Hypoproteinemia Associated with a Gigantic Odontogenic Tumor: A Report of 2 Cases

Case series

Patients: Male, 65-year-old • Female, 60-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Hypoproteinemia

Symptoms: Swelling

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Dentistry

Osteosarcoma of the Mandible in an Elderly Patient

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor in which the cancerous cells produce an osteoid matrix or mineralized bone. Jaw bones are affected in 6% of all osteosarcomas and are the fourth most common site of origin. Surgical treatment of osteosarcoma in elderly patients is rarely reported. Here, we report successful treatment of osteosarcoma arising in the mandible of a 90-year-old man. The patient was referred to our institution for diagnosis and treatment of an oral lesion. Intraoral examination revealed that a hard mass measuring 35 × 27 mm was located on the floor of the oral cavity, attached to the bone, and its growth displaced the tongue posteriorly. Therefore, he experienced difficulty in speech and swallowing. Biopsy of the mandibular mass was suspicious for chondrosarcoma. Preoperative examination did not detect critical risks for general anesthesia or surgery. Based on a clinical diagnosis of a malignant bone tumor of the mandible, segmental mandibular resection with reconstruction using a titanium plate was performed. Surgical site infection occurred on postoperative day 12, which was resolved by drainage, local irrigation, and administration of antibiotics. There was no delirium or cardiovascular or pulmonary complications. Surgery resolved the patient's difficulties in speech and swallowing. There was no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis 4 years after surgery. This case showed that it was not necessary to exclude surgical treatment merely because the patient was 90 years old. Indications for surgery should be determined individually to improve the patient's quality of life.

Custom-Made Titanium Mesh Tray for Mandibular Reconstruction Using an Electron Beam Melting System

Mandibular reconstruction using a titanium mesh tray and autologous bone is a common procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. However, there can be material problems-such as broken titanium mesh trays-which may undermine long-term functionality. This study was designed to investigate the optimal conditions for a titanium mesh tray with an ideal mandibular shape and sufficient strength, using computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing technology, and electron beam additive manufacturing. Specimens were prepared using Ti-6Al-4V extra low interstitial titanium alloy powder and an electron beam melting (EBM) system. The mechanical strength of the plate-shaped specimens was examined for differences in the stretch direction with respect to the stacking direction and the presence or absence of surface treatment. While evaluating the mechanical strength of the tray-shaped specimens, the topology was optimized and specimens with a honeycomb structure were also verified. Excellent mechanical strength was observed under the condition that the specimen was stretched vertically in the stacking direction and the surface was treated. The results of the tray-shaped specimens indicated that the thickness was 1.2 mm, the weight reduction rate was 20%, and the addition of a honeycomb structure could withstand an assumed bite force of 2000 N. This study suggests that the EBM system could be a useful technique for preparing custom-made titanium mesh trays of sufficient strength for mandibular reconstruction by arranging various manufacturing conditions.

[Case Report of Four Patients Received Ramucirumab Monotherapy as Second-Line Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer]

Ramucirumab monotherapy is one of the conditionally recommended regimens in second-line chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer. However, there are few clinical data on ramucirumab monotherapy in Japanese patients. Herein, we present 4 case reports of advanced gastric cancer patients who received ramucirumab monotherapy. The 4 patients' age ranged from 65-81 years old(median: 70 years old), with a 3:1 male to female ratio. Since all cases were in poor performance status, administration of cell-killing anticancer drugs such as paclitaxel was contraindicated, and ramucirumab monotherapy was selected as an alternative. Ramucirumab was administrated 2-8 times(median: 3 times), resulting to a stable disease in 1 patient, and progression-free survival was noted to be 3-16 weeks(median: 5 weeks). Regarding complications, Grade 2 hypertension occurred in 1 patient, and no serious adverse events were observed. Ramucirumab monotherapy is a well-tolerated second-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer in poor performance status, and it is expected to have some disease control effect.

