Search

Nori (Pyropia yezoensis) is a widely eaten red seaweed, and its quality is decreased by the environment in which it is grown, resulting in discolored nori. Ulva sp. is green seaweed that grows in l...

Recent emphasis has been placed on gene transduction mediated through recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to manipulate activity of neurons and their circuitry in the primate brain. In the present study, we created a novel AAV vector of which capsid was composed of capsid proteins derived from the serotypes 1 and 2 (AAV1 and AAV2). Following the injection into the frontal cortex of macaque monkeys, this mosaic vector, termed AAV2.1 vector, was found to exhibit the excellence in transgene expression (for the AAV1 vector) and neuron specificity (for the AAV2 vector) simultaneously. To explore its applicability to chemogenetic manipulation and in vivo calcium imaging, the AAV2.1 vector expressing excitatory DREADDs or GCaMP was injected into the striatum or the visual cortex of macaque monkeys, respectively. Our results have defined that such vectors secure intense and stable expression of the target proteins and yield conspicuous modulation and imaging of neuronal activity.

Background: Some cases of senile erythroderma tend to be diagnosed as senile atopic dermatitis (AD) based on elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC). However, there are few studies that describe the detailed characteristics of senile erythroderma and senile AD. Objective: We examined the association of erythroderma with AD. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 68 patients over 65 years of age who presented with erythroderma at Osaka University Hospital were enrolled. Patient data were collected through medical records and descriptive statistics. Results: 47% of the patients were classified as having idiopathic erythroderma and 53% as having secondary erythroderma. In both idiopathic and secondary senile erythroderma patients, serum IgE and TARC levels were elevated. 84% of idiopathic erythroderma patients fulfilled the Japanese Dermatological Associations criteria for AD; however, only 4 patients were finally definitely diagnosed with senile AD. Conclusion: Many senile erythroderma patients showed AD-like symptoms due to T helper 2 polarization.

Accurately evaluating the factors that exacerbate atopic dermatitis is helpful in management of this skin condition. Psychological stress is a major exacerbating factor and often aggravates atopic dermatitis. The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis themselves can also act as secondary stressors and lead to a deterioration in quality of life. Moreover, patients with atopic dermatitis may also suffer from other mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is known that psychological stress is associated with abnormal skin barrier function and a shift toward cytokine expression in T-helper 2 cells. The stress response affects three systems: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which regulates the release of adenocorticotropin and cortisol; the sympathoadrenal medullary axis, which regulates the release of catecholamines; and the neurotrophin neuropeptide axis, which regulates the release of substance P. Therefore, treatment for psychological stress is quite important for controlling skin barrier function and inhibiting immune activation in cases of atopic dermatitis. Treatments for psychological stress include pharmacotherapy, such as topical corticosteroids, and psychotherapy, such as relaxation exercises, coping skills training, and stress management instruction.

Background: The precise pathogenesis of alopecia areata remains unknown, although this disease seems to be triggered by helper T cell infiltration in hair follicles. Recent studies of psoriasis and vitiligo have demonstrated the involvement of Th17 cells. Psoriasis and vitiligo occasionally develop concomitantly or inversely in patients with alopecia areata. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether Th17 cells are present in the affected lesions of alopecia areata. Methods: We performed immunofluorescent staining of representative immunocompetent cells that had infiltrated into the skin of the scalp in 4 individuals with alopecia areata (single patchy alopecia areata, multiple patchy alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis). Results: We found the infiltration of CD4+IL-17A+ Th17 cells in the dermis, particularly around hair follicles, in all 4 cases. Conclusions: These findings suggest the possibility that alopecia areata is induced by a Th17 cell-associated autoimmune mechanism.

ejd.2012.1777 Auteur(s) : Atsushi Tanemura1 tanemura@derma.med.osaka-u.ac.jp, Mayuko Nakano1, Tetsuya Iwasaki2, Akinori Yokomi1, Noriko Arase1, Mari Wataya-Kaneda1, Masanori Miyazaki2, Takayuki Yakushijin2, Tetsuro Takehara2, Ichiro Katayama1 1 Department of Dermatology, 2 Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine 2-2 Yamadaoka Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a relatively rare skin malignancy, first reported by Toker in 1972 [1] and [...]

ejd.2012.1656 Auteur(s) : Atsushi Tanemura1 tanemura@derma.med.osaka-u.ac.jp, Tomoko Yajima1, Mayuko Nakano1, Megumi Nishioka1, Saori Itoi1, Yorihisa Kotobuki1, Mari Higashiyama2, Ichiro Katayama1 1 Department of Dermatology, Osaka University School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan 2 Department of Dermatology, Nissei Hospital, Osaka, Japan A recent report strongly suggests that genetic polymorphisms such as the NALP1 gene are closely associated with generalized vitiligo, especially [...]