To identify the developmental characteristics of fetal skin, the expressions of cytokeratine (CK) and epidermal growth factor (EGFR) in fetal skin (12-24 weeks of gestation) were studied immunohistochemically, and the ultrastructure of epidermis was also observed. The Expressions of CK and EGFR were identified in labelled sterptoavidine biotin immunohistochemical method. Primary antibodies used monclonal mouse anti-human CK (DAKO-CK, MF116) and EGFR Ab-4 which is rabbit affinity-purified polyclonal antibody raised against the amino acid residues 1005-1016 (Onc Science). At 12 weeks of gestation the epidermis was composed basal layer and periderm and the cells of both layers were positively stained for CK and EGFR. At 16-18 weeks of gestation, epidermis was composed basal, intermediate, and periderm. The cells of basal layer and periderm were strongly positive for CK, but the cells of intermediate layer showed weak or negative reaction for CK. EGFR immunoreactivity was noted in cells of all three layers, though cells of basal layer were stained relatively weak. At 23-24 weeks of gestation, the epidermis thickened and appeared 6 or more cell layers. Epidermal cells except horny layer were stained positively for CK and EGFR. EGFR immunoreactivity in basal layer, however, was relatively weak compared to those in intermediate layers. Periderm always were reaction-positive for CK and EGFR. The hair follicles, mainly pre-germ stage, were negatively stained for CK and EGFR at 12 weeks of gestation. The hair follicles with various developing stages were positively stained at 16-18 weeks of gestation. At 24 weeks of gestation, inner sheath of hair shaft and sebaceous gland were strongly reacted for CK, but not reacted for EGFR. In electron microscopic study, epidermis was composed of two layers, basal layer and periderm at 12 weeks of gestation. The periderm was composed of basal, intermediate and periderm at 12 weeks of gestation. The periderm was composed of basal, intermediate and periderm layers at 16-18 weeks of gestation. Intermediate cells consisted of 2-3 layers of spinous cells. The granular cells appeared rarely in superficial cells of intermediate layers. At 23-24 weeks of gestation, epidermis consisted of basal, prickle, granular, and horny layers. Periderm cells were locally exfoliated from the hony layer. The results demonstrate the expression of CK and EGFR in skin of human fetus between 12 and 24 weeks of gestation, and suggest that full thickness of epidermis is formed by 24 weeks of gestation.
Animals ; Antibodies ; Biotin ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; Epidermis* ; Fetus* ; Hair ; Hair Follicle ; Humans* ; Keratins ; Methods ; Mice ; Pregnancy ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; Sebaceous Glands ; Skin

BACKGROUND: The distribution of Malassezia yeasts on normal human skin was varied according to the age and race of the volunteers and the methodologies used. In Korea, most reports of Malassezia yeast distribution have relied on direct skin smears rather than culture methods. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to perform a comprehensive survey of the distribution of Malassezia yeasts on normal human skin to provide a base line for a companion study of Malassezia yeasts in patients with various dermatoses. METHODS: Malassezia yeasts were cultured using the swabbing technique from the scalp, forehead, chest, upper back, upper arm and upper thigh in 137 subjects, infancy to 80 years of age. RESULTS: Malassezia yeasts were present in the lowest incidence(0-30%) on six sites of infants and present in 60.0-66.7% on the sebum-rich sites (scalp, forehead, chest, upper back) of children aged 1-9. Malassezia yeasts were present in 80.0-86.7% on the sebum-rich sites of the elderly group(over 60 years of age), about the same frequency as in the middle-aged groups. The population density of these organisms was significantly higher on the upper back than on the forehead, chest, upper arm and upper thigh in all age groups except the infant group and the group aged 1 to 9 (p<0.05). There were no regular quantitative variations in the distribution of Malassezia yeasts on a given site between age groups. On Leeming and Notman media, besides three morphotypes of Malassezia yeasts reported by Cunningham et al(1990), one additional type was identified. CONCLUSION: The results showed regional variations in the distribution of Malassezia yeasts in all ages except infancy and no regular age variations on a given site. Additionally, four colony types of Malassezia yeasts were found. The findings of our study coold help to investigate the role of Malassezia yeasts in related disorders.
Aged ; Arm ; Child ; Continental Population Groups ; Forehead ; Friends ; Humans* ; Infant ; Korea ; Malassezia* ; Population Density ; Scalp ; Skin Diseases ; Skin* ; Thigh ; Thorax ; Volunteers ; Yeasts*

