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Biomedical subjects

M Lebwohl

Publications and source records attributed to M Lebwohl.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

New cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases.

In recent years, especially with the advent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, new skin disorders associated with systemic disease have been described in the literature. Eosinophilic folliculitis and pruritic papules of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are clinically similar lesions that respond to phototherapy. Bacillary angiomatosis, another HIV-related skin disease that is caused by a pleomorphic gram-negative organism, resembles Kaposi's sarcoma clinically but is curable if treated early with antibiotics. Toxic strep syndrome, a scarlatiniform, desquamative eruption associated with hypotension, fever and multiorgan system dysfunction, is caused by group A streptococcal soft tissue infection. Paraneoplastic pemphigus, a recently characterized autoimmune vesicular eruption, produces painful mucocutaneous ulcerations in patients with an occult neoplasm, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia or malignant lymphoma.

Cat-Scratch Disease↗

Effects of topical preparations on the erythemogenicity of UVB: implications for psoriasis phototherapy.

BACKGROUND: Topical preparations are sometimes applied before phototherapy without consideration of their potential to block UVB. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to examine the ability of topical preparations to block UVB. METHODS: Volunteers pretreated with mineral oil, a clear liquid emollient, 5% crude coal tar, 6% salicylic acid ointment, emollient creams, and petrolatum underwent minimal erythema dose testing. Transmission of UVB through a clear film coated with the preparations was measured. RESULTS: Tars and salicylic acid blocked UVB. Thick application of petrolatum and emollient creams can reduce transmission of UVB. Mineral oil and a clear liquid emollient did not significantly affect transmission or erythemogenicity of UVB. CONCLUSION: Clear liquid emollient and mineral oil can be used before phototherapy. If not removed before phototherapy, preparations containing tar or salicylic acid, or thickly applied petrolatum or emollients, can block UVB and presumably reduce its efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Hypopigmented variant of mycosis fungoides: demography, histopathology, and treatment of seven cases.

BACKGROUND: Hypopigmented macules have been described infrequently as a presenting form of mycosis fungoides (MF). OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to clarify general characteristics of a hypopigmented MF variant. METHODS: Seven new cases were investigated with the use of descriptive epidemiology techniques. Demographic parameters, histopathology, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. These data were combined with those from prior reports to develop a broad composite view of this disease process. RESULTS: The median ages in our series were 36 years for disease onset and 39 years at biopsy diagnosis. All patients had brown or black skin. Histologic findings consistently showed a lack of epidermal atrophy and moderate to profound exocytosis. Treatment with PUVA induced rapid and complete repigmentation in six of seven patients. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our experience and a literature review, the hypopigmented variant of MF occurs in a younger population than typical forms of the disease and affects persons with dark skin almost exclusively. Microscopic features include lack of epidermal atrophy and moderate to extreme epidermotropism of infiltrating mononuclear cells. The treatment of choice appears to be PUVA.

Adult↗

Ultraviolet radiation increases tropoelastin accumulation by a post-transcriptional mechanism in dermal fibroblasts.

Chronically sun-damaged human skin is characterized by dermal connective tissue damage that includes the massive accumulation of abnormal elastic fibers. The content of elastin, the major protein component of elastic fibers, is increased two- to sixfold in sun-damaged skin. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism responsible for the increase in elastin levels after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Confluent cultures of normal dermal fibroblasts were irradiated with 4.5 mJ/cm2 of UVB; sham-treated cells served as the control group. The accumulation of tropoelastin was determined at 5 d after treatment by measuring the incorporation of 14C-proline into radiolabeled tropoelastin isolated from cell layers and media. UV irradiation increased radiolabeled tropoelastin accumulation approximately twofold without affecting DNA content, the total amount of radiolabeled protein, or tropoelastin secretion. Moreover, the steady-state levels of tropoelastin mRNA, as determined by slot blot hybridizations, were unaffected by UV treatment. However, the translation of tropoelastin mRNA was increased when total RNA from irradiated cells was used in cell-free translation experiments. These results suggest that altered translational efficiency may account for the increase in tropoelastin accumulation after UV irradiation. In support of this hypothesis, nucleotide sequences were derived from tropoelastin mRNA isolated from UV-irradiated and nonirradiated dermal fibroblasts. Almost a 12% substitution rate was observed in nucleotide sequences derived from the 3' untranslated region of tropoelastin mRNA from the UV-treated cells. In contrast, a coding domain of tropoelastin did not contain base-substitution mutations. These multiple base substitutions in a noncoding domain of tropoelastin mRNA may be responsible for the post-transcriptional increase in tropoelastin accumulation after UV irradiation.

