Publications by authors named "Miho Masuoka"
Article Synopsis
- This study interviewed 39 mother-doctors in Japan to examine how different life stages affect their motivation to work in the medical field.
- The research tracked work motivation from medical school through various life events and found a drop in motivation for women ages 25-29 due to challenges related to childcare and work-life balance.
- The study highlighted that while motivation gradually increased after age 30 due to career achievements, there is a need for better support for mother-doctors in light of traditional gender roles in Japanese society.
Article Synopsis
- Epidermal hyperplasia is a key characteristic in both atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and this study investigates the role of periostin, a protein previously linked to atopic dermatitis, in psoriasis-related hyperplasia.
- The study involved immunohistochemical analysis of skin biopsies from psoriasis patients and the use of periostin-deficient mice in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis model to assess periostin's role.
- Results showed that periostin is significantly expressed in psoriasis patients and is crucial for epidermal hyperplasia, but its influence occurs independently of key inflammatory pathways typically involved in psoriasis, suggesting it is a common mediator in skin inflammation across both conditions.
Article Synopsis
- Keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation are typically balanced, but this balance can be disrupted in wound healing and conditions like atopic dermatitis due to epithelial-mesenchymal interactions mediated by cytokines and growth factors.
- Periostin, a protein involved in tissue structure, plays a significant role in promoting keratinocyte hyperproliferation during atopic dermatitis and is vital for reepithelialization in wound healing.
- The study found that IL-1α from keratinocytes leads to IL-6 production from fibroblasts, and periostin is essential for this process, enhancing IL-6 levels and regulating keratinocyte behavior through a feedback mechanism linking the two proteins.
To diagnose atopic dermatitis (AD), an appearance of eczema examined by experienced dermatologists is required. Therefore, biomarkers to diagnose AD or to reflect the severity of AD would be of a great use for non-specialists in the clinic or hospitals. We can apply such a biomarker for realization of personalized medicine for AD in the future.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease where Th2-type immune responses are dominant. Keratinocytes persistently secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, amplifying Th2-type responses in AD. We have recently reported that periostin, an extracellular matrix protein induced by Th2 cytokines, plays a critical role in AD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAllergic inflammation triggered by exposure of an allergen frequently leads to the onset of chronic inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and bronchial asthma. The mechanisms underlying chronicity in allergic inflammation remain unresolved. Periostin, a recently characterized matricellular protein, interacts with several cell surface integrin molecules, providing signals for tissue development and remodeling.
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