The minimal fungicidal concentration of MB for 5 log10 CFU reduction (4.5 McFarland) was 80-160 µg/ml, whereas for RB it ranged between 320 and 640 µg/ml. For CUR, even the maximum studied concentration (1280 µg/ml) did not reach that inhibition. Incubation time had no effect in all experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy with RB, MB and CUR and white light is effective in killing S. mutans and S. sanguis strains, although MB and RB are more efficient than CUR. C. albicans required higher concentrations of all photosensitizers to obtain a fungicidal effect, being MB the most efficient and CUR ineffective.

Modalidades de fototerapia para el tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Phototherapy in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Antecedentes: La fototerapia es una opción terapéutica empleada en dermatitis atópica (DA) y recomendada en múltiples guías. Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia de las distintas modalidades de fototerapia y fotoquimioterapia en el tratamiento de pacientes con DA moderada-grave, mediante una revisión sistemática. Material y métodos: Consideramos los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) realizados en pacientes con DA, aceptando cualquier medida de desenlace. Localizamos los artículos mediante una búsqueda electrónica, utilizando Medline (vía Ovid), Embase y Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Adicionalmente, buscamos los ensayos clínicos registrados en Current Controlled Trials y en la WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Resultados: Incluimos 21 ECA en el análisis cualitativo (961 pacientes). Dos ECA incluyeron niños y adolescentes (32 pacientes). Las modalidades UVBBE y UVA1 mostraron resultados de eficacia similares en diversas medidas de desenlace. Dos ECA incluyeron la terapia PUVA. No se describieron efectos secundarios graves. En general, el riesgo de sesgos fue elevado y la calidad de las publicaciones baja, en cuanto a comunicación de la metodología empleada y los resultados obtenidos. Conclusiones: Existe evidencia para el uso de UVBBE y UVA1 en DA moderada-grave. La evidencia para el uso de PUVA en DA es mínima, así como los datos del uso de la fototerapia en la infancia. En futuros estudios sería recomendable estandarizar los criterios de gravedad de la DA y las escalas de valoración de los pacientes, homogeneizar las técnicas de irradiación y establecer un periodo de seguimiento mínimo (AU)

Background: Phototherapy is a treatment option for atopic dermatitis recommended by several guidelines. Objective: To perform a systematic review of the efficacy of different modalities of phototherapy and photochemotherapy in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Material and methods: We considered all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) performed in patients with atopic dermatitis, and accepted all outcome measures. Articles were identified via an online search of the MEDLINE (via Ovid) and Embase databases and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We also searched for clinical trials registered in Current Controlled Trials and in the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Results: Twenty-one RCTs (961 patients) were included in the qualitative analysis. Two of the trials included children and adolescents (32 patients). The efficacy of narrow-band UV-B and UV-A1 phototherapy was similar for the different outcome measures contemplated. Two RCTs assessed the efficacy of psoralen plus UV-A therapy (PUVA). No serious adverse events were described. In general, the publications reviewed were characterized by a high risk of bias and poor reporting of methodology and results. Conclusions: There is evidence for the use of narrow-band UV-B and UV-A1 phototherapy in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Evidence supporting the use of PUVA in atopic dermatitis is scarce and there is little information on the use of phototherapy in childhood. For the purpose of future studies, it would be advisable to use comparable criteria and scales for the evaluation of disease severity and patients, to standardize radiation methods, and to establish a minimum follow-up time (AU)

Phototherapy in atopic dermatitis: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Phototherapy is a treatment option for atopic dermatitis recommended by several guidelines. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the efficacy of different modalities of phototherapy and photochemotherapy in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We considered all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) performed in patients with atopic dermatitis, and accepted all outcome measures. Articles were identified via an online search of the MEDLINE (via Ovid) and Embase databases and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We also searched for clinical trials registered in Current Controlled Trials and in the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. RESULTS: Twenty-one RCTs (961 patients) were included in the qualitative analysis. Two of the trials included children and adolescents (32 patients). The efficacy of narrow-band UV-B and UV-A1 phototherapy was similar for the different outcome measures contemplated. Two RCTs assessed the efficacy of psoralen plus UV-A therapy (PUVA). No serious adverse events were described. In general, the publications reviewed were characterized by a high risk of bias and poor reporting of methodology and results. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence for the use of narrow-band UV-B and UV-A1 phototherapy in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Evidence supporting the use of PUVA in atopic dermatitis is scarce and there is little information on the use of phototherapy in childhood. For the purpose of future studies, it would be advisable to use comparable criteria and scales for the evaluation of disease severity and patients, to standardize radiation methods, and to establish a minimum follow-up time.