Base Sequence↗

Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Case report and review of the literature.

The similarity in the skin manifestations in Henoch-Schönlein purpura as compared with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis complicates diagnosis. Therefore, analysis of hematologic studies, tissue histology, and immunofluorescence should be thoroughly reviewed.

Adult↗

Cimetidine therapy for plantar warts.

Although more than 50% of warts resolve spontaneously within 2 years, many, if untreated, have the propensity to spread and cause considerable discomfort. There are several treatments to date; however, most cause some type of tissue damage. Because spontaneous resolution of warts can occur, the role of cimetidine in the treatment of warts remains controversial. Anecdotal reports suggest cimetidine may have a role in the treatment of plantar warts with no side effects or tissue damage. A double blind trial in a large population should be conducted to further verify the effects of treating viral warts with cimetidine.

Adult↗

Tar melanosis.

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Humans↗

Future psoriasis therapy.

Many new and promising psoriasis therapies have been introduced and others are actively being studied. This article summarizes new information about recently developed treatments, upcoming treatments, new applications of old treatments, and new combination regimens. Proposed therapies in early clinical or preclinical stages of developmeat also are reviewed.

Dermatologic Agents↗

Abnormalities of fibrillin in acquired cutis laxa.

BACKGROUND: Degeneration of elastic tissue in acquired cutis laxa has been previously described, but microfibrils have not been adequately studied. OBJECTIVE: We determined whether the microfibrillar component of elastic tissue is affected in skin of a patient with acquired cutis laxa. METHODS: Lesional skin was examined with indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy with antibodies to fibrillin. RESULTS: Indirect immunofluorescence showed a reduction in the distribution of fibrillin in the papillary dermis, where there was loss of the usual pattern of microfibrils perpendicular to the epidermis. Immunoelectron microscopy showed a typical distribution of elastic microfibrils around elastin of normal skin. In skin affected by cutis laxa microfibrils appeared morphologically normal but appeared less frequently in selected sites. CONCLUSION: The microfibrillar component of elastic fibers was reduced in the papillary dermis of this patient with acquired cutis laxa.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Abnormalities of connective tissue components in lesional and non-lesional tissue of patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a disorder of connective tissue in which abnormalities of elastic tissue and collagen are found. The purpose of this study was to examine the ultrastructure and distribution of connective tissue components in lesional and non-lesional skin of patients by means of indirect immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and indirect immunoelectron microscopy. Prominent abnormalities of elastic tissue were seen on electron microscopy and confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. Abnormal elastic fibers containing electron-dense bodies and holes were seen even in non-lesional skin. In addition, the normal pattern of collagen bundles was disrupted in lesional skin, but not in non-lesional skin of patients with PXE. The majority of individual collagen fibrils appeared normal by electron microscopy. The distribution of type IV collagen and laminin was normal in small blood vessels. Finally, abnormalities in the distribution of fibronectin were seen. The finding of atypical elastic fibers in non-lesional skin supports an early role for elastic tissue components in the pathogenesis of PXE. Interactions between elastin, collagen and other matrix substances may explain some of the abnormalities seen.

Collagen↗

Cutaneous reactions to vitamin K1 injections.

Cutaneous reactions to vitamin K1 injections are reported infrequently. Most previously reported cases have been associated with liver disease, primarily alcoholic cirrhosis and viral hepatitis. Four new cases are reported. One patient had polycythemia vera and the Budd-Chiari syndrome, the second such report in the literature. The other three patients had no known hepatic disease. The reactions consisted of erythematous plaques at the injection site without progression to sclerodermatous plaques. Histopathologic examination in three cases showed spongiotic changes and mononuclear infiltrates typical of cutaneous reactions to vitamin K1. In one instance a neutrophilic infiltrate was associated with the reaction site. Our findings support the observation that liver disease is not a necessary condition for the occurrence of vitamin K1 hypersensitivity.

Adult↗