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Lin TY, Liu YC, Jheng JR, Tsai HP, Jan JT, Wong WR, Horng JT. Anti-Enterovirus 71 Activity Screening of Chinese Herbs with Anti-Infection and Inflammation Activities. Am J Chin Med 2012; 37:143-58. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x09006734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Antipyretic and toxin-eliminating traditional Chinese herbs are believed to possess antiviral activity. In this study, we screened extracts of 22 herbs for activity against enterovirus 71 (EV71). We found that only extracts of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. could neutralize EV71-induced cytopathic effects in Vero cells. The 50% inhibitory concentration of H. cordata extract for EV71 was 125.92 ± 27.84 μg/ml. Antiviral screening of herb extracts was also conducted on 3 genotypes of EV71, coxsackievirus A16 and echovirus 9. H. cordata extract had the highest activity against genotype A of EV71. A plaque reduction assay showed that H. cordata extract significantly reduced plaque formation. Viral protein expression, viral RNA synthesis and virus-induced caspase 3 activation were inhibited in the presence of H. cordata extract, suggesting that it affected apoptotic processes in EV71-infected Vero cells by inhibiting viral replication. The antiviral activity of H. cordata extract was greater in cells pretreated with extract than those treated after infection. We conclude that H. cordata extract has antiviral activity, and it offers a potential to develop a new anti-EV71 agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzou-Yien Lin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Rong Jheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ping Tsai
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Tsrong Jan
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Rou Wong
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jim-Tong Horng
- Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Kossodo S, Wong WR, Simon G, Kochevar IE. Effects of UVR and UVR-induced Cytokines on Production of Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Proteases by Dermal Fibroblasts Cultured in Collagen Gels¶. Photochem Photobiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2004.tb09861.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Chang YT, Shen JJ, Wong WR, Yen HR. Alternative therapy for autosensitization dermatitis. Chang Gung Med J 2009; 32:668-673. [PMID: 20035647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
During outdoor activities, Dendrocnide meyeniana can induce severe acute dermatitis, which usually needs topical or systemic corticosteroids, and oral antihistamine to alleviate associated symptoms such as exudation, pruritus or burning sensation. In this paper we report a 14-year-old male, with autosensitization dermatitis caused by Dendrocnide meyeniana, who had erythematous papules accompanied by itching and stinging sensations over left inner elbow first and then extended to the trunk and limbs. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and pharmacological studies, the combined formula of Xiao-feng-san (XFS) and Huang-lian-jie-du-tang (HLJDT) was prescribed in the form of concentrated herbal extracts per oral. Remission of skin lesions and the accompanied symptoms was observed after treatment using the TCM formula for 7 days. Follow-up of the patient showed no relapse. We therefore conclude that TCM herbs may provide an alternative treatment for autosensitization dermatitis caused by Dendrocnide meyeniana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Chang
- Department of Gynecology and Pediatrics, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Taipei, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Wong WR, Shyu WL, Tsai JW, Hsu KH, Pang JHS. Intense Pulsed Light Effects on the Expression of Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 in Skin Dermal Fibroblasts Cultured within Contracted Collagen Lattices. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35:816-25. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01138.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lin YK, Chang CJ, Chang YC, Wong WR, Chang SC, Pang JHS. Clinical assessment of patients with recalcitrant psoriasis in a randomized, observer-blind, vehicle-controlled trial using indigo naturalis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 144:1457-64. [PMID: 19015420 DOI: 10.1001/archderm.144.11.1457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with indigo naturalis in patients with recalcitrant plaque-type psoriasis. DESIGN Randomized, observer-blind, vehicle-controlled, intrapatient comparison study. SETTING Ambulatory department of a hospital. PARTICIPANTS Forty-two outpatients with chronic plaque psoriasis were enrolled in the study from May 1, 2004, to April 30, 2005. INTERVENTION The patients applied either indigo naturalis ointment or vehicle ointment topically to each of 2 bilaterally symmetrical psoriatic plaque lesions for 12 weeks (depending on the date of enrollment in the study). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The outcomes were assessed using the following criteria: the sum of erythema, scaling, and induration scores and the clearing percentage of the target plaque lesion assessed by 2 blinded observers. RESULTS Significant reductions in the sum of scaling, erythema, and induration scores (P < .001) (mean score, 6.3 after indigo naturalis treatment vs 12.8 in control subjects) and plaque area percentage (P < .001) (mean percentage, 38.5% after indigo naturalis treatment vs 90% in controls) were achieved with topical application of indigo naturalis ointment. Approximately 31 of 42 patients (74%) experienced clearance or near clearance of their psoriasis in the indigo ointment-treated lesion. CONCLUSION Topical indigo naturalis ointment was a novel, safe, and effective therapy for plaque-type psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Ku Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
