Svecova D

TNF-α and IL-10 gene polymorphisms show a weak association with pemphigus vulgaris in the Slovak population.

Backround  Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare chronic autoimmune disease of skin and mucous membranes, with several cytokines participating in its development. The role of their gene polymorphisms in susceptibility to the disease is, however, not fully understood.

High susceptibility to pemphigus vulgaris due to HLA-DRB1*14:54 in the Slovak population

The current work describes an association between pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and class II HLA alleles in the Slovak population, the first such study in Slovakia on the ‘high‐resolution level’. This work takes into account the new HLA allele nomenclature, officially adopted in 2010. In particular, we have focused on the associations between PV and DRB1*14:54 and DRB1*14:01. This case–control study was performed in a cohort of 43 PV Caucasian patients and 113 Caucasian control subjects from Slovakia. HLA typing was performed using PCR‐SSP (polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers). We found significantly positive associations between PV and the HLA alleles DRB1*04:02, DRB1*04:04, DRB1*14:54, DRB1*14:04, DRB1*14:05, DQB1*03:02 and DQB1*05:03. In contrast, HLA‐DQB1*06, DRB1*07 and DRB1*13 were negatively associated with PV. Importantly, 93% of PV patients possessed at least one of two HLA haplotypes, DRB1*04–DQB1*03 or HLA‐DRB1*14–DQB1*05. We confirmed the previously reported associations between HLA class II alleles and PV and described a new association between PV and DRB1*14:54. This allele was first described in 2005, and there has been only one report of its association with PV to date.

Increased endothelemia as an indirect marker of changes in the blood vessel endothelium in psoriasis

Background  Endothelial cells have a pivotal role in the initiation and development of inflammation. The dermal microvasculature undergoes distinctive morphological changes. Central to the angiogenetic process are endothelial cell division and migration controlled by local expression of the mitogenic factor. There is considerable evidence for the development of angiogenesis in psoriatic skin. Quantitative assessment of the endothelium in psoriasis demonstrated a fourfold increase in surface area of the superficial vascular plexus in lesional skin. The rate of vascular proliferation in active psoriasis is similar to that in other angiogenic pathologies. To identify vasoproliferation in the skin adds a useful tool in the assessment of psoriasis activity in future studies of its pathogenesis. The basal level of endothelemia reflects a continuous replacement of cells. The hyperproliferation in psoriasis stimulates physiological cell replacement. The higher replacement of blood vessel endothelial cells causes an increase in circulating cell levels in the bloodstream. Endothelemia might serve as an indicator of changes in the blood vessel endothelium in psoriatics.

IVIG therapy in pemphigus vulgaris has corticosteroid-sparing and immunomodulatory effects.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a biological agent composed of polyclonal antibodies prepared from a large cohort of human plasma pools. IVIG is increasingly used for the treatment of various antibody‐mediated diseases, including pemphigus vulgaris (PV).

Pemphigus vulgaris: a clinical study of 44 cases over a 20‐year period

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare, life‐threatening, autoimmune bullous disease with unpredictable progression and prognosis.

HLA DRB1* and DQB1* alleles are associated with disease severity in patients with pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune disease that involves the skin and mucosa. The etiology of PV is multifactorial and includes genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immunological factors.

Footwear contact dermatitis from dimethyl fumarate

Background  Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an effective inhibitor of mold growth. In very low concentrations, DMF is a potent sensitizer that can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). It has been identified as the agent responsible for furniture contact dermatitis in Europe. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients in Slovakia with footwear ACD associated with DMF, with regard to clinical manifestations, patch test results, and results of chemical analysis of their footwear.

Giant Seborrheic Keratoses on Penis

INTRODUCTION Seborrheic keratoses are very common benign epidermal tumors. Despite the high frequency, the pathogenesis is still unknown. They are extremely rare in the genital area. The participation of human papilloma viruses (HPVs) in pathogenesis of seborrheic keratoses is being discussed. AIMS The aims of this case report are to inform about extremely rare lesion in genital area in a young man and evaluate the association of HPVs in the development of seborrheic keratoses. METHODS We used histopathological examination to establish the correct diagnosis, which revealed signs of seborrheic keratosis. The real-time polymerase chain reaction method confirmed low-risk HPV 6 from the lesions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES HPVs may play a role in pathogenesis of seborrheic keratoses. RESULTS The patient was successfully treated with shave excision under spinal anesthesia. Six-month follow-up was without any recurrence. We suggest that HPVs can be considered as etiologic factor in creation of seborrheic keratosis. CONCLUSIONS Seborrheic keratoses are very common on sun-exposed skin, but they are rare in the genital area, such as on the shaft of penis. This localization may lead to misdiagnosis. Seborrheic keratoses in genital area might negatively influence the sexual life of the patient. Containing HPV 6 low-risk virus, they never lead to malignant transformation.

Anogenital squamous cell carcinoma in neglected patient.

Skin squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are arguably the second most common carcinoma of the skin and are responsible for the majority of non-melanoma skin cancer deaths. Gynecologist treated a Caucasian 56-years old female patient for genital wart with podophyllotoxin cream. She did not achieve complete response and therefore she has interrupted the therapy and the collaboration with the gynecologist. At the time of evaluation the lesion had a size of mans palm in anogenital region and showed characteristic features of neoplasm. The regional lymph nodes have produced infiltrated painful bubo. PCR analysis for HPV proved negative. Histopathology revealed well-differentiated squamous cell keratinizing carcinoma from the tumor as well as from the regional lymph node packet. Staging computed tomography scans proved negative and pelvis scans disclosed regional lymphadenopathy underlying the tumor. Palliative radiation therapy (by linear accelerator) was administered for the oversized tumor to the total TD 50.0Gy. The patient died 6 months after diagnostic assessment from cardio-respiratory failure. Staging computed tomography before her death did not disclose distinct metastases in her inner organs. Well-differentiated squamous cell keratinizing carcinoma could be growing endophytically affecting the underlying adipose tissue and musculature, with spreading into the regional lymph nodes. The rate of metastases into inner organs seems to vary according to the aggressiveness and metastatic behavior of each SCC. The case report calls for attention to the importance of collaboration among various specialists assisting in the diagnosis and management of skin neoplasm (Fig. 5, Ref. 12). Full Text in PDF www.elis.sk.