Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene Polymorphisms -765G>C and -1195A>G and Mycosis Fungoides Risk.

BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible modulator of inflammation that acts through increasing prostaglandin levels and has been described as a major mediator linking inflammation to cancer. Previous studies supported that COX-2-765G>C and -1195A>G polymorphisms were associated with increased risk of several solid tissue cancers as well as some hematological malignancies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to elucidate the association between functional COX-2 genotypes (-765G>C and -1195A>G) polymorphisms and the risk of developing mycosis fungoides (MF). METHODS: This was a hospital-based, case-control study of 70 MF patients and 100 MF-free controls. We genotyped COX-2 -1195A>G, -765G>C, and -8473T>C polymorphisms by using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: The AA genotype in the COX-2 -1195A>G gene polymorphism and the GC genotype in the COX-2 -765G>C gene were significantly more frequent among MF patients compared to controls (p< 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: The -results indicate a possible role of COX-2 genes in the pathogenesis of MF. These novel findings may allow for notable future advances, as it will enable the identification of the -individuals most susceptible to MF.

Combination of radiofrequency and intralesional steroids in the treatment of keloids: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: None of therapeutic options for the treatment of keloids has been found completely effective and satisfactory. A combination approach is the best modality. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) followed by intralesional (IL) steroid injection in keloids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This pilot study included 18 patients who were suffering from keloids. All patients were subjected to 3 to 4 sessions of RF followed by IL steroid injection. Assessment of the scar volume and both objective and subjective parameters has been performed before and after completion of the sessions. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction of volume of all lesions in all patients after a total of 3 to 4 sessions (p = .001), with a mean volume reduction of 95.4%. There was a significant reduction of keloid pliability, height, and erythema compared with baseline (p < .001). Patients reported a significant reduction of their subjective symptoms compared with baseline (p < .001). No pain, infection, nor bleeding were reported after the RF procedure. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency tissue volume reduction combined with IL steroid is an effective treatment modality for keloids. It is an easy procedure with acceptable cosmetic outcome and less rate of recurrence.

Deep peeling using phenol versus percutaneous collagen induction combined with trichloroacetic acid 20% in atrophic post-acne scars; a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Deep peeling using phenol and percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) are used in treating acne scars. AIM: To compare deep peeling using phenol and PCI combined with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 20% in treating atrophic acne scars. METHODS: 24 patients with post-acne atrophic scars were randomly divided into two groups; group 1 was subjected to one session of deep peeling using phenol, and group 2 was subjected to four sessions of PCI combined with TCA 20%. As a secondary outcome measure, side effects were recorded and patients were asked to assess their % of improvement by a questionnaire completed 8 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Scar severity scores improved by a mean of 75.12% (p < 0.001) in group 1 and a mean of 69.43% (p < 0.001) in group 2. Comparing the degree of improvement in different types of scars, within the same group after treatment, revealed a significant highest degree of improvement in the rolling type (p = 0.005) in group 2. CONCLUSION: Deep peeling using phenol and PCI with TCA 20% were effective in treating post-acne atrophic scars.

Effect of narrow band ultraviolet B on survivin in psoriatic skin lesions.

BACKGROUND: Suppression of apoptosis is responsible for epidermal thickness in psoriasis. Survivin is an anti-apoptotic protein that can be modulated by ultraviolet B (UVB). AIM: Our aim was to investigate the role of survivin in psoriasis and to evaluate the effect of narrow band (NB)-UVB on the survivin levels in psoriatic lesions. METHODS: This study included 20 psoriatic patients and 20 healthy controls. Patients were treated with 24 sessions of NB-UVB. Skin biopsies were taken from the affected skin of each patient before and after treatment, and from the controls, to examine survivin levels by ELISA. RESULTS: Survivin was significantly upregulated in psoriasis compared to controls (p<0.001). We found significant positive correlations between survivin levels before therapy and the extent of body involvement (r=0.675, p=0.002), as well as the PASI score (r=0.67, p=0.001). A significant decrease in survivin levels was observed post treatment compared to baseline levels (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: We found increased survivin levels in psoriasis and a significant reduction following NB-UVB induced clinical improvement of psoriasis.