ST18 affects cell-cell adhesion in pemphigus vulgaris in a tumour necrosis factor-α-dependent fashion.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a life-threatening mucocutaneous autoimmune blistering disease. We previously showed that genetic variants within the ST18 gene promoter area confer a sixfold increase in the propensity to develop PV. ST18, a transcription factor, was found to be overexpressed in the epidermis of patients with PV. In addition, it was found to promote autoantibody-mediated abnormal epidermal cell-cell adhesion and secretion of proinflammatory mediators by keratinocytes. OBJECTIVES: To delineate the mechanism through which ST18 contributes to destabilization of cell-cell adhesion. METHODS: We used quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence microscopy, a luciferase reporter system, site-directed mutagenesis, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and the dispase dissociation assay. RESULTS: The ChIP and luciferase reporter assays showed that ST18 directly binds and activates the TNF promoter. Accordingly, increased ST18 expression contributes to PV pathogenesis by destabilizing cell-cell adhesion in a tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-dependent fashion. In addition, dual immunofluorescence staining showed increased expression of both ST18 and TNF-α in the skin of patients with PV carrying an ST18-associated PV risk variant, which was found to be associated with a more extensive PV phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a role for TNF-α in mediating the deleterious effect of increased ST18 expression in PV skin.

Identification of clinically useful predictive genetic variants in pachyonychia congenita.

BACKGROUND: Pachyonychia congenita (PC) refers to a group of autosomal dominant disorders caused by mutations in five keratin genes (KRT16,KRT6A,KRT17,KRT6B or KRT6C). Current disease classification is based on the gene harbouring disease-causing variants. AIMS: We harnessed the International Pachyonychia Congenita Research Registry (IPCRR) containing both clinical and molecular data on patients with PC worldwide, to identify genetic variants predicting disease severity. METHODS: We ascertained 815 individuals harbouring keratin mutations registered in the IPCRR. We looked for statistically significant associations between genetic variants and clinical manifestations in a subgroup of patients carrying mutations found in at least 10% of the cohort. Data were analysed using χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: We identified five mutations occurring in at least 10% of the patients registered in the IPCRR. The KRT16 p.L132P mutation was significantly associated with younger age of onset, presence of palmar keratoderma oral leucokeratosis and a higher number of involved nails. By contrast, the KRT16 p.N125S and p.R127C mutations resulted in a milder phenotype featuring a decreased number of involved nails and older age of onset. Patients carrying the p.N125S mutation were less likely to develop palmar keratoderma while p.R127C was associated with an older age of palmoplantar keratoderma onset. Moreover, the KRT17 p.L99P mutation resulted in an increased number of involved fingernails and patients demonstrating 20-nail dystrophy, while the opposite findings were observed with KRT17 p.N92S mutation. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified novel and clinically useful genetic predictive variants in the largest cohort of patients with PC described to date.

Palmoplantar keratoderma caused by a missense variant in CTSB encoding cathepsin B.

BACKGROUND: Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) refers to a large group of disorders characterized by extensive genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. PPK diagnosis therefore increasingly relies upon genetic analysis. AIM: To delineate the genetic defect underlying a case of diffuse erythematous PPK associated with peeling of the skin. METHODS: Whole exome and direct sequencing, real-time quantitative PCR, protein modelling and a cathepsin B enzymatic assay were used. RESULTS: The patient studied had severe diffuse erythematous PPK transgrediens. Pedigree analysis suggested an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Whole exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous missense mutation in the CTSB gene, encoding the cysteine protease cathepsin B. Genomic duplications in a noncoding region, which regulates the expression of CTSB, were recently found to cause erythrokeratolysis hiemalis, a rare autosomal dominant disorder of cornification. This mutation affects a highly conserved residue, and is predicted to be pathogenic. Protein modelling indicated that the mutation is likely to lead to increased endopeptidase cathepsin B activity. Accordingly, the CTSB variant was found to result in increased cathepsin B proteolytic activity. CONCLUSION: In summary, we report the identification of the first gain-of-function missense mutation in CTSB, which was found to be associated in one individual with a dominant form of diffuse PPK.

Molecular epidemiology of pachyonychia congenita in the Israeli population.

