BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of connective tissue disease characterized by propensity to fractures following minimal trauma. OI is a lifelong inheritable disease and currently has no definitive cure. Management goals are directed towards prevention of fractures, controlling the symptoms, maximizing independent mobility, and developing optimal bone mass and muscle strength. Bisphosphonates are the mainstay of pharmacologic fracture-prevention therapy for most forms of OI. The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Bisphosphonate Treatment Program for OI was started in 2006 by the Clinical Genetics Service. For more than a decade now, the program has been serving more than 50 OI patients. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of the patients who were included in the program to add to the body of knowledge on Filipino patients with OI. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the clinical outcomes of children with OI on intravenous pamidronate treatment at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from January 2010 to December 2018. METHODS: The study utilized a retrospective review of medical records of 24 patients diagnosed with OI on pamidronate therapy seen at the PGH from January 2010 to December 2018. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic and baseline clinical characteristics of the patients. Median annualized fracture rates before and during treatment were calculated and compared. The patient functional mobility before and during pamidronate infusion was classified accordingly based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients, which include seven males and 17 females, with ages at the time of conduct of the study ranging from four years to 11 years, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There were four patients with OI type I, six with OI type III, 11 with OI type IV and three with OI type V. The annualized long bone fracture rate decreased significantly from a median of 2.0/year (range 1-2.75) to 0.75/year (range 0-1) after more than a year on pamidronate infusion (p < 0.001). There is a note of overall improvement in terms of functional mobility using the 5-point scale of the GMFCS during pamidronate infusion from the baseline. However, the difference is not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Cyclic intravenous pamidronate treatment in young children with moderate-severe OI is well tolerated and associated with reduced fracture frequency with a tendency to improvement of gross functional mobility.
Human ; Osteogenesis Imperfecta ; Bisphosphonate ; Diphosphonates

BACKGROUND

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of connective tissue disease characterized by propensity to fractures following minimal trauma. OI is a lifelong inheritable disease and currently has no definitive cure. Management goals are directed towards prevention of fractures, controlling the symptoms, maximizing independent mobility, and developing optimal bone mass and muscle strength. Bisphosphonates are the mainstay of pharmacologic fracture-prevention therapy for most forms of OI. The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Bisphosphonate Treatment Program for OI was started in 2006 by the Clinical Genetics Service. For more than a decade now, the program has been serving more than 50 OI patients. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of the patients who were included in the program to add to the body of knowledge on Filipino patients with OI.

This study sought to determine the clinical outcomes of children with OI on intravenous pamidronate treatment at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from January 2010 to December 2018.

The study utilized a retrospective review of medical records of 24 patients diagnosed with OI on pamidronate therapy seen at the PGH from January 2010 to December 2018. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic and baseline clinical characteristics of the patients. Median annualized fracture rates before and during treatment were calculated and compared. The patient functional mobility before and during pamidronate infusion was classified accordingly based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and were compared.

Twenty-four patients, which include seven males and 17 females, with ages at the time of conduct of the study ranging from four years to 11 years, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There were four patients with OI type I, six with OI type III, 11 with OI type IV and three with OI type V. The annualized long bone fracture rate decreased significantly from a median of 2.0/year (range 1-2.75) to 0.75/year (range 0-1) after more than a year on pamidronate infusion (pCONCLUSION

Cyclic intravenous pamidronate treatment in young children with moderate-severe OI is well tolerated and associated with reduced fracture frequency with a tendency to improvement of gross functional mobility.