Prevalence of Somatic Mutations in Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas in Japanese Patients

CONTEXT

Results of previous studies demonstrated clear racial differences in the prevalence of somatic mutations among patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). For instance, those in East Asian countries have a high prevalence of somatic mutations in KCNJ5, whereas somatic mutations in other aldosterone-driving genes are rare.

OBJECTIVES

To determine somatic mutation prevalence in Japanese APA patients using an aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) immunohistochemistry (IHC)-guided sequencing approach.

METHOD

Patients with a unilateral form of primary aldosteronism who underwent adrenalectomy at the Tohoku University Hospital were studied. Based on CYP11B2 immunolocalization of resected adrenals, genomic DNA was isolated from the relevant positive area of 10% formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue of the APAs. Somatic mutations in aldosterone-driving genes were studied in APAs by direct Sanger sequencing and targeted next-generation sequencing.

RESULTS

CYP11B2 IHC-guided sequencing determined APA-related somatic mutations in 102 out of 106 APAs (96%). Somatic KCNJ5 mutation was the most frequent genetic alteration (73%) in this cohort of Japanese patients. Somatic mutations in other aldosterone-driving genes were also identified: CACNA1D (14%), ATP1A1 (5%), ATP2B3 (4%), and CACNA1H (1%), including 2 previously unreported mutations. KCNJ5 mutations were more often detected in APAs from female patients compared with those from male patients [95% (36/38) vs 60% (41/68); P < 0.0001].

CONCLUSION

IHC-guided sequencing defined somatic mutations in over 95% of Japanese APAs. While the dominance of KCNJ5 mutations in this particular cohort was confirmed, a significantly higher KCNJ5 prevalence was detected in female patients. This study provides a better understanding of genetic spectrum of Japanese APA patients.

Radiation Esophagitis in a Patient with Oral Carcinoma and Bone Metastasis

Radiation esophagitis requiring endoscopic evaluation occurs quite rarely, affecting <1% of patients undergoing radiation treatment. Acute radiation esophagitis develops within 3 weeks of radiation therapy. We describe herein a case of radiation esophagitis in a patient with oral carcinoma with multiple general bone metastases. Cisplatin, fluorouracil, and cetuximab were given for 3 cycles. Radiation therapy (30 Gy) to the thoracic vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae was prescribed to prevent worsening of bone metastases and relieve pain. Neutropenia was also observed due to chemotherapy. After the end of radiation therapy, the patient experienced chest pain, heartburn, and dysphagia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed severe radiation esophagitis of endoscopic Fukui Acute Radiation Esophagitis grade 4. Oral food was discontinued and an intravenous proton-pump inhibitor was administered. After 3 weeks, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed improvement of radiation esophagitis, with scars. The symptoms of chest pain, heartburn, and dysphagia had also disappeared. This is the first case to be reported of acute radiation esophagitis in a patient with oral carcinoma with bone metastasis who experienced dramatic improvement of endoscopic findings. Neutropenia appears to be associated with more severe acute radiation esophagitis.

Cystadenoma of the tongue: report of a case with long-term follow-up

Cystadenoma is a rare benign salivary gland neoplasm characterized by a predominantly multicystic growth pattern. The parotid gland is involved in about 45–50% of cystadenoma cases, with the minor glands of the lip and buccal mucosa being the next most common sites. The tongue is rarely involved; only one congenital case is reported in the literature. Here, we report a 63-year-old man who was referred to our hospital for a nodule on the right edge of his tongue that developed into an elastic soft mass, 4 mm in diameter. It was clinically diagnosed as a benign tumour and removed under local anaesthesia. Microscopically, the lesion was composed of multiple cysts of various sizes and shapes, with or without papillary intraluminal short projections. It was diagnosed as cystadenoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, and we found no evidence of recurrence at the postoperative 14-year follow-up.

Hypopituitarism manifesting after invasive dental treatment in a patient with carcinoma of the tongue: a case report

BACKGROUND

The symptoms of hypopituitarism are not usually discussed in the clinical setting of oral surgery.

