Due to the deformation by histological processing and slightly different sectioning levels, the comparison of histological pictures and OCT images seems difficult. Nevertheless, in two cases it was possible to demonstrate the same morphological structures with OCT imaging and histological investigation. Our method could play an important role for further evaluation of OCT images. We estimate better evaluation of OCT imaging using a 3D reconstruction method.

Background: Although the human β-defensins hBDs today seem to have diverse functional activities in innate antimicrobial immunity, a few reports also indicated an altered expression of these antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in tissues of cancers such as oral squamous cell carcinoma. The present work was aimed on the study of hBD gene expression in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) which is the most common cancer in humans.

Background/Aims: The exact mechanisms of action of balneophototherapy are incompletely understood. We aimed to investigate the effect of salt water soaks on ultraviolet (UV) transmission and the expression of molecular parameters of psoriasis. Methods: We studied UV transmission and the expression of antimicrobial peptides and skin-derived antileukoproteinase (SKALP/elafin) in psoriatic epidermis equivalents which were pretreated with tap water and differently concentrated salt water solutions. Moreover, we performed in vivo phototoxicity tests in healthy subjects. Results: Highly concentrated salt water soaks significantly increase UV transmission through psoriatic epidermis equivalents, in particular within the wavelength range of 305– 360 nm. In vivo tests revealed increased photosensitivity following highly concentrated salt water baths. A significant decrease in human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2) and SKALP/elafin is observed after highly concentrated NaCl soaks. Conclusion: An increase in UV transmission following highly concentrated salt water soaks likely causes enhanced UV gain within the viable epidermis. Moreover, our data indicate that salt water soaks seem to influence the protein profiles of hBD-2 and SKALP/elafin.

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