Narrowband UVB Treatment Research Articles

The efficacy of narrowband UVB treatment in pediatric vitiligo: a retrospective analysis of 26 cases.

Narrowband UVB (Nb UVB) treatment is commonly used for the management of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and is less often used for vitiligo in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and short-term safety of Nb UVB phototherapy in children diagnosed with vitiligo retrospectively. A total of 26 patients younger than 18 years with the diagnosis of vitiligo and managed with Nb UVB phototherapy as documented in archive records were evaluated. Clinical response was assessed according to repigmentation of the lesions: good response when there was more than 75% repigmentation, moderate response when there was 25%-74% repigmentation, poor response when repigmentation was less than 24%, and unresponsive when there was no pigmentation and new lesions occurred. A total of 26 patients received Nb UVB treatment; 14 were girls and 12 were boys. The age at onset of the disease varied between 2 and 18 years, with a mean age of onset of 10.07 ± 4.53 years. Repigmentation rate of >75% was detected in 45.4% of cases. Nb UVB phototherapy seems to be a well-tolerated effective and safe treatment option in children, especially those unresponsive to topical treatment and those with widespread lesions. However, long-term risks such as photocarcinogenesis and photoaging should kept in mind.

Psoriasis and Pro-angiogenetic Factor CD93: Gene Expression and Association with Gene Polymorphism Suggests a Role in Disease Pathogenesis

CD93 is involved in angiogenesis and inflammation, both of which are key processes in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. CD93 was studied in serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and skin of patients with psoriasis and controls. Furthermore, allele frequencies for CD93 single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs2749812 and rs2749817 were assessed in patients with psoriasis compared with controls and the effect of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) treatment on CD93 gene expression was evaluated in the skin of patients with psoriasis. CD93 gene expression was significantly increased in lesional and non-lesional skin from patients with psoriasis compared with controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD93 staining in dermal endothelial cells in lesional skin, and psoriasis was significantly associated with rs2749817 CD93 gene polymorphism. NB-UVB treatment of patients with psoriasis did not alter skin CD93 gene expression. Increased protein expression of CD93 psoriatic skin and association with the rs2749817 polymorphism suggests that CD93 plays a role in psoriasis disease pathogenesis.

Level of serum soluble endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 in psoriatic patients after narrow-band ultraviolet-B and relation to disease activity: a case–control study

Context Endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin) is expressed on endothelial cells in psoriasis vulgaris (PV). Alteration in E-selectin is one of the influential proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Aims This study aimed to assess the serum level of E-selectin and to determine the effect of narrow-band ultraviolet-B (UVB) therapy on serum E-selectin levels in patients with psoriasis and to assess the relationship between serum E-selectin levels and disease activity after this treatment. Settings and design This was a case–control study. Patients and methods Thirty-five patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 35 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls were included. The concentration of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was studied in the sera of patients before and after narrow-band UVB treatment sessions (three times per week for 3 months) and compared with normal nonpsoriatic controls. The disease severity was established using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scoring system. Results Levels of sE-selectin were significantly increased in the sera of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis (compared with the controls). Clinical improvement, after treatment, in patients with PV was associated with a significant decrease in the serum levels of sE-selectin. There was a significant correlation of sE-selectin and disease activity in PV patients. Conclusion E-selectin might be an indicator of treatment response and acts as a marker of psoriatic disease activity; it is also suggested to be a useful tool for evaluating the efficacy of treatment by narrow-band UVB in patients with psoriasis.

