This document summarizes research on vitiligo from April to June 2012. 41 relevant papers were identified from a PubMed search. Key findings include: 4 review papers summarized approaches in vitiligo research; a case report found skin cancer in a vitiligo lesion; quality of life studies found vitiligo affects pediatric quality of life less than other diseases. Research also explored vitiligo comorbidities, mechanisms of pathogenesis like oxidative stress and immune dysfunction, candidate biomarkers, genetic risk factors, and mechanisms of treatments like phototherapy and herbal extracts.
Introduction: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with a high mortality rate of 20%-50%. Blood culture is paramount to identify causative agents of BSIs to choose an appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to analyze the various microorganisms causing BSIs and study their antimicrobial resistance patterns in a tertiary care hospital, Eastern India. Materials and Methods: A total of 239 blood specimens from clinically suspected cases of BSIs were studied for 6 months from July 2015 to December 2015. Blood specimens were incubated in BacT/ALERT ® 3D system (bioMerieux, Durham, NC, USA) a fully automated blood culture system for detection of aerobic growth. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted on VITEK ® 2 (bioMerieux, Durham, NC, USA) as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: Out of 239 specimens, 41 (17.2%) yielded growth of different microorganisms. From these isolates, 20 (48.8%) were Gram-negative bacilli, 18 (43.9%) were Gram-positive cocci and rest 3 (7.3%) were yeasts. Among Gram-negative bacilli, Klebsiella pneumoniae sub spp. pneumoniae (70%) was most commonly isolated. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (88.9%) were the most common isolate among Gram-positive cocci. All three Candida spp. isolated were nonalbicans Candida (two Candida tropicalis and one Candida krusei). Gram-negative isolates were least resistant to tigecycline and colistin. All Gram-positive cocci were sensitive to linezolid. Conclusion: Monitoring of data regarding the prevalence of microorganisms and its resistance patterns would help in currently prescribing antimicrobial regimens and improving the infection control practices by formulating policies for empirical antimicrobial therapy.
Pentoxifylline Associated with Other Antioxidants (Multimodal Therapy) on Pat...science journals
We carried out a controlled study on 240 patients diagnosed with Peyronie's Disease (PD). We have divided two treatment groups, which differ from each other only for the association with PTX-penile injection.
Introduction: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with a high mortality rate of 20%-50%. Blood culture is paramount to identify causative agents of BSIs to choose an appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to analyze the various microorganisms causing BSIs and study their antimicrobial resistance patterns in a tertiary care hospital, Eastern India. Materials and Methods: A total of 239 blood specimens from clinically suspected cases of BSIs were studied for 6 months from July 2015 to December 2015. Blood specimens were incubated in BacT/ALERT ® 3D system (bioMerieux, Durham, NC, USA) a fully automated blood culture system for detection of aerobic growth. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted on VITEK ® 2 (bioMerieux, Durham, NC, USA) as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: Out of 239 specimens, 41 (17.2%) yielded growth of different microorganisms. From these isolates, 20 (48.8%) were Gram-negative bacilli, 18 (43.9%) were Gram-positive cocci and rest 3 (7.3%) were yeasts. Among Gram-negative bacilli, Klebsiella pneumoniae sub spp. pneumoniae (70%) was most commonly isolated. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (88.9%) were the most common isolate among Gram-positive cocci. All three Candida spp. isolated were nonalbicans Candida (two Candida tropicalis and one Candida krusei). Gram-negative isolates were least resistant to tigecycline and colistin. All Gram-positive cocci were sensitive to linezolid. Conclusion: Monitoring of data regarding the prevalence of microorganisms and its resistance patterns would help in currently prescribing antimicrobial regimens and improving the infection control practices by formulating policies for empirical antimicrobial therapy.
Pentoxifylline Associated with Other Antioxidants (Multimodal Therapy) on Pat...science journals
We carried out a controlled study on 240 patients diagnosed with Peyronie's Disease (PD). We have divided two treatment groups, which differ from each other only for the association with PTX-penile injection.
SEPSIS IS MOST FATAL DISEASE WORLD WIDE. EARLY DETECTION OR PREDICTION OF SEPSIS IS A CHALLENGE
SEPSIS BIOMARKERS ARE OUR WEAPON TO EARLY DETECT SEPSIS. WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND IT WELL
A Possible Role of Rosmarinic Acid against CD2 Associated Protein for the Tre...YogeshIJTSRD
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disorder which directly affects Central Nervous System CNS . People with MS suffer with an episodic reversible memory loss during the initial stages and later it leads to the neurological deterioration. Number of research and studies has been done on the natural compounds and phytochemical compounds in order to develop the particular drug for the treatment of MS in vivo andin vitro. The present study focuses on the inhibitory effect of Rosmarinic acid against the effect of CD2 Associated protein with the help of Molecular Docking. Molecular Docking basically screens the ligand and the target protein and shows the interaction between them on the basis of the minimum binding affinities and drug likeliness properties. In our research, docking was performed between CD2 Associated protein and selected ligands with the help of docking software. Ligands were selected on the basis of their minimum Binding affinities and finally by their drug likeliness properties. Rosmarinic acid BA 5.6 was the resultant ligand of our recent study. It showed the perfect interaction with CD2 Associated protein. Therefore, we may conclude that Rosmarinic acid may act as a compound which may be used as a drug for the treatment of multiple sclerosis fromfurther in vitro and in vivostudies in future. Jitin Kumar | Tejaswee Anand | Ritika Sharma | Noopur Khare | Abhimanyu Kumar Jha | Yamini Dixit "A Possible Role of Rosmarinic Acid against CD2-Associated Protein for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis through in Silico Approach" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd44979.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/biotechnology/44979/a-possible-role-of-rosmarinic-acid-against-cd2associated-protein-for-the-treatment-of-multiple-sclerosis-through-in-silico-approach/jitin-kumar
Identifying Antibiotics posing potential Health Risk: Microbial Resistance Sc...Atai Rabby
The present study was undertaken to investigate the trends of antimicrobial resistance and identify antibiotics that are posing public health risk due to resistant microbes in Bangladesh. Antimicrobial resistance data of Bangladesh for last 10 years were searched out and compared with corresponding antibiotic consumption rates. In this study, a factor is introduced to identify the therapeutic sub-class of antibiotics that are mostly threatened by growing antimicrobial resistance. Highly resistance trend against several antibiotics such as cloxacillin, ampicillin, metronidazole, oxacillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, penicillin etc. were also indentified. Heat map analysis of this study revealed that nine antimicrobial agents: metronidazole, amoxicillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, cephadine, penicillin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and nalidixic acid are associated with public health risk due to growing bacterial resistance. This study would significantly contribute in minimizing development and spread of antibiotic resistance by revealing the microbial resistance scenario and aid the effective antibiotic treatment options in Bangladesh.
