ObjectiveTo seek experimental evidence of epidermal barrier dysfunction in psoriasis,and to provide a basis for adjuvant therapy of psoriasis.MethodsPhysiometric methods were used to determine the value of sebum content,transepidermal water loss(TEWL) and water content of stratum corneum in 60 patients with psoriasis and 48 normal human controls.The ultrastructure of lamellar bodies was observed with transmission electron microscopy,and the expression of acid ceramidase in normal skin and psoriatic lesions was detected by using immunohistochemical techniques.ResultsCompared with the normal skin,TEWL value was increased(P ＜ 0.01),but water content of stratum corneum decreased(P ＜ 0.01 ) in psoriatic lesions,and sebum content was similar between normal skin and psoriatic lesions.As electron microscopy showed,lamellar bodies in keratinocytes were reduced in number with a disorganized arrangement and irregular size in psoriatic lesions.The expression of acid ceramidase also decreased in psoriatic epidermis.Conclusions The function of epidermal barrier in psoriasis is impaired,and to restore epidermal barrier function and enhance hydration may serve as an important adjuvant therapy of psoriasis.

Objective To evaluate the effects of Prinsepia utilis Royle oil (PURO) on the synthesis of ceramide and expression of acid ceramidase N-acylsphingosine amidohydrolase 1 (ASH1),and to explore the mechanisms underlying its moisturizing and skin barrier-repairing effects.Methods Keratinocytes from human foreskin tissue were classified into 2 groups to be cultured in keratinocyte-serum free medium (K-SFM) with or without the presence of PURO.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the level of ceramide in the culture supernatant of keratinocytes at 0,3,8,24 and 48 hours.The back of nude mice was divided into 4 areas,i.e.,test area,matrix area,blank control area and negative control area.Acetone and ether were used to destroy the epidermal barrier in the test,matrix,and blank control areas,then,the former 2 areas were topically treated with emulsions containing 1％ PURO and matrix,respectively,and the blank control area remained untreated.The epidermal barrier remained intact and untreated in the negative control area.Noninvasive methods were used to determine transepidermal water loss (TEWL),epidermal moisture content and skin lipid content in these areas on day 0,1,3,and 7.Skin tissue was obtained from these areas on day 0 and 7 followed by an immunohistochemical study for the quantification of ASH1 expression.Results The level of supernatant ceramide increased with time in the PURO-treated keratinocytes,which was significantly higher at 24 hours and 48 hours than at 0 hour (1.3817 ± 0.100 and 1.3737 ± 0.047 vs.0.7630 ± 0.143,both P ＜ 0.05).The supernatant ceramide was also elevated in the PURO-treated keratinocytes compared with untreated keratinocytes at 24 and 48 hours (both P ＜ 0.05).Noninvasive skin tests showed a gradual decrease in the TEWL,but an increase in the epidermal moisture content and skin lipid content with time in the 3 epidermal barrier-destroyed areas.As far as the test area was concerned,TEWL value was significantly lower on day 3 and 7 than on day 0 (10.85 ± 0.64 and 8.01 ± 0.58 vs.12.65 ± 0.71,both P ＜ 0.05),while a significant increment was observed in the skin lipid content on day 3 and 7 compared with day 0 (29.14 ± 0.40 and 31.30 ± 0.88 vs.27.02 ± 0.65,both P ＜ 0.05),as well as in the epidermal moisture content on day 1,3 and 7 compared with day 0 (13.98 ± 0.28,15.00 ± 0.38 and 15.86 ± 0.18 vs.11.74 ± 0.62,all P＜ 0.05).On day 7,there was a statistical decline in TEWL value,but an elevation in epidermal moisture content,skin lipid content and ASH1 expression in the test area compared with the matrix area and blank control area (all P ＜ 0.05).Also,the expression of ASH1 was upregulated on day 7 compared with day 0 in the 3 barrier-destroyed areas (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion PURO may exert skin-moisturizing and barrier-repairing effects by enhancing the synthesis of ceramide and expression of acid ceramidase ASH1.

Objective To investigate the correlation of epidermal distribution of lamellar bodies and expression of ceramidase with skin barrier dysfunction in polymorphous light eruption.Methods Forty-seven patients with polymorphous light eruption and 40 healthy volunteers were recruited into this study.Noninvasive instruments were used to measure skin sebum content,transepidermal water loss(TEWL)and water content in stratum corneum in all of the subjects.Then,tissue specimens were obtained from the lesions at sunexposed sites in the patients and normal skin of the healthy volunteers.The ultrastructure and distribution of lamellar bodies were observed with transmission electron microscopy in five lesion and control specimens.Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of ceramidase in the tissue specimens.Results Compared with the normal skin from healthy volunteers,the lesions from patients showed decreased number of lamellar bodies in the granular layer and prick cell layer with a disorganized arrangement.Ceramidase was positively expressed in 20 lesion specimens and 36 normal control specimens,weakly expressed in 21 lesion specimens and 4 normal control specimens,and negative in 6 lesion specimens; there was a significant difference in the expression of ceramidase between the lesion specimens and normal control specimens(P ＜ 0.01).The lesions also showed high TEWL(34.2191 ± 12.70 vs.16.8350 ± 6.50,P ＜ 0.01),lower water content in stratum corneum(22.7319 ± 8.71 vs.29.4250 ± 5.08,P ＜ 0.01)and similar skin sebum content compared with the normal skin.Conclusions There is a disturbance in the synthesis of ceramide in patients with polymorphous light eruption,which may contribute to the impairment of skin barrier.

