Three-dimensional histological explanation of the dermoscopy patterns in acral melanocytic lesions.

Dermoscopic images of pigmented lesions have distinct features on the sole where skin ridges and furrows exist. Pigmentation of benign nevus usually locates on the skin furrow, while the malignant melanoma is pigmented on the skin ridge. Correspondence between dermoscopy and pathology in the pigmented lesions on soles have been studied based on conventional vertical pathological images.

Immunological Properties of Atopic Dermatitis-Associated Alopecia Areata.

Alopecia areata (AA) is regarded as a tissue-specific and cell-mediated autoimmune disorder. Regarding the cytokine balance, AA has been considered a type 1 inflammatory disease. On the other hand, AA often complicates atopic dermatitis (AD) and AD is regarded as type 2 inflammatory disease.

Suprabasin-null mice retain skin barrier function and show high contact hypersensitivity to nickel upon oral nickel loading.

Suprabasin (SBSN) is expressed not only in epidermis but also in epithelial cells of the upper digestive tract where metals such as nickel are absorbed. We have recently shown that SBSN level is decreased in the stratum corneum and serum of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, especially in intrinsic AD, which is characterized by metal allergy. By using SBSN-null (Sbsn) mice, this study was conducted to investigate the outcome of SBSN deficiency in relation to AD.

Understanding the significance of cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata has basically been understood as a type 1 inflammatory disease. Activated NKG2D CD8 cells produce the Th1 cytokine interferon-γ, which leads to the disruption of immune tolerance of hair follicles and the exposure of self-antigens. This results in dense inflammatory cell infiltration and apoptosis around hair follicles, inducing hair loss.

Protective role of Galectin-7 for skin barrier impairment in atopic dermatitis.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have a barrier disorder in association with Th2 dominant skin inflammation. Galectin-7 (Gal-7), a soluble unglycosylated lectin, is highly expressed in the stratum corneum of AD patients. However, the biological significance of increased Gal-7 expression in AD skin lesions remains unclear.

Decreased expression of suprabasin induces aberrant differentiation and apoptosis of epidermal keratinocytes: Possible role for atopic dermatitis.

Background: Suprabasin (SBSN), a secreted protein, is expressed in various epithelial tissues. The role of SBSN in epidermal differentiation and atopic dermatitis (AD) pathology remains largely unknown.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of SBSN on epidermal keratinocytes and its role in AD.