No Abstract available.
Infection Control*

BACKGROUND: Defensin, a major family of antimicrobial peptides, is small cationic, cysteine rich peptides with wide range of antimicrobial activity against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, fungi, yeast, and virus. Expression of human defensin-2 is upregulated by bacteria, virus, fungus and pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, this peptide was found to be only bacteriostatic, but not bactericidal, against the Gram positive bacteria. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate human defensin-2 (hBD-2) expression after exposure of human skin keratinocytes to the cell wall component of Gram positive bacteria such as lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan(PEN), and to compare quantitatively the amount of expression with that after their exposure to the cell wall component of Gram negative bacteria. METHODS: Expression of hBD-2 was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry(IHC). RESULTS: 1. In RT-PCR results, the amount of hBD-2 expression after exposure to LPS was larger than those of PEN and LTA at 6 and 12 hours (p=0.02). At 24 hours, hBD-2 expression showed a peak in PEN stimulated group (p=0.09). 2. In Western blot analysis, hBD-2 expressions, when treated with PEN and LTA, were stronger than that treated with LPS at 6 and 12 hours. 3. In IHC, hBD-2 was stained much stronger in LPS stimulated group than PEN or LTA stimulated groups at 12 hours. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that exposure of human skin keratinocytes to the cell wall components of Gram positive bacteria such as LTA and PEN triggered production of hBD-2 in addition to the cell wall component of Gram negative bacteria such as LPS, however, the amounts of expression were relatively stronger in LPS treated group.
Bacteria ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Wall ; Cysteine ; Cytokines ; Fungi ; Gram-Negative Bacteria ; Gram-Positive Bacteria ; Humans* ; Keratinocytes ; Peptides ; Peptidoglycan* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcription ; Skin ; Thiram ; Yeasts

BACKGROUND: Malassezia is considered as major factor in dandruff of human scalp. OBJECTIVE: In order to develop an antimicrobial agent, bamboo oil was extracted by high temperture suction from dried bamboo truk abd then antimicrobial activities against Malassezia are investigated. METHODS: Minimum inhibitory concentration and antimicrobial activity were measured in Malassezia species. RESULTS: 1. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the Bamboo (Phyllosrachys bambusoides) Essential Oil Malassezia furfur standard, Malassezia furfur patient, Malassezia sympodialis standard, Malassezia sympodialis patient, Malassezia dermatis standard, Malassezia dermatis patient were 10 microliter/ml, 5 microliter/ml, 5 microliter/ml, 10 microliter/ml, 5 microliter/ml and 10 microliter/ml respectively. 2. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the Itraconazole Malassezia furfur standard, Malassezia furfur patient, Malassezia sympodialis standard, Malassezia sympodialis patient, Malassezia dermatis standardntia, Malassezia dermatis patient were 10 microgram/ml, 10 microgram/ml, 10 microgram/ml, 0.1 microgram/ml, 1 microgram/ml, and 0.01 microgram/ml, respectively. 3. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the ketoconazole Malassezia furfur standard, Malassezia furfur patient, Malassezia sympodialis standard, Malassezia sympodialis patient, Malassezia dermatis standard, Malassezia dermatis patient were 0.01 microgram/ml, 10 microgram/ml, 10 microgram/ml, 0.1 microgram/ml, 0.01 microgram/ml, and 0.01 microgram/ml, respectively. 4. Malassezia furfur standard, Malassezia furfur patient, Malassezia sympodialis patient and Malassezia dermatis patient showed the strongest antimicrobial effect on bamboo oil > ketoconazole > itraconazole. 5. Malassezia sympodialis standard, Malassezia sympodialis patient and Malassezia dermatis standard strongest antimicrobial effect on ketoconazole > bamboo oil > itraconazole. CONCLUSION: Bamboo oil might be applied as antidandruff treatment modality by its anti-malassezial effect.
Humans ; Itraconazole ; Ketoconazole ; Malassezia ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Scalp ; Suction

