Effect of C-xyloside on morphogenesis of the dermal epidermal junction in aged female skin. An ultrastuctural pilot study.

A placebo-controlled randomized pilot study was performed on five postmenopausal women aged from 60 to 75 years. The women applied 320 mg (2 mg/cm(2)) of either placebo or 10% C-ß-D-xylopyranoside-2-hydroxy-propane (C-xyloside) cream to each outer forearm twice daily for 3 months. At the end of the treatment, skin biopsies were collected from application areas on both forearms. Transmission electron microscope examinations revealed skin ultrastructural changes at the dermal epidermal junction (DEJ) after 10% C-xyloside application for 3 months. The morphological appearance of the DEJ showed strong improvements, with more homogeneous and regular lamina densa in the C-xyloside-treated compared to the placebo treated skin areas. The number of zones showing basement membrane re-duplication was indeed strikingly reduced on C-xyloside-treated skin. These ultrastructural results were further confirmed by a statistically significant increase in the expression levels of α6-integrin the and laminin-332, as estimated by immunohistochemistry. Altogether, these data suggest that topical C-xyloside application in vivo may be efficient in inducing a better dermal-epidermal cohesion when such a junction is deficient, as is the case in photo-aged or chronologically aged skin. Moreover, a statistically significant increase in CD44 expression was noted in the epidermis of C-xyloside-treated compared to the placebo treated skin areas.

Superficial venous thrombophlebitis as the initial manifestation of hypereosinophilic syndrome: study of the first 3 cases.

BACKGROUND: Superficial venous thrombophlebitis (SVT), often perceived as benign, can coexist with hypercoagulable states. Predisposing risk factors for SVT are similar to those observed for deep venous thrombosis. Association of eosinophilia with SVT is a rare situation that can reveal neoplasia, malignant blood disorders, or vasculitis, but it has never been described in hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). We herein describe the clinical and biological features, outcome, and response to therapy of 3 patients with SVT associated with eosinophilia that revealed HES. OBSERVATIONS: Superficial venous thrombophlebitis was the initial manifestation of HES in all 3 patients. The mean eosinophil count at diagnosis was 2.4 x 10(3)/muL. All patients received corticosteroids and anticoagulants as the initial treatment, with marked improvement of SVT and return of the eosinophil count to reference limits. All patients experienced relapse and remained dependent on corticosteroid therapy. Two patients received interferon alfa with dramatic regression of SVT, allowing a decrease in the dose of corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: We report, to our knowledge, the first 3 cases of SVT related to HES. Superficial venous thrombophlebitis was difficult to treat, with dependence on corticosteroid therapy and partial efficacy of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. Interferon alfa was effective in preventing relapse of SVT related to HES. Mechanisms implied in this thrombogenesis are multiple and remain speculative.