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous vasculitis associated with viral hepatitis seems to occur as a hypersensitivity reaction against the circulating viral antigens. Hepatitis B virus(HBV)-encoded X antigen(HBxAg) is known to participate in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) by the inactivation of p53. However, HBxAg has been found in chronic infiammatory lesions without the overexpression of p53. Accordingly, not only EBsAg and HBcAg but also HBxAg may be involved in HCC-associated cutaneous vasculitis, regardless of the alteration of p53. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the expression of HBV-encoded antigens in cutaneous vasculitis accompanied by HBV hepatopathy. Additionally, we have compared the expression of 3 HBV antigens and p53 between vasculitic patients with HCC and in others showing HCC-non-associated vasculitis. METHODS: Immunohistochemically, we examined the expression of HBsAg, HBcAg, and HBxAg in the tissue specimens taken from the vasculitic lesions of the 33 HBsAg-positive enrolled patients with cutaneous vasculitis proven by skin biopsy. RESULTS: 1. The immunohistochemical positivity rate to HBsAg in vasculitic patients with HBV hepatopathy was 66.7% overall. It was 90% in HCC-associated vasculitic subjects and 56.5% in the vasculitic subjects without HCC, respectively. 2. We found the expression of HBxAg in 80% of the vasculitic subjects showing HCC. The vasculitic patients without HCC showed 17,3% of the positivity rate to HBxAg. 3. We could not find the overexpression of p53 in the vasculitic tissue specimens of the HCC patients without the cutaneous metastasis from primary HCC. CONCLUSION: HBsAg, HBcAg and HBxAg may participate in the pathogenesis of cutaneous vasculitis with HBV hepatopathy, regardless of tumorigenesis.
Antigens, Viral ; Biopsy ; Carcinogenesis ; Hepatitis ; Hepatitis B ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Humans* ; Hypersensitivity ; Malassezia* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Skin* ; Vasculitis ; Yeasts*

We report a case of nevus sebaceus associated with sebaceous epithelioma and basal cell epithelioma in a 48-year-old male patient. A 2.6 x 2.0cm orange-yellow erosive tumor and 1.5 x 1.0cm, l.0 x 0.8cm dark blue-yellow varigated nodules were intimately associated with a 4 x 3cm sized yellowish verrucous plaque on the parieto-occipital area of the scalp. Biopsy revealed sebaccous epithelioma, basal cell epithelioma and nevus sebaceus, respectively.
Biopsy ; Carcinoma* ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nevus* ; Scalp

We experienced a case of a 30 year-old male with hyperlipoproteinemia associated with xanthoma tuberosum and xanthoma striatum palmare. The laboratory findings showed increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride on lipid profile, and widening of prep band on elec1rophoresis of lipoprotein. The biopsy specimens of orange yellow colored nodules on the elbow and yellow streaks on the palrnar creases showed characteristic findings of xanthoma. He had been treated with gempibrozil(lopid) for 1 month.
Adult ; Biopsy ; Cholesterol ; Citrus sinensis ; Elbow ; Humans ; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV* ; Hyperlipoproteinemias ; Lipoproteins ; Male ; Triglycerides ; Xanthomatosis*

