ABSTRACT
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) tumorigenesis and may contribute to the mechanism of KS invasive growth. To date, only a few MMPs have been studied in KS lesions, and exactly which MMPs are involved in KS development and progression remains unanswered. However, MMPs 2 and 9 have been associated with different phases of angiogenesis, but their role in the proteolytic modification of the extracellular matrix has not been investigated. The results of this study confirm that MMPs, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, can contribute to angiogenesis by disrupting the vessel basement membrane and other extracellular matrix barriers, and enabling endothelial cells migration through the surrounding tissues.
Subject(s)
Extracellular Matrix/enzymology , Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , Neovascularization, Pathologic/enzymology , Sarcoma, Kaposi/blood supply , Sarcoma, Kaposi/enzymology , Skin Neoplasms/blood supply , Skin Neoplasms/enzymology , Basement Membrane/enzymology , Cell Movement , Humans , Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/analysis , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/analysis , Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology , Sarcoma, Kaposi/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/pathologySubject(s)
Obesity/epidemiology , Psoriasis/complications , Adult , Body Mass Index , Case-Control Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/complications , Prevalence , Severity of Illness Index , Sicily/epidemiologySubject(s)
Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle/enzymology , Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/physiology , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/physiology , Melanoma/enzymology , Neoplasm Proteins/physiology , Skin Neoplasms/enzymology , Humans , Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle/pathology , Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/analysis , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/analysis , Melanoma/pathology , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Neoplasm Proteins/analysis , Skin Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is an uncommon primary cutaneous lymphoma with a wide spectrum of clinicopathological manifestations. Diagnosis can be difficult in its early stages given the considerable overlap with more common benign dermatoses. We report an unusual case of MF in a 52-year-old male presenting with psoriasiform plaques on the palms and the soles who rapidly developed additional lesions on the scalp, limps and trunk. Punch biopsy of the face was obtained for routine histology and immunohistochemical stains. Chest X-ray, total body computed tomography scanning and excisional biopsy of the inguinal lymph node were performed. Review of the face biopsy revealed a diffuse dermal infiltrate containing a high number of atypical lymphocytes showing a CD3+, CD4+, CD45RO+, CD8-, CD20- immunophenotype and epidermotropism. Findings were consistent with tumor stage MF (stage IIB, T3 N1 M0). We report a rare presentation of MF mimicking psoriasis vulgaris.
ABSTRACT
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are common diseases associated with considerable morbidity and disability. Their pathophysiology comprises similar processes leading to inflammation of skin, entheses, and joints. Although traditional systemic agents can be effective, their use may be limited by lack of efficacy and concerns regarding adverse effects. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of adalimumab, a fully human antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) monoclonal antibody, over 16 weeks. The present authors report their personal experience in 15 patients with severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, refractory to other treatments, in which a decisive regression of joint/skin involvement was obtained. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic inflammatory disorders resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Arthritis, Psoriatic/drug therapy , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors , Adalimumab , Adult , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/adverse effects , Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Arthritis, Psoriatic/diagnostic imaging , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Psoriasis/pathology , Radiography , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The potential role of stem cells in neoplasia has aroused considerable interest over the past few years. A number of known biologic characteristics of melanomas support the theory that they may originate in a mutated stem cell. Melanocytic stem cell markers have been described recently. Moreover, the CD133 cells that show surface markers for CD34 are stem cells primitive. These stem cells are capable of differentiating into neurons, glia, keratinocytes, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes in vitro. The identification of cancer stem/initiating cells with a crucial role in tumor formation may open up new pharmacologic perspectives. The purpose of this study is to detect the expression of CD133 and CD34, two putative markers of cancer stem cells in the lentigo maligna melanoma. Thirty cases of lentigo maligna melanoma were analyzed using indirect immunohistochemical staining. The vast majority of the samples analyzed showed the presence of rare cells, which were clearly positive for CD133 and CD34. Strong CD133 and CD34 staining was found in the outer root sheath of the mid-lower hair follicles, intermixed with atypical melanocytes extending along layers of the hair follicles. A number of these staminal cells were adjacent and intermixed with melanoma cells. This study supports the stem cell origin of this tumor and suggests that the precursor of the melanoma in question is a stem-like cell rather than the primitive melanoblast committed to be exclusively involved in melanocytic differentiation.
