N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the predominant post-transcriptional modification for eukaryotic mRNA. It's regulated by methyltransferases, demethylases, and m6A binding proteins, and plays an important role in regulating splicing, translation, and degradation of mRNA. Skin diseases, especially immune skin diseases and skin tumors, have a complicated pathogenesis and are refractory to treatment, seriously affecting the patient quality of life. Recent studies have revealed that m6A and its regulatory proteins can affect the development of numerous skin diseases. The m6A modification was found to be involved in skin accessory development, including hair follicle and sweat gland formation. The level of m6A modification was significantly altered in a variety of skin diseases including melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and psoriasis, and affected a variety of biological processes including cell proliferation and differentiation migration. The m6A and its regulatory proteins may become potential molecular markers or therapeutic targets for skin diseases, and have promising clinical applications in early diagnosis, efficacy determination, prognosis prediction, and gene therapy of skin diseases.
Adenosine/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Humans ; Quality of Life ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Skin Neoplasms/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To establish a SD rat model of vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions. METHODS: Seventy female SD rats were randomized into 4 groups, namely the blank control group (=10), mechanical irritation group (=10), acetone solution group (=10), and mechanical irritation with DMBA acetone solution group (=40, model group), and the corresponding treatments were administered 3 times a week for 14 weeks. The changes of the vulvar skin of the rats were observed regularly until the 18th week. The expression of mutant p53 (mtp53) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins were detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, and the expressions of mtp53 and VEGF mRNA were detected with qRT- PCR in the blank control group and model group. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the morphological or histopathological changes of the skin among the blank control group, mechanical irritation group and acetone solution group. In the model group, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) occurred in 28 rats (70%) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in 11 rats (27.5%) at 14 weeks, with a success rate of 97.5% in inducing vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions. Compared with the blank control group, the rats in the model group showed significantly increased expressions of mtp53 and VEGF at both the protein level ( < 0.05) and the mRNA level ( < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS DMBA in acetone solution combined with mechanical irritation can induce vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions in female SD rats.
9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene ; Acetone ; Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Carcinogens ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Friction ; Immunohistochemistry ; Precancerous Conditions ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin ; pathology ; Solvents ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Vulvar Neoplasms ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression profile of miR-122-5p in melanoma tissues and the effect of miR-122-5p on the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of human melanoma cell lines SK-MEL-110 and A375. METHODS: The expression profiles of miR-122-5p in melanoma and pigmented nevus tissues were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). SK-MEL-110 and A375 cells transfected with miR-122-5p inhibitor or negative control inhibitor (NC) I were examined for miR-122- 5p expression using qRT-PCR and changes in cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis using MTT assay or flow cytometry. NOP14 mRNA and protein expressions in the cells were detected using qRT- PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the identity of NOP14 as the direct target of miR-122-5p. RESULTS: The relative expression of miR-122-5p in human pigmented nevus tissues and melanoma tissues was 1.23±0.270 and 7.65 ± 1.37, respectively. The relative expression of miR-122-5p in SK-MEL-110 and A375 cells transfected with miR-122-5p inhibitor was 0.21 ± 0.08 and 0.17 ± 0.05, respectively. miR-122-5p inhibitor obviously inhibited the cell proliferation and increased the percentage of cells in G1 stage in both SK-MEL-110 and A-375 cells, but did not cause obvious changes in the apoptosis of the two cells. miR-122-5p inhibitor did not significantly affect the expression level of NOP14 mRNA, but obviously increased the expression level of NOP14 protein. Luciferase reporter assay revealed a significantly lower luciferase activity in cells co-transfected with miR-122-5p mimics and wild-type psi-CHECK2-3'UTR plasmid than in the cells cotransfected with NC and wild-type psi-CHECK2-3'UTR plasmid (0.21 ± 0.14 0.56 ± 0.1, < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS miR-122-5p expression is upregulated in melanoma tissues, indicating its involvement in the development of melanoma. miR-122-5p inhibits the proliferation of SK-MEL-110 and A-375 cells possibly by affecting the cycle through NOP14.
Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; Luciferases ; metabolism ; Melanoma ; etiology ; metabolism ; pathology ; MicroRNAs ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Proteins ; metabolism ; Nevus, Pigmented ; etiology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Nuclear Proteins ; metabolism ; Skin Neoplasms ; etiology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Up-Regulation