IL17A and IL17F Gene Polymorphism Association with Psoriasis Risk and Response to Treatment in a Polish Population

Background: Recent studies have revealed the pivotal role of Th17 cells and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in plaque psoriasis development and treatment outcome. The IL-17 family consists of 6 structurally related cytokines (IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17C, IL-17D, IL-17E, IL-17F), of which IL-17A and IL-17F mediate similar biological effects. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate an association between the IL17A (-197G>A; rs2275913) and IL17F (rs763780: T>C; rs11465553: G>A; rs2397084: T>C) polymorphisms with psoriasis susceptibility as well as response to topical and combined topical with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy in a Polish population. Methods: Association study involving 407 psoriasis patients and 205 healthy controls. Treatment efficacy was analyzed in 207 patients with mild psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index; PASI 3-12) and moderate psoriasis (PASI 12-18), who were randomly subjected to topical or combined topical and NB-UVB treatment. The polymorphisms were evaluated by RT-PCR. Results: No statistically significant differences between psoriasis patients and controls were found in the frequency of the evaluated IL17A and IL17F genotypes and haplotypes. The IL17A or IL17F polymorphisms were not associated with treatment outcome measures: efficacy of treatment at the eighth week of the study and PASI change after topical or combined topical and NB-UVB therapy. However, IL17F rs2397084 variant allele C carriers required a significantly higher number of NB-UVB irradiations in comparison to TT homozygotes (15.5 ± 11.4 vs. 11.1 ± 11.9, p = 0.047) to produce a positive clinical response. Conclusion: It can be stated that the IL17A and IL17F polymorphisms are not markers of susceptibility to psoriasis. However, the IL17F polymorphism may affect the response to NB-UVB therapy.

Effects of Narrow Band Ultraviolet B on Serum Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Interleukin-8 in Patients with Psoriasis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of narrow band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy on serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in patients with psoriasis. Relevant Chinese and English scientific literature databases were searched to identify studies published before November, 2013 that included serum VEGF and IL-8 levels in patients with psoriasis. The studies retrieved from database searches were screened on the basis of predefined selection criteria, and data from finally selected studies were extracted for meta-analysis. Analyses were conducted using STATA 12.0 software. Our systematic search resulted in retrieval of 700 studies (500 studies in Chinese, 200 studies in English), and after a multistep screening process, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled for meta-analysis. The 13 studies contained a combined total of 400 patients with psoriasis and 221 healthy controls. The results of meta-analysis revealed that healthy controls exhibited significantly lower serum level of VEGF, compared to patients with psoriasis before therapy. After NB-UVB, VEGF levels were significantly decreased in patients with psoriasis, as compared to their pretherapy VEGF levels. Although no statistically significant differences were detected in IL-8 serum levels between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls before therapy, after NB-UVB therapy, the serum IL-8 levels in patients with psoriasis were markedly decreased. Corresponding reductions in the psoriasis area and severity index scores of patients with psoriasis were observed after NB-UVB treatment. Our results revealed that NB-UVB therapy significantly decreased the serum levels of VEGF and IL-8 in patients with psoriasis. Furthermore, VEGF and IL-8 levels correlated with disease status, indicating that they are sensitive biomarkers for evaluating the effectiveness of psoriasis therapy.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition and narrow-band ultraviolet-B light in psoriasis (DINUP): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundModerate to severe psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with insulin resistance, obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that improves glycaemia and has a marketing authorisation for the treatment of T2DM. Non-immunosuppressive therapies that are effective for psoriasis and its associated comorbidities would be a significant advance in the treatment of this chronic disease.Methods/DesignThis is a single centre, 39-week, prospective, randomised, open label, clinical trial of oral sitagliptin (Januvia®) in psoriasis patients who are due to undergo a course of narrow-band ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) phototherapy. We plan to enrol 120 participants and allocate participants on a random and 1:1 basis to receive sitagliptin 100 mg daily for 24 weeks combined with NB-UVB or NB-UVB monotherapy. Participants will be followed up for 12 weeks after sitagliptin therapy is discontinued. The primary endpoint is the change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 24 weeks after treatment initiation. Secondary endpoints include cumulative NB-UVB dose, number of NB-UVB treatments required to clear psoriasis, proportions of participants who achieve PASI-50 (50 % reduction in PASI from baseline), PASI-75, PASI-90 and the proportion of participants who relapse in each group. We will also analyse changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors, serum cytokine and hormone levels and peripheral blood mononuclear expression of immune proteins at 24 and 36 weeks. A subgroup of participants will have skin biopsies taken and analysed for skin levels and expression of immune cells, receptors, hormones and immune proteins. The genetic or epigenetic profile that predicts best response to DPP-4 inhibitor therapy will be analysed. The safety endpoints include the rate and severity of adverse events.DiscussionThis is the first randomised clinical trial assessing dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition therapy in psoriasis. We hypothesise that sitagliptin therapy in combination with NB-UVB improves psoriasis severity compared to NB-UVB monotherapy.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02347501 (Date of registration: 27 January 2015).