Objective To characterize the skin physiology function of patients with ache and to facilitate its treatment. Methods Sixty patients with acne (20 males and 40 females) and 60 healthy human controls (20 males and 40 females) were included into this study. The average age of patients and controls was 23.4 years and 25.1 years, respectively. Sebumeter was used to detect the sebum secretion in the following areas: forehead, nose, right and left cheeks, Cutometer(R) MPA580 to measure the skin elasticity, and Scalar Moisture Checker to test the skin hydration on right and left cheeks. Results A significant increase was observed in the level of sebum secretion in the T-zones (199.98±58.21 μg/cm2 vs 117.55±63.16 μg/cm2, t=7.34, P<0.05) as well as in the cheeks(154.45±55.06 μg/cm2 vs 87.50±47.36 μg/cm2, t=7.14, P< 0.05) in the patients compared with the controls. However, the level of skin elasticity and hydration was of no significant difference between the patients and controls (0.7931±0.0755R vs 0.7882±0.0498R, 30.75%±3.87% vs 30.94%±2.91%, respectively, both P>0.05). Conclusion Facial sebum secretion is increased in patients with acne.

Objective To investigate the relationship of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 with the occurrence of chloasma.Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from 40 patients with chloasma and 40 healthy human controls,and skin samples were also collected from the lesions of 10 of the patients and normal skin of 10 of the healthy controls.Real time (RT)-PCR was performed to measure the mRNA expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 in skin lesions and blood samples.An immunohistochemical test was conducted to observe the expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 in skin lesions.Statistical analysis was carried out by t test.Results The expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNAs were both significantly higher in skin lesions of the patients than in normal skin of the controls (9.72 ± 2.93 vs.5.10 ± 2.69,t =3.67,P＜ 0.01; 9.52 ± 2.88 vs.4.77 ± 1.90,t =4.36,P＜ 0.01),while no significant difference was found in the mRNA expressions of TLR2 or TLR4 in peripheral blood between the patients and controls (both P ＞ 0.05).As the immunohistochemical test revealed,TLR2 was absent in both the epidermis and vascular endothelial cells in 6 normal control skin samples,weakly expressed in the basal layer of the epidermis but absent in vascular endothelial cells in 4 normal skin samples,and no TLR4 expression was observed in either the epidermis or vascular endothelial cells in these control skin samples.Among the 10 skin samples from chloasma lesions,3 showed TLR2 expression in the whole epidermis,7 in both basal cell layer and prickle cell layer but not in vascular endothelial cells in the superficial dermal layer,all showed strong TLR4 expression in the basal cell layer and weak TLR4 expression in the prickle cell layer,and 3 exhibited TLR4 expression in vascular endothelial cells in the superficial dermal layer.Conclusion TLR-mediated immune responses in local skin might be related to the occurrence of chloasma.

Objective To investigate the effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on the healing of skin ulcers using Balb/c mice. Methods Wounds with a diameter 6 mm were created on each side of the backs of BalB/c mice ( n = 150) using a punch bioptome. The mice were assigned randomly into a control group ( wounds healed naturally), a laser group (wounds treated with a He-Ne laser for 10 min daily) and a CAP group (wounds treated with CAP for 10 min daily). Wound healing was evaluated on postoperative days (PODs) 4, 7, 10 and 14 in terms of percent wound closure. Ten mice per group were sacrificed on each of the evaluation days. Both wounds were removed and a histological examination was conducted. A scoring system was used to evaluate the wounds. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) in the wounded tissue was detected by using immunohistochemical methods on POD 7. The results were quantified using an HPIAS-1000 system. Results Compared with the control group, the average percentage of wound healing was significantly greater in the CAP group on PODs 7 and 10. The average scores on the histological examination were significantly higher in the CAP group on PODs 7, 10 and 14. Compared with the other two groups, the expression of VEGF was up-regulated significantly in the CAP group.Conclusions CAP can positively affect the wound healing process. This might be related to the up-regulation of VEGF in the wounded tissues.