Riboflavin-ultraviolet A (UVA) collagen cross-linking has not only achieved good clinical efficacy in the treatment of corneal diseases such as dilatation keratopathy, bullae keratopathy, infectious keratopathy, and in the combined treatment of corneal refractive surgeries, but also its efficacy and safety in scleral collagen cross-linking have been initially confirmed. To better promote the application of cross-linking in the clinical treatment of corneal and scleral diseases, exploring controllability and predictability of the surgical efficacy are both important for evaluating the surgical efficacy and personalized precision treatment. In this paper, the progress on the cross-linking depth of riboflavin-UVA collagen cross-linking, and its relationship with the cross-linking effect will be reviewed. It will provide the reference for further application of this procedure in ophthalmology clinics.
Riboflavin/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Collagen/radiation effects* ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Cross-Linking Reagents ; Corneal Diseases/drug therapy* ; Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVES: Keloids are fibrotic skin disorders characterized by excessive collagen deposition and a high recurrence rate, closely associated with inflammatory mediators. However, existing epidemiological studies are limited by confounding factors and reverse causality, making it difficult to establish causation. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between circulating cytokines and keloids using Mendelian randomization analysis. METHODS: Significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with circulating cytokines (exposures) and keloids (outcomes) were extracted from genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary datasets. Eligible SNPs were selected as instrumental variables (IVs). Exposure data were derived from a cytokine GWAS including 8 293 Finnish participants, and outcome data from a keloid GWAS based on the UK Biobank. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method served as the primary analytical approach to estimate causal effects, supplemented by weighted median (WME), MR-Egger regression, and other sensitivity analyses. Horizontal pleiotropy was assessed using MR-Egger regression and the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) test, while Cochran's Q test evaluated heterogeneity. Leave-one-out analysis was used to verify robustness and consistency. A reverse MR analysis was also conducted, with keloid as the exposure and cytokines as outcomes, to rule out reverse causation. RESULTS: IVW analysis identified significant positive causal associations between two cytokines and keloids-macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) [odds ratio (OR)=2.081, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.219 to 3.552, P=0.007] and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (OR=1.673, 95% CI 1.036 to 2.701, P=0.035). Conversely, stem cell factor (SCF) showed a negative causal relationship with keloids (OR=0.518, 95% CI 0.269 to 0.998, P=0.049). Results from the MR-Egger and weighted median analyses were consistent with IVW findings. No evidence of horizontal pleiotropy was observed (P>0.05). Except for interleukin-6 (P=0.014), no heterogeneity was detected in other cytokines. Leave-one-out analysis further confirmed the robustness of the causal associations. In reverse MR analysis, keloids were causally related only to β-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF) (OR=1.048, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.095, P=0.039), with no heterogeneity or pleiotropy detected in most cytokines (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS MIF and MCP-1 exhibit positive causal associations with keloid formation, while SCF shows a negative causal relationship. These findings provide new evidence for the causal involvement of inflammatory cytokines in keloid pathogenesis and offer potential molecular targets for developing novel keloid therapies.
Humans ; Keloid/blood* ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Cytokines/genetics* ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Chemokine CCL2/genetics* ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/genetics* ; Male ; Stem Cell Factor/blood* ; Female ; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases

Five previously undescribed diterpenoids, named succipenoids D‒H (1‒5), along with four undescribed lignans, named succignans A‒D (6‒9), were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of Chinese medicinal succinum. Compounds 1‒5 were characterized as nor-abietane diterpenoids, while compounds 6‒9 were identified as lignans polymerized from two groups of phenylpropanoid units. The structures of these novel compounds, including their absolute configurations, were determined through spectroscopic and computational methods. Biological assessments of renal fibrosis demonstrated that compounds 6 and 7 effectively reduce the expression of proteins associated with renal fibrosis, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and fibronectin in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) induced normal rat kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52e).
Animals ; Rats ; Lignans/isolation & purification* ; Diterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Fibrosis/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Molecular Structure ; Cell Line ; Kidney Diseases/pathology* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/genetics* ; Kidney/metabolism* ; Actins/genetics* ; Fibronectins/genetics* ; Collagen Type I/genetics* ; Epithelial Cells/metabolism*

Collagen, a vital matrix protein for various tissue and functions in animals, is widely applied in biomaterials. In type Ⅰ collagen, missense mutations of glycine (Gly) in the Gly-Xaa-Yaa triplet of the triple helix are a major cause of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Clinical manifestations exhibit marked heterogeneity, spanning a broad disease spectrum from mild skeletal fragility (Type Ⅰ) to severe limb deformities (Type Ⅲ) and perinatal lethal forms (Type Ⅱ). This study utilized recombinant collagen as a model to further elucidate whether Gly→Ala/Val mutations at the N-terminus of the integrin-binding sequence GFPGER affect collagen structure and function, and to explore the underlying mechanisms by which missense mutations impact the biological function of collagen. By introducing Ala and Val substitutions at seven Gly positions N-terminal to the GFPGER sequence, we systematically assessed the effects of these amino acid replacements on the triple-helical structure, thermal stability, integrin-binding ability, and cell adhesion of recombinant collagen. All constructs formed a stable triple-helix structure, with slightly compromised thermal stability. Gly→Val substitutions increased the susceptibility of recombinant collagen to trypsin, which suggested local conformational perturbations in the triple helix. In addition, Gly→Val substitutions significantly reduced the integrin-binding affinity and decreased HT1080 cell adhesion, with the effects stronger than Gly→Ala substitutions. Compared with Gly→Ala substitutions, substitution of Gly with the larger residue Val had enhanced negative effects on the structure and function of recombinant collagen. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of osteogenesis imperfecta and offer theoretical references and experimental foundations for the design of collagen sequences and the development of collagen-based biomaterials.
Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis* ; Glycine/genetics* ; Humans ; Osteogenesis Imperfecta/genetics* ; Integrins/metabolism* ; Collagen/metabolism* ; Collagen Type I/metabolism* ; Amino Acid Substitution ; Mutation ; Mutation, Missense

BACKGROUND

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are overgrowth of fibrous tissue after damage to the skin. There have been various published treatment modalities for these lesions. Currently, there are still no published studies on the use of laser-assisted drug delivery for hypertrophic scars and keloids in the Philippine setting.

To determine the efficacy and safety of laser-assisted drug delivery versus intralesional steroid injection alone for the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scar.