BACKGROUND: Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder featuring palmoplantar keratoderma, nail dystrophy, oral leucokeratosis, pilosebaceous cysts and natal teeth. PC results from dominant mutations in one of five genes (KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT6C, KRT16, KRT17) encoding keratin proteins. AIM: To delineate the clinical and genetic features of PC in a series of Israeli patients. METHODS: We used direct sequencing of genomic DNA, and also used cDNA sequencing where applicable. RESULTS: We collected clinical information and molecular data in a cohort of Israeli families diagnosed with PC (n = 16). Most of the patients were Ashkenazi Jews and had a family history of PC. The most common clinical findings were painful focal plantar keratoderma (94%) accompanied by nail dystrophy (81%), pilosebaceous cysts (31%) and prenatal/natal teeth (13%). In contrast to the high prevalence of KRT6A mutations in other populations, we found that KRT16 mutations were the most common type among Israeli patients with PC (56%). Most (77%) of the Israeli patients with PC with KRT16 mutation carried the same variant (c.380G>A; p.R127H) and shared the same haplotype around the KRT16 locus, suggestive of a founder effect. CONCLUSION: The data gleaned from this study emphasizes the importance of population-specific tailored diagnostic strategies.

Treatment of hereditary hypotrichosis simplex of the scalp with topical gentamicin.

BACKGROUND: Hypotrichosis simplex of the scalp (HSS) is characterized by progressive loss of scalp hair that results in almost complete baldness at a young age. HSS is often caused by dominant nonsense mutations in CDSN encoding corneodesmosin, leading to the formation of an amyloid-like material, which interferes with normal hair follicle cycle. OBJECTIVES: As gentamicin has been shown to mediate ribosomal read-through, we aimed to ascertain its therapeutic efficacy in a small series of patients carrying a recurrent mutation in CDSN . METHODS: We used a green fluorescence reporter assay system, confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis to ascertain in vitro the ability of gentamicin to induce translational read-through across a causative CDSN mutation. RESULTS: Using a reporter assay, we initially showed that gentamicin induces read-through activity across an HSS-causing nonsense mutation. Gentamicin was further shown to rescue corneodesmosin translation in primary keratinocytes obtained from a patient with HSS. To validate the in vitro data, we conducted a pilot clinical trial where the scalp of four patients was treated topically with gentamicin for 6 months, demonstrating significant improvement as ascertained by the Severity of Alopecia Tool score. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that topical gentamicin should be considered as a potential therapeutic modality in HSS. What's already known about this topic? Hypotrichosis simplex of the scalp (HSS) is caused by nonsense mutations in CDSN encoding corneodesmosin. The mutant corneodesmosin has been hypothesized to be toxic to the hair follicles, leading to hypotrichosis. Disorders caused by nonsense mutations are amenable to ribosomal read-through using gentamicin. What does this study add? Gentamicin enhanced read-through activity and promoted full-length corneodesmosin synthesis in primary keratinocytes derived from patients carrying a nonsense mutation in CDSN. Topical treatment with gentamicin was found to rescue the hypotrichosis phenotype partially in four patients with HSS. What is the translational message? Topical gentamicin should be considered as a potential treatment for HSS.

A phenotype combining hidradenitis suppurativa with Dowling-Degos disease caused by a founder mutation in PSENEN.

BACKGROUND: Dowling-Degos disease (DDD), featuring reticulate pigmentation, and familial hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) share many clinical features including autosomal dominant inheritance, flexural location and follicular defects. The coexistence of the two disorders was recently found to result from mutations in PSENEN, encoding the γ-secretase subunit protein presenilin enhancer. OBJECTIVES: To investigate PSENEN mutations in a series of four unrelated patients who presented with combined DDD and HS. METHODS: Mutation and haplotype analysis of PSENEN by polymerase chain reaction, and cellular assays investigating the Notch signalling pathway. RESULTS: Here we report four families of Jewish Ashkenazi origin who presented with clinical features characteristic of both disorders. All patients were found to carry the same, heterozygous mutation in PSENEN (c.168T>G, p.Y56X). Haplotype analysis revealed that the mutation originated from a common ancestor. Genes associated with DDD, as well as HS, have been shown to encode important regulators of Notch signalling. Accordingly, using a reporter assay, we demonstrated decreased Notch activity in a patient's keratinocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The present data confirm the genetic basis of the combined DDD-HS phenotype and suggest that Notch signalling may play a central role in the pathogenesis of this rare condition.

