Biological activity of human epidermal interleukin-1beta: comparison with recombinant human interleukin-1beta.

We have recently presented evidence that human plantar stratum corneum and psoriatic scales contain biologically active interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) which has been activated in a process not involving interleukin-1beta-converting-enzyme. The aim of the present study was to compare this form of native IL-1beta with recombinant mature human IL-1beta as regards activity and the effects of inhibitors. In an assay based on the ability of IL-1 to induce the expression of E-selectin in cultured endothelial cells, the maximal activity of IL-1beta partially purified from plantar stratum corneum and recombinant IL-1beta was approximately the same. The specific activity was slightly higher for recombinant IL-1beta, although this difference was within one order of magnitude. An antibody to IL-1beta caused total inhibition of both forms of IL-1beta with no significant differences in the dose-response curves for the antibody. Immunochemical analyses and experiments with neutralising antibodies specific for IL-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) verified that the observed activity in the partially purified preparation was due to IL-1beta, and not to IL-1alpha or TNF-alpha. There were no significant differences between the two forms of IL-1beta as regards the inhibitory effects of recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist. Partially purified IL-1beta from plantar stratum corneum and from psoriatic scales were both highly active in the D10 proliferation assay. This activity could be totally inhibited with an IL-1beta specific antibody. This work thus confirms the presence of biologically active IL-1beta in plantar stratum corneum and psoriatic scales. Alternatively activated IL-1beta in the epidermis should be considered in future studies on skin biology and pathophysiology.

Is vulvar vestibulitis an inflammatory condition? A comparison of histological findings in affected and healthy women.

Vulvar vestibulitis, as defined by Friedrich, is considered to be inflammatory, despite the fact that the normal histology of this specific area has previously not been characterized. The aim of the present study was to compare the normal histology of the vulvar vestibulum with findings in localized vulvar vestibulitis. Biopsies were taken at the area of the vestibulitis, i.e. at the openings of the Bartholin's duct. Eleven control specimens were examined histologically and compared to 24 specimens obtained from 20 patients. All samples were also tested for human papillomavirus, and they were all negative. In control specimens, as well as in specimens from patients, subepithelial inflammatory cells, sometimes aggregated into lymph follicles and/or small groups of lymphocytes were found. The conclusion is reached that the occurrence of inflammatory cells in vestibular tissue is a normal finding and cannot serve as a histological indicator of vulvar vestibulitis.

Vulvar vestibulitis in the north of Sweden. An epidemiologic case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiologic characteristics of patients with vulvar vestibulitis. STUDY DESIGN: During the years 1992-1994, 32 women with vulvar vestibulitis were referred to the Vulva Clinic, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. They were asked questions regarding age, age at first intercourse, pregnancies, number of lifetime partners, use of oral contraceptives and past gynecologic history, including infections and previous treatments. The cases were compared to 17 healthy controls. For statistical evaluation, the two-tailed Wilcoxon rank sum test was used. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups regarding age, age at first intercourse, pregnancies, number of lifetime partners or history of genital infections, with the exception of human papillomavirus. The cases had been treated significantly more often for suspected papillomavirus infection and had also used oral contraceptives for a significantly longer period. CONCLUSION: This study provided support for the hypothesis of a steroidal etiology of the syndrome.