[Semicircular lipoatrophy in office workers]

[Occupational semicircular lipoatrophy associated with serum adipokine abnormalities]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between semicircular lipoatrophy (SL), inflammation marker (high sensibility C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]), adipokines (leptine, chemerine and vaspine) and autoimmune markers (rheumatoid factor [RF], C3 and C4 complement fractions, antinuclear antibodies [ANA], HLA DR3, and DR4). Chemerine is an adipokine, but also is an immunity marker.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed in May 2013; 21 cases were included. The closest healthy coworker to each case was used as a control. We calculated Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test.

RESULTS

We found statistical significance (P<.05) between SL and raised hs-CRP, raised leptine and low chemerine.

CONCLUSIONS

i) There seems to be an underlying inflammatory component (raised hs-CRP) in SL; ii) adipokine alteration (raised leptine and low chemerine) supports the idea that adipocytic differentiation is affected in SL, and iii) we have not found any immune marker associated with SL, except chemerine itself, which could explain a possible association between SL and immunity.

Semicircular lipoatrophy: an electrostatic hypothesis

BACKGROUND

Semicircular lipoatrophy (SL) is a benign pathology characterized by subcutaneous adipose tissue atrophy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine causes of SL.

METHODS

We performed research on 42 cases of SL who had developed symptoms of lipoatrophy with a technical study of the building and clinical study of the affected patients.

RESULTS

Electromagnetic field and electrostatic charge measurements were performed. No signals different from typical radio, TV and other wireless communication devices were recorded. Electrostatic charges were recorded in floors, environments and on different furniture; they were positive, and all charges disappeared on contact with the worker's skin. Data about the workplace were collected, and clinical examinations were performed, including blood and biochemistry tests and 18 ultrasound skin tests.

CONCLUSIONS

As no abnormal electromagnetic measurements were found and electrostatic changes and occupational behaviors showed some relevant data and as after changes in order to control the electrostatic environment all of them improved, we can conclude that electrostatic charges but not electromagnetic ones are the main cause of SL.