BACKGROUND: Apoptosis is a highly selective form of cell suicide with characteristic morphologieal and biochemical features, including chromatin condensation, formation of apoptotic bodies, and DNA fragmentation by the activation of endonucleases. Various cytokines and physical or chemical factors can provoke apoptotic changes in the skin. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the cytotoxic effects with epidermal cytokines and their combinations, K+ ionophores, protein synthesis inhibitor(emetine), inhibitor of endogenous endonuclease(aurintricarboxylic acid, ATA), sodium azide, and retinoic acid witp human epithelial tumor cell lines(A431 cells) to examine the degree of induction of apoptosis in the epidermal keratinocytes. METHODS: Induction of apoptosis was measured in cultured human keratinocytes, keratinocyte cell lines(A-431, HaCat, KB cells), cultured human melanocytes and malignant melanoma cell lines(SK-28, SK-30) using a mixture of ethidium bromide and acridine orange, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and TUNEL staining. RESULTS: l. In the A-431 cells, (1 to a certain degree, the combination of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha could only induce apoptosis. Q2 most of K+ ionophores were observed to induce necrosis rather than apoptosis. Q3 emetine, a protein synthesis blocker, was found to induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent pattern. Q4 sodium azide at a concentration of 1% .induced apoptosis rather than necrosis. Q5 retinoic acid inhibit the beuvericin induced apoptosis. 2. In human keratinocytes, Ql more resistant in the induction of apoptosis than any cultured keratinocyte cell lines p aurintricarboxylic acid(ATA)-an endonuclease inhibitor, could inhibit UV induced apoptosis 3. In human keratinocytes and cultured keratinocyte cell lines, c-PAF inhibit the beauvericin induced apoptosis. 4. Human melanocytes is very resistant for the induction of apoptosis by beauvericin. 5. In the melanocytes and melanoma cell lines, sodium azide and beauvericin induced necrosis rather than apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The epidermis is continuously exposed to toxic factors which might induce cell death. With the above results, the induction of appeared to be rather resistant, epidermal cell apoptosis which may reflect the existence of some endogenous protective mechanisms in the epidermis to survive at certain toxic environments; melanocytes showed high expression of bcl-2 protein which could play a role in endogenous defense against toxic environments of the epidermis.
Acridine Orange ; Apoptosis* ; Cell Death ; Cell Line ; Chromatin ; Cytokines ; DNA ; DNA Fragmentation ; Electrophoresis, Agar Gel ; Emetine ; Endonucleases ; Epidermis ; Ethidium ; Humans ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Ionophores ; Keratinocytes ; Melanocytes ; Melanoma ; Necrosis ; Skin ; Sodium Azide ; Suicide ; Tretinoin ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Epithelioid hemangiomo, is belong to a group of unusual vascular proliferation accompanying prominent eosinophilic infiltration. It is usually classificed as a subset of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia despite of its peculiar endothelial morphology(i.e., vacuolization and hobnail appearance etc.). Histopathologically, the lesion was characterized by exuberant. proliferation of capillaries, epithelioid-appearing erdothelial cell, endothelial cytoplasmic vacuolization, solid sheets of endothelial cells, massive eosinophilic infiltration and lymphoreticular hyperplasia. The lesions are most common in he head-neck region and are characterized by single or multiple smooth-top papules or plnqu s of varying colors. We report two cases of epithelioid hemangioma occurring on the left auricle and scalp. The chiet complaints were pruritus and they have been early bleeding even in trivial trauma. Microscopically, the lesions were consisted of a prolifration of small to medium-sized blood vessels surraunded by inflammatory infiltrates predominantly composed of lymphocytes, histiocytes and eosinophils. The vessels were lined by epithelioid-appearing endothelial cells haveing enlarged round nuclei and abundant easinophilic or clear cytoplasm. Some vessels showed luminal obliteration by proliferating epithelioid endothelial cells. Occasionally, blood vessels were lined by hobnailor scallop-shaped endothelial cells. In immunohistochemical finolings, the epithelioid endothelial cells or proliferated capillaries were immunoreactive to factor VII-related antigen and negative to lysozyme.
Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia ; Blood Vessels ; Capillaries ; Cytoplasm ; Endothelial Cells ; Eosinophils ; Hemangioma* ; Hemorrhage ; Histiocytes ; Hyperplasia ; Lymphocytes ; Muramidase ; Phenobarbital ; Pruritus ; Scalp

Albinism is an inherited ongenital disarder in which there is sgr neralized decrease or absence of pigrnent in the eyes, skin, and hair. There are two general groups (1) Oculocutneou albinism, (2) Ocular albinism. Skin cancers in albinos are rare in ternperate clirnats and t.hey occur rnostly on sun ex posed areas. We present a case of recurrance of squarnous cell carcinoma ir a Korean albinoid on both sides of the neck and right ear. On liistopathologic examination, we find I or pearls, and irregular mases of epidermal cells that proliferite downward into the devmis. The invaing cell masses are composed of atypical squamous cells.
Albinism ; Albinism, Ocular ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Ear ; Hair ; Neck ; Skin ; Skin Neoplasms ; Solar System

