Marcin Chlebus

Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Amniotic Membrane and Umbilical Cord Can Diminish Immunological Response in an in vitro Allograft Model

Background/Aim: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are gaining rising interest in gynecology and obstetrics. MSCs immunomodulatory properties are suitable enough to reduce perinatal morbidity caused by inflammation in premature neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the ability to inhibit allo-activated lymphocytes proliferation by MSCs derived from different sources: amniotic membrane (AM), umbilical cord (UC) and adipose tissue (AT). Methods: MSCs were isolated from AM (n = 7) and UC (n = 6) and AT (n = 6) of healthy women. Cells were characterized by flow cytometry and differentiation assay. To evaluate the potential of fetal and adult MSCs to diminish immunological response, mixed lymphocytes reaction (MLR) was performed. Results: Amnion and UC-derived cells displayed typical MSCs characteristics. Addition of MSCs to MLR significantly inhibited the proliferation of stimulated lymphocytes. The effect was observed regardless of the MSCs type used (p < 0.01 in all groups). Comparative analysis revealed no significant differences in this action between tested MSCs types. Additionally, no type of MSCs significantly stimulated allogeneic lymphocytes. Conclusion: The results prove the immunosuppressive capacities of fetal-derived MSCs in vitro. In the future, they may be potentially used to treat premature newborn as well as in immunomodulation in post-transplant therapy.

Factors affecting the course and severity of adult acne. Observational cohort study

Abstract Objective: To identify factors improving symptoms and shortening duration of AA. Material and methods: The observational cohort study was performed in 111 patients with AA (>25 y.o.) in 2015–2016. Clinical manifestation, previous treatments, environmental risk factors and features of juvenile acne affecting AA were assessed. Results: The maximum severity of persistent acne was significantly lower after 25 years of age, as compared to adolescence (7.2 vs. 6.4; p = .0027). The number of acne therapies used in AA was twice as high as in juvenile acne (22 vs. 11). The severity of AA sufficient to leave scars was significantly lower than of juvenile acne (6.0 vs. 7.3; p = .0001) with 22% of patients developing scars only in adult life. Patients linked exacerbations to stress exposure (p = .09 and <.0001 for those reporting at least one stressor and all patients, respectively), finding lifestyle changes the most stressful (p = .046). Those using full-coverage foundations received significantly more acne treatments over lifetime (5.4 vs. 3.6; p = .0359) and for AA (4.4 vs. 2.8; p = .0043). Discontinuation of oral contraceptives or sensitive, erythema-prone skin also worsened the symptoms. Conclusion: Lifestyle change-related stress, sensitive skin, discontinuation of oral contraceptives and using full-coverage foundations increase severity of AA.

Is maintenance treatment in adult acne important? Benefits from maintenance therapy with adapalene, and low doses of alpha and beta hydroxy acids

Abstract Background: Adult acne is a chronic disease with uncontrolled exacerbations, associated with a psychological burden of the patient and medical expenses. Aims: The aim of the study was to check the efficacy of maintenance therapy of adult acne. It is essential part of treatment as adult acne usually has a long-lasting and recurring course. Methods: In the study, the efficacy of maintenance therapy in patients with adult acne is evaluated. In this study, 100 patients (aged 25–39 years of age) with mild and moderate adult acne were enrolled. Results: The maintenance therapy (adapalene 0.1% three times a week and low doses of alpha and beta hydroxy acids) led to a significant decrease in the number of acne lesions (from 31.3 to 12.25; p < .001) and severity of seborrhea (p < .001). Conclusions: Maintenance therapy brings significant improvements in the reduction of non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions in patients with mild and moderate adult acne.

Fetal Hypotrophy Is an Important Marker in Diagnosis of Preeclampsia in Pregnant Patients After Solid Organ Transplantation

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to use a multidisciplinary approach to define the importance of fetal growth disturbances in pregnant patients after renal or liver transplantation in diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS We assessed 108 pregnancies in patients with renal or liver transplants. Statistical analysis included Pearsons chi-square test and Fishers exact test. RESULTS In the renal transplant (RTR) group, preeclampsia was diagnosed in 40% according to ISSHP. In the liver transplant (LTR) group, ISSHP guidelines allow this diagnose in 14.6% of patients. Intrauterine fetal hypotrophy occurred in 53.3% of RTR patients with clinical symptoms of preeclampsia and in none of stabile patients. Premature delivery rate was 40% in patients with hypotrophy and only in 15.5% without. For LTR patients, hypotrophy was diagnosed in 16.4% patients with clinical symptoms of preeclampsia and in 12.7% of stabile patients. Premature delivery rate was 14.5% in patients with hypotrophy and in 14.5% without. CONCLUSIONS Fetal hypotrophy is strongly associated with premature delivery and risk of preeclampsia in pregnancies after renal transplantation. There is a need for including ultrasound findings in diagnostic criteria of preeclampsia. Fetal growth monitoring may help in prediction of premature delivery in these group.