Abstract— Occupational exposure to formaldehyde (FA) has been related to adverse outcomes. However, a short period of exposure has never been assessed in terms of evaluating DNA. This study conducted on 39 medical students exposed to FA in a university laboratory of human anatomy and aimed to analyze the relationship between FA exposure and DNA damage. The buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt) was used to evaluate the students at four time points: before FA exposure, after four months of FA exposure, after eight months of FA exposure and after three months without FA exposure (remission period). Pyknotic cells, karyolitic cells, karyorrhetic cells, condensed chromatin, binucleated cells, basal cells differentiated cells, micronucleated cells and nuclear bridges were enumerated. This study shows that FA exposure caused genomic instability in all periods and the remission period was not sufficient to reverse all damage. Thus, prolonged occupational exposure to FA not only causes DNA damage but a shorter exposure period can have the same effect.
Evaluation of Prescribing Patterns of Antibiotics in General Medicine Ward in...ijtsrd
Knowledge about antibiotic utilization and resistance patterns of most common microorganisms are unavailable in tertiary care hospitals. To assess the pattern of antibiotic utilization and outcome of patients in a General Medical Ward, all positive blood cultures BC over a 4 month period from July 2019 to October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty five positive BC were recorded in which patients 43 males and 22 females . 72 of the patients received antibiotics before or soon after obtaining the BC, and ceftriaxone was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic 41.93 , either alone or in combination with other antibiotics. The bacteraemia was due to gram positive cocci in 60.46 of cases, gram negative rods in 30.23 , and gram positive rods in 9.30 . Positive BC due to contamination was not included. The most common gram positive cocci were Staphylococcus epidermidis, followed by S. aureus, while the most common gram negative bacilli were Brucella species, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella sp. The suspected sources of the bacteraemia were respiratory 21.2 , urinary 19.2 , or skin 19.2 . A subsequent change in the antibiotics regimen was done in 69.76 cases after BC results became available with no apparent effect on the outcome. Adding Cefotaxime, Amoxicillin clavulonic acid, piperacillintazobactum, vancomycin and clindamycin was the most frequent change done 19.4 for each equally . Complications developed in 69.76 of patients, with 88.66 of them suffering from sepsis shock. 69.23 of the patients improved and 30.77 expired death was related to infection in 87.5 of cases. In conclusion, most bacteremia in the medical ward of the hospital were due to gram positive cocci, which should be considered in antibiotic selection prior to BC. Vageeshwari Devuni | Debabrata Chaudhary "Evaluation of Prescribing Patterns of Antibiotics in General Medicine Ward in a Tertiary Care Hospital" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-1 , December 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd29618.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/pharmacy/pharmacology-/29618/evaluation-of-prescribing-patterns-of-antibiotics-in-general-medicine-ward-in-a-tertiary-care-hospital/vageeshwari-devuni
Poster on GtoImmuPdb presented at European Congress of Immunology (Amsterdam, Sep 2018). Overview of the main data types and features included in this extension to the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY
Get Rid Of White Patches On Skin - Vitilito Frequently Asked QuestionsBernardo Valdes
Get Rid Of White Patches On Skin - Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions. In This Slide Presentation. We Answer Questions Like. What Causes Vitiligo. What Are The Treatment Options. We Give You A Treatment Solution For Vitiligo.
Permanent skin depigmentation
Martina Barbarin
- Disclaimer-
This PPT is loaded as student material "as is", from the VRF Vitiligo Master Class Barcelona November 2011; VRF does not endorse or otherwise approve it.
SEPSIS IS MOST FATAL DISEASE WORLD WIDE. EARLY DETECTION OR PREDICTION OF SEPSIS IS A CHALLENGE
SEPSIS BIOMARKERS ARE OUR WEAPON TO EARLY DETECT SEPSIS. WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND IT WELL
A Possible Role of Rosmarinic Acid against CD2 Associated Protein for the Tre...YogeshIJTSRD
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disorder which directly affects Central Nervous System CNS . People with MS suffer with an episodic reversible memory loss during the initial stages and later it leads to the neurological deterioration. Number of research and studies has been done on the natural compounds and phytochemical compounds in order to develop the particular drug for the treatment of MS in vivo andin vitro. The present study focuses on the inhibitory effect of Rosmarinic acid against the effect of CD2 Associated protein with the help of Molecular Docking. Molecular Docking basically screens the ligand and the target protein and shows the interaction between them on the basis of the minimum binding affinities and drug likeliness properties. In our research, docking was performed between CD2 Associated protein and selected ligands with the help of docking software. Ligands were selected on the basis of their minimum Binding affinities and finally by their drug likeliness properties. Rosmarinic acid BA 5.6 was the resultant ligand of our recent study. It showed the perfect interaction with CD2 Associated protein. Therefore, we may conclude that Rosmarinic acid may act as a compound which may be used as a drug for the treatment of multiple sclerosis fromfurther in vitro and in vivostudies in future. Jitin Kumar | Tejaswee Anand | Ritika Sharma | Noopur Khare | Abhimanyu Kumar Jha | Yamini Dixit "A Possible Role of Rosmarinic Acid against CD2-Associated Protein for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis through in Silico Approach" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd44979.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/biotechnology/44979/a-possible-role-of-rosmarinic-acid-against-cd2associated-protein-for-the-treatment-of-multiple-sclerosis-through-in-silico-approach/jitin-kumar
Identifying Antibiotics posing potential Health Risk: Microbial Resistance Sc...Atai Rabby
The present study was undertaken to investigate the trends of antimicrobial resistance and identify antibiotics that are posing public health risk due to resistant microbes in Bangladesh. Antimicrobial resistance data of Bangladesh for last 10 years were searched out and compared with corresponding antibiotic consumption rates. In this study, a factor is introduced to identify the therapeutic sub-class of antibiotics that are mostly threatened by growing antimicrobial resistance. Highly resistance trend against several antibiotics such as cloxacillin, ampicillin, metronidazole, oxacillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, penicillin etc. were also indentified. Heat map analysis of this study revealed that nine antimicrobial agents: metronidazole, amoxicillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, cephadine, penicillin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and nalidixic acid are associated with public health risk due to growing bacterial resistance. This study would significantly contribute in minimizing development and spread of antibiotic resistance by revealing the microbial resistance scenario and aid the effective antibiotic treatment options in Bangladesh.
