Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 3'-untranslated region inducible costimulator gene and the important roles of miRNA in alopecia areata.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) spares the stem cell compartment and attacks only the base of the hair follicle, which is surrounded by infiltrating lymphocytes. AA is associated with polymorphisms in immune-related genes and with decreased function of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cells. Treg function is modulated by the costimulatory molecules, like inducible costimulator (ICOS) that are crucial in orienting T cell differentiation and function so that they strongly impact on the immunologic decision between tolerance or autoimmunity development. Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the possible association of AA with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) present in the ICOS 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) region and to elucidate how SNPs modulate ICOS gene expression by affecting miRNA binding sites. Methods: This is a case-control study performed in 184 patients with AA and 200 controls. ICOS gene and miRNA expression were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The genotype carrying the rs4404254(C) [p = 0.012, OR (95% CI): 0.5 (0.3-0.8)] and rs4675379(C) [p = 0.015, OR (95% CI): 0.3 (0.1-0.8)] 3' UTR alleles was more frequently observed in AA patients than in controls and correlated with a reduced ICOS expression. miR-1276 significantly suppressed ICOS expression by binding to the 3'UTR of ICOS mRNA. Also, we observed that, miR-101 and miR-27b are upregulated, while miR-103 and miR-2355-3p are downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AA patients compared to controls. Conclusion: Our data show that rs4404254 and rs4675379 SNPs of ICOS gene are associated with AA and also reveal that the presence of rs4404254 polymorphism correlates with ICOS post-transcriptional repression by microRNA binding.

A unique case of multiple dermatomyofibromas.

We report on a case of multiple dermatomyofibromas on the posterior neck of a 10-year-old boy. Dermatomyofibroma is a benign proliferation of myofibroblasts of the skin. It is more common in adolescents and young adults, with a female preponderance. It usually appears as a single plaque or nodule. To our knowledge, this is the first case of multiple dermatomyofibromas reported in the literature.

[Experimental survey of a new topical anti-oxidant based on furfuryl palmitate in the treatment of child's and baby's dermatitis with eczema: results from a multicenter clinical investigation]. / Sperimentazione di un nuovo antiossidante topico a base di Furfuril palmitato nel trattamento delle dermatiti eczematose del bambino e del neonato. Risultati di uno studio clinico multicentrico.

In this paper we present the preliminary results of a multi-center clinical investigation carried out on a new topical product (Triderm(R) Lenil+) containing Superoxidodismutase (SOD), 18-beta glycyrrethic acid, Vitamin E, alpha bisabolol and a new patented antioxidant molecule, Furfuryl palmitate. These active agents altogether protect skin from cell damages that promote the inflammatory syndrome; their action is furthermore sustained by agents such as phytosphingosine and phytosterols that act to repair the skin barrier. Furfuryl palmitate is an ester with a strong quenching ability towards the singlet oxygene (1O2) and with a high permeability potential through the biological membranes, thanks to its lipophylic formula. Further than being among the main responsible for skin ageing, the 1O2 is involved in the genesis of many topical pathologies such as allergic and irritant dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, inflammation, psoriasis and sunburns. The product has been extensively tested for its effectiveness and skin tolerability on a selected population of 60 children and babies with age ranging from 2 months to 14 years, suffering mainly with atopic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis. The topical use of the product caused a significant improvement of the inflammatory skin conditions, with evident and fast inflammation and eczema reduction in all the investigated pathologies, as shown in the present study. The product has been formulated in order to avoid any sensitisation risk and did not show any relevant side effect. It is particularly suitable in the treatment of pediatric dermatitis with symptoms like eczema, itching, desquamation and xerosis.

Argon laser treatment of cutaneous multiple angiokeratomas.

BACKGROUND: Angiokeratomas are cutaneous vascular lesions with common clinical and histological features: dark red to black papules and ectasia of upper dermis vessels, respectively. Multiple angiokeratomas are difficult to treat because they are often too extensive for surgery and cautery, procedures frequently leading to hemorrhage and scarring. OBJECTIVE: Our report is designed to evaluate the efficacy of argon laser photocoagulation in the treatment of multiple angiokeratomas. METHODS: Two male patients affected by angiokeratoma circumscriptum and angiokeratoma of Fordyce, respectively, were treated using an argon laser under local anesthesia. The laser beam was used as a hemostyptic and to flatten vascular papules by photocoagulation. RESULTS: The cosmetic results of argon laser treatment were good. Posttreatment crusting lasted 2 weeks; 4 months later there was excellent healing without scarring. CONCLUSION: Angiokeratomas respond favorably to argon laser photocoagulation since vascular ectasias are localized in the papillary dermis. Thus, the argon laser offers significant advantages over traditional methods and produces no side effects.

[Splash rash dermatitis. A case]. / Follicolite da idromassagio ("splash rash dermatitis"). Un caso.

The Authors report a case of a folliculitis developed in a woman who used a spa with hydrojet circulation. This dermatitis is due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can colonizes the closed-cycle water systems.

Falsely elevated urinary level of vanillylmandelic acid induced by griseofulvin.

A 6-year-old girl with mild hepatitis was found to have an elevated urinary level of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), but no cause for the elevation was found. The patient was receiving griseofulvin for treatment of tinea capitis, and this drug was suspected of causing a falsely elevated urinary VMA level. Four other patients receiving griseofulvin were also found to have elevated urinary VMA levels. In one patient, urinary VMA level determined by an alternate method was normal.

Recurrent digital fibromatosis of childhood. An ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study of two cases.

Two cases of recurrent digital fibromatosis of childhood were studied by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, using rabbit anti-actin antisera. The tumor cells were typical myofibroblasts, containing inclusion bodies and bundles of microfilaments. Immunohistochemistry showed the presence of actin in these cells, thus proving the myofibroblastic nature of the tumors. Inclusions were negative or showed a weak annular positivity. A possible explanation of these findings is discussed.