-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Although the etiology of Behçet's disease (BD) is still unknown, neutrophils are implicated in its pathogenesis. Growth-related oncogene-α (GRO-α) is a potent chemoattractant and activator for neutrophils.
To determine the role of GRO-α in the pathogenesis of BD, we investigated serum GRO-α levels in patients with BD.
Sera from patients with BD (n=57) and control subjects (n=26) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of GRO-α were compared with clinical symptoms.
Patients with BD had significantly elevated serum GRO-α levels compared with healthy controls (121.7±79.2pg/ml vs. 75.9±20.6pg/ml, P<0.01). Concerning the subgroups of BD, serum GRO-α levels in active patients with BD (n=35) were significantly higher than in inactive patients with BD (n=22; 139.0±92.8 pg/ml vs. 94.3±36.2pg/ml, P<0.05). Also, as seen in previous studies, serum interleukin-8 levels in patients with BD (52.4±81.8pg/ml) were significantly higher than in controls (13.9±19.7pg/ml, P<0.01). Enhanced GRO-α levels correlated with clinical symptoms such as erythema nodosum.
Our results indicate that serum levels of GRO-α are elevated in patients with active stage BD, suggesting that GRO-α may serve as a reliable marker for disease activity of BD.
International journal of dermatology 03/2012; 51(3):286-9. · 1.18 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Metastatic skin tumors present with a variety of clinical manifestations. We herein present two cases of metastases to the scalp, invading the skull, which showed epidermoid cyst-like appearances.
Dermatology online journal 01/2011; 17(12):13.
-
Rheumatology International 01/2011; 32(2):557-9. · 1.88 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: A 67-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with systemic prednisolone and methotrexate over 20 years developed eruptive molluscum contagiosums on the trunk and extremities. Investigation revealed lung cancer 2 years later. Newly development of molluscum contagiosums ceased after the surgical operation of lung cancer. Immunologic dysfunctions have been shown in RA, and especially patients under long-term methotrexate therapy are susceptible to miscellaneous skin conditions. Eruptive molluscum contagiosums are induced in association with hematologic malignancies such as lymphoma, leukemia, and HIV infection; however, it is important to investigate internal malignancies, not only hematologic malignancies but also solid cancers, when patients with RA under immunosuppressive therapies presented eruptive or disseminated molluscum contagiosums.
Rheumatology International 12/2010; 31(8):1117-8. · 1.88 Impact Factor
-
Dermatology 11/2009; 220(1):46-8. · 2.05 Impact Factor
