Ictiosis vulgar asociada a síndrome de Ehlers Danlos tipo clásico en una niña / Ichthyosis Vulgaris Associated with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Classic Type in a Girl

Introducción: La ictiosis vulgar y el síndrome de Ehlers Danlos tipo clásico integran dos genodermatosis que presentan en común un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante, pero muestran manifestaciones clínicas variadas. Es infrecuente encontrar concomitancia de ambas dermatosis en un mismo paciente, y cuando ocurre la heterogeneidad clínica hace complejo el diagnóstico. Objetivo: Exponer un caso que presentó ictiosis vulgar asociada con el síndrome de Ehlers Danlos tipo clásico, en el que el análisis del árbol genealógico contribuyó a orientar el diagnóstico. Presentación del caso: Paciente femenina de 10 años de edad, atendida en la consulta especializada de genodermatosis en Las Tunas. Presentaba, desde edades tempranas, lesiones escamosas localizadas en las piernas y brazos, y que empeoraban durante el invierno. Desde los nueve años comenzó a mostrar luxaciones frecuentes de hombro derecho e hiperextensibilidad de la piel. Constaban antecedentes familiares de piel escamosa en miembros de la familia materna e hipermovilidad articular en varios miembros de la familia paterna: El árbol genealógico contribuyó a orientar el diagnóstico y a realizar la atención médica adecuada. Conclusiones: Se trató un caso interesante porque resulta infrecuente encontrar en un mismo paciente dos enfermedades genéticas, lo cual implicó dificultades en el momento de confirmar el diagnóstico, así como su atención. A este diagnóstico, en el caso de ambas genodermatosis, contribuyó el análisis del árbol genealógico familiar, herramienta fundamental en la determinación de enfermedades genéticas(AU)

Introduction: Ichthyosis vulgaris and Ehlers Danlos syndrome classic type comprise two genodermatoses that share an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, but show varied clinical manifestations. It is rare to find concomitance of both dermatoses in the same patient, and when this occurs the clinical heterogeneity makes the diagnosis complex. Objective: To present a case of ichthyosis vulgaris associated with classic Ehlers Danlos syndrome, in which analysis of the family tree helped to guide the diagnosis. Case presentation: 10-year-old female patient seen at the specialised genodermatosis clinic in Las Tunas. She presented, from an early age, with scaly lesions located on the legs and arms, which worsened during the winter. From the age of nine he began to show frequent dislocations of the right shoulder and hyperextensibility of the skin. There was a family history of scaly skin in members of the maternal family and joint hypermobility in several members of the paternal family: the family tree helped to guide the diagnosis and appropriate medical care. Conclusions: This was an interesting case because it is rare to find two genetic diseases in the same patient, which implied difficulties at the time of confirming the diagnosis, as well as its care. The analysis of the family tree, a fundamental tool in the determination of genetic diseases, contributed to this diagnosis in the case of both genodermatoses(AU)

Calcinosis cutis congénita tumoral asociada con encefalopatía epiléptica infantil temprana con variante patogénica en el gen FGF12 / Tumorous congenital calcinosis cutis associated with early childhood epileptic encephalopathy with a pathogenic FGF12 gene variant

