Structural and Functional Changes and Possible Molecular Mechanisms in Aged Skin

Skin aging is a complex process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Together, these factors affect the structure and function of the epidermis and dermis. Histologically, aging skin typically shows epidermal atrophy due to decreased cell numbers. The dermis of aged skin shows decreased numbers of mast cells and fibroblasts. Fibroblast senescence contributes to skin aging by secreting a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, which decreases proliferation by impairing the release of essential growth factors and enhancing degradation of the extracellular matrix through activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Several molecular mechanisms affect skin aging including telomere shortening, oxidative stress and MMP, cytokines, autophagic control, microRNAs, and the microbiome. Accumulating evidence on the molecular mechanisms of skin aging has provided clinicians with a wide range of therapeutic targets for treating aging skin.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF WHO CLASSIFIED MULTIBACILLARY LEPROSY CASES IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE, SOUTH KERALA

There are signicant differences in the histopathology of leprosy lesions which is inuenced by the host immune response to Mycobacterium leprae. Objective - To nd the histopathological changes in newly diagnosed multibacillary leprosy(MB) cases registered in the skin department Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Method- skin biopsy performed in 40 multibacillary leprosy cases and histopathological ndings were evaluated. 70% showed epidermal atrophy. Granulomas, composed of sheets of foamy macro Results- phages, lymphocytes and epithelioid cells, were seen in 21 cases & twenty two cases were AFB positive. Eight cases each were lepromatous, borderline tuberculoid, mid boderline, borderline lepromatous types. Conclusion- Presence of 60% cases of borderline leprosy indicates the unstable immune response in leprosy patients. Majority were either borderline lepromatous or lepromatous showing the infective nature of multibacillary leprosy. Histopathological examination with Fite- Foroco staining is a crucial method and the gold standard for accurate diagnosis and typing of leprosy.

A STUDY OF CONCORDANCE BETWEEN CLINICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS IN CASES OF LEPROSY WITH RELEVANCE TO THERAPY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:To achieve the goal of WHO new global strategy of 2016-20 to decrease the case load, early and proper diagnosis for treatment and avoiding disability. Examination of a biopsy specimen of skin or nerve biopsies for histopathology can be a valuable aid for reaching conrmatory diagnosis of leprosy and its subtypes, differential diagnosis, prognosis of the disease and assessment or regression of the disease in patient under treatment and also for research, especially in early and borderline cases. The aim of this study was to correlate histopathological diagnosis of skin biopsies with clinical diagnosis of leprosy. This study was conducted to seek out and highlight the efcacy of the test and therefore its importance in current diagnostic scenario. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study was carried out on the skin biopsies from untreated cases of leprosy seen in the Department of Dermatology and reported in the histopathology section of the Department of Pathology, School of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta between August 2016 to June 2019. HE sections of skin biopsies of all the cases of leprosy were examined for Epidermal atrophy, epithelioid granulomas, number & distribution of lymphocytes, histiocytes & foam cells; Inltration of nerves, blood vessels and adnexa; Grenz zone. Sections stained with ZN were examined for lepra bacilli in all cases. Histopathological ndings were graded into (TT), (BT), (BB), (BL) and (LL) according to Ridley and Jopling scale. Clinical diagnosis of the leprosy cases (as provided by department of Dermatology) using Ridley & Jopling scale was correlated with the results of histopathologic examinaton of their respective biopsies. RESULTS: Out of total cases in the OPD over Aug 2016 to June 2019,115 were sent for biopsy with conclusive clinical diagnosis of Leprosy out of which 45 cases came with the positive diagnosis of leprosy out of which TT(12) , BT(12), BB(3), BL(2),LL(8), Histoid(8). In 2016-17 the accuracy of clinichistopathological correlation was 35.4% ,41.3%in 2018 ,36.36% till mid 2019 . The discrepancy with the HPE refuting clinical diagnosis was 48.38% in 2017 ,58.62% in 2018 ,63.63% in mid 2019}. Histoid leprosy and ENL were 10 out of 31 cases in 2018-19 while 2cases were histopathologically diagnosed as leprosy despite having Sarcoidosis / Gr. Annulare clinically. Although the clinico- CONCLUSION: histopathological agreement in this study leaves much to be desired for prompt diagnosis, the disparity in correlation does decrease the chances of false positives and helps in better nalising the diagnosis for better treatment, Prognosis, follow-up and monitoring of the diseases are also aided by correct histopathological diagnosis especially in case of early and borderline cases of leprosy

A Case Report of Isolated Pigmentosus Atrophic Lichen Planus on the Supramaxillary Area: A New Variant ？