Narrow band UVB: is it effective and safe for paediatric psoriasis and atopic dermatitis?

BACKGROUND: Phototherapy has a time-honoured place in the treatment of variety of skin diseases in adults. The use of this modality in children is limited mainly due to concerns about long-term carcinogenic potential. Only a few clinical trials have been performed on the efficacy and safety of phototherapy in children. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of NB-UVB phototherapy in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the treatment outcomes of 129 children with psoriasis and AD, who were treated with NB-UVB between 1998 and 2006 at our institute. RESULTS: Fifty per cent of the psoriatic patients and 25% of patients with AD achieved clearance by the end of the treatment. NB-UVB phototherapy was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects except one doubtful case of melanoma in situ. CONCLUSIONS: NB-UVB may be considered as a viable therapeutic option in children with psoriasis and AD. Children who are treated by phototherapy should remain under annual dermatologic observation. To determine true carcinogenic risk of UV therapy, longer follow-up is essential.

EXTERNAL OPHTHALMOMYIASIS CAUSED BY OESTRUS OVIS (A CASE REPORT).

The work deals with atypical conjunctival infection of Czech patient with Oestrus ovis larvae. Ophthalmomyiasis is infestation of mammalian eyes by the larvae or worms of some flies. The most common cause of human myiasis is the Sheep. Shepherds are infected in habitats, but human eye disease outside the areas of abundant hamsters is rare. We describe a case of eye disease in a middle-aged man from the Czech Republic who spent a summer holiday seven weeks before examination in the north of Greece. During the first examination he was completely treated and no further problems were reported. Ophthalmomyiasis externa should be considered as a possible infection of travelers to the southern endemic regions when returning with an acute causeless onset of a one-sided foreign body sensation in the eye.

Updated results from the phase 3 HELIOS study of ibrutinib, bendamustine, and rituximab in relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma.

We report follow-up results from the randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 HELIOS trial of ibrutinib+bendamustine and rituximab (BR) for previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) without deletion 17p. Overall, 578 patients were randomized 1:1 to either ibrutinib (420 mg daily) or placebo, in combination with 6 cycles of BR, followed by ibrutinib or placebo alone. Median follow-up was 34.8 months (range: 0.1-45.8). Investigator-assessed median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached for ibrutinib+BR, versus 14.3 months for placebo+BR (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI], 0.206 [0.159-0.265]; P < 0.0001); 36-month PFS rates were 68.0% versus 13.9%, respectively. The results are consistent with the primary analysis findings (HR = 0.203, as assessed by independent review committee, with 17-month median follow-up). Median overall survival was not reached in either arm; HR (95% CI) for ibrutinib+BR versus placebo: 0.652 (0.454-0.935; P = 0.019). Minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative response rates were 26.3% for ibrutinib+BR and 6.2% for placebo+BR (P < 0.0001). Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (including grades 3-4) were generally consistent with the initial HELIOS report. These long-term data support improved survival outcomes and deepening responses with ibrutinib+BR compared with BR in relapsed CLL/SLL.

Current management of pancreatic pseudocysts.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Between 1980 and 1995, we treated 98 patients with pancreatic pseudocysts. The aim of this study was to determine the time and indices for both surgical and non-surgical management of pancreatic pseudocysts. METHODOLOGY: Evaluate the results of treatment of 98 patients with pancreatic pseudocysts. RESULTS: Resolution of the pseudocyst occurred in 20.4% of cases, after intensive therapy, with satisfactory clinical follow-up. Transcutaneous drainage was used in 38.8% of patients. In 93.3% of cases of immature pancreatic pseudocyst, transcutaneous drainage was effective. Patients who eventually underwent an operation tended to have larger pseudocysts than patients managed non-operatively. Fifty patients underwent primary operative therapy, with 36% undergoing emergency operations for pseudocyst-related complications. Eighty-three per cent of cases of external drainage resulted in postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Small pseudocysts can be resolved with treatment in the early stages of development. Surgical treatment of patients with immature pseudocysts is necessary when complications develop. Internal drainage is the operation of choice for the treatment of mature pseudocysts without complications.