Resumen Introducción: La calcinosis cutis es el depósito de sales insolubles de calcio en la piel y se clasifica, de acuerdo con su patogénesis, en distrófica, metastásica, idiopática, iatrogénica y calcifilaxis. La calcinosis idiopática se presenta en pacientes sanos y es asintomática; incluye la calcinosis escrotal, la calcinosis nodular de Winer o nódulos calcificados subepidérmicos y la calcinosis tumoral familiar. Esta última es una condición rara que se caracteriza por el depósito de calcio periarticular en pacientes normocalcémicos sin conexión al hueso. Caso clínico: Paciente de sexo masculino de 5 meses de edad, quien al séptimo día de vida fue hospitalizado por ictericia multifactorial, sepsis neonatal tardía y apnea con crisis epilépticas. La evolución fue tórpida, con ingresos hospitalarios por crisis epilépticas de difícil manejo, respuesta parcial a la difenilhidantoína y descontrol electrolítico. Mediante la secuenciación del exoma dirigido se detectó una variante patogénica de sentido equivocado en FGF12 que confirmó el diagnóstico de encefalopatía epiléptica temprana número 47. Además, el paciente presentó dermatosis congénita diseminada a las extremidades inferiores con afección en muslos, asintomática, bilateral y simétrica, constituida por hipopigmentación y fóveas duras a la palpación profunda. La biopsia mostró calcificación distrófica. Conclusiones: Se presenta el caso de un lactante con calcinosis cutis congénita profunda asociada con una variante patogénica en el gen FGF12 y con encefalopatía epiléptica, situación clínica que, a la fecha, no había sido reportada en la literatura.

Abstract Background: Calcinosis cutis is the deposit of insoluble calcium salts in the skin. It is classified according to its pathogenesis in dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, iatrogenic, and calciphylaxis. Idiopathic calcinosis is asymptomatic, occurs in healthy patients, and includes scrotal calcinosis, Winer's nodular calcinosis or subepidermal calcified nodules, and familial tumor calcinosis. The latter is a rare condition characterized by periarticular calcium deposition in normocalcemic patients with no bone connection. Case report: The case of a 5-month-old male patient, who on the seventh day of life was hospitalized for multifactorial jaundice, late neonatal sepsis, and apnea with epileptic seizures is described. His evolution was torpid, with hospital admissions due to epileptic seizures that were difficult to manage with partial response to the use of diphenylhydantoin and electrolyte alterations. By means of exome sequencing directed, a pathogenic variant of wrong direction in FGF12 was detected and the diagnosis of early epileptic encephalopathy number 47 was confirmed. Also, the patient showed disseminated congenital dermatosis to lower extremities affecting thighs, asymptomatic, bilateral and symmetrical, constituted by hypopigmentation and fovea hard to deep palpation. The biopsy showed dystrophic calcification Conclusions: The case of an infant with deep congenital cutis calcinosis associated with a pathogenic variant in the FGF12 gene with epileptic encephalopathy is described. To date, this clinical situation has not been previously reported in the literature.

Poroqueratosis de Mibelli / Porokeratosis of Mibelli

Introducción: La Poroqueratosis de Mibelli es una entidad rara en nuestro país, incluida en el grupo de las genodermatosis, por ser un trastorno hereditario de la queratinización. Es de gran interés para varias ramas de la medicina: genética, dermatología, medicina interna entre otras. Caso clínico: Se presenta un caso en una familia portadora de esta enfermedad genética con carácter autosómico dominante, se identificaron 7 miembros afectados en 3 generaciones, sin complicaciones. El propósito fue confirmado a través del estudio histopatológico. Conclusiones: Aunque no es un problema relevante en el municipio y no tiene complicaciones que comprometan la vida de los pacientes, sí pueden verse afectados según la localización de las lesiones, por lo que es de gran importancia el asesoramiento genético a los miembros de la familia para evaluar el riesgo genético, para poder realizar la profilaxis y control de los miembros afectados y su descendencia(AU)

Introduction: Porokeratosis of Mibelli is a rare condition in our country. It is included in the group of genodermatoses, being as it is an inherited keratinization disorder. This skin condition if of great interest to several medical specialties, such as genetics, dermatology, internal medicine, and others. Clinical case: A case is presented of a family carrying this genetic disease of an autosomal dominant nature. Seven affected members were identified in three generations without any complications. The purpose was confirmed via histopathological examination. Conclusions: Although the study condition is not a relevant problem in the municipality and does not have complications threatening the lives of patients, these may be affected depending on the location of the lesions. Therefore, genetic counseling is of great importance, so that family members may evaluate the genetic risk, perform the corresponding prophylactic actions, and control affected members and their offspring(AU)