Defensins and cathelicidins (LL-37) are major antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of the innate immune system of the human skin. In normal non-inflamed skin these peptides are negligible, but their expression can be markedly increased in inflammatory skin disease such as psoriasis. We designed this study to identify the expressions of LL-37 in normal human keratinocyte (NHK) and HaCaT cells after exposure to stimulants and to investigate difference of LL-37 expression accompanied with cell differentiation status, and come to understand difference of susceptibility to infection in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Expressions of LL-37 in NHKs and HaCaT cells were evaluated by using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining at 6, 12, and 24 hr post stimulation after exposure to Ultraviolet B irradiation and lipopolysaccharide. And expression of LL-37 in skin biopsy specimens from patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. In time-sequential analyses of LL-37 expression revealed that LL-37 was expressed in NHKs, but not in HaCaT cells. IHC analysis confirmed the presence of abundant LL-37 in the epidermis of psoriasis. Therefore we deduced that expression of LL-37 is affected by UV irradiation, bacterial infection, and status of cell differentiation.
Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/analysis/*genetics ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Cells, Cultured ; Comparative Study ; Defensins/analysis/genetics ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Gene Expression/drug effects/radiation effects ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Keratinocytes/cytology/*metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology ; Male ; RNA, Messenger/genetics/metabolism ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Skin/cytology/metabolism ; Skin Diseases/*genetics/metabolism/pathology

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in the second trimester Quad test markers in patients who subsequently developed preeclampsia depending on the disease onset time and the presence of fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on 66 women with severe preeclampsia and 345 controls who were delivered at Dong-A University hospital and Ilsin Christian Hospital from January 2006 to December 2008. Severe preeclampsia patients were grouped according to with (n=30) or without (n=36) FGR. Severe preeclampsia patients were also grouped according to early onset (n=16) or late onset (n=50) The levels of the second trimester human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), inhibin-A, unconjugated estriol (uE3), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were compared in each group. RESULTS: In the pregnancies that subsequently developed severe preeclampsia, the second trimester hCG, inhibin-A and AFP were significantly higher than the controls. We found that levels of hCG, inhibin-A in severe preeclampsia complicated by FGR were significantly higher than those without FGR. We also found that levels of AFP and inhibin-A in early onset severe preeclampsia were significantly higher than late onset severe preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: The levels of second trimester Quad test markers in patients that subsequently developed severe preeclampsia were different according to with or without FGR and onset time.
Adenine ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; Carbamates ; Chorionic Gonadotropin ; Deoxycytidine ; Drug Combinations ; Estriol ; Female ; Fetal Development ; Humans ; Organophosphonates ; Pre-Eclampsia ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Quinolones ; Retrospective Studies ; Thiazoles ; Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Drug Combination

PURPOSE: To evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of ganglionic cysts related to thescapula. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 15 ganglionic cysts diagnosed by MR imaging in 14pa-tients who subsequently underwent surgical excision (n=8) or needle aspiration (n=1). Five other patients whoselesion-related symptoms were not too severe to manage underwent conservative treatment. We ana-lyzed MR findingswith regard to the size, shape and presence of internal septa, the location and signal intensity of the lesion,and associated findings such as change of rotator cuff muscle, labral tear and bone erosion. We also evaluated thepresence of tear of rotator cuff tendon, tendinosis, and subacromial enthesophyte. RESULTS: The diameter ofganglionic cysts was 0.5 -5.5 (mean, 2.8)cm, and they were round (n=2), ovoid (n=6), or elongated (n=7). Whereinternal septa were present (n=13), cysts were lobulated. Lesions were located in both scapular and spinoglenoidnotches (n=9), only in the scapular notch (n=2), only in the spinoglenoid notch (n=2) or within the bone (n=2). Ineleven cases they were very close to the superoposterior aspect of the glenoid labrum (n=11). On T1-weightedimages, all lesions were seen to be iso- or hypointense to mus-cle, while on T2-weighted images, they werehyperintense, resembling joint fluid (n=14), except in one patient with hemorrhage. Associated findings were edemaof the infraspinatus muscle (n=4), pressure erosion of the scapular neck (n=1), and labral tear (n=1). A tornsupraspinatus tendon (n=2), supraspinatus tendinosis(n=3), and subacromial enthesophyte (n=2) were also present.CONCLUSION: MR imaging was helpful in diagnosing ganglionic cysts and detecting associated lesions.
Ganglion Cysts* ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Joints ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neck ; Needles ; Retrospective Studies ; Rotator Cuff ; Scapula* ; Tendinopathy ; Tendons

