Could α MSH-MIFT Axis and IDH2 be Considered Promising Predictors of Non-segmental Vitiligo Response to NB-UVB Phototherapy?

Background: The search for objective factors that help in predicting the response of vitiligo treatment is very important.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the effect of NB-UVB phototherapy on both the alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone-microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (α-MSH-MIFT) axis, and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) in non-segmental vitiligo (NSV).

Methods: This prospective clinical trial included 50 NSV patients and 50 healthy control subjects.

Serum Fetuin-A: A Novel Potential Link Between Post-adolescent Acne and Insulin Resistance.

Background: Post-adolescent acne is acne in patients aged older than 25 years. It is more common in women, suggesting an underlying hormonal imbalance. It has been postulated that insulin resistance (IR) may play a role in pathogenesis.

Serum Neurotensin: An Objective Mirror to Acne-induced Quality of Life and Psychological Impairment.

Background: Acne is a multifactorial disorder, and stress potentially plays a role in its pathogenesis.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the serum levels of neurotensin in patients with acne vulgaris (AV) and investigate the relationship of these levels to quality of life (QoL), depression, anxiety, and stress.

Methods: The study included 60 patients with AV classified into mild (n=20), moderate (n=20), and severe (n=20) groups and 20 healthy, age-matched, sex-matched, and body mass index (BMI)-matched individuals in a control group.

Proteasome Subunit Beta Type-8 (PSMB8) Gene Polymorphisms in Vitiligo: A Possible Predictor of Auditory Involvement.

Introduction: Proteasome subunit beta type-8 (PSMB8) is a protein that contributes to the complete assembly of 20S proteasome complexes, which play a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the association between PSMB8 gene polymorphisms with vitiligo to assess its clinical significance among a sample of Egyptian patients with vitiligo.

Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 100 patients with vitiligo and 100 control subjects, and detection of PSMB8 polymorphisms was done by real-time PCR.

Serum Levels of Eosinophil-derived Neurotoxin in Patients with Chronic Urticaria.

Despite the many theories that have been published over the years, the exact pathology of chronic urticaria (CU) is still largely unknown. Eosinophils have been implicated in many cutaneous disorders-serving as major effector cells, inducing tissue damage and dysfunction by releasing granule proteins, including eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), inflammatory lipid mediators, mitochondrial DNA, and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), which is relatively neutral with some cytotoxic properties. We sought to evaluate serum levels of EDN in patients with CU and to correlate their levels with the severity of their disease.

Biotin Deficiency in Telogen Effluvium: Fact or Fiction?

Biotin is popular in hair loss treatment supplements, although the frequency of its deficiency in patients with hair loss has not been established. This work sought to assess the serum levels of biotin in patients with telogen effluvium. This case-control study included 60 patients with telogen effluvium and 20 control subjects.