Protein and mRNA Expression Levels of Interleukin-17A, -17F and -22 in Blood and Skin Samples of Patients with Mycosis Fungoides.

This study investigated the expression of interleukin (IL)-17A, -17F and -22 in mycosis fungoides. Blood samples were collected from 50 patients with mycosis fungoides and 50 healthy controls. Skin samples were obtained from 26 patients with mycosis fungoides and 5 healthy controls. Protein levels of IL-17A, -17F and -22 were measured in serum by multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA expression levels were measured in blood and skin samples by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Both IL-17A and IL-17F mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in blood of patients with mycosis fungoides in comparison with healthy controls. IL-22 serum levels and expression levels of IL-22 mRNA in skin tissue, were significantly increased in patients with mycosis fungoides in comparison with healthy controls. These results suggest that low levels of IL-17A and IL-17F in mycosis fungoides may be connected to impaired immune surveillance contributing to tumourigenesis. Upregulation of IL-22 may play a role in the establishment of the tumour microenvironment in mycosis fungoides.

Sclerotic Regressing Large Congenital Nevus.

Regression of congenital nevi is usually associated with loss of pigment or halo formation. In rare cases, regression is characterized by sclerosis and hair loss. We describe a rare case of a sclerotic hypopigmented large congenital melanocytic nevus in which a localized scleroderma-like reaction process of regression seemed to have started in utero and progressed throughout early childhood.

Onychomadesis after hand-foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in northern Greece: case series and brief review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Nail abnormalities in childhood are generally uncommon. Recently, onychomadesis was described as a late complication of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD). Onychomadesis outbreaks following HFMD have been reported in many countries worldwide. AIM: To present a case series of onychomadesis in children, following HFMD outbreak in Northern Greece, and review literature data. METHODS: Children with evident onychomadesis attending the outpatient clinic between November 2012 and January 2013 were included in the study. A questionnaire including demographic personal and family history information of the children was completed by the parents. Patients were clinically examined, and their pediatric and dermatological records were studied to confirm precedent HFMD. Direct microscopic examination and cultures for fungi were performed. Exposure of participants to coxsackievirus, based on serology testing during infection, was also recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-eight children with onychomadesis were included. The mean number of affected nails was 8.82. Fingernails were more often involved. Previous clinical diagnosis of HFMD was confirmed in 67/68 cases. The mean time from HFMD diagnosis to onychomadesis development was 39.6 days (range: 28-56 days, STD: 7.33). Direct microscopic examination, as well as cultures for fungal species, was negative for the whole sample size. All the nail changes were transient with spontaneous regrowth after 1-4 months. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that onychomadesis outbreak in the region of Thessaloniki during fall-winter 2012-13 was highly related to the outbreak of HFMD. Our study reinforces existing evidence for the association between onychomadesis and HFMD.