CASE PRESENTATION

We herein report a case of hypopituitarism that became evident after biopsy and extraction of several teeth in a 68-year-old man with tongue cancer. Three days after biopsy, the patient developed nausea and vomiting, and his serum sodium had fallen to 124 mEq/L. His serum cortisol concentration was low. Although the plasma concentration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was within the normal range, ACTH stimulation testing showed a lack of cortisol response. Given these findings, we suspected secondary adrenal insufficiency. To investigate the cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency, MRI of the head was performed, which revealed pituitary gland atrophy. The results of pituitary anterior lobe hormone-stimulation tests were compatible with hypopituitarism. Thirty days after biopsy, partial tongue resection was successfully performed under general anesthesia with perioperative hydrocortisone supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

We must be aware of various signs of hypopituitarism when we perform invasive dental treatment.

Gastric Xanthomas and Fundic Gland Polyps as Endoscopic Risk Indicators of Gastric Cancer

Background/Aims

Fundic gland polyps (FGPs), hyperplastic polyps (HPs), and xanthomas (XTs) are common benign gastric lesions that can be diagnosed by endoscopic appearance alone in most cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between gastric cancer and these benign lesions.

Methods

Two expert endoscopists reviewed a series of gastroscopy images. FGPs, HPs, and XTs were diagnosed by endoscopic appearance, whereas all gastric cancers were confirmed pathologically.

Results

Of the 1,227 patients reviewed, 114 (9.3%) had a concurrent or past history of gastric cancer. The overall prevalences of FGPs, HPs and XTs were 9.4%, 6.3% and 14.2%, respectively. HPs and XTs coexisted in 1.6% of patients, whereas other combinations were rarer. XTs were observed in 39.3% and 11.5% of patients with and without gastric cancer, respectively (p<0.001). In contrast, no gastric cancer patients had FGPs, whereas 10.4% of patients without cancer had FGPs (p<0.001). The prevalence of HPs was similar between the two groups (8.8% and 6.0% of patients with and without cancer, respectively, p=0.29). Multivariate and Mantel-Haenszel analyses demonstrated that XTs were positively associated and FGPs were negatively associated with gastric cancer.

Conclusions

XTs and FGPs might be useful as endoscopic risk indicators for monitoring gastric cancer.

SAT-068 A Precise Prevalence Of Genotypes And Histological Subtypes Of Consecutive JapanesePA CasesUndergoing Surgery From 2012 To 2017

Recent advances of molecular analysis and the development of specific monoclonal antibody against aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) have indeed established the histological subtypes based on the localization of aldosterone overexcess and revealed the association between genotype and clinicopathological phenotype. In particular, several kinds of aldosterone-driver gene somatic mutation have been reported, including KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3, CACNA1D and CTNNB1. Among them, KCNJ5 somatic mutation was most frequently detected in aldosterone-producing adenoma although the prevalence of PA genotypes was markedly different among ethnic groups. The precise prevalence of genotype and histological subtypes in Japanese PA patients in large cohort has virtually remained unknown. Therefore, in this study, consecutive 125 unilateral PA cases entirely composed of Japanese patients who underwent surgery from 2012 to 2017 were histologically and genetically evaluated in order to clarify the precise prevalence of genotypes and histological subtypes among Japanese PA patients. 125 cases were precisely classified as follows based on detailed histopathological examination; single APA (84.0%), multiple (more than two) APAs (1.6%), APA + NFA (non-functional adenoma) (5.6%), MN (multiple adrenocortical micronodules) (5.6%), MN+NFA (2.4%) and DH (diffuse hyperplasia of the zona glomerulosa) (0.8%). Adrenal glands harboring single APA were further examined for genotyping. Among them, 67% harbored KCNJ5 mutated (G151R: 39.6%, L168R: 26.4%, T158A: 1.1%) and 33% harbored wild type. 5.4% of single APA clinically combined with Subclinical Cushing's syndrome, all harbored KCNJ5 mutated APAs. The results of our large-scaled analysis did firstly reveal the precise prevalence of histological subtypes and genotypes among Japanese PA patients who underwent surgery. Approximately 10% of unilateral resected PA cases histologically harbored non-neoplastic subtypes such as MN and DH. In addition to those non-neoplatic subtypes, 15% of unilateral resected PA cases other than single APA definitely required CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry in order to precisely detect the responsible lesions for aldosterone overexcess, distinguishing from the non-functional adrenocortical lesions or/and detecting more than two responsible lesions.

