Nanostructural change of human melanocytes stimulated with α-melanocyte stimulating hormone observed by atomic force microscopy.

It is well known that α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) induces melanization, but structural changes of melanocytes after α-MSH exposure are not well known. This study investigated the serial morphologic changes of human cultured melanocytes after stimulation with α-MSH using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cultured human melanocytes were treated with α-MSH for 7 days.

Serum leptin and adiponectin levels in Korean patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a disorder caused by genetic and immunological factors. Leptin, a peptide hormone secreted predominantly from adipose tissue, regulates energy intake and expenditure, as well as the T-helper response. There have been conflicting reports regarding serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in patients with psoriasis.

Cigarette smoke-induced interleukin-1 alpha may be involved in the pathogenesis of adult acne.

Background: Lipid peroxide (LPO) in comedones, which are produced as a result of sebum oxidation, might potentially induce interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and exacerbate comedogenesis and inflammatory changes in comedones.

Objective: To investigate the relationship of proinflammatory cytokines and LPO levels in the extracts of comedones with the acne of clinical difference between smokers and non-smokers, and with the severity and distribution of the acne lesions.

Methods: Twenty-two non-smoking and 21 smoking adult acne patients were evaluated by comedone extraction and measurement of proinflammatory cytokines and LPO levels.

Rejuvenation effects of hyaluronic acid injection on nasojugal groove: prospective randomized split face clinical controlled study.

Background: Pronounced nasojugal groove (tear trough deformity) is one of the landmarks of aging. Hyaluronic acid filler can be used for attenuating the nasojugal sulcus but irregular lumpness and overcorrection are common adverse reactions.

Objectives: We evaluated the effect of Restylane Vital® with its specialized injector on volume correction and skin tone of nasojugal groove.

Characterization of microthermal zones induced by fractional radiofrequency using reflectance confocal microscopy: a preliminary study.

Background: The microthermal zone (MTZ) produced by fractional device have been mostly evaluated through histopathologic analysis. Study of ablative type MTZ created by fractional device and skin thermal interaction using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has been rarely reported.

Objectives: We evaluated the in vivo human RCM skin images of ablated fractional radiofrequency (RF) treatment to demonstrate the thermal interaction between RF and skin tissue.

Association study between nonsense polymorphism (rs2039381, Gln71Stop) of interferon-ε and susceptibility to vitiligo in Korean population.

Interferons (IFNs) are related to autoimmune responses. IFN-epsilon (IFNE) is included in IFN family, and may modulate immunological functions. Inflammation modulating functions of IFNE may be related with the pathophysiology of vitiligo.

An open-label, split-face trial evaluating efficacy and safty of photopneumatic therapy for the treatment of acne.

Background: Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease worldwide, with many available treatment modalities, including oral and topical medications and laser therapy. Recently, a novel device (Isolaz, Pleasanton, CA, USA) that combines vacuum pressure and a broadband light source (400 nm to 1,200 nm) was developed for the treatment of acne.

Objective: To determine the clinical efficacy and safety of photopneumatic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris of the face.