In this study we successfully prepared desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3 DNA probes by incorporation of Dig-dUTP during PCR amplification. Eleetrophoresis analysis showed that Dig labelled probes moved slower on the gel than PCR products not incorporated with Dig due to the enlargement of probe fragment. The results of Dot-blot showed that the prepared probes can be used for RNA analysis, and both probes have high specificity, The results provided basis for the quantitative and qualitative study of desmoglein gene expression in tissues or cells by means of in situ hybridization and Northern hybridization etc.

Objective To study the expression and regulation of interleukin 15 (IL 15) in epidermal keratinocytes. Methods The expression of IL 15 mRNA in cultured normal human keratinocytes (NHKs) and human squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HSC 5) was analysed, and the effect of dexamethasone on IL 15 mRNA expression was studied by using RT PCR and Northern blotting technique. Results The results showed that both NHKs and HSC 5 expressed IL 15 constitutively. The level of IL 15 mRNA was significantly decreased after the cells were cultured with 10 -6 M dexamethasone. Conclusion It is suggested that keratinocyte derived IL 15 might be involved in the development of certain inflammatory skin diseases.

0.05). Conclusions Solcoderm is a simple, safe, and efficient method for the treatment of verruca vulgaris.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between desmosome-related proteins and epidermal tumors. Methods Using anti-desmoglein 1 and 2 monoclonal antibodies, expression of desmoglein 1 and 2 was examined by an immunohistochem ical staining method in various epidermal tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), actinic keratosis(AK), keratoacanthoma(KA) and seborrhoeic keratosis(SK). Results Desmoglein 1 and 2 were strongly expressed in intercellular space of wh ole epidermis in normal human skin. Expression of desmoglein 1 and 2 was markedl y reduced or absent in SCC cells. Compared with normal epidermal cells, expressi on of desmoglein 1 and 2 was equal to or reduced,with complete absence of stain ing in dysplastic areas in AK cells. Extensive pericellur staining of desmoglein 1 and 2 was found in KA and SK cells, similar to that observed in normal epider mis. Conclusion Expression of desmoglein 1 and 2 is markedly reduced or absent i n human malignant epidermal cancers, reduction of these molecules may contribute to invasiveness and metastasis of epidermal carcinomas.

Oral mucositis, a severe oral ulceration, is a common toxic effect of radio- or chemoradio-therapy and a limiting factor to using the maximum dose of radiation for effective cancer treatment. Among cancer patients, at least 40% and up to 70%, of individuals treated with standard chemotherapy regimens or upper-body radiation, develop oral mucositis. To date, there is no FDA approved drug to treat oral mucositis in cancer patients. The key challenges for oral mucositis treatment are to repair and protect ulcerated oral mucosa without promoting cancer cell growth. Oral mucositis is the result of complex, multifaceted pathobiology, involving a series of signaling pathways and a chain of interactions between the epithelium and submucosa. Among those pathways and interactions, the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is critical to the inflammation process of oral mucositis. We recently found that activation of TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) signaling is associated with the development of oral mucositis. Smad7, the negative regulator of TGFβ signaling, inhibits both NF-κB and TGFβ activation and thus plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis by attenuating growth inhibition, apoptosis, and inflammation while promoting epithelial migration. The major objective of this review is to evaluate the known functions of Smad7, with a particular focus on its molecular mechanisms and its function in blocking multiple pathological processes in oral mucositis.
Animals ; Humans ; Mouth Diseases ; metabolism ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Smad7 Protein ; metabolism ; Stomatitis ; metabolism ; pathology ; prevention & control

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of5%imiquimod cream in the top-ical treatment of condyloma acuminatum(CA).Methods A randomized,double-blind,parallel placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted.The test drug was topically used in CA patients,three times a week for8weeks.Patients whose warts cleared completely were followed up for one month to determine recurrence rates.Results Two hundred fifty-eight patients with anogenital warts were enrolled into this trial.One hun-dred twenty-nine patients were randomly selected to receive5%imiquimod cream;129patients were ran-domly chosen to receive placebo cream.Results showed that the cure rates were12.30%,32.79%,50%,60.66%respectively in study group for2,4,6,8weeks and were4.88%,14.63%,19.51%,26.02%respec-tively in control group for2,4,6,8weeks(P