Abstract— Occupational exposure to formaldehyde (FA) has been related to adverse outcomes. However, a short period of exposure has never been assessed in terms of evaluating DNA. This study conducted on 39 medical students exposed to FA in a university laboratory of human anatomy and aimed to analyze the relationship between FA exposure and DNA damage. The buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt) was used to evaluate the students at four time points: before FA exposure, after four months of FA exposure, after eight months of FA exposure and after three months without FA exposure (remission period). Pyknotic cells, karyolitic cells, karyorrhetic cells, condensed chromatin, binucleated cells, basal cells differentiated cells, micronucleated cells and nuclear bridges were enumerated. This study shows that FA exposure caused genomic instability in all periods and the remission period was not sufficient to reverse all damage. Thus, prolonged occupational exposure to FA not only causes DNA damage but a shorter exposure period can have the same effect.
Evaluation of Prescribing Patterns of Antibiotics in General Medicine Ward in...ijtsrd
Knowledge about antibiotic utilization and resistance patterns of most common microorganisms are unavailable in tertiary care hospitals. To assess the pattern of antibiotic utilization and outcome of patients in a General Medical Ward, all positive blood cultures BC over a 4 month period from July 2019 to October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty five positive BC were recorded in which patients 43 males and 22 females . 72 of the patients received antibiotics before or soon after obtaining the BC, and ceftriaxone was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic 41.93 , either alone or in combination with other antibiotics. The bacteraemia was due to gram positive cocci in 60.46 of cases, gram negative rods in 30.23 , and gram positive rods in 9.30 . Positive BC due to contamination was not included. The most common gram positive cocci were Staphylococcus epidermidis, followed by S. aureus, while the most common gram negative bacilli were Brucella species, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella sp. The suspected sources of the bacteraemia were respiratory 21.2 , urinary 19.2 , or skin 19.2 . A subsequent change in the antibiotics regimen was done in 69.76 cases after BC results became available with no apparent effect on the outcome. Adding Cefotaxime, Amoxicillin clavulonic acid, piperacillintazobactum, vancomycin and clindamycin was the most frequent change done 19.4 for each equally . Complications developed in 69.76 of patients, with 88.66 of them suffering from sepsis shock. 69.23 of the patients improved and 30.77 expired death was related to infection in 87.5 of cases. In conclusion, most bacteremia in the medical ward of the hospital were due to gram positive cocci, which should be considered in antibiotic selection prior to BC. Vageeshwari Devuni | Debabrata Chaudhary "Evaluation of Prescribing Patterns of Antibiotics in General Medicine Ward in a Tertiary Care Hospital" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-1 , December 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd29618.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/pharmacy/pharmacology-/29618/evaluation-of-prescribing-patterns-of-antibiotics-in-general-medicine-ward-in-a-tertiary-care-hospital/vageeshwari-devuni
Poster on GtoImmuPdb presented at European Congress of Immunology (Amsterdam, Sep 2018). Overview of the main data types and features included in this extension to the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY
Get Rid Of White Patches On Skin - Vitilito Frequently Asked QuestionsBernardo Valdes
Get Rid Of White Patches On Skin - Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions. In This Slide Presentation. We Answer Questions Like. What Causes Vitiligo. What Are The Treatment Options. We Give You A Treatment Solution For Vitiligo.
Permanent skin depigmentation
Martina Barbarin
- Disclaimer-
This PPT is loaded as student material "as is", from the VRF Vitiligo Master Class Barcelona November 2011; VRF does not endorse or otherwise approve it.
Virus pathogenesis by Prof. Konstantin LomonosovVR Foundation
By Prof. Konstantin Lomonosov
Presentation from the World Vitiligo Symposium 2011. Sponsored by the VR Foundation.
Проф. Константин Ломоносов
Роль вирусов в патогенезе витилиго.
Презентация, Мировой Симпозиум Витилиго. 2011.
Sodium Oxodihydroacridinylacetate for effective vitiligo treatment. May 24, 2013VR Foundation
Researchers Stop Vitiligo Progression! New hope for millions worldwide.
Dr. Igor Korobko, Chief Scientific Director of the non-profit Vitiligo Research Foundation (http://www.vrfoundation.org/), has reported a major breakthrough in vitiligo therapy development at the 10th EADV Spring Symposium in Krakow, Poland. Data released on May 24, 2013 from VRF's preclinical study of a Pharmsyntez drug, sold under the trademark Neovir, has shown positive results in arresting vitiligo lesion progression in 73.3 percent of patients with an active form of vitiligo. In four of the 60 patients taking part in the study, vitiligo lesions re-pigmented significantly.
Sodium oxodihydroacridinylacetate (ODHAA) is the active ingredient in Neovir, with an immunomodulatory capacity that is currently being used to normalize impaired immune system functions for various conditions. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were used as predictive and end-point markers during the trials. The treatment was well tolerated by patients, and no side effects were observed.
Researchers from the VR Foundation study did not compare the drug with a control placebo or other treatment modality, and it is, as yet, unclear how long the effects will last, though there are signs that for many patients, it could be up to a year or more. It may also be used to prevent vitiligo relapse after stopping its progression with an annual administration of the drug.
It is also not clear yet whether the drug will work for segmental vitiligo, which is often seen as a distinctly different form of the disease.
This study, and others on immune system drugs, will perhaps be the most closely watched items in the Vitiligo Research Foundation’s drug re-purposing research activities.
The Foundation’s CEO, Yan Valle, noted that today scientists know the molecular cause of 4,000 diseases, but treatments are available for only 250 of them. Systematic drug development is lagging behind for many rare and complex diseases. Drug re-purposing offers some effective and cost-efficient solutions.
Mr. Valle went on to add, “We are focused on off-label testing of approved drugs that are already on the market, and thus are already available to patients immediately. Neovir is cheaply available without prescription across the former Soviet Union, it is very affordable and has an excellent long-standing safety profile,”.
At the moment it is still unclear when this drug will be available in the United States or European Union.
Coming a month before World Vitiligo Day (http://25june.org/) on June 25, it is another positive sign that there is hope on the horizon for vitiligo sufferers.
