BackgroundSystemic inflammation in psoriasis causes insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. Adipokines are adipose-tissue-derived factors that are involved in metabolic processes. It is thought that these adipokines are associated with the development of psoriasis.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the changes in adipokine levels, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia over a 12-week period.MethodsThe study comprised 35 psoriasis patients and 50 controls. Blood samples were obtained twice from the patients, one sample at the start and one at the end of a 12-week follow-up period. The following parameters were assessed in both groups: serum fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, serum lipids, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, chemerin, omentin, vaspin, visfatin, retinol-binding protein 4, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels; blood pressure; body mass index; and the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores.ResultsThe patients showed an improvement in the PASI score and a significant decrease in serum hs-CRP, omentin, and chemerin values. Moreover, at the start of the follow-up, the psoriasis patients had significantly lower levels of adiponectin and visfatin and significantly higher levels of vaspin and resistin than those of the control group. Visfatin levels correlated negatively with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol, while vaspin and omentin levels correlated positively with diastolic blood pressure. Decreased adiponectin levels correlated negatively with diastolic blood pressure and LDL.ConclusionPlasma levels of adipokines might be useful for evaluating the disease activity of psoriasis and its comorbidities.

Our results suggest that IGF-I (CA) 19 polymorphism may contribute to a predisposition to acne in Turkish patients.

We present a 42-year-old circumcised man with a 10-cm firm, irregular penile mass associated with multiple penile ulcers, voiding difficulty, and erectile dysfunction. He reluctantly admitted that 8 months previously, he had multiple mineral-oil (vaseline) self-injections to the penis, for penile enlargement purposes. Histopathological examination revealed the condition was consistent with mineral-oil granuloma (paraffinoma). The patient did not accept surgical intervention; therefore, we performed local therapy (intralesional triamcinolone) and hot-water baths. Paraffinoma results from mineral-oil injections. Such injections are rare; however, they are still being performed in some countries in Eastern Europe and the Far East such as Korea. Increased physician and public awareness are needed for prevention and treatment of complications of this physically and psychologically debilitating and destructive problem.

Topical CPS is more effective than cryotherapy in the treatment of plantar warts.

LP may cause ocular surface changes and reduction in tear production, therefore it seems reasonable to evaluate these patients for symptoms and signs of dry-eye disease. We consider that LP should be included in the differential diagnosis of dry-eye disease, as this has important therapeutic and prognostic implications.