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Lin YK, Wong WR, Chang YC, Chang CJ, Tsay PK, Chang SC, Pang JHS. The Efficacy and Safety of Topically Applied Indigo Naturalis Ointment in Patients with Plaque-Type Psoriasis. Dermatology 2007; 214:155-61. [PMID: 17341866 DOI: 10.1159/000098576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2006] [Accepted: 07/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported in the Chinese literature that indigo naturalis exhibits potential antipsoriatic effects in systemic therapy. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topically applied indigo naturalis on treating plaque-type psoriasis and to analyze the histological change in skin tissues. METHODS Fourteen patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were enrolled. The patients were topically applied with either indigo naturalis ointment or vehicle ointment on contralateral skin lesions daily for 8 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated on the basis of the clinical scores, including induration, scaling, erythema and clearing percentage. At the end of treatment, skin punch biopsies were taken and prepared for the immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS A significant reduction in clinical scores was achieved with topically applied indigo naturalis ointment. Analysis of biopsies showed a marked improvement of skin histology. The expressions of proliferating marker Ki-67 and inflammatory marker CD3 were decreased, but the differentiation marker such as filaggrin was increased in the epidermis after indigo naturalis ointment treatment. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that topical application of indigo naturalis ointment may be a novel, safe and effective therapy for psoriasis that is mediated, at least in part, by modulating the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes in epidermis, as well as by inhibiting the infiltration of T lymphocytes and therefore the subsequent inflammatory reactions in psoriatic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Ku Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
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Abstract
The treatment of psoriasis in children is still an intractable problem and demands a long-term therapy with prolonged efficacy that is free from serious adverse events. Many modes of therapy are currently in use but the disease is often resistant to treatment owing to the unacceptable toxicity that leads to poor compliance. Therefore, to develop an alternative treatment is indispensable. Traditional Chinese medicine has been documented for over 1000 years to provide various effective treatments for inflammatory skin diseases. Herein, we report an 8-year-old boy with recalcitrant pediatric psoriasis who, after multiple treatment failures with conventional antipsoriatic medications, showed remarkable clinical improvement with 8 weeks of topical treatment with Indigo naturalis composite ointment. Remission has lasted for over 2 years until now. Our patient's response suggests that topical Indigo naturalis composite ointment may provide a safe and effective alternative treatment for pediatric psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Ku Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Wu CC, Tsai CN, Wong WR, Hong HS, Chuang YH. Early congenital syphilis and erythema multiforme-like bullous targetoid lesions in a 1-day-old newborn: detection of Treponema pallidum genomic DNA from the targetoid plaque using nested polymerase chain reaction. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 55:S11-5. [PMID: 16843116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.11.1062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2005] [Revised: 11/15/2005] [Accepted: 11/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A 1-day-old male newborn was born with respiratory distress, low birth weight, hepatosplenomegaly, and bullous targetoid skin lesions over the face, back, buttocks, and extremities. A diagnosis of early congenital syphilis was made based on a treponemal serologic test. Pathologic examination of the skin lesion showed scattered dyskeratotic cells in the epidermis and interface dermatitis consistent with erythema multiforme. No spirochete could be found in the skin sections staining with Warthin-Starry stain. Using nested polymerase chain reaction, treponemal genomic DNA fragments encoding DNA polymerase I were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Chang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Wong WR, Chen YY, Yang SM, Chen YL, Horng JT. Phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK in an early entry step of enterovirus 71. Life Sci 2005; 78:82-90. [PMID: 16150462 PMCID: PMC7094582 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2005.04.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2005] [Accepted: 04/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Viruses have been known to subvert the anti-apoptotic pathways of the host cell in order to delay apoptosis. However, the mechanisms utilized by enterovirus 71 (EV71) to mediate anti-apoptotic activity remained undetermined. We observed that EV71 infection induced an early activation of both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. The activity of GSK3β, a downstream target of these pathways, was negatively regulated by the activation of both MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt. The phosphorylation of GSK3 could be inhibited by treatment with the specific inhibitors of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt. Other Akt downstream targets, BAD, caspase-9 and the Forkhead transcription factor (FKHR), were not phosphorylated during the course of infection by EV71. We further demonstrated that infection by UV-irradiated, inactivated virus triggered early Akt activation but was insufficient to trigger late Akt activation. These data suggest that with the phosphorylation of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt the subsequent inactivation of GSK3β is utilized by EV71 as a potential mechanism to delay host cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Rou Wong
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 199 Tung-Hwa North Road, Taipei 105, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa First Road, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Min Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa First Road, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Li Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa First Road, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Jim-Tong Horng
- Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa First Road, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Chang Gung Bioinformatics Center, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa first Road, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Corresponding author. Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa First Road, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan. Tel./fax: +886 3 2118407.
