Anti-inflammatory effects of a methanol extract of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. root bark on imiquimod-induced psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. has been successfully used for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and pruritus. However, the anti-psoriatic effect of this plant has not until now been investigated. METHODS: The aim of this project was to investigate whether a methanol extract of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. root bark (MEDD) can be used as a therapeutic agent for psoriasis in C57BL/6 mice model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis. IMQ and MEDD was applied to mouse skin continuously for 7 days. The skin phenotype and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17, were analyzed. The immune cell population was determined by flow cytometry, and STAT1 and 3 protein levels were measured. RESULTS: An alleviation of scaly skin phenotype, immune cell infiltration in the dermis, and epidermal hyperplasia was observed after daily MEDD treatment in the lesion-affected area. It was also found that MEDD reduced IL-17 cytokine levels decreased by 44.37% (p < 0.05), the number of IL-17-producing Th17 cells and γδT cells, and the size of the Th1 population secreting IFN-γ decreased by 45.98, 62.21, and 44.42%, respectively (p < 0.05), compared with the vehicle control group. STAT3 signals, associated with IL-17 are also reduced by MEDD. CONCLUSIONS: An anti-psoriatic effect of MEDD was observed, as determined by decreased skin inflammation, reduced number of inflammatory cytokines, and a smaller population of inflammatory cells. These results contribute to the validation of the use of MEDD in the treatment of psoriasis.

Clinicopathologic review of eruptive pseudoangiomatosis in Korean adults: report of 32 cases.

BACKGROUND: Eruptive pseudoangiomatosis (EP) is a rare, benign, spontaneously regressing exanthema of unknown etiology, characterized by an eruption of distinctive erythematous papules. This study was performed to evaluate the etiologic, clinical, and histopathologic characteristics of EP in Koreans. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with EP during 2005-2010 were included in a retrospective study. Diagnoses were based on clinical findings and confirmed by histology. Biopsies were re-examined. Patient gender, age at onset, disease duration, lesion location, season of occurrence, concomitant diseases, occupation, previous related events, disease course, responses to treatment, and laboratory findings were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were identified. Mean age at onset was 50.06 ± 17.12 years. Two patients developed lesions after outdoor activities. Two patients presented with simultaneous occurrences in family members. One patient reported having taken herbal medicine. One subject experienced systemic contact dermatitis caused by eating a lacquer chicken dish just before the lesions developed. All patients had typical erythematous papules measuring 2-5 mm. Lesions were usually located on exposed sites. No prodromal or systemic symptoms were observed. Routine laboratory tests were within normal ranges, except in one patient with known hyperlipidemia. Most patients were treated with oral antihistamine and topical steroid, or oral prednisolone. Eight patients did not receive any treatment. Mean disease duration was 1.64 ± 1.41 months in the treatment group and 1.20 ± 1.24 months in the no-treatment group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Any clear relationship between EP and exposure to allergens or insect bites has yet to be elucidated. In patients in whom EP occurs on non-exposed sites, drugs and food should be considered as possible causative agents. Intravascular neutrophil infiltration on histology can be helpful in diagnosing EP.