Vitiligo - critical review of medical treatments by Prof. R. SchwartzVR Foundation
Prof. Robert Schwartz
Vitiligo: Critical review of medical treatments
Presentation from the World Vitiligo Symposium 2011. Sponsored by the VR Foundation.
Melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure inthe treatment of vitili...VR Foundation
Richard H. Huggins, MD
Multicultural Dermatology Center
Department of Dermatology
Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
Vitiligo surgery may be an effective treatment option for select patients
Tissue grafting methods
Cellular grafting methods, including melanocyte keratinocyte transplantation (MKTP)
Excellent donor area:recipient area (1:10 noncultured
- Disclaimer-
This PPT is loaded as student material "as is", from the VRF Vitiligo Master Class Barcelona November 2011; VRF does not endorse or otherwise approve it.
Combination therapy - Prof.TorelloLotti , MDVR Foundation
VITILIGO: Primitive acquired pigmentation disorder with focal depigmentation of the skin;
Characterized by well circumscribed milky white cutaneous/mucous macules;
Patches arise as a consequence of destruction and/or functional inactivation of melanocytes underlying a complex syndrome;
Acquired (only in few cases congenital), often familial (23% of the cases).
84% of dermatologists in The Netherlands are reluctant to start any active treatment in vitiligo; 82% in the Mediterranean area either prescribe placebos or treatments of cosmetic relevance only
Depigmentation ( Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, Q-switched ruby laser)
Repigmentation (corticosteroids, psoralen photochemotherapy, UVB phototherapy
Vitiligo : What's new in 2012 - Howard Fox Memorial Lecture, New York Academy...VR Foundation
NYAM Section on Dermatology Presents the 2012 Howard Fox, MD Memorial Lecture
Date: March 13, 2012 to March 13, 2012
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM p.m., Lecture 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Speaker(s): Torello Lotti, MD, Professor of the Dermatology and Venereology Division at Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy - Honorary Professor of Dermatology - China Medical University Shenyang, 18 Dec.2011
Chair, Executive Scientific Committee Vitiligo Research Foundation, New York , NY , USA.
Sponsored by: NYAM Section on Dermatology
Location: The New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, New York, NY 10029
"Vitiligo: What's New – Update in 2012"
Vitiligo is a chronic acquired hypomelanotic disorder affecting 0.5-2% of the world's population. Different forms of vitiligo have been described, according to the distribution and the extent of the achromic lesion. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of vitiligo. The two major pathogenetic hypotheses are focused on immune-mediated or toxic-mediated cell damage primarily directed at melanocytes. New data demonstrated an important involvement of the keratinocytes and dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.
According to our progress in understanding Vitiligo pathogenesis, new and experimental therapies, such as narrow-band ultraviolet B microphototherapy (NB-UVB), narrow-band ultraviolet B excimer laser and monochromatic excimer light are available for the treatment of the disease. In addition, there are new topical treatments such as antioxidants, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, prostaglandin E, and vitamin D derivatives. Excellent therapeutic results can be achieved through combination treatments.
About the Speaker(s)
Torello Lotti, MD, Prof. Lotti is Professor of the Dermatology and Venereology Division at Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy. Previously, he was Professor of the Dermatology and Venereology Division at University of Florence School of Medicine, Florence, Italy.
The fields of his principal scientific investigations are focused on the study of neuropeptides in numerous skin diseases, of plasminogen activators in autoimmune dermatoses and in lichen planus, and the clinical aspects and treatment of psoriasis vulgaris with particular emphasis on new therapies with biological agents. Of particular relevance is his research on the pathogenesis and innovative treatments for vitiligo.
Dr. Lotti is Visiting Professor and Director, International Centre for Balneology, Cell Biology, and Physiotherapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia (PA, USA), Visiting Professor of Dermatology in six international universities, and Key Note Lecturer, Japanese Society of Cosmetic Dermatology. Past activities: Past-President of the Italian Society of Dermatology and Venereology, Past President of International Society of Dermatology.
Bioinformatics in the Clinical Pipeline: Contribution in Genomic Medicineiosrjce
In this review report we like to focus on the new challenges in methodology of modern biology be
used in medical science. Today human health is a primary issue to cure disease, undoubtedly the answer to this
is bioinformatics or (In-silco) tools has change the concept of treating patients to understand the need of
genomic medicine in use. Those with new modes of action in clinical treatment, is a major health concern in
medical science. On global prospective scientific role in constructing new ideas to remediate health care to
treat disease exciting in nature is challenging task. So awareness needs to accelerate store clinical datasets for
scientific represents to design genomic drugs. This new outline will drive the medical to discover public data
and create a cognitive approach to use technology cheaper at cost effective mode.
Study of Spectrum of Adrenal Changes Autopsied at J.L.N. Hospital AjmerAI Publications
Background- Adrenal glands are the least studied organ. Aim and Objectives- 1. To analyse gross and microscopic morphology of adrenals in posmortem cases and their correlation if any with the cause of death. 2. To compare the adrenal changes in various layers along with sudden natural death. 3. To compare the adrenal changes in person dying due to debilitated condition like TB, CANCER. 4. To compare the adrenal changes in chronic hypertensive and end stage renal disease. 5. Death in corona pandemic due to COVID-19. 6. Death due to poisoning. Material and Methods- This observational cross section study will be carried out in the department of forensic medicine and toxicology on 100 cases in JLN Medical college and attached hospitals with cooperation from the department of pathology after obtaining due permission from the institutional ethical committee. Conclusion- Adrenal lesion can present in various forms at autopsy. Non-neoplastic Lesions should be given equal importance as neoplastic. An enlarged adrenal does not always indicate malignancy. There are many clinical conditions in which adrenals are affected as secondary phenomenon. Gross and histo-morphological examination of the tissue can diagnose the adrenal lesions with great accuracy and is beneficial for patient’s further survival, in setups where facilities to perform adrenal biopsies are available. Adrenals should be investigated as a part of routine autopsy procedure in all post-mortem cases.
The Immunosuppressive Significance of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Blood Level...CrimsonpublishersCancer
In addition to the well-known negative prognostic significance of the abnormally high blood levels of lactate dehydrogenase LDH in most neoplasms, more recently it has been shown that the evidence of abnormally low values of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) may also predict a poor prognosis in human tumors. On these bases, a preliminary study was carried out to evaluate which relationship may occur between LMR and LDH levels in metastatic cancer patients. The study included 100 metastatic solid tumor patients. Breast, lung and gastrointestinal tract tumors were the neoplasms most frequent in our patients. Patients with high LDH levels showed significantly lower values of LMR. Since the occurrence of low LMR values is the expression of an immunosuppressive status, the association between LDH high levels and low LMR values would suggest that LDH may predict a poor prognosis in metastatic cancer not only by reflecting tumor extension, but also for its potential immunosuppressive status.
