Combined microneedling with topical application of platelet-rich plasma versus microneedling alone in the treatment of stria distensae: clinicopathological analysis.

BACKGROUND: Striae distensae (SD) are common skin conditions. OBJECTIVES: This study was done to test the hypothesis that 'the use of microneedling (MN) before platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application will allow for deeper penetration and therefore, augment its efficacy in the treatment of SD.' PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with SD were divided into (i) Group I, the patients were treated with MN only, and (ii) Group II, the patients were treated with combined MN-PRP. The clinical improvement was evaluated by two dermatologists. Skin biopsies were obtained before and after therapy to examine immunohistological changes. RESULTS: As compared to the use of MN alone, therapy with combined MN-PRP was associated with: (i) a marked to the excellent improvement of the skin lesions of SD, (ii) a more significant deposition of collagen and elastic fibers, (iii) increased proliferative activity in the epidermis, and (iv) a decreased caspase-3 protein expression values in the epidermis. CONCLUSIONS: This study proved that the combined MN-PRP is more effective than MN alone for the treatment of the lesions of SD. The underlying molecular mechanisms are open for future studies.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the oral cavity and maxillofacial region: a pathologist viewpoint.

INTRODUCTION: Non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the oral and maxillofacial regions are uncommon malignancies. They usually have progressive course and dismal outcome. Areas covered: This review provides an update about the clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of these lymphomas. Some relevant case reports are presented. Expert commentary: The lymphomas of the oral and maxillofacial regions involve the tongue, gingiva, hard palate, maxilla, mandible, Waldeyer's ring, palatine, and lingual tonsils. They include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), T-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma (BL), natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL), marginal zone lymphoma, plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), mantle cell lymphoma, and lymphoblastic lymphoma. They are more common in males than in females. They commonly present as mass lesions covered by an intact or ulcerated mucosa. Some lymphomas are associated with viral infections (Epstein-Barr virus or HIV) and specific genetic alterations. Each subtype has its specific clinicopathologic features and the most common subtypes include DLBCL, BL, NKTCL, and PBL. DLBCL is the most common oral lymphoma. BL is a rapidly proliferating mature B cell neoplasm almost always presenting in extranodal sites. Nasal-type NKTCL presents as a locally destructive, midfacial necrotizing lesion. PBL is a rare, highly aggressive disease that is commonly associated with immunodeficiency conditions.

Sensory innervation of the female human umbilical skin: morphological studies.

BACKGROUND: Sensory stimuli are conducted by several cutaneous sensory nerves and tactile corpuscles. The latter are specialized sensory organs that represent the starting point of many afferent sensory pathways. To date, our knowledge about the distribution of the sensory innervation in the umbilical skin of females is incomplete. AIM OF THE STUDY: To elucidate the morphology of the cutaneous innervation of the normal female umbilical skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsies of normal umbilical skin were obtained from female patients undergoing umbilical hernial repair. The specimens were processed for both immunohistological (antibodies against PGP9.5, pan-neuronal marker, and S-100 protein, marker of Schwann cells) and ultrastructural (transmission electron microscopy) examinations. RESULTS: The authors found abundant genital end-bulb-like structures, numerous epidermal and dermal Merkel cells, Meissner and Ruffini corpuscles, intraepidermal nerve terminals, and multiple free nerve endings surrounding the ducts and acini of the sweat glands. CONCLUSIONS: The umbilical skin of females has abundant sensory innervation similar to that of the glans penis.

Expression of CD1d protein in human testis showing normal and abnormal spermatogenesis.

CD1d is a member of CD1 family of transmembrane glycoproteins, which represent antigen-presenting molecules. Immunofluorescent staining methods were utilized to examine expression pattern of CD1d in human testicular specimens. In testis showing normal spermatogenesis, a strong CD1d cytoplasmic expression was seen the Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and Leydig cells. A moderate expression was observed in the spermatocytes. In testes showing maturation arrest, CD1d expression was strong in the Sertoli cells and weak in spermatogonia and spermatocytes compared to testis with normal spermatogenesis. In Sertoli cell only syndrome, CD1d expression was strong in the Sertoli and Leydig cells. This preliminary study displayed testicular infertility-related changes in CD1d expression. The ultrastructural changes associated with with normal and abnormal spermatogenesis are open for further investigations.