Refining the ideas of "ethnic" skin

Abstract: Skin disease occur worldwide, affecting people of all nationalities and all skin types. These diseases may have a genetic component and may manifest differently in specific population groups; however, there has been little study on this aspect. If population-based differences exist, it is reasonable to assume that understanding these differences may optimize treatment. While there is a relative paucity of information about similarities and differences in skin diseases around the world, the knowledge-base is expanding. One challenge in understanding population-based variations is posed by terminology used in the literature: including ethnic skin, Hispanic skin, Asian skin, and skin of color. As will be discussed in this article, we recommend that the first three descriptors are no longer used in dermatology because they refer to nonspecific groups of people. In contrast, "skin of color" may be used - perhaps with further refinements in the future - as a term that relates to skin biology and provides relevant information to dermatologists.

Acroqueratoelastoidosis: Presentación de un caso caracterizado por ausencia de fibras elásticas / Acrokeratoelastoidosis: presentation of a case characterized by absence of elastic fibers

En el año 1953, Costa describe un cuadro clínico caracterizado por la aparición de pápulas hiperqueratóticas en márgenes laterales de manos y pies, que se asociaba en el examen histológico a cambios epidérmicos (hiperortoqueratosis y acantosis) y particularmente a la reducción y/o fragmentación de fibras elásticas, motivo por el cual esta entidad, considerada actualmente una genodermatosis, recibió el nombre de acroqueratoelastoidosis (AQE). Presentamos un caso en el que destaca la ausencia de fibras elásticas (AU)

In 1953, Costa described a clinical entity characterized by the appearance of hyperkeratotic papules on the lateral margins of the hands and feet, which was associated with epidermal changes (hyperortokeratosis and acanthosis) and to the reduction and /or fragmentation of elastic fibers at histological examination. This entity was named acrokeratoelastoidosis and is currently considered to be a genodermatosis. A case characterized by the absence of elastic fibers is reported.

Inmunodeficiencia combinada con compromiso cutáneo asociada a mutación en DOCK8 / Combined immunodeficiency with cutaneous manifestations associated with DOCK8 mutation

Diferentes inmunodeficiencias primarias se caracterizan por niveles elevados de IgE e infecciones cutáneas de origen viral. Describimos el caso de un niño de 2 años y 8 meses de edad, con inmunodeficiencia combinada, dermatitis y molusco contagioso diseminado. El paciente presentaba niveles aumentados de IgE, eosinofilia y marcada linfopenia a predominio de TCD8. Se encontraron alteraciones en los ensayos funcionales por cultivo y en la respuesta a la vacunación. Resultados normales de la proteína ZAP-70, funcionalidad NK y niveles de HLA I, tendientes a verificar alteraciones cuantitativas y funcionales de las células citotóxicas, llevaron a la sospecha de deficiencia en el gen DOCK8. El resultado positivo del estudio molecular, junto con las características clínicas e inmunológicas del paciente, confirmaron el diagnóstico de esta nueva inmunodeficiencia, que, de acuerdo con nuestro conocimiento, sería el primer caso diagnosticado en un hospital pediátrico en nuestro país.

Different primary immunodeficiencies present increased levels of IgE and cutaneous infections of viral etiology. We report a case of a 2 y, 8 m old boy with combined immunodeficiency, dermatitis and disseminated molluscum contagiosum. The patient presented high titers of IgE, eosinophilia and pronounced TCD8 lymphopenia. Impaired proliferation assays and abnormal antibody response to vaccination were found. Normal results of ZAP-70 protein, NK function, and HLA I levels, to test quantitatives and functional defects of cytotoxic cells, lead us to suspect a mutation in DOCK8 gene. Positive result in molecular study together with clinical and immunology features in the patient confirmed the diagnosis of this new immunodeficiency, being to the authors ́ knowledge the first case recorded in a paediatric hospital in our country.