BACKGROUND: Trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid (tranexamic acid) has recently been reported to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and hinder the pigmentation caused after UV radiation. OBJECTIVE: we evaluated the influence of tranexamic acid on the viability, morphogenesis and melanization of cultured normal human melanocytes. METHOD: The cultured melanocytes from neonatal foreskin were exposed to UVB 20mJ/cm2, then treated with tranexamic acid [0.05microgram/ml, 0.05microgram/ml, and 0.5microgram/ml]. After 24 hours, the viability of melanocytes and the melanin concentration was measured. The number and length of the melanocytes' dendrites, and the expression level of tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 were also evaluated. RESULTS: The viability of the melanocytes was decreased by tranexamic acid in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). The increased melanin synthesis by UVB irradiation was decreased by tranexamic acid in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). Also, the increased expressions of TRP-1, TRP-2 and tyrosinase after exposure to UV were statistically decreased by tranexamic acid in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: tranexamic acid may prevents UVB induced pigmentation.
Dendrites ; Foreskin ; Humans* ; Melanins ; Melanocytes* ; Monophenol Monooxygenase ; Morphogenesis ; Pigmentation ; Tranexamic Acid

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common, acquired, symmetrical hypermelanosis that occurs on sun exposed areas of the skin. It is more prevalent among Asian women than among Caucasian women. Many different treatment modalities have been used with various efficacies, but none of them have been completely satisfactory. Arbutin is a naturally occurring gluconopyranoside that may reduce tyrosinase activity, which is a rate-limiting enzyme for melanin production. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the depigmenting effect and safety of a mask that contains 2% arbutin for the treatment of melasma. METHODS: A total of 54 female volunteers with melasma were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, 8-week treatment study. The patients were instructed to apply an arbutin-containing mask or an arbutin-free mask once a day for 8 weeks. The assessment of outcomes included the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, colorimetric value (L*), overall patient satisfaction and investigator assessment score (evaluated using photography). RESULTS: The arbutin-containing mask significantly increased the right and left colorimetric values (L*) after the 8-week treatment (p<0.05) compared to the arbutin-free mask. The MASI score was decreased more in the arbutin mask group (p>0.05). The arbutin mask scored better than the control in patient satisfaction and investigator assessment. No significant adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSION: The arbutin mask appears to be effective and well-tolerated when used for the treatment of melasma.
Arbutin ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogel ; Hyperpigmentation ; Masks ; Melanins ; Melanosis ; Monophenol Monooxygenase ; Patient Satisfaction ; Research Personnel ; Skin ; Solar System

Patients with systemic rheumatic diseases (SRD) are vulnerable for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Korean College of Rheumatology recognized the urgent need to develop recommendations for rheumatologists and other physicians to manage patients with SRD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The working group was organized and was responsible for selecting key health questions, searching and reviewing the available literature, and formulating statements. The appropriateness of the statements was evaluated by voting panels using the modified Delphi method. Four general principles and thirteen individual recommendations were finalized through expert consensus based on the available evidence. The recommendations included preventive measures against COVID-19, medicinal treatment for stable or active SRD patients without COVID-19, medicinal treatment for SRD patients with COVID-19, and patient evaluation and monitoring. Medicinal treatments were categorized according to the status with respect to both COVID-19 and SRD. These recommendations should serve as a reference for individualized treatment for patients with SRD. As new evidence is emerging, an immediate update will be required.

Patients with systemic rheumatic diseases (SRD) are vulnerable for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Korean College of Rheumatology recognized the urgent need to develop recommendations for rheumatologists and other physicians to manage patients with SRD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The working group was organized and was responsible for selecting key health questions, searching and reviewing the available literature, and formulating statements. The appropriateness of the statements was evaluated by voting panels using the modified Delphi method. Four general principles and thirteen individual recommendations were finalized through expert consensus based on the available evidence. The recommendations included preventive measures against COVID-19, medicinal treatment for stable or active SRD patients without COVID-19, medicinal treatment for SRD patients with COVID-19, and patient evaluation and monitoring. Medicinal treatments were categorized according to the status with respect to both COVID-19 and SRD. These recommendations should serve as a reference for individualized treatment for patients with SRD. As new evidence is emerging, an immediate update will be required.