Effectiveness of various methods of manual scar therapy.

BACKGROUND: The skin is a protective barrier of the body against external factors, and its damage leads to a loss of integrity. Normal wound healing results in a correct, flat, bright, and flexible scar. Initial skin damage and patient specific factors in wound healing contribute that many of these scars may progress into widespread or pathologic hypertrophic and keloid scars. The changes in cosmetic appearance, continuing pain, and loss of movement due to contracture or adhesion and persistent pruritis can significantly affect an individual's quality of life and psychological recovery post injury. Many different treatment methods can reduce the trauma and surgical scars. Manual scar treatment includes various techniques of therapy. The most effectiveness is a combined therapy, which has a multidirectional impact. Clinical observations show an effectiveness of manual scar therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim of this work was to evaluate effectiveness of the scar manual therapy combined with complementary methods on the postoperative scars. Treatment protocol included two therapies during 30 min per week for 8 weeks. Therapy included manual scar manipulation, massage, cupping, dry needling, and taping. RESULTS: Treatment had a significant positive effect to influence pain, pigmentation, pliability, pruritus, surface area, and scar stiffness. Improvement of skin parameters (scar elasticity, thickness, regularity, color) was also noticed. CONCLUSION: To investigate the most effective manual therapy strategy, further studies are needed, evaluating comparisons of different individual and combined scar therapy modalities.

Expression of genes related to inflammation - IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ in monitoring ustekinumab therapy: preliminary results.

Introduction: Psoriasis is classified as an inflammatory and autoimmune disease. Changes in the concentration profile of some cytokines, such as interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-23, and IL-17, play a key role in its pathogenesis. IL-6, IL-8 and interferon- γ (IFN-γ) are also hallmark cytokines in a psoriatic cytokine network. Cytokine-blocking drugs, which are a part of the inflammatory cascade, are now increasingly popular. One of them is ustekinumab, directed against IL-12 and IL-23, but also indirectly against other interleukins, which take part in the inflammatory reaction. Due to the complexity of inflammation pathways, new molecular markers are still being sought. Regardless of the type of therapy used, they allow to determine its effectiveness, signal the lack or loss of sensitivity to treatment. Aim: To evaluate the expression profile of genes related to the inflammatory reaction - IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ - in patients with psoriasis, depending on the duration of ustekinumab therapy. Material and methods: The material for the study was the PBMCs of 14 patients suffering from psoriasis who were treated with ustekinumab. Monitoring was performed after 16, 28, and 40 weeks of therapy. The gene expression of IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ was measured using the RT-qPCR method. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the expression of IL-6 and IFN-γ genes in psoriasis patients, depending on the duration of ustekinumab therapy. Conclusions: The increase in mRNA copy numbers of the pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IFN-γ genes in the following weeks of therapy may suggest that patients treated with ustekinumab may progressively develop resistance to biological treatment.

Ustekinumab therapy changes the transcriptional activity pattern of TGF-ß1-3 genes.

INTRODUCTION: One of the examples of genes whose expression can be altered by the action of ustekinumab is TGF-ß. It is a pleiotropic cytokine whose activity affects psoriatic changes and the state of homeostasis of the whole organism. AIM: To evaluate the effect of ustekinumab on the transcriptional activity of TGF-ß family genes in patients with psoriatic arthritis and to check whether the results obtained can be helpful in monitoring the progress of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From total PBMCs obtained from peripheral blood of 14 patients with psoriatic arthritis, total RNA was isolated. The expression level of the TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß3 genes was determined by RT-qPCR in real time. RESULTS: In all the analysed samples, the presence of mRNA of three TGF-ß isoforms was quantitated in each week of therapy. TGF-ß3 and the smallest TGF-ß2 showed the highest expression. Statistically significant correlations were observed in the amount of TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3/µg mRNA RNA, TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß2/µg RNA and TGF-ß3 and TGF-ß3/µg RNA. CONCLUSIONS: Ustekinumab influences the transcriptional activity of TGF-ß genes, and the changes caused have a bearing on the patient's health.

