[The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in inflammatory processes]. / Rola naczyniowo-sródblonkowego czynnika wzrostu w procesach zapalnych.

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is produced by different types of cells and has a major role in both, physiological and pathological angiogenesis. On the one hand VEGF is a strong mitotic and chemotactic factor for the endothelial cells, stimulating thus formation of new vessels, while on the other, it enhances the vascular endothelium permeability of the existing blood vessels which contributes to development and persistence of the inflammatory conditions. In the latter its activity is by 50 000 times higher than that of histamine. VEGF facilitates formation of oedema and leukocyte migration from the circulation to the site of inflammation. VEGF is also important in remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Moreover, it has an important significance in regulation of the immunological response, therefore plays a role in autoaggressive phenomena as well as immediate- and delayed-type hypersensitivity. Its role in the pathogenesis of immunological and inflammatory diseases, including allergy, asthma and different skin disorders has been indicated.

[Etiopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis]. / Etiopatogeneza atopowego zapalenia skóry.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease, pathogenesis of which has not been fully recognised yet. Th1/ Th2 cells dysregulation, skin barrier defects and influence of environmental factors, including allergens and microbes seem to play an important role in the disease. Apart from infiltration from the inflammatory cells, the histological picture of skin lesions occurring in the course of the disease shows some oedema as well as the reparative processes appearing as fibrosis and angiogenesis which points to participation of factors contributing to endothelial permeability and the growth in pathomechanism of the disease. The vascular endothelial growth factor - VEGF, is a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine which, 50 000 times stronger than histamine, increases the vascular endothelial permeability and plays the major role in angiogenesis. The role of such cytokine in the acute and chronic inflammatory response has been poorly recognised. Overproduction of VEGF in the skin and release into the bloodstream of patients suffering from AD has been pointed to, which suggest some role of this cytokine in the pathomechanism of AD.

Dehydroepiandrosterone in therapy of allergic diseases.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate derivative (DHEA-S) are weak androgens produced in the adrenals and serve as primary precursors in biosynthesis of both, androgens and estrogens. These hormones are proposed to perform immunoenhancing activities and may play a crucial role in regulating cytokine production by Th1/Th2 cells; however, their role in immune-mediated diseases is controversial. The primary physiological role of DHEA-(S) and its mechanism is unclear. This review is a brief summary of relevant scientific basis as well as clinical research on the role of dehydroepian drosterone in immune haemostasis and inflammatory diseases, including asthma, atopic diseases, chronic urticaria, pointing also to the significance of dehydroepiandrosterone therapy and the related US patents (1999-2005).