Hepatitis C may enhance key amplifiers of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have noted an association between hepatitis C and psoriasis, but it is not known whether psoriasis is a result of treatment modalities for hepatitis C or a result of hepatitis C alone. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between psoriasis and hepatitis C by measuring the expression of cathelicidin, TLR9 and IFNγ in psoriatic lesional and non-lesional skin in HCV-positive and negative psoriatic patients. METHODS: Two 2 mm punch biopsies of lesional and non-lesional skin in 10 patients who were HCV-negative psoriatics and seven HCV-positive psoriatics were used to measure cathelicidin, TLR9 and IFNγ mRNA expression by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: The mRNA levels of cathelicidin, TLR9 and IFNγ were significantly higher in both non-lesional and lesional skin of HCV-positive patients with psoriasis as compared to HCV-negative psoriatic patients. Additionally, the IFNγ level in lesional skin of HCV-positive psoriatic patients was higher than the IFNγ level seen in non-lesional skin of those same patients. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that HCV infection upregulates these inflammatory cytokines, possibly increasing susceptibility to developing psoriasis.

Sexual problems among women and men aged 40-80 y: prevalence and correlates identified in the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors.

The Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (GSSAB) is an international survey of various aspects of sex and relationships among adults aged 40-80 y. An analysis of GSSAB data was performed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of sexual problems in 13,882 women and 13,618 men from 29 countries. The overall response rate was modest; however, the estimates of prevalence of sexual problems are comparable with published values. Several factors consistently elevated the likelihood of sexual problems. Age was an important correlate of lubrication difficulties among women and of several sexual problems, including a lack of interest in sex, the inability to reach orgasm, and erectile difficulties among men. We conclude that sexual difficulties are relatively common among mature adults throughout the world. Sexual problems tend to be more associated with physical health and aging among men than women.

Help-seeking behaviour for sexual problems: the global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors.

The Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (GSSAB) investigated various aspects of sex and relationships among 27,500 men and women aged 40-80 years. Here, we report help-seeking behaviours for sexual problems in this population. A questionnaire was administered using the accepted survey method in each country. Although almost half of all sexually active respondents had experienced at least one sexual problem, less than 19% of them (18.0% of men and 18.8% of women) had attempted to seek medical help for their problem(s). The most frequent action taken by men and women was to talk to their partner (39%). Only 9% of men and women had been asked about their sexual health by a doctor in a routine visit during the past 3 years. Although sexual problems are highly prevalent, few men and women seek medical help for these problems. Overall, men and women show similar help-seeking behaviours.

Sexual dysfunction in the United States: prevalence and predictors.

CONTEXT: While recent pharmacological advances have generated increased public interest and demand for clinical services regarding erectile dysfunction, epidemiologic data on sexual dysfunction are relatively scant for both women and men. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction across various social groups and examine the determinants and health consequences of these disorders. DESIGN: Analysis of data from the National Health and Social Life Survey, a probability sample study of sexual behavior in a demographically representative, 1992 cohort of US adults. PARTICIPANTS: A national probability sample of 1749 women and 1410 men aged 18 to 59 years at the time of the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction as well as negative concomitant outcomes. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent for women (43%) than men (31%) and is associated with various demographic characteristics, including age and educational attainment. Women of different racial groups demonstrate different patterns of sexual dysfunction. Differences among men are not as marked but generally consistent with women. Experience of sexual dysfunction is more likely among women and men with poor physical and emotional health. Moreover, sexual dysfunction is highly associated with negative experiences in sexual relationships and overall well-being. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that sexual dysfunction is an important public health concern, and emotional problems likely contribute to the experience of these problems.