Efficacy of combining oral Chinese herbal medicine and NB-UVB in treating psoriasis vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundThe combination of a Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) bath and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) improved the efficacy of NB-UVB treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, but bath therapy is inconvenient. Oral CHM plus NB-UVB has been tested in clinical practice. This study aims to evaluate whether adding oral CHM could be beneficial for NB-UVB therapy by a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsNine English and Chinese databases were searched from their inception to April 2014. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the combination of orally administered CHM and NB-UVB with that of CHM placebo and NB-UVB or NB-UVB alone for treating psoriasis vulgaris and reporting Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) outcomes were included. A systematic review, meta-analysis, risk of bias assessment and the GRADE assessment were conducted in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration methodology to assess the evidence for efficacy outcome. Data were analyzed in RevMan5.2.ResultsEighteen eligible RCTs (n = 1416) were included for systematic review, and 17 (n = 1342) of them were included in meta-analysis. Risk of bias in terms of blinding was high and so was in publication bias. Quality of evidence was low according the GRADE assessment. PASI-60 or above [risk ratio (RR) = 1.35, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.26–1.45, I2 = 5 %, number needed to treat = 4.27] and PASI-90 or above (RR = 1.71, 95 % CI 1.45–2.01, I2 = 0 %, number needed to treat = 5.92) were higher in the intervention group. The combination treatment conferred a 24 % benefit of PASI-60 or above (83 vs 59 %, RR = 1.35, 95 % CI 1.26–1.45, P < 0.01). The incidence of NB-UVB-induced adverse events was lower in the intervention group (95/464 vs 123/428, RR = 0.66, 95 % CI 0.46–0.96, P < 0.01). Mild gastrointestinal reactions (2.87 %) and liver function impairments (0.68 %) were reported in the intervention group. No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionThe orally administrated CHM combined with NB-UVB in treating psoriasis vulgaris showed improved efficacy but quality of evidence was low.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13020-015-0060-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A functional single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the ERCC 1 gene alters the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B therapy in patients with active vitiligo in a Chinese population

T lymphocytes have been shown to cause the destruction of melanocytes in vitiligo pathogenesis. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB), as an effective therapeutic strategy in vitiligo, can lead to the formation of DNA photoproducts such as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) in perilesional lymphocytes and thus induce skin immunosuppression. The repair of DNA photoproducts is performed mainly through the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. We hypothesized that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NER genes might influence the repair capacity of CPDs and thus contribute to variations in phototherapy efficiency. To detect genetic polymorphisms in NER genes and their relationship with the efficacy of NB-UVB therapy in patients with active vitiligo. We investigated the association of NER SNPs (XPA A23G, XPC Ci11A, XPC C2919A and ERCC1 C118T) with phototherapy efficacy in 86 patients with vitiligo who received NB-UVB treatment. Furthermore, we examined the impact of ERCC1 C118T on the apoptosis of T lymphocytes and CPD accumulation after NB-UVB irradiation. We found that patients with vitiligo with the ERCC1 codon 118 CC genotype showed better efficacy after NB-UVB irradiation than those with the ERCC1 118 TT and CT genotypes, whereas no such association was documented among the genotypes of XPA A23G, XPC Ci11A or XPC C2919A. Additionally, the apoptosis rates and CPD levels of lymphocytes after NB-UVB irradiation in patients with the ERCC1 118 CC genotype were significantly higher than those in patients with the ERCC1 118 TT and CT genotypes. The ERCC1 118 CC genotype confers better efficacy of NB-UVB therapy in patients with active vitiligo.