Objective:To analyze the change of bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women,and to study the relationship between BMD and the estrogen,cytokines,and serum levels of bone metabolism.Methods: 135 postmenopausal women were divided into the OP group (n=54),Osteopenia group (n=43) and normal group (n=38) according to the results of lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) scan.To detected the concentration of serum estradiol (E2),bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (BGP),tartrate resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRAP-5b),interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α),transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) and IL-10 of research objects in the three groups.And to analyze the relationship between BMD and the levels of E2,BALP,BGP,TRAP-5b,IL-6,TNF-α,TGF-β1 and IL-10.Results: In the OP group and the Osteopenia group,BMD and the levels of E2,TGF-β1 and IL-10 were obviously lower than that in the normal group (P<0.05),and the levels of BALP,BGP,TRAP-5b,IL-6 and TNF-α were obviously higher than that in the normal group (P<0.05).When compared with the Osteopenia group,the BMD and E2 level in the OP group was more lower (P<0.05),and the levels of BALP,BGP,TRAP-5b,IL-6 and TNF-α were more higher (P<0.05).E2 and TGF-β1 showed the significant positive correction with BMD (P<0.05),and the BALP,BGP,TRAP-5b,IL-6 and TNF-α were all negatively corrected with BMD (P<0.05).However,no significant difference of relevance was seen between IL-10 and BMD (P>0.05).The low serum E2 levels and high serum levels of BALP,BGP,TRAP-5b,IL-6 and TNF-α were the independent factors affecting the reduction of BMD (P<0.05).Conclusion: The E2 level in patients with PMOP decreased obviously,which caused the imbalance of bone remodeling and inflammatory reaction,and which was related to the decrease of BMD.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a sodium hyaluronate-containing dressing for skin wound healing after Q-switched laser therapy.Methods Sixty-six patients with facial pigmentary disorders were enrolled in this study.After treatment with Q-switched laser,the patients were randomly and equally divided into three groups to apply a sodium hyaluronate-containing dressing,a thermal spring water-containing facial mask and a distilled water-containing facial mask respectively.The dressing or facial masks were externally applied to the face for 15 minutes once immediately after the laser therapy,then,once every night for 14 consecutive days.Inflammatory responses,such as erythema,edema and burning sensation,were measured semi-quantitatively on day 1,3,7 and 14 separately after the laser therapy.The time for skin wound healing and degree of patients' satisfaction were compared among these groups by chi-square test and rank sum test,respectively.Results The sodium hyaluronate-containing dressing and thermal spring watercontaing facial mask were superior to the distilled water-containing facial mask in the improvement of erythema,edema and burning sensation after the laser therapy (all P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the patients applying the thermal spring water-containg facial mask and those applying the distilled water-containing facial mask,those applying the sodium hyaluronate-containing dressing felt better,with significantly increased skin cleanliness,humidity,smoothness,confort degree and overall satisfaction (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The sodium hyaluronate-containing dressing is effective for improving acute inflammatory responses and increasing skin cleanliness,humidity and smoothness after laser therapy.

ObjectiveTo study serum proteomic fingerprints of colorectal cancer during onset and progression and to screen tumor markers related to prognosis.Methods Serum from colorectal cancer patients, non-cancer patients, and healthy control were profiled using WCX ProteinChip or magnetic beads and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Results Seven protein peaks were found related to colorectal cancer. Several peaks were closely related to lymph node metastasis, distal organ metastasis and decreased after surgery. The diagnostic model composed of 3398.3、5477.1、8453.9 u can detect CEA negative colorectal cancer in 100%. Conclusion Protein fingerprinting technology (PFT) in conjunction with bioinformatics can significantly identify novel biomarkers in the serum of colorectal cancer patients with potential values for prognostic evaluation, detection of CEA negative colorectal cancer and changing its progression.

Objective To investigate the effect of recombinant murine interleukin-23(rIL-23)on systemic candidiasis in a murine model.Methods A cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed murine model of systemic candidiasis was established.The mice were divided into control group and rIL-23 treatment group.Colony forming units(CFU)of the kidney and spleen were determined by using plating dilution method.The histopathological changes and degree of infection of the kidney and spleen were graded.Meanwhile,the levels of interferon gamma(IFN-γ)in the spleen were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results On the 2nd,3rd and 7th day after Candida albicans infection the number of CFU of the fungi in the kidney in the control group was significantly greater than that in rIL-23 treatment group(P＜0.01).The number of CFU of the fungi on the 2nd,3rd and 7th day after Candida albicans infection in the spleen in control group was also greater than that in rIL-23 treatment group,but without statistically significant difference(P＞0.05).The scores of histopathological changes in the kidney in rIL-23 treatment group were lower than those in control group(P＜0.01),and the degree of infection was milder in rIL-23 treatment group.The scores of histopathological changes in the spleen in rIL-23 treatment group were also lower than those in control group,but without statistically significant difference(P＞0.05).The levels of IFN-γ in the spleen on the 2nd,3rd and 7th day after infection in rIL-23 treatment group were significantly higher than those in control group(P＜0.01).Conclusion rIL-23 has protective effect on murine systemic candidiasis.