BackgroundIncreased transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the epidermis and serum has been found in psoriatic patients. The mechanism for this increase remains unclear.ObjectiveTo study the TGF-β1 gene polymorphism at codon 10 and its relation to psoriasis susceptibility in a sample of Egyptian patients.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study involved 70 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 100 age- and sex- comparable healthy volunteers as a control group. Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood lymphocytes from all subjects using QIAamp DNA mini kit (QIAGEN Inc., Germany). The TGF-β1 polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-based restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Amplification of codon 10, located in exon 1 of TGFβ1 gene was done through PCR reaction using gene-specific primers.ResultsStatistically significant difference was found between psoriasis patient and controls as regards TGF-β1 (T869C) polymorphism (P=0.045). The presence of TT genotype was associated with a 3-fold risk of psoriasis compared to CC genotype (P=0.016, OR: 3.13 95% CI: 1.24–7.88). T allele was significantly more frequent in psoriasis patients (P=0.017). TGF-β1 gene mutation was significantly higher among psoriasis patients with positive family history (P=0.007).ConclusionTGF-β1 gene polymorphism at codon 10 (T869C) is significantly associated with susceptibility to psoriasis in Egyptian patients. This polymorphism is more common in patients with a positive family history of psoriasis.

Although incomparable to methotrexate, combined sulfasalazine and pentoxifylline produced a good response in cases of extensive psoriasis. Multicentre studies are needed to validate these results.

BackgroundStriae distensae are frequent undesirable skin lesions that result in considerable esthetic concern. Treatment has always been challenging. Several modalities are available; however, none of them is consistently effective. Laser has become a popular therapeutic alternative. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of a long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in striae distensae using histological and quantitative morphometric studies. Patients and methods Forty female patients with striae (group I: striae rubra and group II: striae alba) were included. All patients received four laser sessions at 4-week intervals. Three skin biopsies were obtained from every patient: one from normal control skin, the second from the selected striae before treatment, and the third from the same striae 1 month after treatment. Paraffin-embedded skin sections were subjected to histological and quantitative morphometric studies for assessment of collagen and elastic fibers. ResultsIn both groups, some clinical improvement was achieved, which was statistically nonsignificant. However, histological examination showed increased collagen and decreased elastic fibers with reorganization after treatment. The image analyzer showed a significant quantitative increase in the mean area percent of collagen fibers and decrease in the mean area percent of elastic fibers. Side effects were nonsignificant, mostly pain during the session and pigmentary alterations. ConclusionAlthough the clinical improvement in the treated striae was nonsignificant, the histological improvement was significant, with few side effects. The use of different laser parameters with a long follow-up period may improve the clinical response.

Upregulation of Ang1, Ang2, and Tie2 seems to play a possible role in the angiogenesis associated with common skin warts.

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