26 ASBMB TODAY FEBRUARY 2021Discovering an old DoGs’ neMargaritoWhitt221
26 ASBMB TODAY FEBRUARY 2021
Discovering an old DoGs’
new trick
Heterotrimeric G proteins regulate
a variety of signaling pathways that
control cell development and influ-
ence cell morphology via actin/cyto-
skeleton remodeling. There are four
main families of G proteins: Gi/Go,
Gq, Gs and G12/13. Researchers long
have thought that Gs, unlike its family
members, is coupled specifically and
exclusively to adenylyl cyclases.
In a new study published in the
Journal of Biological Chemistry,
Alejandro Castillo–Kauil of the
Center for Research and Advanced
Studies of the National Polytechnic
Institute and collaborators challenge
this dogmatic view by identifying a
new Gs target. Using biochemical,
molecular biological and chemo-
genetic approaches, the researchers
demonstrated that the Gαs subfamily
of G proteins can regulate the activity
of Rho GTPases such as Rho guanine
nucleotide exchange factor, or Rho-
GEF. The interaction identified by the
group activates the small G protein
Cdc42 by Gs-coupled GPCRs, stimu-
lating a rearrangement of the cyto-
skeleton and inducing formation of
fingerlike protrusions called filopodia.
These results provide new insight
into G protein activity and define a
new role for RhoGEF coupling in G
protein function.
DOI: 10.1074/jbc.AC120.015204
A pathogen’s proteins target
mitochondria
The tick-borne pathogen Coxiella
burnetii causes Q fever, or query fever,
a rare flulike disease that can spread
to humans who inhale dust particles
contaminated by infected farm or
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
Noninvasive tool provides oral cancer prognosis
Oral squamous cell carcinoma, which affects about 34,000 people
in the U.S. each year, is found in the cells lining the lips and mouth.
Metastasis to the lymph nodes is a sign of disease progression and may
be accompanied by changes in proteolytic activity. During proteolysis,
enzymes cut up proteins into short fragments called peptides. Recent
work suggests that characterizing the sequence and abundance of these
molecules — a method dubbed peptidomics — might provide new in-
sight on cancer biology and in the clinic. In a recent paper in the journal
Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, Leandro Xavier Neves of the Brazil-
ian Biosciences National Laboratory and a team of Brazilian clinicians
and scientists describe their analysis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
patient saliva using peptidomics.
After extracting peptides from saliva samples, the research team ana-
lyzed and compared the peptide content in samples from patients with
and without metastasis to the lymph nodes. They found more than 1,000
uniquely expressed peptides in each group and an additional 1,628 pep-
tides expressed by both groups. A series of statistical analyses identified
77 peptides of particular interest; all of these peptides are overexpressed
in samples from patients with lymph node metastasis, which supports the
hypothesis that proteolytic activity increases ...
ABSTRACT- Introduction: Leprosy one of the oldest and chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium
leprae. Leprosy is widely prevalent in India. Most of the cases present as hypopigmented patches or erythematous
lesions over skin. However on histopathology these lesions show a wide spectrum of changes and variations.
Material And Methods: A retrospective study of diagnosed cases of leprosy on skin biopsy in Department of
Pathology, S Nijalingappa Medical College from January 2015 to January 2016. Total of 63 cases were re-evaluated
and classified according to Ridley-Jopling classification.
Results: Lesions were most oftenly seen in middle aged patients and most common symptom was hypopigmented patch
(68.2%). Based on Ridley-Jopling classification, most cases were lepromatous leprosy (23.8%) followed by borderline
lepromatous type (22.2%), indeterminate type (22.2%), tuberculoid leprosy (6.3%), borderline tuberculoid leprosy
(17.4%) and borderline borderline leprosy (7.9%). Wade-Fite staining was done in 42 cases out of which 17 cases
showed positive for acid-fast bacilli. Also noted that the bacilli load was >2+ in lepromatous spectrum.
Conclusion: Histopathology remains the important tool to diagnose the subtype of leprosy lesions. Lepromatous
leprosy is most often associated with high bacterial load.
Key-words- Histomorphological Spectrum, Lepromatous spectrum, Mycobacterium leprae, Leprosy
Study of Glutathione Peroxidase GPX Activity Among Betel Quid Chewers of Indi...ijtsrd
"Introduction Betel quid BQ chewing, a habit practiced in Eastern and North Eastern part of India, has known to be associated with cancer of the oral or buccal cavity. BQ is also one of the common mood elevating substances among Indian population. The BQ is a mixture of areca nut Areca catechu , catechu Acacia catechu and slaked lime calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide wrapped in a betel leaf Piper betel .BQ products have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC as group I human carcinogens . Glutathione peroxidise GPx , one of the major enzymatic antioxidant defence system, responsible for scavenging free radicals. Antioxidant enzymes catalyze decomposition of ROS. Overall balance between production and removal of ROS may be more important in various cancers including OSCC Oral squamous cell carcinoma or oral cancer. Methods In this study subjects were screened from Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery andE.N.T. of Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan Hospital RKMSP , Kolkata and different areas of West Bengal and North Eastern states of India. Quantitative in vitro determination of glutathione peroxidase activities in whole blood were estimated manually with 0.05 ml whole blood. The samples were assayed by UV Visible Spectrophotometer SPECORD 50 PLUS at a wavelength of 340nm. Results Most of the subjects had betel quid chewing habit. Glutathione peroxidase values are higher in healthy control than Cancer cases and Pre cancer with betel quid chewing habit, which is statistically significant. Conclusion Reactive oxygen species are generated due to slaked lime, one of the important constituents of betel quid which can modulate the oral pathology and promote carcinogenesis. Aniket Adhikari | Madhusnata De ""Study of Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) Activity Among Betel Quid Chewers of Indian Population"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-3 , April 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd21619.pdf
Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/biochemistry/21619/study-of-glutathione-peroxidase-gpx-activity-among-betel-quid-chewers-of-indian-population/aniket-adhikari"
Abstract—Periodontal disease is a destructive inflammatory disease inducing profound changes in the plasma concentrations of cytokines leading to a catabolic state characterized by altered lipid metabolism and hypertriglyceridemia. This study was conducted with the aim find out association of chronic periodontitis with serum lipid parameters. Study group consist of 30 cases of chronic periodontitis (case group) and control group consist of 30 healthy individuals. Age range was kept 25-60 years to avoid extreme ages. Periodontal parameters including Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Probing Depth and Clinical Attachment Level were recorded. Lipid profile comprising of total cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL- Cholesterol and LDL was assessed and co related with periodontal parameters. This study confirms significantly higher levels of mean cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL in periodontitis group as compared to healthy group. Also, there is significant negative co relation of HDL with probing depth and clinical attachment loss. Association of hyperlipidemia and chronic periodontitis is evident in developed state of disease. With this study, this relation is confirmed based on Factor and Outcome.
