ABSTRACT:Vitiligo is a common pigmentary disorder characterized by depigmented patches or macules caused by the destruction of melanocytes. The pathogenetic mechanisms involved in vitiligo have not been completely clarified. Oxidative stress and reduced circulating antioxidants could be important phenomena in the pathophysiology of vitiligo. We measured serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of oxidative stress and serum zinc and vitamin C to check antioxidant status in thirty Vitiligo patients. Thirty healthy control subjects were also recruited by matching the socio-demographic status to that of the patients. Blood samples were analyzed for determining the serum levels of Zn (by atomic absorption spectroscopy), Vitamin C and MDA (by UV-VIS spectroscopy). Serum level of MDA increased in vitiligo patients significantly (p < 0.05) in the present study, where as serum level of Zn increased and serum Vit-C decreased in patients compared to control but the changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Our study reveals the presence of an imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant system in vitiligo patients which supports a free radical-mediated damage in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Talks regarding sexual problems are not encouraging in Bangladesh and sufferers are in grave situation as they are not sure regarding whom to approach and how to start. It was aimed to see the presenting patterns of female sexual dysfunctions (FSD) and co-morbidities among the patients attending at different outpatient departments (OPD) at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 173 female patients attending at gynecology, endocrinology and psychiatry OPD, BSMMU. Sample was taken by convenient sampling within the period of October 2015 to December 2016. Data were collected through face-to-face interview with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. The results showed that, most (95.95%) of the patients were in the reproductive age group. Majority of the patients (32.95%) were in 26-30 years age group and 24.85% were in 18-25 years age group. Majority (77.5%) belonged to home maker occupational class where 12.7% was service-holder. Fifty six percent of the respondents were found to have sexual dysfunctions and 38.15% patients had endocrinological co-morbidities, 37.57% had gynecological comorbidities and 33.53% had psychiatric co-morbidities. Positive openness in sexual health is required for the betterment of both treatment and diagnosis of sexual disorders. Specialized service center focusing the different groups is needed to deal with sexual health in a developing country like Bangladesh.

Background The exact mechanism for the pathophysiology of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) remains unknown. According to past knowledge, neuropsychiatric disorders, weak immune responses, fungal infections, antioxidants deficiencies, and inadequate nutrition might involve in SD. Here we evaluated serum trace elements, micronutrients, antioxidants, malondialdehyde (MDA), and immunoglobulins in SD patients. Methods This case-control study recruited 75 SD patients and 76 age-and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). We measured serum micronutrients using atomic absorption spectroscopic methods. Similarly, we assessed serum antioxidants applying the RP-HPLC techniques. Also, serum MDA and immunoglobulins levels were evaluated by UV-spectrophotometric and turbidimetric methods, respectively. Results We observed higher serum levels of copper, manganese, iron, calcium, magnesium, and MDA in SD patients than HCs. Together with vitamin E, we noticed lower serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, G, and M in SD patients than HCs. The present study detected a positive correlation between serum zinc and calcium levels (r = 0.365, p = 0.009) in SD patients. However, we identified a negative correlation between serum copper and calcium levels (r = -0.298, p = 0.035). Conclusion The present study suggests that the altered levels of micronutrients, antioxidants, MDA, and immunoglobulins are associated with the pathophysiology of SD. These changes may not be the cause but the consequences of the disease. These findings might help to understand the etiopathology and management of SD.

Abstract:Background: Many of the established skin diseases give rise to psychiatric disorders notably psoriasis and vitiligo. In Bangladesh, no study has yet been reported on psychiatric morbidity among psoriasis and vitiligo patients. Objectives: The objective of the study was to see the psychiatric morbidities in two chronic skin diseases, psoriasis and vitiligo, in Bangladesh. Methods: This was a cross sectional, analytical and comparative study. It was conducted to see whether psychiatric morbidity was higher among patients with psoriasis than that of vitiligo. Specific types of psychiatric disorders were identified by consultant psychiatrist assigned as per criteria of (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental and Behavioural Disorders-Fourth Edition)DSM-IV among 50 patients with psoriasis and same number of patients with vitiligo and were compared. Study places were the Departments of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in Dhaka city. Results: Among the two dermatological conditions, psychiatric disorders were found 25 (50%) in psoriatic patients and 12 (24%) that in vitiligo patients. The proportion of major depressive disorders (MDD) was higher among psoriasis patients 15(30.0%) compared to vitiligo patients 04(8.0%). However, no statistical difference was found between two groups of patients in terms of anxiety disorders (8% in psoriasis and 12% in vitiligo patients). In patients with psoriasis, MDD was found highest (30.0%) followed by anxiety disorders (8.0%), adjustment disorder (4.0%) and somatoform disorder not otherwise specified (2.0%). Whereas, among the vitiligo patients, anxiety disorder was found highest (12.0%) followed by MDD (8.0%). The Present study showed significant association of psychiatric morbidities in these two dermatological diseases (psoriasis and vitiligo) with the variables of the study population. Conclusion: It has been found in Bangladesh that the psychiatric morbidity is higher among the patients with psoriasis than vitiligo.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin disease with multifaceted cause. The exact etiology and pathogenesis of acne are yet to be established completely and various causative factors are considered as pathogenic mechanisms in the development of this disorder. We designed a study to determine the extent of serum trace elements, macrominerals and antioxidants in patients with acne, and thereby, to find the pathophysiological correlations, if any. Serum trace elements and macro-minerals were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. RP-HPLC was used to quantify antioxidants. Significantly (p<0.05) decreased level of zinc (1.90±0.06 vs. 2.17±0.09 mg/L), calcium (115.64±4.84 vs. 197.05±7.11 mg/L) and vitamin A (0.2±0.06 vs. 0.86±0.26 µmol/L) was found in patient when compared with the corresponding controls. This investigation suggests a commendable association between the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris with the reduced level of zinc, calcium and vitamin A which could well be used as a diagnostic tool for acne vulgaris.