Malignant paraganglioma of the posterior mediastinum: A case report with genetic analysis

Paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms that originate from chromaffin cells. In many of these tumors, several mutations are reported to occur in the genes of germline and/or somatic cells. A case of paraganglioma in the posterior mediastinum with highly malignant potential is reported. The patient had a rapid clinical course, and it was difficult to reach the final diagnosis. The initial diagnosis on fine-needle aspiration biopsy was a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) arising from the esophagus. Although radiation therapy was effective for the main tumor, the lung metastases did not respond sufficiently to several tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Autopsy and immunohistochemical examination using a battery of different markers resulted in a final diagnosis of malignant paraganglioma. Next-generation sequencing revealed several gene mutations and copy number variations, including of fumarate hydratase (FH), neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1) and RET. Those gene alterations may contribute to the pathogenesis of this malignant phenotype to a certain extent. To confirm this, further cases and studies are required. In addition, it should be noted that histological examination of a small piece of tumor might have sampling bias and could cause misdiagnosis.

A pilot study of the clinical evidence for the methodology for prevention of oral mucositis during cancer chemotherapy by measuring salivary excretion of 5-fluorouracil

Objective to re-examine measures to prevent oral mucositis caused by drugs in head and neck cancer patients during cancer treatment by measuring salivary excretion of 5-fluorouracil. Saliva, blood, and urine were simultaneously collected from oral cancer patients and breast cancer patient at the point in time of before, during, and after the administration of 5-FU, then the 5-FU levels of the samples were quantitatively analysed using LC-MS/MS. In all patients, the 5-FU levels in saliva and serum peaked at 30 min to 3 h after the start of 5-FU treatment, and high levels were maintained throughout the administration of the drug. With regard to urinary 5-FU levels, they remained high from 3 to 120 h after the start of 5-FU treatment. After the completion of 5-FU treatment, even though it not appeared in the patients’ serum and urine promptly, 5-FU was detected in saliva at 12 h after the completion of 5-FU treatment in one oral cancer patient and at 48 h after the completion of 5-FU treatment in the breast cancer patient. It was suggested that the level of hydration after the completion of chemotherapy may be involved in the differences in 5-FU excretion.

Elevation of Plasmin-α2-plasmin Inhibitor Complex Predicts the Diagnosis of Systemic AL Amyloidosis in Patients with Monoclonal Protein

Objective The complication of systemic immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis in patients with monoclonal immunoglobulin affects the prognosis, but amyloid deposition in tissues is sometimes difficult to detect due to bleeding tendencies and preferential distributions. However, fibrinolysis is known to be exacerbated in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis specifically. We therefore explored new biomarkers for predicting a diagnosis of systemic AL amyloidosis focusing on coagulation and fibrinolysis markers. Methods We reviewed the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with serum monoclonal protein, including primary systemic AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma (MM), treated at our hospital between January 2008 and December 2014. Results Among several biomarkers, only the serum level of plasmin-α2-plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis (n=26) at the diagnosis was significantly higher than in patients with MM without AL amyloidosis (n=26) (mean±standard deviation, 3.69±2.82 μg/mL vs. 1.23±0.97 μg/mL, p<0.01). The cut-off for predicting a diagnosis of systemic AL amyloidosis in patients with serum monoclonal protein was 1.72 μg/mL with 84.6% sensitivity and 80.8% specificity. Hepatic involvement resulted in a significantly higher PIC level than no involvement in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis. The serum PIC level was also associated with the hematological response of systemic AL amyloidosis. Conclusion PIC is a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and management of patients with systemic AL amyloidosis.