Exploring Molecular Targets for Repositioning of Hypertensive DrugsYogeshIJTSRD
Drug repositioning or drug repurposing or drug profiling is the discovery of new applications for approved or failed drug.. Drug repositioning is the development of new approved drug applications. The cost of bringing a medicine to the market is around one million which include clinical and preclinical trials. Repositioning of drugs help in cutting down costs as well as time involve in intial validation and authorization. The procedure involved in Drug repositioning is generally performed during the drug development phase to modify or extend an active molecules distribution line. On a fundamental level, repositioning opportunities exist because drugs perturb multiple biological entities and engage themselves in multiple biological processes. Therefore, a drug can play multiple roles or perform a various mode of actions that are responsible for its pharmacology. Hypertension, is a condition that causes increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this study an attempt has been made to reposition hypertensive drugs for different diseases by exploring molecular targets of hypertensive drugs. Consider that they often need to be administered for long periods of time, often over whole life time Side effects although present, have been found safe enough to be used for such long durations, hence repurposing these drugs for other diseases may be beneficial with limited side effects. Bhawna Singh | Asmita Das "Exploring Molecular Targets for Repositioning of Hypertensive Drugs" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-3 , April 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd39910.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/bioinformatics/39910/exploring-molecular-targets-for-repositioning-of-hypertensive-drugs/bhawna-singh
1. Overview of vitiligo research
April 2012 – June 2012
This is review of research results in the vitiligo field which were indexed in the PubMed
database (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) in a period from April 2012 till June 2012. Abstracts
of papers were retrieved from PubMed database with search term “vitiligo” with filter set up to
retrieve records with creation date between March 15, 2012 and June 30, 2012. The search was
done on August 02, 2012. As the methodology of search has been changed (earlier records were
retrieved based on the publication date limit, search limits were extended from April 01 to
March 15 to assure that no record is missing between previous and present quarterly overviews
due to alteration of search limit parameter.
Retrieved 82 records were manually checked for a relevance to vitiligo research field,
publication date (manuscripts published prior 2012 were excluded), and novelty in terms of not
being reviewed in previous quarterly overviews. Out of 82 records initially retrieved, 41 records
have been selected for inclusion into this quarterly overview of vitiligo research.
Reviews & consensus papers
Among remaining relevant records, 4 papers were reviews.
Picardo and co-authors in their review summarized experimental approaches already used
and emerging in vitiligo research. The review aims to propose “innovative multidisciplinary
options for the vitiligo understanding”, with the hope to be “a basis for a more coordinated and
productive approach to the biological questions”.PubMed
Disease stability is of a great importance in vitiligo treatment, especially when surgical
methods are used. Yet there is a little consensus in evaluation of this parameter. Lahiri &
MalakarPubMed reviewed existing concepts of disease stability, and emphasized that clinical
stability might not truly reflect stability on molecular level, and that novel approaches in
addressing vitiligo stability question should be introduced such as analysis of perilesional and
non-lesional skin biopsies and serological tests including cytokine/growth factor profile
assessment.
Lee authored a review manuscript focused on the role of keratinocytes in vitiligo
pathogenesis.PubMed Summarizing available data, it was emphasized that keratinocytes in
depigmented epidermis are more vulnerable to apoptosis, and impaired PI3K/Akt signaling
pathway along with increased TNF level is a mechanism of keratinocyte death. Importantly,
apoptotic keratinocytes in depigmented epidermis produce lower levels of keratinocytes-derived
growth factors required for melanocytes (including SCF), thus resulting in melanocyte death.
This review ultimately points on the importance of growth factor milieu in vitiligous skin as a
potential factor in pathogenesis.
One review summarized data on efficiency of relevantly new vitiligo treatment modality,
monochromatic eximer light (MEL) phototherapy.PubMed In summary, MEL was found to be
superior over nbUVB phototherapy, and successfully used as both monotherapy or in
combination with other vitiligo treatments, with eximer laser and eximer lamp showing equal
efficiency in head-to-head comparison.
Case reports
A case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from vitiligo macula has been reported.PubMed
Although authors suggest that decreased photoprotection in depigmented skin might be
responsible for this phenomenon, skin cancer incidence is at least not increased in vitiligo
patients compared to general population, even despite frequently used ultraviolet therapy. Thus
this assumption is hardly justified.
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2. Quality of life (QoL)
Manzoni et alPubMed reported results of comparative study of QoL of pediatric patients with atopic
dermatitis, psoriasis and vitiligo, with the finding that vitiligo affected QoL to lesser degree than
atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Results of comparative study of Willingness to pay versus Quality of life of patients
affected by rosacea were published,PubMed which included comparison with historical data on
vitiligo. While rosacea patients were willing to pay €2880 (median €500) for complete healing,
this figure was €7360 (median €3000) for vitiligo. These data demonstrate commercial potential
of effective vitiligo treatment, far exceeding those for rosacea.
Comorbidities
Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common vitiligo comorbidity. Subba et alPubMed assessed
thyroid function (by measuring thyroid-associated hormones) in 66 Nepalese vitiligo patients and
found thyroid abnormalities in almost 40% of patients studied. This emphasizes the need of
undergoing thyroid function test for vitiligo patients to rule out thyroid disorder and to prevent
long-term complication. Yet low frequency of newly diagnosed comorbid thyroid dysfunction in
vitligo patients has been reported previously for Netherland population,PubMed thus likely
indicating that necessity of thyroid disease screening of vitiligo patients is population-specific
and likely depends on quality and accessibility of general medical care.
In a review of Franks & SlanskyPubMed focused on cross-talk between autoimmune
diseases, chronic inflammation and cancer, a link between vitiligo and melanoma has been
overviewed, with vitiligo being considered as a favorable prognostic factor in melanoma
patients, likely due to reflection of induced anti-melanoma immunity, and with the induction of
autoimmune conditions to fight tumors as a therapeutic option which although should be
considered with the care due to potential severe side effects.