BACKGROUND: The Fas antigen is a cell surface molecule that mediates apoptosis in many cell types. Matsues group indicated that keratinocytes constitutively express the Fas antigen and apoptosis was induced only on pretreatment with interferon-r (IFN-y) in cultured normal human keratinocytes (NHK). OBJECTIVE: We undertook this study to determine the induction of apoptosis by Fas antibody alone and/or in combination with IFN y, IL-1a in normal human keratinocytes (NHK) and transitional epithelioma cell lines (KB cell) which had lower levels of intracellular IL-1 receptor antago- nists (IL-1ra ). METHODS: We used cultured NHK and KB cells. Each cell was treated with IFN-r, IL-la and Fas antibody for induction of apoptosis. For quantifying the apoptosis, index fluorescent DNA- binding dyes were used. Result: Fas antibody alone could induce apoptosis not only in KB cells but also in NHK cells. The combination of Fas antibody and IFN-r enhanced the induction of apoptosis in NHK and KB cells. The IL-la alone could induce apoptosis only in KB cells which had relatively small amounts of IL-1ra compared to NHK. CONCLUSION: Our result may indicate that Fas antigen in human keratinocytes can regulate normal epidermal cellular differentiation and proliferation.
Antigens, CD95 ; Apoptosis* ; Carcinoma ; Cell Line ; Coloring Agents ; Humans* ; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein ; Interleukin-1 ; Interleukin-1alpha ; KB Cells* ; Keratinocytes*

Lymphangiomas and cystic hygromas are congenital malformatiors of the lymphatic system. They are composed of lymph-containing endothelium-lined spaces which very in size from channels of capillary dimensions to cysts several centimeters in diameter. Both types of lesions are rarely present, in the same patients. We report herein a case of lymphangioma circumscriptum with cystic hygroma on the tongue and the right side of the neck in a 5 year-old boy. The patient had a grop of deep-seated, small, crystal-line vesicles resembling frogs spawn that contained a viscous liquid with hemorrhage in the tongue and a mobile non-tender cystic swelling in the right side of the neck.
Capillaries ; Child, Preschool ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Lymphangioma* ; Lymphangioma, Cystic* ; Lymphatic System ; Male ; Neck ; Tongue

A 19 month old girl with trisomy 18 is described. She showed loose folds of skin about the neck, a prominent occiput, a simian crease on both palms, epicanthal folds, acrocephaly, micrognathia, and unusual dermatologic features including total alopecia and no finger prints on either hands. Because of the simian crease on both palms, dermatoglyphics of both hands and total alopecia, a skin biopsy from the scalp and a chromosomal study were established at age 19-months, and an absence of hair follicles was observed, while peripheral blood lymphocytes demonstrated 47, XX, 4-18. To our knowledge, this would be the first recorded report on the dermatoglyphic pattern of Edwards syndrome in a Korean journal of dermatology.
Alopecia ; Biopsy ; Craniosynostoses ; Dermatoglyphics* ; Dermatology ; Female ; Fingers ; Hair Follicle ; Hand ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; Micrognathism ; Neck ; Scalp ; Skin ; Trisomy*

A 19 month old girl with trisomy 18 is described. She showed loose folds of skin about the neck, a prominent occiput, a simian crease on both palms, epicanthal folds, acrocephaly, micrognathia, and unusual dermatologic features including total alopecia and no finger prints on either hands. Because of the simian crease on both palms, dermatoglyphics of both hands and total alopecia, a skin biopsy from the scalp and a chromosomal study were established at age 19-months, and an absence of hair follicles was observed, while peripheral blood lymphocytes demonstrated 47, XX, 4-18. To our knowledge, this would be the first recorded report on the dermatoglyphic pattern of Edwards syndrome in a Korean journal of dermatology.
Alopecia ; Biopsy ; Craniosynostoses ; Dermatoglyphics* ; Dermatology ; Female ; Fingers ; Hair Follicle ; Hand ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; Micrognathism ; Neck ; Scalp ; Skin ; Trisomy*