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Abstract
Acute paronychia, the suppurative inflammation involving the paronychium of the nails, is usually caused by bacterial or fungal infection and has been rarely reported as a presentation of pemphigus vulgaris (PV). We report a woman with PV who presented with suppurative paronychia of multiple fingernails and toenails, which preceded the exacerbation of other mucocutaneous lesions. A biopsy specimen of the paronychium revealed suprabasal vesicles due to acantholysis. Systemic corticosteroids and adjuvant immunosuppressants were effective in treating mucocutaneous lesions as well as nail disease. We conclude that in patients with PV, acute paronychia could be a manifestation of the disease per se, rather than an infectious process. Only the precise diagnosis with adequate immunosuppressive treatment can lead to good control of disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with dermal or mixed-type melasmas are often refractory to various treatments. Intense pulsed light has been used to treat melanocytic lesions with promising results. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of intense pulsed light for refractory melasma in Asian persons. METHODS Seventeen patients were treated with intense pulsed light, during four sessions at 4-week intervals. The patients were also given 4% hydroquinone cream and broad-spectrum sunscreens to prevent and treat postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sixteen patients in the control group were treated with hydroquinone cream and sunscreens. The treatment efficacy was evaluated using reflectance spectrophotometer and patient satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS Patients in the intense pulsed light group achieved an average of 39.8% improvement in relative melanin index, compared to 11.6% improvement in the control group (p<0.05) at Week 16. Six (35%) patients in the intense pulsed light group had more than 50% improvement, compared to two (14%) patients in the control group. Two patients in the intense pulsed light group, however, experienced transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and partial repigmentation was noted 24 weeks after the last treatment session. CONCLUSION Intense pulsed light is a safe and effective treatment for refractory melasma in Asian persons, with minimal side effects. Further treatment sessions are required for maintenance therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chen Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Cardinal Tien Hospital, Hsintien, Taipei, Taiwan
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Kossodo S, Wong WR, Simon G, Kochevar IE. Effects of UVR and UVR-induced cytokines on production of extracellular matrix proteins and proteases by dermal fibroblasts cultured in collagen gels%. Photochem Photobiol 2004; 79:86-93. [PMID: 14974720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are part of the dermal remodeling resulting from chronic exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We have compared two alternative mechanisms for these responses, namely, a direct mechanism in which UV-B or UV-A is absorbed by fibroblasts and an indirect mechanism in which cytokines, produced in skin in response to UVR, stimulate production of the ECM proteins and MMP. These studies were carried out on human dermal fibroblasts grown in contracted, free-floating 9 day old collagen gels as a dermal equivalent. Synthesis of tropoelastin, collagen, fibrillin, MMP-1, -2, -3 and -9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 and -2 were measured. Tropoelastin, collagen and fibrillin levels were stable between days 4 and 10, and MMP and TIMP decreased by day 10. Neither UV-B (2.5-50 mJ/cm2) nor UV-A (2-12 J/cm2) altered synthesis of ECM proteins, but UV-A increased MMP-1 and -3 production. Tropoelastin synthesis increased in response to transforming growth factor-beta1 (5 ng/mL) treatment. Both interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (10 ng/mL) decreased fibrillin messenger RNA levels but increased MMP-1, -3 and -9 synthesis markedly. Collagen synthesis was not modulated by UV-B, UV-A or cytokine treatment. These results indicate that certain cytokines may have greater effects on production of ECM proteins and MMP than absorption of UV-B and UV-A by fibroblasts grown in dermal equivalents and suggest that the former pathway may play a role in the dermal remodeling in photoaged skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Kossodo
- Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Kossodo S, Wong WR, Simon G, Kochevar IE. Effects of UVR and UVR-induced Cytokines on Production of Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Proteases by Dermal Fibroblasts Cultured in Collagen Gels¶. Photochem Photobiol 2004. [DOI: 10.1562/0031-8655(2004)79<86:eouauc>2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Wong WR, Tsai HJ, Hong HS. Efficacy and safety of topically applied tacrolimus ointment in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Chang Gung Med J 2003; 26:485-95. [PMID: 14515971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tacrolimus is a T-cell-selective cytokine inhibitor. The topical formulation was specifically developed for treating inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topically applied tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) in treating Taiwanese patients with moderate to severe AD. METHODS This was an