The impact of methotrexate therapy with vitamin D supplementation on the cardiovascular risk factors among patients with psoriasis; a prospective randomized comparative study.

Background: Controlling psoriasis with various systemic treatments, including methotrexate, may significantly decrease associated cardiovascular risk problems.

Objective: To assess the value of vitamin D supplementation on clinical response as well as changes in cardiovascular risk parameters in psoriasis patients treated with methotrexate.

Methods: This prospective randomized comparative study included 30 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis divided randomly to receive either methotrexate alone (Mtx) or methotrexate plus intramuscular vitamin D (MtxD) for 3 months.

Do Prolactin and its Receptor Play a Role in Alopecia Areata?

Context: Studying the link between prolactin and autoimmunity has gained much ground over the past years. Its role played in alopecia areata (AA) is not clear yet, as previous reports yielded controversial results.

Aims: This study aimed to measure the serum level of prolactin and to detect the expression of its receptor in AA, in an attempt to highlight its possible role in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Expression of angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and their receptor Tie2 in verruca vulgaris (common skin warts).

Background: Angiogenesis and vasodilatation are reported associated with the development of verruca vulgaris, yet vascular endothelial growth factor overexpression was not detected in the lesions of common warts. Angiopoietins, as angiogenesis factors, have not been studied before in warts.

Objectives: To assess tissue expression of angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), and their receptor Tie2 in the lesions of common warts to try to identify their role as pro-angiogenic factors in the development of these lesions.