Differences in therapeutic effects of topically applied corticosteroid and tacrolimus on atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in NC/Nga mice.

Background: Topical corticosteroid and calcineurin inhibitor have similar therapeutic benefits in atopic dermatitis (AD), but the differences in therapeutic mechanisms of action of these agents against AD symptoms are not fully understood.

Objective: This study was performed to examine the different effects of topical betamethasone valerate (BMV), clobetasol propionate (CBP), and tacrolimus (TAC) on itch-related behavior and dermatitis in NC/Nga mice with AD-like symptoms.

Methods: AD-like dermatitis was induced in the dorsal skin of NC/Nga mice by repeated topical application of Dermatophagoides farinae body (Dfb) ointment twice weekly for three weeks.

Possible Antipruritic Mechanism of Cyclosporine A in Atopic Dermatitis.

Cyclosporine A is an immunosuppressive agent that suppresses pruritus and is currently used in the treatment of patients with severe atopic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the antipruritic mechanism of cyclosporine A using a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. Intraperitoneal injection of cyclosporine A (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced epidermal nerve density, number of scratching bouts, dermatitis scores, and transepidermal water loss, as well as decreasing the numbers of inflammatory cells in the dermis and decreasing epidermal thickness.

A gene variant in the Atp10d gene associates with atherosclerotic indices in Japanese elderly population.

Background: ATP10D belongs to a subfamily of P-type ATPases implicated in phospholipids translocation from the exoplasmic to the cytoplasmic leaflet of cellular biological membrane. Previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified that a variant in Atp10d gene (rs2351791) associates with serum lipid profile and myocardial infarction. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of this variant on atherosclerosis in Japanese elderly population.