Current knowledge in Polypodium leucotomos effect on skin protection

This article provides an overview of pharmacology, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and clinical data of Polypodium leucotomos L. (PL). PL aerial part has proven to exert antioxidant, photoprotective and immunomodulatory activities; its mechanism of action is complex and includes several activities: (1) PL diminishes the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS); (2) PL inhibits the photoisomerization of trans-urocanic acid (t-UCA); (3) PL inhibits apoptosis induced by ultraviolet radiation; (4) PL prevents damage to genetic material and (5) PL enhances DNA repair. PL is not mutagenic and does not induce acute or chronic toxicity. Its biological effects have been proved in cell cultures, animal models, murine models and in human beings. Photoprotective activity has been assessed in healthy volunteers as well as in patients suffering from several cutaneous diseases such as vitiligo, psoriasis, idiopathic photodermatosis or melasma. PL results to be an efficient treatment especially for sensitive cutaneous phototypes and adds extra protection when ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure cannot be avoided, such as wide or narrow band UVB phototherapy or treatment with psoralens plus UVA exposure radiation.

Residual genomic profile after cyclosporine treatment may offer insights into atopic dermatitis reoccurrence

Residual genomic profile after cyclosporine treatment may offer insights into atopic dermatitis reoccurrence

Epidermal Th22 and Tc17 Cells Form a Localized Disease Memory in Clinically Healed Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common and chronic inflammatory skin disease in which T cells play a key role. Effective treatment heals the skin without scarring, but typically psoriasis recurs in previously affected areas. A pathogenic memory within the skin has been proposed, but the nature of such site-specific disease memory is unknown. Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells have been ascribed a role in immunity after resolved viral skin infections. Because of their localization in the epidermal compartment of the skin, TRM may contribute to tissue pathology during psoriasis. In this study, we investigated whether resolved psoriasis lesions contain TRM cells with the ability to maintain and potentially drive recurrent disease. Three common and effective therapies, narrowband-UVB treatment and long-term biologic treatment systemically inhibiting TNF-α or IL-12/23 signaling were studied. Epidermal T cells were highly activated in psoriasis and a high proportion of CD8 T cells expressed TRM markers. In resolved psoriasis, a population of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated Ag, CCR6, CD103, and IL-23R expressing epidermal CD8 T cells was highly enriched. Epidermal CD8 T cells expressing the TRM marker CD103 responded to ex vivo stimulation with IL-17A production and epidermal CD4 T cells responded with IL-22 production after as long as 6 y of TNF-α inhibition. Our data suggest that epidermal TRM cells are retained in resolved psoriasis and that these cells are capable of producing cytokines with a critical role in psoriasis pathogenesis. We provide a potential mechanism for a site-specific T cell-driven disease memory in psoriasis.

A Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of Different Modalities of Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B Therapy on the Outcome of Cultured Autologous Melanocytes Transplantation in Treating Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder with great social impact. It can be successfully treated using cultured autologous melanocytes transplantation. To evaluate the effect of different modalities of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy on the outcome of cultured autologous melanocyte transplantation in treating vitiligo. Patients undergoing cultured autologous melanocyte transplantation were randomly assigned to four different study groups. Group 1 underwent 20 sessions of NB-UVB treatment before transplantation; Group 2 underwent 30 sessions of NB-UVB treatment after transplantation; Group 3 underwent 20 sessions of NB-UVB treatment before transplantation and 30 sessions after transplantation; Group 4 underwent only transplantation. Four hundred thirty-seven patients were enrolled. Group 3 responded best, more than 90% repigmentation was achieved in 81.3% of patients, and 94.8% patients experienced 50% or greater repigmentation. Statistical analysis showed that there was a highly significant difference between the four groups (χ(2) = 35.56, p < .001). Homogeneous skin color was obtained on the repigmentation areas, and no scarring or other serious side effects were observed. Cultured autologous melanocyte transplantation is an effective treatment for stable vitiligo. Combination of NB-UVB therapy with melanocyte transplantation can accelerate repigmentation of transplanted vitiliginous areas, especially if NB-UVB is given before and after transplantation.