Malassezia growth on peritumoral skin after routine methyl-5-aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis and nonmelanoma skin cancer / Crecimiento de Malassezia en Piel Peritumoral Tras Terapia Fotodinámica con Metil-5-aminolevulinato para Queratosis Actínica y Cáncer de Piel No Melanoma

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Terapia fotodinámica con luz de día en España: ventajas y limitaciones / Daylight-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy in Spain: Advantages and Disadvantages

La terapia fotodinámica (TFD) constituye una alternativa terapéutica para las queratosis actínicas, la enfermedad de Bowen y determinados carcinomas basocelulares. Se utiliza además para el tratamiento de otras enfermedades cutáneas de diversa naturaleza, incluyendo enfermedades inflamatorias e infecciosas. Los principales inconvenientes de la TDF convencional son el tiempo que consume su realización (al paciente y al personal sanitario) y el dolor que produce. Recientemente se ha descrito la TFD con luz de día (TFDLD) como alternativa al procedimiento convencional. En diversos estudios se ha mostrado similar en eficacia y mejor tolerada que la TFD clásica en el tratamiento de queratosis actínicas leves-moderadas. No obstante, la mayoría de los estudios realizados proceden del norte de Europa, y no existen por ahora resultados en países de la latitud de España. El presente artículo revisa los principales estudios publicados hasta el momento, expone el protocolo de utilización y resume nuestra experiencia en un grupo de pacientes tratados

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an option for the treatment of actinic keratosis, Bowen disease, and certain types of basal cell carcinoma. It is also used to treat various other types of skin condition, including inflammatory and infectious disorders. The main disadvantages of PDT are the time it takes to administer (both for the patient and for health professionals) and the pain associated with treatment. Daylight-mediated PDT has recently been reported to be an alternative to the conventional approach. Several studies have shown it to be similar in efficacy to and better tolerated than classic PDT for the treatment of mild to moderate actinic keratosis. Nevertheless, most of these studies are from northern Europe, and no data have been reported from southern Europe. The present article reviews the main studies published to date, presents the treatment protocol, and summarizes our experience with a group of treated patients

La terapia fotodinámica con metilaminolevulinato puede ser útil en el manejo de las infecciones por Scytalidium / Photodynamic Therapy With Methyl-aminolevulinate can be Useful in the Management of Scytalidium Infections

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Reacción urticariforme secundaria a terapia fotodinámica en 2 pacientes pediátricos / Urticaria-Like Reaction Secondary to Photodynamic Therapy in 2 Pediatric Patients

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La vitamina D: evidencias y controversias / Vitamin D: evidence and controversies

La vitamina D aumenta la salud musculoesquelética y reduce la mortalidad asociada a problemas óseos en algunos grupos de población, especialmente en los ancianos y otros grupos de riesgo. Existen evidencias de que la vitamina D influye en el desarrollo del cáncer, la enfermedad cardiovascular, los procesos autoinmunes y las infecciones. Por otro lado, distintos estudios epidemiológicos avalan un estado de deficiencia o insuficiencia de vitamina D en la población de casi todo el mundo. Ante todas estas evidencias surgen diferentes controversias, en parte relacionadas con las medidas de fotoprotección impulsadas para prevenir el cáncer cutáneo. Las últimas recomendaciones del Instituto de Medicina Americano (IOM) consideran que niveles séricos de 20ng/ml (50nmol/l) parecen suficientes y alcanzables para la población general, incluso en condiciones de mínima exposición solar. Si atendemos a estas cifras, quizás la prevalencia de esa hipovitaminosis casi pandémica comunicada en los últimos años esté sobreestimada. El presente artículo recoge todas estas evidencias y controversias, además de profundizar en el papel de la radiación ultravioleta en la síntesis cutánea de la vitamina D. La conclusión es que no se debe tomar el sol como fuente primordial de vitamina D, puesto que se tiene certeza de que la radiación ultravioleta es un carcinógeno cutáneo. Lo saludable es combinar una exposición solar limitada junto a una adecuada alimentación y la administración de suplementos cuando sean necesarios (AU)

Vitamin D enhances musculoskeletal health and reduces mortality related to bone disease in some populations, particularly the elderly and other high-risk groups. Evidence suggests that vitamin D has an impact in cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune processes, and infections. Epidemiologic studies have also detected vitamin D deficits or insufficiency in nearly all the world's populations. Such evidence has led to debate related, to a certain degree, to photoprotective measures that aim at protecting against skin cancer. The latest recommendations of the American Institute of Medicine consider that serum levels of 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) appear to be adequate in the general population and achievable even with minimal sun exposure. If these figures are reliable, the apparent pandemic of vitamin D deficiency reported in recent years may be exaggerated. This article reviews the evidence and issues under discussion, looking especially at the role ultraviolet radiation plays in synthesizing vitamin D in the skin. The conclusion is that sun exposure should not be used as the only source of vitamin D given that it is also clearly carcinogenic for the skin. A healthful approach combines moderate sun exposure, adequate food sources of the vitamin, and supplements whenever required (AU)

[Vitamin D: evidence and controversies]. / La vitamina D: evidencias y controversias.

Vitamin D enhances musculoskeletal health and reduces mortality related to bone disease in some populations, particularly the elderly and other high-risk groups. Evidence suggests that vitamin D has an impact in cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune processes, and infections. Epidemiologic studies have also detected vitamin D deficits or insufficiency in nearly all the world's populations. Such evidence has led to debate related, to a certain degree, to photoprotective measures that aim at protecting against skin cancer. The latest recommendations of the American Institute of Medicine consider that serum levels of 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) appear to be adequate in the general population and achievable even with minimal sun exposure. If these figures are reliable, the apparent pandemic of vitamin D deficiency reported in recent years may be exaggerated. This article reviews the evidence and issues under discussion, looking especially at the role ultraviolet radiation plays in synthesizing vitamin D in the skin. The conclusion is that sun exposure should not be used as the only source of vitamin D given that it is also clearly carcinogenic for the skin. A healthful approach combines moderate sun exposure, adequate food sources of the vitamin, and supplements whenever required.