The clinical use of topical antimicrobial substances is common in clean wounds as well as contaminated and chronic wounds. This use is based on the observation that the reduction of superficial bacterial contamination promotes wound healing. While the antibacterial efficacy of topical antimicrobials has been well documented, their effects on living tissue and the process of wound healing remain controversial. Recently, there have been several trials to detect the toxicity of various antimicrobial materials by using cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In this study the cytotoxicity of several commonly used antimicrobials and the cytotoxic concentrations of antimicrobials on cultured human keratinocytes and fibroblasts were compared using 3 different METHODS: 1) the MTT method showing the ability of the cells to clear the cytotoxic agents, 2) LDH release indicating damage of cell membrane, and 3) tritiated thymidine incorporation measuring DNA synthesis. In the MTT method all topical antimicrobials in their usual clinical concentration showed cytotoxicity on both keratinocytes and fibroblasts by suppressing cell proliferation. Keratinocytes were more sensitive to certain antibiotics. When the 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of topical antimicrobials were compared, the cytotoxicity to keratinocyte was, in the decreasing order, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, povidone iodine, sulfadiazine, fusidic acid, ethanol. Gentamicin and bacitracin. The cytotoxicity to fibroblasts was, in decreasing order, chiorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, povidone iodine, fusidic acid, ethanol, sulfadiazine, bacitracin, and gentamicin. Most of the antimicrobials tested increased LDH release by keratinocyte in IC50.Chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and povidone iodine showed statistically significant increase in LDH release. The tritiated thymidine incorporation study showed the order of cytotoxicity to keratinocyte in IC50 of each antimicrobials was similar to that of the MTT method. Tritiated thymidined incorporation, however, appeared to be a more sensitive method in detecting cytotoxicity than MTT because the IC50 was lower in the former. In conclusion, all topical antimicrobials are cytotoxic to keratinocytes and fibroblast in their usual concentration. Because of their cytotoxicity it is suggested that one should use topical antimicrobials in a dilution of up to 1 : 1,000 of commonly used concentration for a short period only especially when applied directly on a skin graft or wounds without a protective barrier. Bacitracin or gentamicin appear to be less cytotoxic among all the antimicrobials tested.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacitracin ; Cell Membrane ; Cell Proliferation ; Chlorhexidine ; Cytotoxins ; DNA ; Ethanol ; Fibroblasts* ; Fusidic Acid ; Gentamicins ; Humans* ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Keratinocytes* ; Povidone-Iodine ; Skin ; Sulfadiazine ; Thymidine ; Transplants ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

Testicular involvement in male patients with leprosy is well documented and may be associated with impotence, sterility and gynecomastia. Testicular histology shows atrophy of the seminiferous tubules with hypertropy and clumping of Leydig cells and hyalinization of the small and medium sized vessels. The hormonal functions of the testes have been studied by a number of workers, usually in patients with testicular atrophy and gynecomastia. In these particular patients, androgens are generally diminished while gonadotropins are increased. The pathogenesis of testicular damage is uncertain, though Wall and Wright(1974) found that testicular germinal cell antibodies were present in 75% of lepromatous, and postulated that :autoirnmunity, Erythema Nodosum Leprosum imrnune complex damage and direct invasion by Mycobacterium leprae may all be contributory.
Androgens ; Antibodies ; Atrophy ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Erythema Nodosum ; Gonadotropins ; Gynecomastia ; Humans ; Hyalin ; Infertility ; Leprosy ; Leydig Cells ; Male ; Mycobacterium leprae ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Testis

BACKGROUND: Melanocytes synthesize melanin pigment by the action of specific enzyme tyrosinase. Melanogenesis inhibitors such as ascorbic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, hydroquinone have been developed for use in cosmetic preparations for the skin hyperpigmentation,but they are still unsatisfactory to efficacy and tolerance. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the inhibitory effects of seaweed extract(SCH-T2)on tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis were investigated with B-16 melanoma cell line. METHODS: The patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups;control, diazepam, and ketorolac plus diazepam groups. Pain intensity was assessed 5 times at every ten minutes from the beginning of the peeling using visual analog scale(VAS). RESULTS: The seaweed was added with 21 organic solvents and extracted during 12 hours at 20-To evaluate the inhibitory effects of SCH-T2 on tyrosinase activity following to extraction time and temperature, this study was done at 4, 8, 12, 24, 72 hours and 4, 10, 20, 30, 40℃. Also, the effects of whitening agents (kojic acid, arbutin, licorice extracts,SCH-T2)on tyrosinase activity were compared by measuring the IC50,the concentration of the compound at which half of the original tyrosinase activity is inhibited. RESULTS: 1.The inhibitory effects of SCH-T2 on tyrosinase activity were high at 60-80% ethanol as an extraction organic solvent and showed increase in proportion to concentration following to extract concentration, but showed little differences following to extraction time and temperature. 2.SCH-T2 has relatively stronger inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity than arbutin and licorice extracts. 3. The inhibitory effects of SCH-T2 on melanogenesis following to extract concentration were greatly increased at more than 20㎍/ml. CONCLUSION: This study showed that SCH-T2 seaweed extract has strong inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity and melanogonesis. So, the results of this study suggest that SCH-T2 seaweed extract can be used as a new whitening agent.
Arbutin ; Ascorbic Acid ; Bleaching Agents ; Cell Line ; Diazepam ; Ethanol ; Glycyrrhiza ; Humans ; Ketorolac ; Melanins ; Melanocytes ; Melanoma ; Monophenol Monooxygenase ; Seaweed* ; Skin ; Solvents