Effect of Narrowband Ultraviolet B Therapy on Serum Vitamin D and Cathelicidin (LL-37) in Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) has been widely used in the treatment of psoriasis. It has been shown that vitamin D is a major regulator of the expression of human antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin LL-37, which has a critical role in inflammatory cascade in psoriasis. To evaluate the effect of NB-UVB therapy on serum levels of cathelicidin LL-37 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in psoriasis patients. Ninety-three psoriasis patients and 50 controls were included in the study. For psoriasis patients, serum levels of 25(OH)D and cathelicidin LL-37 were estimated before and after NB-UVB therapy. Before treatment, serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in psoriasis patients (31.5 ± 14.41 nmol/L) compared to controls (53.5 ± 19.6 nmol/L), p = .015. In contrast, serum LL-37 was significantly higher in psoriasis patients (13.24 ± 3.2 ng/mL) than in controls (7.92 ± 5.33 ng/mL), p < .001. After NB-UVB treatment, there was a highly significant elevation of serum 25(OH)D to reach 56.85 ± 5.2 nmol/L (p < .001) and further elevation of serum LL-37 to reach 29.4 ± 4.2 (p = .02). The elevation of serum 25(OH)D and cathelicidin LL-37 could be an additional possible mechanism of action of NB-UVB therapy in the treatment of psoriasis.

Narrow-band UVB treatment in generalized lichen planus

Narrow-band UVB treatment in generalized lichen planus

Narrow-band Ultraviolet B Treatment Boosts Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Patients with Psoriasis on Oral Vitamin D Supplementation

A course of treatment with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) improves psoriasis and increases serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). In this study 12 patients with psoriasis who were supplemented with oral cholecalciferol, 20 µg daily, were given a course of NB-UVB and their response measured. At baseline, serum 25(OH)D was 74.14 ± 22.9 nmol/l. At the 9th exposure to NB-UVB 25(OH)D had increased by 13.2 nmol/l (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 7.2-18.4) and at the 18th exposure by 49.4 nmol/l (95% CI 35.9-64.6) above baseline. Psoriasis Area Severity Index score improved from 8.7 ± 3.5 to 4.5 ± 2.0 (p < 0.001). At baseline, psoriasis lesions showed low vitamin D metabolizing enzyme (CYP27A1, CYP27B1) and high human β-defensin-2 mRNA expression levels compared with those of the healthy subjects. In conclusion, NB-UVB treatment significantly increases serum 25(OH)D in patients with psoriasis who are taking oral vitamin D supplementation, and the concentrations remain far from the toxicity level. Healing psoriasis lesions show similar mRNA expression of vitamin D metabolizing enzymes, but higher antimicrobial peptide levels than NB-UVB-treated skin in healthy subjects.

Is narrowband ultraviolet B monotherapy effective in the treatment of pityriasis lichenoides?

Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a self-limiting papulosquamous disease that may persist for years and is associated with a high relapse rate. To date, few comparative studies have investigated the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy and other therapies in the treatment of PL. The present study retrospectively compared the clinical efficacies of NB-UVB phototherapy, systemic therapy, and a combination of NB-UVB and systemic medication in the treatment of PL. Seventy patients diagnosed with PL were enrolled in this study. They were divided into three subgroups: the NB-UVB treatment group; the systemic treatment group; and the combination treatment group. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated according to whether the subjects demonstrated a complete response (>90% improvement in skin lesions), partial response (50-90% improvement), or no response (<50% improvement) to treatment. A 91.9% complete response rate was achieved in the NB-UVB group, whereas only 69.2 and 80.0% of patients achieved a complete response in the systemic and combination treatment groups, respectively; these differences were not statistically significant. The mean treatment periods were 8.3, 5.3, and 7.9weeks in the NB-UVB, systemic, and combination treatment groups, respectively; these differences were also not significant. Monotherapy using NB-UVB is effective in achieving a complete response in the treatment of PL and thus eliminates the need for concurrent systemic medication.