Cutaneous mosaicisms: concepts, patterns and classifications / Mosaicismos cutaneos: conceitos, padroes e classificacoes

A mosaic is an organism composed of two or more genetically distinct cell populations derived from a genetically homogeneous zygote. Cutaneous mosaicisms are the clinical expressions of these disorders. The main event which allows the existence of mosaicism is a genetic mutation, either structural or functional. Cutaneous mosaicisms usually manifest by specific patterns on the skin and the archetypic pattern is the system of Blaschko lines, but others include checkerboard, phylloid, large patches without midline separation and lateralization. Since 1901, when Blaschko lines were first described, the study of mosasicism has helped to elucidate the behavior of numerous genetic diseases, generating therapeutic perspectives for these pathologies, including the promising gene therapy.

Um mosaico é um organismo formado por duas ou mais populações de células geneticamente distintas originadas a partir de um mesmo zigoto geneticamente homogêneo. Os mosaicismos são as expressões clínicas dessa desordem, e a mutação gênica seu evento determinante, que pode ser tanto estrutural quanto funcional. Os mosaicismos cutâneos costumam se expressar em padrões específicos, dentre os quais podem ser mencionados as prevalentes linhas de Blaschko, o padrão "checkerboard", o padrão filóide, o padrão em placa sem separação na linha média e o padrão de lateralização, que serão abordados neste artigo. Desde 1901, momento da primeira descrição das linhas de Blaschko, o estudo dos mosaicismos tem contribuído para a elucidação do comportamento de numerosas desordens genéticas, de forma a criar perspectivas terapêuticas para essas doenças, incluindo a promissora terapia gênica.

Basic genetics for dermatologists.

During the past few decades, advances in the field of molecular genetics have enriched us in understanding the pathogenesis of diseases, their identification, and appropriate therapeutic interventions. In the last 20 years, genetic basis of more than 350 monogenic skin diseases have been elucidated and is counting. The widespread use of molecular genetics as a tool in diagnosis is not practiced routinely due to genetic heterogenicity, limited access and low sensitivity. In this review, we have presented the very basics of genetics so as to enable dermatologists to have working understanding of medical genetics.

Tegumentary manifestations of Noonan and Noonan-related syndromes

OBJECTIVES: Noonan and Noonan-related syndromes are common autosomal dominant disorders with neuro-cardio-facial-cutaneous and developmental involvement. The objective of this article is to describe the most relevant tegumentary findings in a cohort of 41 patients with Noonan or Noonan-related syndromes and to detail certain aspects of the molecular mechanisms underlying ectodermal involvement. METHODS: A standard questionnaire was administered. A focused physical examination and a systematic review of clinical records was performed on all patients to verify the presence of tegumentary alterations. The molecular analysis of this cohort included sequencing of the following genes in all patients: PTPN1, SOS1, RAF1, KRAS, SHOC2 and BRAF. RESULTS: The most frequent tegumentary alterations were xeroderma (46%), photosensitivity (29%), excessive hair loss (24%), recurrent oral ulcers (22%), curly hair (20%), nevi (17%), markedly increased palmar and plantar creases (12%), follicular hyperkeratosis (12%), palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (10%), café-au-lait spots (10%) and sparse eyebrows (7%). Patients with mutations in PTPN11 had lower frequencies of palmar and plantar creases and palmar/plantar hyperkeratosis compared with the other patients. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that patients with mutations in genes directly involved in cell proliferation kinase cascades (SOS1, BRAF, KRAS and RAF1) had a higher frequency of hyperkeratotic lesions compared with patients with mutations in genes that have a more complex interaction with and modulation of cell proliferation kinase cascades (PTPN11). .

