Itching is a major complaint in chronic allergic dermatitis. High levels of interleukin -17 and immunoglobulin E (Ig E) have been suspected to play a major role in this inflammatory condition. The aim of this work was to study the potential antipruritic effect of lowering IL-17 and /or IgE by anti IgE monoclonal antibodies and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ) agonist in an experimental model of atopic dermatitis (AD) induced by oxazolone in mice. Methods: Fifty female mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups. AD-like lesions were induced in group 2, 3 and 4 by application of 5 % oxazolone followed by 0.1% oxazolone to the mice skin (chronic AD). Group 2 mice were left untreated while those in group 3 and 4 received anti IgE monoclonal antibodies (omalizumab) and PPAR γ agonist (pioglitazone) respectively. Results: Administration of either anti IgE monoclonal antibodies (omalizumab) and PPAR γ agonist (pioglitazone) significantly reduced scratching behavior in treated mice. This was accompanied by significant decrease of the elevated levels of IL-17 and IgE by both drugs. IL-17 suppression was better with pioglitazone while IgE suppression was more significant with omalizumab. Dermoscopic, histological examination and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) also showed significant improvement. Conclusions: Both anti IgE monoclonal antibodies (omalizumab) and PPAR γ agonist (pioglitazone) offer antipruritic effects in AD by reducing IL-17, Ig E and transepidermal water loss.

Introduction: Excess body fat has been implicated in mediating irregular ovulation and menstruation. The aim of the current work was to study the potential impact of body fat percentage on the serum level of kisspeptin hormone and on the size of the ova, at day 11 of the menstrual cycle in females. Patients and Methods: The study was performed on 80 females, distributed into 3 groups. Group I (control): 20 females with regular menstrual cycles; Group II: 30 females with BMI < 30, with irregular menstrual cycles and Group III: 30 females with BMI ≥30 with irregular menstrual cycles. Females were subjected to detailed history taking, examination and investigations. A food frequency questionnaire was filled. Results: In patients having irregular menstruation (Group II and III), body fat percentage was elevated compared to the control group. They also had more abdominal adiposity. Their mean serum Kisspeptin level as well as the mean size of their ovarian follicles on day 11 were significantly lower compared to group I . Group II and III patients also had a significantly high intake of carbohydrates and a significantly lower intake of vegetables and fruits, compared to group I females. Conclusion:High body fat percentage more than 32 % might contribute to irregular ovulation via decreasing kisspeptin secretion and consequently reducing the size of ovarian follicle at day 11 of the menstrual cycle.