Natural history of gastric cancer from a retrospective review of endoscopic images of older patients with interval gastric cancer

AIM

Interval gastric cancers (IGC) are defined as those diagnosed after negative results of endoscopy carried out within the past 10 years. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of IGC and the natural history of gastric cancer (GC) from a retrospective view of endoscopic images of older patients with IGC.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed endoscopic images of 240 patients with GC who were aged >60 years. We compared past endoscopic images with newer ones, in which GC was diagnosed. IGC were classified into two categories: missed cancers and new cancers.

RESULTS

Of the 240 patients with GC, 32 had past endoscopic images that qualified for a precise review. A total of 14 cases involved new cancers, whereas 18 involved missed cancers. Most of the IGC were stage I for at least 2 years; however, a small subset was unresectable at >2 years after a negative endoscopy. Furthermore, the rate of endoscopic treatment was significantly higher for IGC compared with that for non-IGC.

CONCLUSIONS

In people aged >60 years, most IGC remain in an early stage for at least 2 years; however, at >2 years after a negative endoscopy, some are unresectable. These results suggest that most early-stage GC will not develop into advanced cancers within 2 years; thus, a 2-year interval might be within the permissible range for patients with negative endoscopy results for any lesions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 997-1002.

A case of nodal malignant lymphoma presenting with arterial bleeding related to its duodenal penetration

A 62-year-old man with a chief complaint of dysphagia visited our hospital. Enhanced computed tomography showed the tumor near the duodenal wall and lymphadenopathy in the left supraclavicular fossa and para-aortic lymph node. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed an ulcer accompanied with a fistula in the anterior wall of duodenal bulb, suggesting that the tumor penetrated into duodenal wall. Biopsy from the lymph node in the left supraclavicular fossa indicated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Although chemotherapy was planned, massive arterial bleeding occurred from the part of duodenal penetration. Endoscopic hemostasis was unsuccessfully performed. Therefore, we performed transcathether arterial embolization for hemostasis. After the procedure, the patient received six cycles of chemotherapy, and he achieved complete response. He has been alive 5 years without recurrence. There were many cases of gastrointestinal bleeding from primary gastrointestinal lymphomas, while there were few cases with nodal involvement by malignant lymphoma resulting in bleeding from gastrointestinal tract. We herein report a case of duodenal bleeding by nodal involvement of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with review of literature.

A case of a rectal stricture related to ischemic proctitis following rupture of an aortic aneurysm

Background and study aims  Ischemic proctitis is a rare disease and comprises 2 % to 5 % of cases of ischemic colitis, because the rectum has abundant blood supply and rich collaterals. Herein, we report a case of a 73-year-old male patient with a pronounced rectal stricture caused by ischemic proctitis resulting from an abdominal aortic rupture and treated by endoscopic balloon dilation therapy. To date, only 3 cases of rectal stricture related to ischemic proctitis including our case have been reported, and this is the first case of rectal stricture related to ischemic proctitis, which was successfully treated by endoscopic balloon dilation.

Hepatic portal venous gas due to polystyrene sulfonate-induced enteritis

A 78-year-old man with acute right lower abdominal pain and nausea was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated hepatic portal venous gas and a thickened wall of the terminal ileum, and colonoscopy demonstrated ulcers and erosions of the ileocecal region. Histological examination of biopsy samples revealed basophilic crystals consistent with the component of calcium polystyrene sulfonate (CPS). This patient started taking CPS 2 months prior for chronic hyperkalemia. The symptoms resolved soon after ceasing CPS, and subsequent imaging studies confirmed the disappearance of the portal venous gas and ileocolitis.

Clinical features of chronic enteropathy associated with SLCO2A1 gene: a new entity clinically distinct from Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic enteropathy associated with SLCO2A1 gene (CEAS) is a hereditary disease caused by mutations in the SLCO2A1 gene and characterized by multiple small intestinal ulcers of nonspecific histology. SLCO2A1 is also a causal gene of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO). However, little is known about the clinical features of CEAS or PHO.

METHODS

Sixty-five Japanese patients recruited by a nationwide survey of CEAS during 2012-2016 were enrolled in this present study. We reviewed the clinical information of the genetically confirmed CEAS patients.