IL-2, IL-5, TNF-α and IFN-γ mRNA expression in epidermal keratinocytes of systemic lupus erythematosus skin lesions

OBJECTIVE: To analyze cytokine gene expression in keratinocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). INTRODUCTION: Keratinocytes represent 95 percent of epidermal cells and can secrete several cytokines. METHODS: Keratinocytes were obtained by laser microdissection from 21 patients with SLE (10 discoid and 11 acute lesions) at involved and uninvolved sites. All patients were receiving a low/moderate prednisone dose and 18 were receiving chloroquine diphosphate. IL-2, IL-5, TNF-α and IFN-γ gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR and expressed as the ratio (R) to a pool of skin samples from 12 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Heterogeneity in cytokine gene expression was found among patients with SLE. Eighteen of 38 valid SLE samples (47 percent) presented overexpression (R>1) of at least one cytokine. Lesional skin samples tended to show higher cytokine expression than samples from uninvolved skin (p = 0.06). IL-5 and IFN-γ were the most commonly overexpressed cytokines. Samples with cytokine overexpression corresponded to more extensive and severe lesions. Prednisone dose did not differ between samples without cytokine overexpression (15.71±3.45 mg/day) and those with overexpressed cytokines (12.68±5.41 mg/day) (p = 0.216). Samples from all patients not receiving diphosphate chloroquine had at least one overexpressed cytokine. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneous keratinocyte cytokine gene expression reflects the complex immunological and inflammatory background in SLE. Patients with severe/extensive skin lesions showed a higher frequency of cytokine gene overexpression. Increased IFN-γ and IL-5 expression suggests that Th1 and Th2 cells are involved in SLE skin inflammation. The possibility that prednisone and antimalarial drugs may have contributed to low cytokine gene expression in some samples cannot be ruled out.

Paquioniquia congénita: a propósito de un caso / Pachyonichia congenita: a case report

Niña de 08 años de edad, sin antecedentes familiares que desde el nacimiento presenta distrofiaungueal hipertrófica, a los 2 años de edad se agrega hiperqueratosis plantar, cuadro compatible con paquioniquia congénita tipo 1 o de Jadassohn Lewandowsky. No hay tratamiento curativo exitoso. Se reportan terapéuticas desde amputación de las falanges distales, electrocoagulación de la matriz ungueal, medidas ortopédicas, uso de queratolíticos, etc. Según últimas experiencias, la isotretinoina oral seria una buena opción tanto para la distrofia ungueal como para la queratodermiapalmo plantar.

Girl of 08 years of age, unique in her family who from the birth presents/displays hypertrophic ungueal dystrophy, to the 2 years of age adds plantar hiperqueratosis, compatible picture with paquioniquia congenital type 1 or of Jadassohn Lewandowsky. There is no successful curative treatment. They are reported therapeutic from amputation of distales phalanges, orthopaedic electrocoagulaciónof the ungueal matrix, measures, use of queratolíticos, etc. According to you complete experiences, the serious oralisotretinoina a good option as much for the ungueal dystrophy as for queratodermiaplantar.

Síndromes neurocutáneos en la consulta neurológica: serie de casos / Neurocutaneous syndromes in the neurological consultation: case series

Los síndromes neurocutáneos son trastornos genéticos que afectan simultáneamente a la piel, sus anexos y al sistema nervioso. Mediante un esfuerzo colaborativo, se incluyó a pacientes con síndrome neurocutáneo vistos consecutivamente en clínicas tanto del Hospital Escuela como en dos clínicas privadas de Tegucigalpa del 2000 al 2007. Se realizó examen clínico/neurológico/dermatológico, árbol genealógico, exámenes de gabinete y biopsia de lesiones no bien definidas clínicamente o sospechosas de malignidad. Se clasificaron los casos deacuerdo a los criterios de las sociedades internacionales de dermatología. Se identificaron 37 casos, 64% del sexo femenino, 65% menores de 30 años. El síndrome más frecuente en el grupo fue la neurofibromatosis tipo I (44%), la Esclerosis Tuberosa (17%) y el síndrome de Sturge Weber (14%). Las principales consecuencias neurológicas fueron cefalea (22%), epilepsia (22%), déficit motor (13%) y retraso psicomotor (19%). La frecuencia y perfil de los SN encontrados fue similar a lo reportado en la literatura...

Expression of N-terminal truncated desmoglein 3 (Delta NDg3) in epidermis and its role in keratinocyte differentiation

During a search for keratinocyte differentiation-related genes, we obtained a cDNA fragment from the 5'-untranslated region of a previously identified splicing variant of desmoglein 3 (Dg3). This transcript encodes a protein of 282 amino acids, which corresponds to the N-terminal truncated intracellular domain of Dg3 (Delta NDg3). Northern blot analysis detected a 4.6-kb transcript matching the predicted size of Delta NDg3 mRNA, and Western blot analysis with an antibody raised against the Dg3 C-terminus (H-145) detected a 31-kDa protein. Increased Delta NDg3 expression was observed in differentiating keratinocytes by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, suggesting that Delta NDg3 is indeed a differentiation-related gene product. In immunohistochemical studies of normal and pathologic tissues, H-145 antibody detected the protein in the cytoplasm of suprabasal layer cells, whereas an antibody directed against the N-terminal region of Dg3 (AF1720) reacted with a membrane protein in the basal layer. In addition, Delta NDg3 transcript and protein were upregulated in psoriatic epidermis, and protein expression appeared to increase in epidermal tumors including Bowen's disease and squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, overexpression of Delta NDg3 led to increased migration and weakening of cell adhesion. These results suggest that Delta NDg3 have a role in keratinocyte differentiation, and that may be related with tumorigenesis of epithelial origin.

Lasers in dermatology.

Laser technology, since its inception, has grown to find it's in varied fields, and medical science has been no exception. Dermatological surgery is in itself an emerging field in medical science, and the evolution of laser technology has further widened its scope, with various therapeutic well as diagnostic applications. Though the use of this technology is rapidly evolving, controlled studies to compare the efficacy of different types of lasers in specific skin conditions, or its effect on different skin types, is lacking. This study presents the observations of the response to the Carbon-di-oxide laser used to treat various skin conditions, in the Nepali skin phenotype. Lasers are being used to treat a wide variety of dermatological conditions, many of which did not have satisfactory treatment in the past. Further studies are required to study the effect of lasers in the Nepali skin phenotype, so as to standardize the wavelengths, doses and exposure times that would be suitable to treat specific skin conditions.

Expression and Modulation of LL-37 in Normal Human Keratinocytes, HaCaT cells, and Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Defensins and cathelicidins (LL-37) are major antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of the innate immune system of the human skin. In normal non-inflamed skin these peptides are negligible, but their expression can be markedly increased in inflammatory skin disease such as psoriasis. We designed this study to identify the expressions of LL-37 in normal human keratinocyte (NHK) and HaCaT cells after exposure to stimulants and to investigate difference of LL-37 expression accompanied with cell differentiation status, and come to understand difference of susceptibility to infection in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Expressions of LL-37 in NHKs and HaCaT cells were evaluated by using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining at 6, 12, and 24 hr post stimulation after exposure to Ultraviolet B irradiation and lipopolysaccharide. And expression of LL-37 in skin biopsy specimens from patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. In time-sequential analyses of LL-37 expression revealed that LL-37 was expressed in NHKs, but not in HaCaT cells. IHC analysis confirmed the presence of abundant LL-37 in the epidermis of psoriasis. Therefore we deduced that expression of LL-37 is affected by UV irradiation, bacterial infection, and status of cell differentiation.

Involvement of C4 allotypes in the pathogenesis of human diseases

O sistema complemento constitui um importante sistema de defesa humoral, exercendo papel relevante na resposta contra agentes microbianos, no controle da resposta inflamatória e na depuração de imunocomplexos. A ativação da via clássica é dependente da formação do complexo antígeno-anticorpo. O componente C4 do complemento participa da etapa inicial de ativação desta via e a sua expressão é determinada por dois alótipos : C4A e C4B. A deficiência dos alótipos de C4 tem sido relacionada a várias doenças. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os dados de literatura que descrevem as deficiências específicas de C4A e C4B com a finalidade de caracterizar seu significado clínico. Foi realizada uma ampla revisão bibliográfica através do MEDLINE e LILACS, avaliando-se os dados de literatura. Excluiu-se estudos com a avaliação de C4 total sem a análise dos alótipos e relatos de caso isolados de deficiência total de C4. Verificou-se que a deficiência dos alótipos de C4 está relacionada com algumas doenças: hanseníase, esclerose sistêmica com anticorpos anti-topoisomerase I, hiperplasia adrenal congênita intermediária com genótipo DR5, diabetes mellitus tipo 1 com genótipo DR3,4 e diabetes mellitus tipo 1 com anticorpos anti-células das ilhotas. Também foram observadas algumas associações entre C4B e doenças auto-imunes como lupus eritematoso sistêmico, ou que se supõe terem um componente autoûimune como o autismo. Estudos demonstraram associações do C4A com tireoidite pós-parto, esclerose limitada e esclerose sistêmica sem anticorpos anti-topoisomerase I. Porém, os estudos dos alótipos de C4 se concentraram em populações isoladas e alguns destes não conseguiram ser reproduzidos por outros autores.

Naxos disease in an Arab family is not caused by the Pk2 157del2 mutation

Naxos disease is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by palmoplantar keratoderma, woolly hair and cardiomyopathy. This study aims to determine whether Naxos disease in a Saudi Arab family is caused by the Pk2157del2 mutation that was identified in Greek families from Naxos Island where the disease had originally been described. This study was undertaken at King Fahad Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, and the Medical University of Hannover, in the spring of 2003. Naxos disease has been encountered in a 2-year-old girl and her 30-year-old aunt of a Saudi Arab family. Deoxyribonucleic acid samples of this family were analyzed by polymerase chain-reaction [PCR] amplification of the respective region of the plakoglobin gene, and direct nucleotide sequencing of the PCR-products. Segregation analysis was performed employing the newly detected IVS11+22G/A polymorphism. Molecular genetic analysis of the DNA sample of the child diagnosed with Naxos disease showed absence of the Pk2157del2 mutation. In addition, the segregation analysis revealed heterozygosity for IVS11+22G/A in the affected girl. Absence of the Pk2157del2 frameshift in the affected child proved that Naxos disease in this Saudi Arab family is not caused by the same mutation that was identified in the Greek families. Furthermore, heterozygosity for the IVS11+22G/A polymorphism provided evidence for exclusion of the plakoglobin gene in this consanguineous family

HLA na dermatologia: o que existe de concreto / HLA in dermatology: what there are of real

A participaçäo genética nas doenças auto-imunes torna-se cada vez mais evidente. A imunogenética compreende a análise de genes e seus produtos, localizados na regiäo 6p21, no braço curto do cromossomo 6, que também é conhecida como complexo principal de histocompatibilidade (CPH). Antígenos HLA de classe I, II e III säo altamente polimórficos. Um grande número de doenças dermatológicas está associado ao HLA. Essas associaçöes variam em diferentes populaçöes e grupos étnicos. A determinaçäo do HLA pode estar associada ao curso da doença, predileçäo anatômica podendo ser utilizado como subsídio para o diagnóstico. Entretanto, o papel patogênico do HLA na suscetibilidade ou resistência a determinadas doenças cutâneas permanece incerto. Nesta revisäo, discutem-se alguns aspectos do sistema HLA, o papel patogênico dos antígenos HLA e sua associaçäo com doenças dermatológicas.