This was a single center, randomized single-blind controlled study. Participants were randomly assigned into a control group (intralesional steroid injection) or a treatment group (laser-assisted drug delivery). The procedure was done monthly for four sessions. Assessment of lesions using the Vancouver Scar Scale was done at baseline and monthly post-sessions.

A total of 42 participants completed the study, which was divided into two groups of 21 samples each. Results showed that the mean difference in overall skin score from baseline to fourth treatment session was significantly lower in the laser-assisted drug delivery group than the intralesional group (–0.48±0.75 vs. –0.24±0.54, t=2.31, p=0.026). No adverse events were noted throughout the study period.

It is a promising option to use non-ablative fractional CO2 laser-assisted drug delivery as the treatment outcome was comparable to using intralesional steroid injection as monotherapy for keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is characterized by blisters that heal with scarring and milia formation, including nail dystrophy, with an incidence of 2.1 per million live births. DEB is derived from defects of the anchoring fibril which results in sublamina densa separation.

We report a one-month old female who presented with vesicles and erosions on bilateral feet at birth. New vesicles and bullae were noted on other areas of the body such as the scalp, ears, anterior trunk, gluteal area, and extremities which spontaneously ruptured leading to erosions and crusts. Nails were thick and yellowish black. Consult was done at a clinic and was given unrecalled antibiotic, antihistamine, and cream for one week. There was no noted improvement hence she was brought to another clinic, diagnosed as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, advised admission and subsequently referred to dermatology service. After clinical assessment, findings of cell poor subepidermal blister on histology, linear C3 on DIF, and positive collagen 7 on ELISA, patient was managed as a case of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Epidermolysis bullosa is an inherited genetic disease with mutation in COL7A1 gene manifesting as vesicles and bullae on trauma prone areas. The diagnosis is based on clinical, histopathology, immunofluorescence, antigen studies, and electron microscopy. Uniquely, immunofluorescence revealed strong linear deposition of C3 at the basement membrane zone which is more suggestive of bullous pemphigoid than epidermolysis bullosa. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and proper management of the disease to limit unnecessary intervention.

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare chronic inflammatory granulomatous skin disease, often associated with diabetes mellitus. We present the case of a 52-year-old Filipino female with a history of hypertension and well-controlled diabetes, who developed an ulcerated lesion on her right leg following an insect bite. Despite various self-medications and multiple treatments from different physicians, the ulcer persisted and progressed, leading to her referral for further evaluation. Histopathologic examination confirmed necrobiosis lipoidica. Initial treatment with topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus showed minimal improvement, prompting the use of punch grafting and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. After six PRP sessions, the patient exhibited significant wound healing and a notable reduction in pain, leading to an improved quality of life. This case highlights the effectiveness of punch grafting and PRP injections in managing ulcerated NL, providing a novel therapeutic approach for a challenging condition.

Objective:To investigate long-term auditory changes and characteristics of Alport syndrome（AS） patients with different degrees of renal injury. Methods:Retrospectively analyzing clinical data of patients diagnosed AS from January 2007 to September 2022, including renal pathology, genetic detection and hearing examination. A long-term follow-up focusing on hearing and renal function was conducted. Results:This study included 70 AS patients, of which 33（25 males, 8 females, aged 3.4-27.8 years） were followed up, resulting in a loss rate of 52.9%.The follow-up period ranged from 1.1to 15.8 years, with 16 patients followed-up for over 10 years. During the follow-up, 10 patients presenting with hearing abnormalities at the time of diagnosis of AS had progressive hearing loss, and 3 patients with new hearing abnormalities were followed up, which appeared at 5-6 years of disease course. All of which were sensorineural deafness. While only 3 patients with hearing abnormalities among 13 patients received hearing aid intervention. Of these patients,7 developed end-stage renal disease（ESRD）, predominantly males （6/7）. The rate of long-term hearing loss was significantly different between ESRD group and non-ESRD group（P=0.013）. There was no correlation between the progression of renal disease and long-term hearing level（P>0.05）. kidney biopsies from 28 patients revealed varying degrees of podocyte lesion and uneven thickness of basement membrane. The severity of podocyte lesion was correlated with the rate of long-term hearing loss（P=0.048）, and there was no correlation with the severity of hearing loss（P>0.05）. Among 11 cases, theCOL4A5mutationwas most common （8 out of 11）, but there was no significant correlation between the mutation type and hearing phenotype（P>0.05）. Conclusion:AS patients exhibit progressive hearing loss with significant heterogeneity over the long-term.. THearing loss is more likely to occur 5-6 years into the disease course. Hearing abnormalities are closely related to renal disease status, kidney tissue pathology, and gene mutations, emphasizing the need for vigilant long-term hearing follow-up and early intervention.
Male ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Nephritis, Hereditary/pathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Kidney ; Deafness ; Hearing Loss/genetics* ; Kidney Failure, Chronic/pathology* ; Mutation