Of the other comorbidities, coincidence of vitiligo with autoimmune hepatitis/primary
billary cirrhosis (2 patients, 2.8% incidence),PubMed inflammatory bowel diseasePubMed and
Noonan syndromePubMed were reported.
Epidemiology
No manuscripts were published on this topic in an overviewed period.
Understanding of mechanisms of vitiligo pathogenesis
Kluger focused on tattoo as a potential vitiligo trigger with the conclusion that tattoo is unlikely
to be a causative reason for tattoo-associated vitiligo. However patients with vitiligo could be
advised to take into account potential risk of Koebner phenomenon occurrence at the site of
tattoo, and wait for disease stabilization before undergoing tattooing.PubMed
Study of Toosi and co-authorsPubMed aimed to link oxidative stress as a vitiligo trigger to
autoimmune reaction contributing to disease progression. Based on a hypothesis that oxidative
stress triggers accumulation of misfolded proteins and unfolded protein response, authors
demonstrated that phenols indeed up-regulated expression of unfolded protein response in
melanocytes, including X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in melanocytes. The latter induced
secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IL-8 by melanocytes, which could be attenuated by
XBP1 inhibitors. Notably, XBP1 gene allele conferring stronger promoter activity has been
previously link to vitiligo.PubMed, PubMed Thus, XBP1 emerges as a potential target in vitiligo
treatment, linking oxidative stress and autoimmune reaction.
Two studies aimed to pinpoint systemic abnormalities in immune system in vitiligo
patients. Zhou et alPubMed when analyzing blood immune system cells in 43 vitligo patients with
active disease found no difference in CD4+, CD8+ T-cells and in regulatory T-cells (Tregs)
compared to healthy subjects, which is in line with previously reported data. However,
percentage of peripheral invariant natural killer T-cells (iNKT) was significantly lower in vitiligo
patients suggesting contribution of defects in iNKT to vitiligo pathogenesis. At the same time,
2
3. Lili et alPubMed reported obvious expansion of CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells and decrease in Tregs in
patients with generalized vitiligo. In perilesional skin, both CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell and Treg load
was increased, but peripheral Tregs have impaired ability to suppress proliferation and cytolitic
activity of CD8+ T-cells. Authors conclude that reduced number and impaired functions of Tregs
in generalized vitiligo patients might be responsible for widespread activation of CD8+ cytotoxic
T-cell leading to melanocyte destruction. Apparent contradiction with results of Zhou et al
potentially might be explained by different characteristics of patient enrolled in studies.
It has been shown previously that levels of catecholamine and their metabolites are
increased in blood and urine. This observation has been confirmed again in study of Shahin et
al.PubMed Reimann et alPubMed found that expression of some genes associated with dopamine
pathway is altered in vitiligo patient’s skin both on mRNA and protein levels. These findings
provide a basis for an increased toxic to melanocytes dopamine level documented in vitiligo
patients. In particular, authors observed decreased DDC (key enzyme in dopamine synthesis)
mRNA level in vitiligous skin while DDC protein level was increased. This controversial
observation might indicate deregulation of some mechanism controlling DDC protein
synthesis/stability which contributes to increased dopamine level and vitiligo development
owing to toxic effect of dopamine on melanocytes.
Stylianos et alPubMed undertaken analysis of epithelial histology of the skin in the center
and at the aged of vitiligous macula, with the finding of higher thickness of epithelium at the
center of lesions, which was frequently accompanied by increased vascularization. Authors
speculate that this might reflect protective changes in depigmented skin after melanin loss.
Shi et alPubMed compared transcriptomes of Smyth line chicken feathers at different stages
of depigmentation, with the differentially expressed genes associated not only with innate and
adoptive immune response but also with disturbed redox balance and apoptosis, supporting
paradigm of vitiligo being a disease with multifactorial etiology.
Abdou et alPubMed investigated tenascin C distribution in vitiligous skin and found
profound differences between lesional and perilesional/normal skin, with generally increased
tenascin C expression. In addition, intense expression of keratinocyte-derived tenascin C
hallmarked more active disease. These results confirm previously reported dataPubMed and suggest
that increased expression of tenascin C might contribute to melanocyte loss due to melanocyte
adhesion loss owing to capability of extracellular tenascin C to inhibit melanocyte adhesion to
fibronectin.
Candidate (bio)markers/disease classification
Lee et alPubMed addressed a question of severe leukotrichia in segmental vitiligo patients as a
predictor of phototherapy outcome. All 9 patients studied with more than 90% of white hairs as
revealed by examination with digital microscope showed poor response to phototherapy,
suggesting and supporting that leukotrichia is a marker of poor response to phototherapy in
segmental vitiligo. In addition, authors noticed that 2 patients developed leukotrichia within 1
year of vitiligo onset warranting early after onset treatment of the disease.
Another potential predictor of clinical profile and course of vitiligo has been revealed by
van Geel et al.PubMed Presence of Koebner phenomenon (in general of its particular subtype(s))
was found to predict larger body area surface involved, increased disease activity, and early age
of onset. Similarly, autoimmune component presence in non-segmental vitiligo (comorbid
autoimmune diseases and/or autoantibodies) was reported also to be a potential factor
correlating with some clinical characteristics of vitiligo such as disease duration.PubMed
When comparing pre- and post-pubertal at onset (i.e. prior of after age of 12) non-
segmental vitiligo, association of post-pubertal onset vitiligo with stress as onset factor and
autoimmune thyroiditis/presence of anti-thyroid antibodies. Pre-pubertal vitiligo was associated
with generalized type, family history of vitiligo, other autoimmune diseases and premature hair
graying, presence of halo nevi and concomitant atopic dermatitis.PubMed This study showed that
pre- and post-pubertal vitiligo is likely to differ in predisposing factors for a disease onset,
3
4. including genetic ones. Further on, halo nevi presence has been associated with family history of
premature hair graying in vitiligo patients, suggesting that activation of autoimmune processes as
evidenced by halo nevus presence might contribute to premature hair graying.PubMed
Two promoter polymorphisms in IL-4 gene associated with vitiligo as well as increased
IL-4 level due to genetic variationsPubMed are emerging as candidate biomarkers for vitiligo
subtyping (see section Genetic studies below for details).
Genetic studies
Five papers were focused on mining genetically determined susceptibility to vitiligo, four of
which were case-controlled studies, and one was genome-wide association study (GWAS).
