Vitamin D Receptor Expression in Chronic Plaque Psoriasis Before and After Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy.

Background/Purpose: Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease. It is a combination of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear receptor that regulates epidermal cell growth through the inhibition of proliferation and induction of keratinocytes terminal differentiation. Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) therapy on VDR expression in the skin of psoriasis patients. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with different severities of psoriasis were assessed using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score. Lesional and non-lesional skin biopsies were obtained from each patient before NB-UVB therapy, and then a third lesional biopsy was performed after completing 24 sessions of NB-UVB. Immunohistochemistry for VDR was performed on all specimens. Results: There was a significant decrease in VDR expression in psoriatic lesions compared to that in non-lesional skin before treatment. A statistically negative correlation was detected between the degree of VDR expression before treatment and PASI score, family history, and duration of psoriasis. There was a significant increase in VDR expression at the sites of psoriasis lesions post-NB-UVB therapy compared to pretreatment lesional skin. Conclusion: VDR expression was down-regulated in psoriatic lesions compared to non-lesional skin, and NB-UVB therapy improved VDR expression in psoriasis skin lesions.

Safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma vs carboxytherapy in the treatment of atrophic scars: A comparative clinical and histopathological study.

Atrophic scars that occur after surgical procedure or trauma are considered as a cosmetic problem for patients. Atrophic scarring results usually during wound healing with inadequate production of collagen and connective tissue. Factors that precipitate to the formation of depressed scars include: individual variations in wound healing, wound tension, tissue apposition, and scar contraction. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of PRP vs carboxytherapy in treatment of atrophic scars. This study included 40 patients with atrophic scars divided into two groups; group A including 20 patients received PRP injection, group B including 20 patients received CO2 injection. They received the treatment every 4 weeks for four sessions and had follow up for 6 months after the end of treatment. Skin biopsies were taken before and after treatment to evaluate clinical results. There was statistically significant difference between both groups in treating atrophic scars, regarding clinical improvement and patients' satisfaction with better results in group B. Histopathological examination showed significant expression of MMP-1 in group B more than group A. Both methods were safe and effective with minimal side effects with better improvement in patients treated with carboxytherapy than those treated with PRP.

Dermoscopic features of acral pigmented lesions in Egyptian patients: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Dermoscopy is a non-invasive technique allowing rapid and magnified in vivo observation of the skin. The anatomical structure of acral volar skin results in unique dermoscopic features in this location. OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the characteristic dermoscopic features of various kinds of acral pigmented lesions and emphasize the diagnostic value of the dermoscope in early melanoma at this anatomic site in a sample of Egyptians. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 200 patients with 224 acral pigmented lesions. Dermoscopic examination was done to evaluate different dermoscopic patterns of these lesions. Clinically and dermoscopically suspicious lesions for malignancy were selected for more evaluation by histopathological examination by hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS: The most frequent dermoscopic pattern was the parallel furrow pattern, (66.1%), followed by the lattice-like (8.9%), homogeneous (7.6%), fibrillar (6.3%), non-typical (5.4%), and then parallel ridge (2.2%). The least commonly reported patterns in our cases were the reticular and globular patterns (1.8% each). There was one case of acral lentiginous melanoma of the palm with a multicomponent dermoscopic pattern. CONCLUSION: The recognition of different dermoscopic patterns is essential for diagnosis of various types of acral pigmented lesions. In addition, dermoscopy is useful in discriminating between acral nevi and early acral melanoma and narrows down the number of biopsies needed.

Autologus bone marrow stem cells in atrophic acne scars: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Acne scar is a very distressing and difficult problem for physicians and patients. Management of cutaneous scarring from acne can be challenging and confusing. The available modalities may be effective, having considerable morbidity and long downtime. Besides, they may not have the same efficacy in different skin types or acne scar types. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow (BM) stem cells (SCs) in treating atrophic acne scars. METHODS: Fourteen patients with moderate to severe atrophic acne scars were included. All patients were subjected to single session of autologous BMSCs therapy. Each patient received 5 µg/kg/day granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) as a single subcutaneous dose for 2 successive days before BM aspiration. The SC-containing solution was injected under each scar intradermally. The scars of the patients were clinically assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively before and after 6 months. The patients were given a preformed questionnaire Cardiff acne disability index (CADI) before and after treatment. RESULTS: After 6 months of the injection, there was significant improvement in the qualitative grading, quantitative grading and CADI scores. All types of scars showed significant improvement. No significant adverse effects were reported in any patient. CONCLUSION: Autologous BMSCs seem to be a safe and effective treatment option for the management of all types of atrophic facial acne scars.