Vinorelbine, a vinca alkaloid anticancer drug, is widely used to treat various cancers. Several dermatological side effects of vinorelbine, such as acral erythema, phlebitis, and severe extravasation reactions, have been reported. Vinorelbine is categorized as non-DNA binding vesicant that undergoes high metabolism and clearance, which limits the degree of tissue injury if extravasation occurs. A 73-year-old male presented with erythematous linear patches on his left wrist and a 51-year-old male presented with erythematous eroded patches and bullae on his right forearm. Histopathologic study showed interface changes with basal vacuolar degeneration and epidermal dysmaturation. Separation of the dermis from the epidermis was observed, as well as interstitial and perivascular inflammatory infiltrates in the dermis. Both patients were being treated with vinorelbine for lung cancer. Before the onset of the skin lesions, accidental intravenous extravasation of vinorelbine had occurred. Herein, we report two cases of chemotherapy induced drug reaction due to extravasation of vinorelbine.
Aged ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 ; Dermis ; Drug Therapy ; Epidermis ; Erythema ; Forearm ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Male ; Metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Phlebitis ; Skin ; Vinca ; Wrist

PURPOSE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated as an indirect product of radiation therapy (RT). Genetic variation in genes related to ROS metabolism may influence the level of RT-induced adverse effects. We evaluated the potential association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-related response to radiotherapy injury in breast cancer patients undergoing RT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients receiving conventional RT were included. Acute effects were evaluated according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scores. DNA was extracted from blood and buccal swab samples. SNPs were genotyped for GSTP1, GSTA1, SOD2, and NOS3 genes by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism. Univariate analysis (odds ratios [ORs] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) and principal component analysis were used for correlation of SNPs and factors related to risk of developing ≥ grade 2 acute effects. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients (81.2%) showed side effects, 32 (40%) presented moderate to severe acute skin toxicity, and 33 (41.2%) manifested minimal acute skin reactions by the end of treatment. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, nominally significant associations were found among body mass index (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 8.5338 to 1.1274; p=0.022), breast size (OR, 5.11; 95% CI, 17.04 to 1.54; p=0.004), and grade ≥ 2 acute radiation skin toxicity. A significant association was also observed between NOS3 G894T polymorphism (OR, 9.8; 95% CI, 211.6 to 0.45; p=0.041) and grade ≥ 2 acute radiation skin toxicity in patients with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the factors involved in individual radiosensitivity contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying this trait.
Body Mass Index ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; DNA ; Drug Therapy ; Genetic Variation ; Humans ; Metabolism ; Multivariate Analysis ; Oxidative Stress* ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Principal Component Analysis ; Radiation Tolerance ; Radiotherapy* ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Skin

Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Down-Regulation ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Humans ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Skin Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology

No abstract available.
Base Sequence ; Child, Preschool ; DNA/chemistry/metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Mutation ; Nevus, Pigmented/diagnosis/*genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/*genetics ; Republic of Korea ; Skin/pathology ; Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis/*genetics ; Syndrome

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype and gene rearrangement of primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCLBCL).

METHODSSeven cases of PCLBCL were enrolled into the study. Clinicopathologic analysis, immunohistochemical staining and gene rearrangement for IgH and Igκ were undertaken in the study.