Aygingoz et al studied vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms in association
with vitiligo on Turkish population and found that presence of TaqI polymorphism confers 2.23-
fold increased risk of vitiligo development.PubMed In addition, specific haplotype of 5 different
polymorphisms in VDR gene was found to be overrepresented in vitiligo patients in this study on
98 vitiligo patients. Notably, this haplotype included SNP previously associated with vitiligo in
small inbred Romanian community,PubMed although this association has not been confirmed by
the data of GWAS analysis.PubMed
Bassiouny & Khorshied analyzed GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms in Egyptian
women with and without non-segmental vitiligo and found that GSTM1-null genotype alone and
combined GSTM1/GSTT1 double-null genotype were associated with risk of vitiligo,PubMed
suggesting that defects in detoxication system might contribute to vitiligo risk. Similar results for
association of GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotype with vitiligo risk were obtained earlier for Chinese
and Korean populationsPubMed, PubMed thus further supporting association of GSTM1/GSTT1
variations with risk of vitiligo in particular, and genetic defects in detoxification system in
general.
Group of researchers leading by Richard Spritz reported identification of additional 13
new vitiligo susceptibility genetic loci, mostly linked to immune system and melanocyte
components,PubMed thus further suggesting autoimmune nature of genetic susceptibility to vitiligo.
Korean researchers investigated found association of two cyclin-dependent kinase 5
regulatory subunit associated protein 1 (CDK5RAP1) gene polimorphisms with vitiligo age of
onset and the difference in one haplotype between case and control groups derived from Korean
population,PubMed thus suggesting CDK5RAP1 gene as a potential vitiligo susceptibility genes.
Two promoter polymorphisms in IL-4 gene affecting gene expression were studied in
Indian populations in respect with association with vitiligo in a case-controlled study.PubMed
Indeed, genotype frequencies for both polymorphisms were different for case and control groups
for both studied populations, with the concomitant increased level in IL-4 mRNA and serum
level, with particular haplotypes associated with early age of vitiligo onset. These data reveal IL-
4 gene variations as a potential genetic risk factor for vitiligo and further suggest the role of IL-4
in vitiligo pathogenesis. Indeed, increased IL-4 expression was found in lymphocytes derived
from patients with Hashimoto’s disease accompanied by vitiligo when comparing with
Hashimoto’s disease patients without vitiligo,PubMed and increased level of IL-4 has been reported
in vitiligo patients compared to healthy controls.PubMed Yet in another study no difference in IL-4
level has been revealed between vitiligo patients and controls,PubMed and no increase in IL-4 has
been observed in Smyth line chicken model.PubMed Thus it is plausible that IL-4 level might
hallmark specific subset of vitiligo patients and thus to be considered as a biomarker.
Mechanisms of therapeutic interventions
Tang et alPubMed addressed potential mechanism of beneficial UVB effect in vitiligo treatment.
UVB is known to induce hydrogen peroxide generation in the skin, which at low (less than 0.3
mM) concentration as demonstrated by authors of the study, has beneficial effect on tyrosinase
activity, melanin synthesis and melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, while higher concentration
of hydrogen peroxide have opposite effect. However owing to intrinsically high (micromolar
4
5. range) hydrogen peroxide concentration in vitiligous skin, this mechanism of UVB action seems
to be weakly relevant to its effect in vitiligo treatment. In addition, one of the major milestones
in vitiligo treatment is repopulation of depigmented skin by melanocytes, the process with the
unknown effect of hydrogen peroxide on it.
Liu et alPubMed investigated mechanism of baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone), a
compound used in traditional Chinese medicine in vitiligo treatment, action. Being antioxidant,
baicalein protected melanocyte cells in vitro from hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis,
providing a rationale for baicalein use in vitiligo treatment.
Moreira et alPubMed investigated effect of Pyrostegia venusta flower and leaf extract on
melanogenesis using B16F10 mouse melanoma cells as an in vitro model and found that low
extract concentration indeed stimulate melanogenesis which could be a rational for use of
P.venusta extract in folk medicine to treat hypopigmentary disorders including vitiligo. On the
other hand, effect of P.venusta extract flower extract in vitiligo treatment could also be attributed
to its potent antioxidant properties.PubMed
Novel treatment modalities
Kim et al investigated possibility of circumcised foreskin use as a source of material for
autologous non-cultured epidermal cell transplantation in vitiligo treatment, with excellent
results obtained in 2 patients.PubMed Based on these results, circumcised foreskin can be
recommended to be used as a donor material in epidermal cell transplantation treatment of
vitiligo in non-circumcised males, offering large amount of donor material and no complication
at donor site.
Durham & OrringerPubMed provided a case report of a successful use of 532 nm quality
switched (QS) frequency-doubled neodymium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser
for removal of recalcitrant pigmentation and recurrent pigmentation after full-body chemical
depigmentation therapy for vitiligo, thus adding another treatment option in addition to being in
use 694 nm QS ruby and 755 nm QS alexandrite lasers.
Clinical trails
Methodology
Repigmentation assessment is a critical issue in evaluation of vitiligo treatments. Linthors
Homan et alPubMed compared evaluation of repigmentation after punch grafting performed by
patients, clinical observers or using digital image analysis system. Similarly to as reported
previously,PubMed there was a good correlation between results of evaluation by clinical observers
and with the aim of digital image analysis system, while patient’s evaluation showed poor
agreement with both. Despite almost perfect agreement between clinical observer’s and digital
image analysis system results, use of the latter would help to avoid variations between clinical
observers (3 observers were in the study) thus providing more precise data. However, patient’s
satisfaction with treatment results was usually higher than those of physicians. This observation
provides another rational to take into account patient’s satisfaction when evaluating treatment
efficiency. This consideration is further supported by study of Eleftheriadou et alPubMed who
revealed that although repigmentation is the most frequently used measurable in clinical trails
outcome, patients and clinicians reported as the most desirable outcome being cosmetically
acceptable repigmentation rather than its percentage.
Clinical trails
Hallaji et alPubMed in an open uncontrolled trail evaluated efficiency of nbUVB phototherapy in
patients with recent (less than 4 year duration) versus long standing (more than 4 year duration)
generalized vitiligo. Similarly to numerous reports on other types of vitiligo treatment, authors
found that shorter disease duration predicts better outcome of the treatment, thus confirming the
necessity of early after onset vitiligo treatment to obtain the best efficiency.
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