open-labeled, non-comparative, single-center study. Enrolled patients applied Protopic twice daily for up to 4 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated on the basis of the physician's global evaluation of clinical response (PG). Other evaluations included the Eczema Area and Severity Index and the percentage of body surface area; the total score for clinical signs was used for evaluating the efficacy. A safety assessment was based on adverse events reported by patients or observed by the physician. Blood was sampled for the evaluation of tacrolimus levels. RESULTS In total, 30 patients (16 pediatric and 14 adult patients) with moderate to severe AD were enrolled in this study. At the end of treatment, the PG was 92.3% for the pediatric group and 100% for the adult group. Other efficacy evaluations also showed significant improvement. Two patients had detectable blood tacrolimus concentrations. Skin itching and burning on the application site was a common but temporary side effect. No significant adverse events related to Protopic were observed. CONCLUSION The results of the study suggest that Protopic ointment may be a safe and effective therapy for treating patients at least 2 years of age with moderate to severe AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Rou Wong
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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Wong WR, Lam E, Huang RC, Wong RS, Morris C, Hackett J. Applications, and efficient large-scale production, of recombinant human epidermal growth factor. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2002; 18:51-71. [PMID: 11530698 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2001.10648008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W R Wong
- Department of Biochemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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Chung WH, Chang YC, Yang LJ, Hung SI, Wong WR, Lin JY, Chan HL. Clinicopathologic features of skin reactions to temporary tattoos and analysis of possible causes. Arch Dermatol 2002; 138:88-92. [PMID: 11790171 DOI: 10.1001/archderm.138.1.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, temporary paint-on tattoos have become increasingly popular as a safe alternative to permanent tattoos in Asia and other regions. The most common dye for such temporary tattoos is henna, a vegetable dye. Henna is considered to possess low allergenicity because the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis to henna has rarely been reported. However, recently, allergic reactions to henna used in temporary tattoos have been reported frequently. OBSERVATIONS Ten patients developed inflamed skin eruptions after receiving temporary paint-on tattoos in either Thailand or Indonesia. The 6 patients who were patch tested all exhibited moderate to strong positive reactions to p-phenylenediamine (1% in petrolatum). Four of the 6 patients were then tested with commercial black henna obtained from Thailand, and all 4 had strong positive reactions. A skin biopsy specimen showed lichenoid dermatitis. Mass spectrometry analysis of commercial black henna for molecular weight revealed a major peak at the mass-charge ratio of 108.1, which corresponds to the molecular weight of p-phenylenediamine. CONCLUSIONS The most likely causative agent for the lichenoid reaction associated with use of commercial black henna for temporary tattooing, currently popular in Southeast Asia, is p-phenylenediamine. With the increased popularity of temporary paint-on tattoos, clinicians should be aware of the possible associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hung Chung
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 199, Tun Hwa North Road, Taipei, Taiwan
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Wong WR, Tsai CY, Shih SR, Chan HL. Association of pityriasis rosea with human herpesvirus-6 and human herpesvirus-7 in Taipei. J Formos Med Assoc 2001; 100:478-83. [PMID: 11579614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common papulosquamous skin disease with unknown etiology. The possible relationship of PR with human herpesvirus infection (HHV) has been extensively studied. This study used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to investigate the presence of human herpesvirus 6 and 7 (HHV-6 and HHV-7) in 41 PR patients from two hospitals in Northern Taiwan. The epidemiologic features of PR in patients were also studied. METHODS A total of 41 PR patients (11 males, 30 females) were enrolled in this study from April 1999 to March 2000. PCR of skin biopsy specimens from 24 PR patients was used to identify the existence of HHV-6 and HHV-7. Viral culture from PR biopsy specimens was also performed. Blood from these patients was sampled for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory tests. Skin biopsies from 20 age- and sex-matched controls with other skin diseases were also subjected to PCR study. RESULTS The ages of the 41 PR patients ranged from 8 to 62 years. An increased incidence (17/41) of PR episodes was observed during the spring. Both HHV-6 and HHV-7 DNA was below the limit of detection in all biopsy specimens from patients and healthy controls. Viral culture for HHV was negative in all patients. CONCLUSION The epidemiologic features of PR in this series are comparable to other studies except for an exaggerated female predominance (male:female ratio 1:2.7). Our data indicate a lack of association between HHV-6 and HHV-7 infection and PR.