[Update on photoprotection]. / Novedades en fotoprotección.

Photoprotection is the primary preventive and therapeutic strategy against photoaging and skin cancer. This review presents the most important new advances in both topical and systemic photoprotection. Starting with innovations in the traditional physical and chemical filtering agents, we go on to discuss the growing number of antioxidants, the novel strategies for repairing light-induced DNA damage, and current research on substances that stimulate melanogenesis. A final section deals with protection against infrared radiation.

Estudio sobre la expresión de galanina en tumores melanocitarios / Expression of galanin in melanocytic tumors

Introducción. La galanina es un neuropéptido que controla numerosas funciones en el sistema nervioso y endocrino y que está presente en la piel. Diferentes tumores neurales, endocrinos y neuroendocrinos expresan galanina y, por otro lado, varios neuropéptidos, especialmente la &apha;-MSH, se han involucrado en la patogénesis del melanoma. Objetivo. Estudiar la expresión de galanina en melanomas y nevi melanocíticos cutáneos, comparándola con la de α-MSH, y relacionándola con variables clínicas e histológicas con valor pronóstico en el melanoma. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo de la expresión de galanina y αMSH mediante inmunohistoquímica en una muestra significativa de secciones histológicas de los melanomas cutáneos diagnosticados en el hospital San Jorge de Huesca en los últimos 5 años, y un número similar de distintos tipos de nevi melanocíticos. Resultados. Se estudiaron un total de 130 lesiones pigmentadas: 38 melanomas cutáneos primarios, 6 metástasis cutáneas de melanoma y 86 nevi melanocíticos. El inmunomarcaje con galanina y α-MSH fue significativamente mayor en melanomas que en nevi (p < 0,001), aunque dentro de los nevi destacan la expresión de α-MSH en los azules y fusocelulares. Más del 50 % de los melanomas nodulares y del 90 % de los de extensión superficial fueron positivos para galanina y α-MSH, y además estos últimos fueron los que mostraron un mayor porcentaje de células positivas tanto para galanina (media = 35,09 ± 28,16 %) como para α-MSH (media = 67,64% ± 35,38 %), siendo la correlación entre ambos en melanomas del 71%. No se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la expresión de galanina y las variables edad, sexo, localización, índice de Breslow, nivel de Clark y proliferación celular. Conclusión. Nuestro estudio demuestra la presencia de galanina en secciones histológicas de melanoma cutáneo, y esta inmunorreactividad se relaciona significativamente con la de α-MSH

Introduction. Galanin is a neuropeptide with wide-ranging effects, especially within the endocrine and nervous systems. Galanin and its receptors are present in human skin. Galanin is expressed in different neural, endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors and, on the other hand, several neuropeptides, particularly α-MSH, seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of melanoma. Objective. To investigate the expression of galanin in cutaneous melanomas and melanocytic nevi and correlate it with α-MSH expression and several prognostic factors for melanoma. Material and methods. We performed an observational and retrospective study of the immunohistochemical expression of galanin and α-MSH in samples of cutaneous melanomas diagnosed in the last 5 years in the San Jorge Hospital, Huesca (Spain). Different types of melanocytic nevi were also analyzed. Results. A total of 130 pigmented lesions were studied: 38 primary cutaneous melanomas, 6 cutaneous melanoma metastases and 86 melanocytic nevi. Immunostaining with galanin and α-MSH was significantly higher in melanomas than in melanocytic nevi (p < 0.001), although spindle cell and blue nevi showed significant expression of α-MSH. More than 50 % of nodular melanomas and 90 % of superficial spreading melanomas were positive for galanin and α-MSH, and the latter also showed the highest percentage of positive cells for galanin (mean 35.09 ± 28.16) as well as for α-MSH (mean 67.64% ± 35.38). A positive correlation of 71 % was found for immunostaining of both neuropeptides in melanomas. No significant correlation was observed between galanin expression and age, gender, location of the lesions, Breslow index, Clark level and mitotic index. Conclusion. Our study shows the expression of galanin in cutaneous melanoma and its significant correlation with α-MSH immunostaining

Antioxidant intracellular activity of genistein and equol.

Antioxidant effects of isoflavonoids have recently been described. To learn whether the isoflavonoids genistein and equol have actions on the intracellular free radicals, human neutrophils and J774 monocyte-macrophage cell line were used to measure the intracellular production of O(2) (superoxide anion) and H(2)O(2) (hydrogen peroxide) by flow cytometry. The results shown significatives decrease in O(2) and H(2)O(2) production after 1 hour of incubation with equol and genistein. The phagcytic oxidant production decreased owing to the effects of both isoflavonoids in a concentration-dependent manner.