Background: Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) and atrophic lichen planus (ALP) are two rare subtypes of Lichen Planus（LP）, the former is characterized by epidermal atrophy and the latter by over pigmentation. LP with both of the above manifestations has few reports and there is a lack of treatment experience. Case presentation: We herein reported a 22-year old girl with a complaint of a sharply edged brown plaque on the supramaxillary area with pain and itchy for 6 months. The skin biopsy sample from the forehead revealed thinning of epidermal ridges, liquefaction degeneration of basal cells, loss of cuticular process, lichenoid lymphocytic infiltration and incontinence of pigment as well as numerous melanophages. It was diagnosed as atrophic Lichen planus pigmentosus (ALPP), and the plaque was completely cleared after 10 months of Alternating topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. Discussion and Conclusions: ALPP might be an independent variant of LP or LPP that causes significant epidermal atrophy in the degenerative phase. This case revealed the special type of LP and provided a clinical reference for the treatment.

Topical steroid application can induce branched/reticular vessels in Bowen disease on the upper trunk

We aimed to elucidate the dermoscopic vasculature of patients with Bowen Disease (BD) that was misdiagnosed as chronic eczema and had branched and/or reticular vessels after topical steroid application. The medical records of 19 patients with BD on the upper trunk were retrospectively reviewed for steroid use history, vascular structure observed in dermoscopy, and corresponding histological findings. Four patients treated with strong topical steroids showed remarkable branched and/or reticular vessels on dermoscopy. Histopathology showed partial epidermal atrophy with irregular thin elongation of the rete ridges, atypical keratinocyte proliferation in the epidermis, and vasodilation in the superficial dermis. We considered that vasodilation and partial epidermal atrophy may be induced by topical steroid application in BD-affected areas. In cases of suspected BD with reddish-brown plaque showing branched and/or reticulated vessels in dermoscopy, confirming a history of topical steroid use is helpful.

Identification of a Novel C16orf57 Mutation in Iranian Patient With Clericuzio-type Poikiloderma with Neutropenia (CPN): A Case Report

Poikiloderma is a hereditary pathologic situation in which the appearance of skin rash is associated with epidermal atrophy, telangiectasia, and reticular dyspigmentation skin symptoms of poikiloderma are usually caused by sun damage. The main reason forpoikiloderma is unknown. We introduce a 14- month-old boy who referred to our center with a complaint of fever and cough. Furthermore, hepatosplenomegaly symptoms had been presented at the time of birth and were continuously observed at age one. He had transient thrombocytopenia when he was born due to his prematurity condition, which was resolved during Intravenous Immunoglobin (IVIG) treatment. Therefore, the presence of various mutation scan lead to distinct clinical symptoms. Immunohematologic abnormalities such as increased level of IgM and IgE antibodies, as well as increased C-reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), have been reported. However, mutation of the C16orf57 gene was identified in this patient. We also introduced a new genetic mutation in a particular part of DNA sequence (NM_001195302: exon6: c.T703C) that leads to new clinical finding in PN.

The spectrum of fibroelastolytic papulosis: a retrospective case series.

Introduction: There is an overlap between clinical and pathological features of the entities known as pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis (PXE-PDE) and white fibrous papulosis of the neck (WFPN). Although the term fibroelastolytic papulosis has been used to encompass both entities as spectrum variants of a one and only disease, many authors still differentiate the two.Methods: Cases of fibroelastolytic papulosis confirmed by histopathologic examination were retrospectively reviewed within a time frame of 2.5 years.Results: Five cases of fibroelastolytic papulosis were identified. All patients were females aged between 63 and 78 years, presenting with an asymptomatic eruption of isolated or coalescing white to yellow papules on the neck. Two of the patients also had involvement of other anatomical areas. In all cases histology demonstrated a significantly decreased or absent papillary dermal elastic plexus, a mild superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate and sparse melanophages in the papillary dermis, without interface changes. A decrease in upper reticular dermal elastic fibers was noted in four cases and thickening of dermal collagen bundles in three cases. Dilated superficial dermal vessels were present in 3 cases and mild epidermal atrophy in one case.Conclusion: We find the differentiation of PXE-PDE and WFPN to be somewhat theoretical, often confusing, and based on non-significant subtle histological and clinical differences. In our opinion, we should not continue to use these terms, but favor the common term of fibroelastolytic papulosis.

Erythema Ab Igne Successfully Treated With Mesoglycan and Bioflavonoids: A Case-Report

Erythema ab igne is a localised, cutaneous condition consisting of reticulate hyperpigmentation, epidermal atrophy, and telangiectasias. It is caused by repetitive and prolonged exposure to moderate heat that is insufficient for producing burns. Currently, erythema ab igne is most commonly observed following repeated use of hot water bottles, infrared lamps and heating pads. If not properly treated, erythema ab igne can become chronic and even malignant. We report a case of erythema ab igne, successfully treated with systemic mesoglycan-based therapy, and local therapy with bioflavonoids.