TLR4 polymorphisms rs5030717 and rs5030718 may be useful in predicting those type 2 diabetics who are at risk of hypertension, nephropathy and/or dyslipidaemia.

Context: Hair graying is one of the signs of human aging and is caused by a progressive loss of pigmentation from growing hair shafts. Studies have shown a correlation of early hair graying with osteopenia, indicating that premature graying could serve as an early marker of osteopenia. Aim: To compare the degree of osteopenia in individuals with premature graying of hair (PGH) compared to ordinary individuals. Settings and Design: We conducted an observational, case–control study among 132 healthy individuals between 18 and 30 years of age. Subjects and Methods: Detailed history and examination of PGH was taken. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using Furuno CM-200 ultrasound bone densitometer. Statistical Analysis: SPSS 21 software was used, and the data were summarized in the form of mean ± standard deviation for quantitative values and percentages for qualitative values. Chi–square test, Student's t -test, analysis of variance, and other appropriate tests were applied for comparison, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: PGH was present in 82 (62.1%) cases, whereas osteopenia was present in 56 (42.4%) cases. The mean age of onset of graying of hair among the cases was 20.62 ± 3.74 years. A higher age group of 25–30 years ( P = 0.016) and family history of PGH ( P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for PGH. The mean BMD of the case group was 0.76 ± 1.00 and the control group was 0.68 ± 1.11, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.649). Conclusion: The study concluded that there is no significant association between osteopenia and PGH.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Mucocutaneous manifestations significantly impair the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) but are usually understudied. Our objective was to study the patterns and prevalence of mucocutaneous and nail involvement in CKD patients and to compare those in patients with or without haemodialysis.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Ninety patients aged 18-80 years having CKD (M: F=1.64:1) since mean duration of 4.43±9.9 months were studied in an observational cross-sectional study. Sixty-two (68.9%) patients were on hemodialysis since 42.64±63.14 months. Detailed history and examination, and relevant investigations like KOH mount, skin biopsy, gram stain and culture were done when required. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. Relevant tests were applied, p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Xerosis in 43 (47.7%), pruritus in 26 (28.9%), ichthyosis in 11 (12.2%), and skin pallor in 7 (7.8%) patients were major dermatoses. Xerosis was more commonly found in patients on haemodialysis (37.8%) as compared to those without dialysis (9.9%) (p-0.046). Bullous lesions, perforating folliculitis and foot ulcers occurred in 1 (1.1%) patient each. Common nail abnormalities were longitudinal ridging (21.1%), leukonychia (13.3%), Lindsay’s half‐and‐half nails (4.4%) and dystrophic nails (4.4%). Mucosal manifestations were coated tongue (2.2%%), angular cheilitis (2.2%), and pigmented tongue (1.1%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Xerosis, pruritus, ichthyosis skin pallor, longitudinal ridging, leukonychia, coated tongue, and angular cheilitis were the common mucocutaneous manifestations in our study. Early recognition and management of these dermatoses plays a crucial role in a holistic patient treatment, reduce disease morbidity and improve their quality of lives.</p>

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Steroids are a wide range of chemical molecules that have varying physiological effects. Corticosteroids own anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. They also have anti-proliferative effects on keratinocytes. The present study was undertaken to study the clinical aspects of the use of topical corticosteroids leading to adverse effects and to know the source of information leading to its abuse.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on cutaneous adverse effects of TC attending the dermatology outpatient department of Era’s Lucknow medical college and hospital between December 2018 and November 2020. The patients who applied TC for more than 1 month were taken into account. Patients who had cutaneous adverse effects suggestive of TC without details of agents were excluded.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Present study explored the patterns of use of topical corticosteroid, and its associated adverse effects in a total of 380 patients (aged 3 to 71 years; mean age 27.33±11.78 years; 52.9% males). Itching (72.4%), burning skin (64.5%) and skin color change (62.4%) were the three most common presenting complaints. Dermatophytoses (66.6%), acne (17.4%) and skin lightening (6.3%) were the three most common indications for use of topical corticosteroids.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The present study showed that the practice of using non-dermatologist prescribed topical corticosteroid use is highly prevalent and is associated with a high burden of adverse effects. To prevent this there is a need to spread awareness regarding harms associated with abuse of non-dermatologist prescribed topical corticosteroid use.</p>

INTRODUCTION- Acrochordons [Skin Tag (ST)], are common, small, soft, benign connective tissue tumors of the dermis containing loose fibrous connective tissue. They are usually skin colored or brownish pedunculated papules, may be single or multiple, with smooth or irregular surface, ranging 1 mm to 20 mm in diameter. The ST developing in diabetes mellitus (DM) is due to hyperinsulinemia that is increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) which leads to keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS- Patients presenting with skin tags to the dermatology OPD in Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital from a period of December 2018 to May 2019 were taken into account, 110 cases were enrolled whereas same no. of controls were included in the study. The details of the study were explained to all subjects and informed consent was taken. Detailed history taking and examination was done. The site and number of skin tags was recorded and fasting blood glucose levels of both groups were measured to screen them for DM by WHO criteria (Normal Range <126mg/dl) by venous blood sample taken overnight fasting of 8 hrs. RESULT AND DISCUSSION- Total no. of subjects were 220 (110 cases and 110 controls), out of which 63.6% were males and 36.4% were females with average age of 44.05 yrs. Duration of skin tags ranged from 6 months to 180 months however 85.5% cases had a single skin tag. Multiple skin tags were common in males (21.4%). Family history of skin tags was higher in cases (41.8%) than in controls. Family history of diabetes mellitus was seen in 15.6% cases and 13.6% controls. FBG levels ranged from 68mg/dl to 220mg/dl in cases, and 65mg/dl to 178mg/dl in controls, with a mean value of 123mg/dl (cases) and 115mg/dl(controls). CONCLUSION- Association of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (high fasting blood glucose levels) and skin tags was positive in our study. We should encourage patients with skin tags to get their blood glucose levels checked to rule out diabetes mellitus.   KEY WORDS- Acrochordons, Skin tags, Diabetes Mellitus