Epithelial expression of cytokeratins 15 and 19 in vitiligo.

Background: Cytokeratins (CK) belong to the family of intermediate filament proteins, and among them specific epithelial keratins are considered markers for stem cells activation.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the expression of CK15 and CK19 as possible stem cell markers in vitiligo during phototherapy.

Methods: The study was conducted on vitiligo patients receiving narrow-band ultraviolet therapy.

Effect of topical tretinoin on photoaged facial skin: a histometric, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.

Background: Topical tretinoin is a recognized treatment for photoageing.

Aim: To evaluate the microscopic changes induced by topical tretinoin used to treat mild to moderate photodamage in dark-skinned patients aged 30 to 50 years.

Patients And Methods: Biopsy specimens were obtained from the facial skin of 11 patients before and after treatment with topical tretinoin.

Trichloroacetic acid peeling versus dermabrasion: a histometric, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural comparison.

Background: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) chemical peel and dermabrasion are beneficial methods for treatment of photoaged skin.

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the changes induced by these therapies on various structures of facial skin of nine dark-skinned patients (Fitzpatrick types IV-V; TCA, five patients; dermabrasion, four patients) demonstrating different degrees of photodamage.

Methods: Routine histopathology coupled with histometric computer-assisted image analysis was used to assess epidermal changes.

Effect of topical tretinoin, chemical peeling and dermabrasion on p53 expression in facial skin.

The tumour suppressor protein p53 is a phosphoprotein that is activated by DNA damage. It is involved in the decision whether the cells should stop replication and proceed to repair their DNA, or to die by apoptosis. In the present study, we evaluate the effect of some treatment modalities on the expression of p53 in facial skin.