BACKGROUND: Both Malassezia yeast and Propionibacterium acnes form part of the normal flora of the human skin and hair follicles. The former is the etiological agent of Malassezia(Pityrosporum) folliculitis and the latter is one of the major factors in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. These two follicular diseases can coexist on a certain area of the skin, but there have been few reports about their coexistence in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to investigate the distribution of Malassezia yeasts in the comedones of patients clinically diagnosed as acne vulgaris for elucidation of the coexistence of the two diseases, and for information on the predominance of the colonized Malassezia species and on relationship between certain species and Malassezia folliculitis. METHODS: The spore load in the comedonal plugs of 32 patients with acne vulgaris was graded using direct microscopy of KOH/Parker ink mounts. The comedonal specimens were cultured on Looming & Notman's media and the isolated Malassezia yeasts were identified to species level by their colony morphologies, microscopic morphologies and physiological characteristics. RESULTS: On direct microscopy, 8 of 32 patients (25%) showed a 4+ spore load, which is considered as a diagnostic grading index of Malassezia folliculitis. The predominant Malassezia(M.) species from 32 patients with acne vulgaris were M. restricta, M. globosa, M. furfur in descending order. Three strains of M. restricta, 4 strains of M, globosa, 2 strains of M. furfur and 1 strain of M. obtusa were isolated from the comedones of the 8 patients with 4+ spore load. CONCLUSION: This study shows that Malassezia folliculitis might coexist with acne vulgaris on the face, but there was no relationship between certain species and Malassezia folliculitis. The results suggest that antibiotic resistant acne vulgaris should be examined by direct microscopy of KOH/Parker ink mounts to confirm the coexistence of Malassezia folliculitis and acne vulgaris.
Acne Vulgaris* ; Colon ; Folliculitis ; Hair Follicle ; Humans ; Ink ; Malassezia* ; Microscopy ; Propionibacterium acnes ; Skin ; Spores ; Yeasts*

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava(IVC) is a rare tumor and has a poor prognosis. Recently, newer imaging modalities including ultrasound, computed tomographic scan, magnetic resonance imaging and cavovenography make it possible to detect in its early stage of proression. The best therapeutic management is surgical resection and the effects of postoperative adjuvant therapies on patients' survival are still debatable. We report herein our experience of 45-year-old woman whose leiomyosarcoma of the IVC was successfully resected without reconstruction of the IVC.
Female ; Humans ; Leiomyosarcoma* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Ultrasonography ; Vena Cava, Inferior*

BACKGROUND: Prevention of postherpetic neuralgia as well as management of the symptoms of the acute stage is an important therapeutic goal in the treatment of herpes zoster. Corticosteroid, acyclovir and sympathetic block have all been advocated as effective therapeutic tools for the treatment of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the necessity of sympathetic block for prevention of postherpetic neuralgia in acute herpes zoster. METHODS: The author observed the duration and degree of pain and the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia in 54 patients with herpes zoster treated with three different therapeutic measures. Group A was treated with triamcinolone acetonide 80mg three times, acyclovir and sympathetic blockade, group B with triamcinolone acetonide 80mg three times and acyclovir, and group C with triamcinolone acetonide 40mg three times and acyclovir. RESULTS: 1. Addition of sympathetic blockade to corticosteroid and acyclovir therapy did not seem to reduce the duration of pain and incidence of postherpetic neuralgia. 2. The Incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was higher in the elderly, especially with underlying systemic disease including diabetes melitus, hypertension, etc. Al] the therapeutic measures could not completely prevent the development of postherpetic neuralgia in those patients. 3. Regarding corticosteroid dosage, daily triamcinolone acetonide 80mg for three consecutive days showed no better effect than daily 40mg for consecutive days. CONCLUSION: When herpes zoster was treated with proper dosages of corticosteroid and acyclovir in its acute stage, sympathetic block showed no additional beneficial effect.
Acyclovir ; Aged ; Herpes Zoster* ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Neuralgia, Postherpetic ; Triamcinolone Acetonide

No abstract available.
Cactaceae* ; Dermatitis* ; Humans ; Leprosy*

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the enamel thickness of proximal surfaces and the morphologic features of mandibular incisors. METHODS: Mesiodistal/faciolingual (MD/FL) index, MD width, and height of contour width/cervical width ratio were measured in 40 incisors extracted from Koreans. For determining the height of contour width/cervical width ratio, the cervical width was measured as the distance between proximal cementoenamel junctions. Then, the labial surface was ground to the height of the contour level to measure enamel thickness. Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between enamel thickness and morphologic features. RESULTS: Enamel thickness was 0.75 +/- 0.07 mm per side, and MD width was 5.56 +/- 0.40 mm. Enamel thickness and MD width were significantly correlated. However, a significant relationship was not observed between enamel thickness and MD/FL index or the height of contour width/cervical width ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that enamel thickness is affected only by MD width. Therefore, if the MD width is the same for mandibular incisors with a large MD/FL index or triangular shape and mandibular incisors with normal shape, then the limit of enamel reduction for reproximation will be the same.
Dental Enamel ; Incisor ; Tooth Cervix