[Intrahepatic arteriovenous fistula. Prenatal diagnosis, physiopathological study and neonatal management]l. / Fistule artério-veineuse intrahépatique. Diagnostic anténatal, étude physiopathologique et prise en charge néonatale.

A case of arteriovenous fistula of the liver diagnosed at 30 weeks of gestation is reported. The etiologies of an hypoechogenic structure in the fetal liver are discussed showing the contribution of pulsed wave Doppler and color Doppler to the diagnosis. The clinical evolution towards heart failure led us to examine the pathophysiology of such a lesion. The prenatal management of this arteriovenous malformation is exposed.

[Fetal karyotyping of fetal blood obtained from the umbilical vein using ultrasound]. / Caryotype foetal sur le sang foetal prélevé dans la veine ombilicale sous échographie.

The fetal karyotype was established during the second or third trimester of 18 at risk pregnancies after fetal blood sampling by direct puncture of the umbilical vein guided by real time ultrasound. Two karyotypes were abnormal. This rapid technique for karyotyping allows the obstetrician to decide early how the pregnancy should be conducted.

[Ileopsoas muscle abscess]. / El absceso del músculo psoas iliáco.

The experience with 14 patients affected of abscess of the psoas iliac muscle, attended at a general hospital through 1983-1995 is analized. This is a disease difficult to diagnose; it is usually diagnosed after a long delay (average of 45 days); it affects mainly women (rate F/M 11: 3), with a mean age in our patients of 50.4 years (14-79). The most frequent sign was fever (86% of the patients). Pain involving the thigh was present in 57%, and the psoas' sign in 36%. Even when this sign was present it did not always orient to the correct diagnosis. In two cases, the abscess was considered primary and in twelve it was associated to osteomyelitis, urinary tract infection or tumor (cancer of colon, metastasis in small bowell, melanoma and cancer of cervix). Gram smears and cultures of the material obtained by puncture were useful for detecting the causal germ, but blood cultures were inferior in yielding it (1 positive in 8 cases). Gram positive germs were predominant (Staphylococci coag. + in 4, Staph. coag.--in one, beta hemolytic Streptococci, 1). Gram negative germs were associated with urinary tract infections and staghorn lithiasis. In one case the etiology was TBC. Abdominal TAC was diagnostic when correlated with clinical data in 100% of the cases; ecography was diagnostic in only 2 of 11 cases. Patients were treated with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage; the only deaths occurred in patients with cancer.

[Multiple lymphomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract]. / Mnohotná lymfomatózní polypóza gastrointestinálního traktu.

We studied three patients in whom histology revealed multiple lymphomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a distinctive type of primary gastrointestinal lymphoma characterized by polypoid accumulations of lymphoma tissue involving long segments of the gastrointestinal tract. This lymphoma consists of a diffuse proliferation of small round lymphocytes and small cleaved cells and tends to an extraintestinal dissemination. Clinical behavior of this entity is more aggressive than that of the same primary nodal lymphoma. We discuss the evolution of opinions of this entity.

Intestinal necrosis following Calcium Resonium-sorbitol administration in a premature uraemic infant.

Sodium polystyrene sulphonate (Resonium A) in sorbitol given as an enema or orally to treat hyperkalaemia has been described to induce intestinal necrosis in uraemic patients. We report a case of a premature infant with acute renal insufficiency who developed focal transmural necrosis and perforation of the small intestine after 10 days of administration of calcium polystyrene sulphonatum (Calcium Resonium) in sorbitol by enema and by nasogastric tube. On histological examination of the resected part of the small intestine, numerous strongly basophilic angular crystals of resonium were found in the lumen, in the necrotic wall, as well as in the organized exudate on the peritoneal surface. The crystals showed a strong direct Schiff positivity without preoxidation. They were also stained using PAS, Giemsa, Ziehl-Neelsen, Schmorl, and Gram method. In contrast, the crystals were Congo red and Alcian blue (pH 2.5) negative and non-birefringent. The direct Schiff positivity without preoxidation is virtually pathognomonic for resin crystals in routinely processed tissues. The same crystals were observed in the lumen of the small intestine and in peritoneal adhesions at autopsy. Thus our case provides additional evidence that Resonium A/Calcium Resonium in sorbitol administered as an enema or orally can lead to intestinal necrosis in uraemic patients.