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Wong
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 199 Tung Hwa North Road, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
Two patients presenting with chronic pigmented purpuric dermatosis (CPPD) on the dorsum of both feet were found to show granulomatous inflammation superimposed on the pathological changes of CPPD. Two similar cases have been reported from Japan. The unique clinicopathological features of this group of patients suggest that they have a rare granulomatous variant of CPPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Wong
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 199 Tung Hwa North Road, Taipei 105, Taiwan.
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Wong WR, Kossodo S, Kochevar IE. Influence of cytokines on matrix metalloproteinases produced by fibroblasts cultured in monolayer and collagen gels. J Formos Med Assoc 2001; 100:377-82. [PMID: 11480246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial factors involved in connective tissue remodeling that accompanies ultraviolet radiation-induced actinic damage. This study investigated whether the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, and IL-10 modulate the expression of MMPs in cultured human newborn skin fibroblasts. METHODS Different concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-10 were added to human dermal fibroblasts grown in monolayers or embedded in three-dimensional (3D) collagen gels, a model closer to skin. Supernatant from the fibroblast cell culture was collected 24 hours later. The concentrations of MMP-1 and MMP-3 were assaysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while the concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analysed by zymography. RESULTS Basal production of MMPs was significantly greater in fibroblasts grown in 3D gels than in cells grown as monolayers. TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta induced increases in the concentrations of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9, but not in MMP-2 or tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 or -2. The inducibility of MMP secretion is more significant in 3D gels. IL-10 did not significantly modulate MMPs. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that basal concentrations of MMPs are higher in fibroblasts cultured in 3D gels and their response to cytokines is different to that of cells grown as monolayers. Cytokines can increase the collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activity involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and hence contribute to photoaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Wong
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Department of Dermatology, 199 Tung Hwa North Road, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
We describe a 68-year-old man with plaque stage mycosis fungoides (MF) for 8 years. He developed tumorous lesions of granulomatous MF (GrMF) and generalized granuloma annulare (GA) after a previously indolent clinical course. Since then, the clinical course was aggressive with involvement of the bone marrow and lymph nodes, and leukemic change occurred. Systemic chemotherapy was given, but the patient died 9 months later due to neutropenic fever and septic shock. GA in malignant lymphoma has been reported most frequently in association with Hodgkin's disease. To the best of our knowledge, GA associated with GrMF has never been reported in the English language literature. The prognostic significance of the association of granulomatous inflammation and malignancy is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Wong
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Kossodo S, Wong WR, Moran M, Kochevar IE. Divergent basal and ultraviolet-induced expression of matrix-metalloproteinases in monolayers and collagen gels. J Dermatol Sci 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0923-1811(98)84320-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Chuang YH, Kuo TT, Wang CM, Wang CN, Wong WR, Chan HL. Simultaneous occurrence of papulonecrotic tuberculide and erythema induratum and the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA by polymerase chain reaction. Br J Dermatol 1997; 137:276-81. [PMID: 9292081 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1997.18201916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The simultaneous occurrence of two tuberculides in one patient is rare. We report the case of a 32-year-old man presenting with both papulonecrotic tuberculide and erythema induratum. Mycobacterial DNA was identified from both skin lesions by polymerase chain reaction using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues, suggesting that tuberculides are related to tuberculosis. New skin lesions developed after the patient discontinued his medication on his own initiative, 2 months after triple antituberculous therapy had been started. It is important to continue therapy for a prolonged period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Chuang
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipel, Taiwan
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