RESULTS

We identified recessive SLCO2A1 mutations at 11 sites in 46 patients. Among the 46 patients genetically confirmed as CEAS, 13 were men and 33 were women. The median age at disease onset was 16.5 years, and parental consanguinity was present in 13 patients (28%). Anemia was present in 45 patients (98%), while a single patient experienced gross hematochezia. All patients showed relatively low inflammatory markers in blood tests (median CRP 0.20 mg/dl). The most frequently involved gastrointestinal site was the ileum (98%), although no patient had mucosal injuries in the terminal ileum. Mild digital clubbing or periostosis was found in 13 patients (28%), with five male patients fulfilling the major diagnostic criteria of PHO.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical features of CEAS are distinct from those of Crohn's disease. Genetic analysis of the SLCO2A1 gene is therefore recommended in patients clinically suspected of having CEAS.

NUDT15 codon 139 is the best pharmacogenetic marker for predicting thiopurine-induced severe adverse events in Japanese patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Despite NUDT15 variants showing significant association with thiopurine-induced adverse events (AEs) in Asians, it remains unclear which variants of NUDT15 or whether additional genetic variants should be tested to predict AEs. To clarify the best pharmacogenetic test to be used clinically, we performed association studies of NUDT15 variants and haplotypes with AEs, genome-wide association study (GWAS) to discover additional variants, and ROC analysis to select the model to predict severe AEs.

METHODS

Overall, 2630 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were enrolled and genotyped for NUDT15 codon 139; 1291 patients were treated with thiopurines. diplotypes were analyzed in 970 patients, and GWASs of AEs were performed with 1221 patients using population-optimized genotyping array and imputation.

RESULTS

We confirmed the association of NUDT15 p.Arg139Cys with leukopenia and alopecia (p = 2.20E-63, 1.32E-69, OR = 6.59, 12.1, respectively), and found a novel association with digestive symptoms (p = 6.39E-04, OR = 1.89). Time to leukopenia was significantly shorter, and when leukopenia was diagnosed, thiopurine doses were significantly lower in Arg/Cys and Cys/Cys than in Arg/Arg. In GWASs, no additional variants were found to be associated with thiopurine-induced AEs. Despite strong correlation of leukopenia frequency with estimated enzyme activities based on the diplotypes (r² = 0.926, p = 0.0087), there were no significant differences in the AUCs of diplotypes from those of codon 139 to predict severe AEs (AUC = 0.916, 0.921, for acute severe leukopenia, AUC = 0.990, 0.991, for severe alopecia, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Genotyping of NUDT15 codon 139 was sufficient to predict acute severe leukopenia and alopecia in Japanese patients with IBD.

Topical Application of Josamycin Inhibits Development of Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice

BACKGROUND

Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have superficial skin colonization by Staphylococcus aureus and an increased number of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells in their peripheral blood. Our previous study showed that josamycin, a macrolide antibiotic, had excellent bactericidal activity against S. aureus strains isolated from AD patients and simultaneously inhibited Th1 and Th2 cell development mediated by Langerhans cells. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of topical application of josamycin on AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

METHODS

Josamycin (0.1%) was topically administered to NC/Nga mice with AD-like skin lesions induced by 2, 4, 6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB). The therapeutic effects of josamycin were assessed by measurement of the skin severity scores, histological changes in the lesioned skin, serum levels of total IgE, and expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 in lymph nodes and skin lesions.

RESULTS

Topical treatment with josamycin significantly suppressed the increase in the skin severity score in NC/Nga mice. This suppressive effect was equal to that of betamethasone, and was associated with a decrease in the density of cellular infiltration into the dermis, the mast cell count in the dermis and the serum IgE level. Furthermore, topical application of josamycin reduced the expression of IFN-γ and IL-4 in auricular lymph node cells and the skin lesions.

CONCLUSION

The present results show that topical application of josamycin inhibits the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. This suggests that topical application of josamycin to AD lesions colonized by S. aureus would be beneficial for control of AD by acting on superficially located S. aureus and by inhibiting the development of Th1 and Th2 cells.This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see "For Readers") may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue's contents page.