RESULTSAll the seven cases were male, and the median age was 72 years. Patients usually presented with multiple purple tumors, nodules, papules and infiltrative plaques. Two patients had a history of leg injury before onset, and one had mosquito bites. Histologically, the tumor involved the dermis and subcutis with dense and diffuse infiltrative pattern composing of centroblasts and/or immunoblasts. Immunohistochemical staining showed that seven cases (7/7) expressed CD20, six (6/6) expressed bcl-2, four (4/4) expressed MUM-1, four (4/5) expressed CD79a, four (4/5) expressed PAX-5 and four (4/6) expressed bcl-6, respectively. All cases did not express CD3ε, CD45RO, CD10 and CD30. IgH gene rearranged bands were detected in three (3/6) cases and Igκ was detected in one (1/5) case. Six of the seven cases died and the remaining patient, who was 44-year-old, was alive after 22 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSPCLBCL is rare, predominantly affects elderly male patients. PCLBCL has poor prognosis and high mortality, but younger patients seem to have better prognosis. Some cases had a history of trauma or mosquito bites. The relationship between the history and the onset of PCLBCL needs further evaluation.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Antigens, CD ; analysis ; Culicidae ; Gene Rearrangement ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains ; genetics ; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains ; genetics ; Immunophenotyping ; Insect Bites and Stings ; complications ; Leg ; Leg Injuries ; complications ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6 ; metabolism ; Skin Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Licorice has been shown to possess cancer chemopreventive effects. However, glycyrrhizin, a major component in licorice, was found to interfere with steroid metabolism and cause edema and hypertension. The roasting process of licorice modifies the chemical composition and converts glycyrrhizin to glycyrrhetinic acid. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-carcinogenic effects of the ethanol extract of roasted licorice (EERL) and to identify the active compound in EERL. MATERIALS/METHODS: Ethanol and aqueous extracts of roasted and un-roasted licorice were prepared. The active fraction was separated from the methylene chloride (MC)-soluble fraction of EERL and the structure of the purified compound was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The anti-carcinogenic effects of licorice extracts and licochalcone A was evaluated using a MTT assay, Western blot, flow cytometry, and two-stage skin carcinogenesis model. RESULTS: EERL was determined to be more potent and efficacious than the ethanol extract of un-roasted licorice in inhibiting the growth of DU145 and MLL prostate cancer cells, as well as HT-29 colon cancer cells. The aqueous extracts of un-roasted and roasted licorice showed minimal effects on cell growth. EERL potently inhibited growth of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast, B16-F10 melanoma, and A375 and A2058 skin cancer cells, whereas EERL slightly stimulated the growth of normal IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cells and CCD118SK fibroblasts. The MC-soluble fraction was more efficacious than EERL in inhibiting DU145 cell growth. Licochalcone A was isolated from the MC fraction and identified as the active compound of EERL. Both EERL and licochalcone A induced apoptosis of DU145 cells. EERL potently inhibited chemically-induced skin papilloma formation in mice. CONCLUSIONS: Non-polar compounds in EERL exert potent anti-carcinogenic effects, and that roasted rather than un-roasted licorice should be favored as a cancer preventive agent, whether being used as an additive to food or medicine preparations.
Animals ; Anticarcinogenic Agents* ; Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Breast ; Carcinogenesis ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Edema ; Epithelial Cells ; Ethanol ; Fibroblasts ; Flow Cytometry ; Glycyrrhetinic Acid ; Glycyrrhiza* ; Glycyrrhizic Acid ; Hypertension ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Melanoma ; Metabolism ; Methylene Chloride ; Mice ; Papilloma ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Skin ; Skin Neoplasms ; Spectrum Analysis

OBJECTIVETo explore the inhibitory effect of targeting miRNA on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cell proliferation in malignant melanoma (MM) SKmel-28 cells.

METHODSRecombination miRNA plasmid vectors targeting VEGF gene were transfected into SKmel-28 cells via Lipofectamine 2000. The integrity of the inserted fragments was detected using colony PCR and sequence analysis. The expression of VEGF mRNA and protein in SKmel-28 cells was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. MTS assay was used to determine the inhibitory effect of a selected targeting miRNA on SKmel-28 cell proliferation, and the apoptosis of SKmel-28 cells was detected using flow cytometry.

RESULTSTransfection with the targeting miRNAs significantly down-regulated the expressions of VEGF mRNA and protein in SKmel-28 cells (P<0.01), and the miRNA construct X-26-2n-1 showed the highest inhibitory effect. The miRNA X-26-2n-1 significantly suppressed SKmel-28 cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner (P<0.01) and increased the early, late and overall apoptosis rates of the cells (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe targeting miRNA we constructed can effectively suppress the cell proliferation and induce apoptosis of SKmel-28 cells by down-regulating the expressions of VEGF gene.

Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Melanoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Skin Neoplasms ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism