significance of matrix metalloproteinases in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis [MS] is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system [CNS]. The major pathological outcomes of the disease are the loss of blood-brain barrier [BBB] integrity and the development of reactive astrogliosis and MS plaque. For the disease to occur, the non-resident cells must enter into the immune-privileged CNS through a breach in the relatively impermeable BBB. It has been demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs] play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of MS, in part through the disruption of the BBB and the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the CNS. Moreover, MMPs can also enhance the cleavage of myelin basic protein [MBP] and the demyelination process. Regarding the growing data on the roles of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors [TIMPs] in the pathogenesis of MS, this review discusses the role of different types of MMPs, including MMP-2, -3, -7, -9, -12 and -25, in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of MS

Isolation and identification of Malassezia spp. in pytiriasis versicolor in Kashan, Iran

Pityriasis versicolor [PV] is a chronic superficial fungal disease caused by Malassezia spp. The incidence is as high as 30-40% in tropical climates. Epidemiological data suggest geographical variations in the rate of the isolated species from PV. Our aim was to identify Malassezia spp. from PV patients in Kashan, Iran. Isolates of Malassezia were collected from 118 PV patients [75 males and 43 females]. A direct microscopy with KOH and methylene blue was carried out. Cultures were made in modified Dixon agar medium and the isolates were identified by macroscopic and microscopic features, physiological characteristics [catalase test] and biochemical criteria [esculin and lipid assimilation tests]. Data were analyzed statistically by software SPSS [version 11] and Fischer's exact and descriptive statistical tests. The average age of 118 patients in this study was 28.42 +/- 8.53 years. The percentages of patients in this study were 64.4 and 35.6 for men and women respectively. Hyperhydrosis was reported as the most important finding with 58.1%. Back [42.2%] and extremities [7.4%] were the highest and the lowest involved parts respectively. The isolates found were M. globosa [43.8%], Malassezia furfur [38.4%], M. obtusa [9.8%], M. sympodialis [6.3%], and M. slooffiae [1.7%]. From these findings it was suggested that M. globosa presents the main species implicated in the pathogenicity of PV and M. furfur as the second agent of importance