Expression of CD1a, CD207, CD11b, CD11c, CD103, and HLA-DR receptors on the surface of dendritic cells in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disorder of unknown etiopathogenesis. Its development is based on the influence of environmental factors, genetic and immunologic disorders. Undoubtedly, an important role is played by changes in quantitative and qualitative information on dendritic cells. AIM: Assessment of CD1a, CD207, CD11b, CD11c, CD103, and HLA-DR receptors on the surface of dendritic cells in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 45 patients with clinically diagnosed AD from whom biopsies were taken from the lesions. The control group was the material of 20 healthy people. To carry out the study the method of indirect immunofluorescence double staining reaction was used. RESULTS: Studied receptors gave positive reactions in both groups. The number of cells in healthy individuals was significantly lower than in patients. They also differed in appearance and location of the skin. CONCLUSIONS: The CD1a/CD207 and CD1a/CD11c, CD1a/HLA-DR cell density was higher in AD patients compared to controls. There were differences in the location and appearance of the cells of AD patients compared to controls. All cells in the epidermis identified with antibodies CD1a, CD11c and CD207 were dendritic cells.

Abnormal plasma lipids profile in women with post-adolescent acne.

INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease that is increasingly recognized in adult women. AIM: To investigate a relationship between plasma lipids profile and acne in women and a correlation between selected clinical features of acne (severity, age of onset, location of lesions and the presence of comedones) and lipids profile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four adult women with post-adolescent acne and 20 healthy controls were included in the study. Plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were determined in all the subjects. RESULTS: Adult women with acne had statistically significantly increased levels of TC, TG and LDL-C compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). The level of HDL-C did not differ between the two groups. There was no relationship between higher levels of TC, TG and LDL-C and a clinical picture of acne. CONCLUSIONS: Acne in adult women is likely to be associated with increased levels of TC, TG and LDL-C. This abnormality seems to be important in the pathogenesis of adult acne and could be a result of high fatty acid diet. Performing a lipid profile examination in women with acne should be taken into account when screening patients and followed by appropriate dietary recommendations.

Changes of Langerhans cells during skin ageing.

INTRODUCTION: During the process of skin ageing, changes occur in all skin layers and all cells, including the Langerhans cells. AIM: To assess whether any quantitative difference in the number of CD1a+ LC cells/mm2 and HLA-DR+ LC cells/mm2 as well as in their morphological features can be observed during the course of different types of skin ageing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 60 women, which was divided into three independent groups: group I with symptoms of menopausal skin ageing, group II with symptoms of photoageing, group III with symptoms of chronological ageing. Skin biopsy samples were taken from the pre-auricular region from all of the participants. The number of CD1a+ LC cells/mm2 and HLA-DR+ LC cells/mm2 as well as their morphological features were evaluated. RESULTS: The frequency of CD1a+ LC and HLA-DR+ LC in all the studied groups was diverse. In groups I and III, the LC with large cell bodies and long, multi-branched processes were the majority. In group II, the LC had small cell bodies and their processes were mainly short and unbranched. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results indicate the presence of quantitative and morphological changes of the CD1a+ LC and HLA-DR+ LC during the course of different types of skin ageing.

The possible role of diet in the pathogenesis of adult female acne.

Acne in adults is a chronic, increasingly common disease, especially among women. It differs in pathogenesis and clinical presentation from adolescent acne. Acne in adults is associated with Western diet, defined as high consumption of milk, high glycemic load and high calorie intake. Metabolic signals of this diet result in a significant increase in insulin/insulin growth factor 1 serum level and consequently in the molecular interplay of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 kinase (mTORC1)/forkhead box protein 1 (FoxO1) mediated nutrient signaling, leading to increased proliferation of keratinocytes, increased lipogenesis and sebum production and finally to aggravation of acne.

The prevalence of mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin in the population of Polish patients with atopic dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION: The genetic background of atopic dermatitis (AD) is complex, involves many genes and their participation varies in varied populations, and depends on the intensity and course of a disease. Changes in the nucleotide sequence of the FLG gene and a reduced number or a deficit of the functional product of processed profilaggrin can be one of risk factors for atopic dermatitis. AIM: To determine the prevalence of R501X and 2282del4 mutations of the FLG gene in patients with AD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studied group included 60 patients with clinically diagnosed AD, and the control group included 61 healthy volunteers. The study protocol included collection of biological material for tests, DNA isolation and evaluation of its quality and quantity, and PCR amplification of the isolated genetic material. RESULTS: In the studied group, both changes in the nucleotide sequence of the FLG gene were detected and in the control group no tested mutations were detected. In 18 (30%) patients with AD, 22 mutations (4 heterozygous and 1 homozygous ones of R501X and 10 heterozygous and 7 homozygous ones of 2282del4) were detected. CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of mutations of the FLG gene in patients with clinically diagnosed AD and pathologically dry skin was observed in the studied population. The 2282del4 mutation occurred more often than R501X.

Stevens Johnson syndrome after carbamazepine and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome after amoxicillin: case reports and a review.

We present a case of Stevens Johnson syndrome in a child after carbamazepine application and Stevens Johnson/TEN overlap syndrome in an adult after amoxicillin application. On the basis of two reported cases we review the most commonly associated drugs, the postulated pathogenesis, clinical manifestation and management in these severe life-threatening diseases. We especially discuss the controversial systemic corticosteroid therapy. Topical care is also discussed.