Narrowband Ultraviolet B Interferes with Gene Expression in the Peripheral Blood T Cells of Patients with Psoriasis

Background: Psoriasis pathogenesis and development are closely related to abnormal T cell activity. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) treatment markedly improves skin lesions in psoriasis. Objectives: To investigate differential gene expression in psoriasis and to understand the possible mechanisms of NB-UVB therapy for psoriasis. Methods: The mRNA expression profiles and differentially expressed genes from peripheral blood T cells of psoriatic patients before and after NB-UVB treatment were examined using RNA sequencing and validated by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: A total of 129 genes were differentially expressed in the peripheral blood T cells of psoriatic patients: 83 genes were downregulated and 46 were upregulated in psoriatic patients compared to those of healthy subjects. These genes were enriched in intracellular membrane-bound organelles, membrane-bound organelles and the nucleus, and are involved in the cell cycle, apoptosis, inflammation and other processes. These changes are reversed in psoriatic patients with good clinical outcomes following NB-UVB treatment. Conclusion: NB-UVB treatment has beneficial effects on local psoriatic lesions, possibly due to its effect on peripheral blood T cell gene expression.

Combined oral alitretinoin and narrowband UVB treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma: favourable response after multiple ineffective systemic therapies

ejd.2012.1857 Auteur(s) : Stephanie Motschenbacher, Kristina Buder, Matthias Goebeler, Andreas Kerstan kerstan_a@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, University Hospital of Wurzburg, D-97080 Wurzburg, Germany Oral alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid) is a unique panagonist retinoid with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity that has emerged as a novel treatment for chronic hand eczema [1]. Due to its binding capability to both retinoic acid (RAR) [...]

Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) in Normal Canine Skin by Irradiation of Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB)

Narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) is light over a very narrow band of wavelengths (around 311 nm) that is concentrated in the therapeutic range and minimally in the sunburn range. It has therefore become the phototherapy treatment of choice for skin diseases. The minimal erythema dose (MED) on canine skin for standardizing dosage schedules in NB-UVB treatment and histopathological analyses were performed in these dogs. In all 32 dogs tested, the MED ranged from 432 to 864 mJ/cm(2). There were no significant differences in MED among breeds, sex and age groups. Histopathology obtained from areas irradiated by MED showed only mild vascular dilatation. These findings might be valuable for the application of NB-UVB phototherapy to canine skin diseases.

The effects of narrow-band ultraviolet B on the expression of the CC subfamily of chemokines and its efficacy in treating patients with atopic dermatitis

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) in the treatment of the patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and the effects of NB-UVB on the expression of the CC subfamily of chemokines in AD patients. Methods Fifty-five AD patients were treated with NB-UVB with a starting dose of 50％ of the minimal erythma dose.ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine ( TARC),cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine ( CTACK),macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) and eotaxin in all of the patients before and after treatment,and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.The scores on an atopic dermatitis index (SCORAD) and a visual analogue scale were used for the clinical evaluation.Thirty healthy persons were recruited and served as normal controls. Results The serum levels of TARC,CTACK and MDC were significantly higher in patients with AD than in the normal controls.There was no significant difference between the patients and controls with regard to the average serum level of eotaxin.After treatment with NB-UVB,the serum levels of TARC,CTACK and MDC,but not eotaxin,significantly decreased in the patients.The total clinical effectiveness rate was 76.36％,and the accumulated SCORAD points and VAS scores decreased significantly. Conclusions NB-UVB is able to down-regulate significantly the serum levels of TARC,CTACK and MDC.It can affect immune function and regulate any imbalance of Th1/Th2 cells.This might be one of the mechanisms of NB-UVB treatment for AD.The clinical data demonstrate that NB-UVB is a safe and effective treatment for AD. Key words: Dermatitis, atopic ; Ultraviolet therapy; Chemotactic factors