Differences in expression of genes related to drug resistance and miRNAs regulating their expression in skin fibroblasts exposed to adalimumab and cyclosporine A.

Introduction: Adalimumab and cyclosporine A are drugs used in moderate to severe forms of psoriasis. Despite the molecular orientation of the drugs, there is a loss of adequate cell sensitivity to the anti-cytokine therapy. Aim: To determine the changes in the gene expression profile associated with drug resistance in the culture of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) exposed to adalimumab or cyclosporine A compared to the controls. Material and methods: NHDF was exposed to adalimumab/cyclosporine A for 2, 8, 24 h compared to the control culture. Molecular analysis was performed using mRNA and miRNA microarray techniques. The obtained results were analysed using PL - Grid infrastructure (p < 0.05). Results: Of the 22277 ID mRNA, 47 are associated with drug resistance, of which the change in expression of 17 mRNA ID is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The greatest change in transcriptional activity (FC ≥ 1.3) was observed for GLO1, SLC10A3, TUFT1, STATH, ABCB1, AGTR1. Expression of these genes can be regulated by miR-199a-5p, miR-1231, miR-34a, miR-3188, and miR-106a (except AGTR1). Conclusions: The analysis of changes in the expression of mRNA and miRNA related to drug resistance gives the possibility of monitoring the effectiveness of anti-cytokine therapy.

Adalimumab changes the expression profile of selected BCL-2 family genes.

Biological drugs are an alternative to treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Adalimumab is a representative of the anti-TNF group. The underlying of this disease is a cellular homeostasis disorder-apoptosis. Many proteins are involved in the apoptosis induction pathways, including those from the BCL-2 family. The aim of the study was to perform a transcriptional analysis of the genes coding selected proteins from the BCL-2 family in patients treated with adalimumab therapy, and to determine the direction of these changes. The test materials were peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The cells were obtained from 20 patients with psoriatic arthritis who were being treated with adalimumab (study group) and 20 healthy volunteers (control). The gene expression profile was determined using the real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique. Statistically significant changes were observed in the expression level of the BNIP3, BNIP3L, and BCL2L1 genes (p < .05) during a 24-month observation of therapy. We indicated that adalimumab therapy has an impact on the expression of the analyzed genes, which may constitute a new class of molecular markers for assessing the effectiveness of a therapy. It appears that the BNIP3L gene could be used as a potential diagnostic marker of psoriasis.

Apoptosis in Autoimmunological Diseases, with Particular Consideration of Molecular Aspects of Psoriasis.

Apoptosis is a natural physiological process involving programmed cell death. Thanks to this process, it is possible to maintain the homeostasis of the body and the immune system. Dysfunctions of this mechanism lead to development of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis; these diseases are chronic and treatment is extremely difficult. In psoriasis (a skin disease), apoptosis disorders are manifested by keratinocyte proliferation dysfunction. Autoimmune diseases coexisting with psoriasis include multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid disease, and diabetes, but the common pathogenesis of these diseases is not fully understood. Given the heterogenous nature and chronic and recurrent course of psoriasis, the selection of an effective therapeutic strategy is still a problem. This literature review was focused on the process of apoptosis as a factor in the development of autoimmune diseases, with particular emphasis on psoriasis. The work also includes a review of therapeutic methods of psoriasis based on the latest literature.

Does adiponectin play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria?

INTRODUCTION: Chronic spontaneous urticaria constitutes an interdisciplinary problem and its pathogenesis is still a subject of debate. Overweight and hyperlipidemia are supposed to be related to chronic spontaneous urticaria. Fatty tissue can be the source of adipokines. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the potential role of adiponectin in chronic spontaneous urticaria pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 52 chronic spontaneous urticaria patients and 43 healthy controls. The patients were divided into two subgroups: patients with wheals only, and patients with urticaria and an accompanying angioedema. The adiponectin concentration was measured in all studied subjects. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in adiponectin level was determined between the studied groups and subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: We are among the first to present the results of study to determine a possible role of adipokines in chronic spontaneous urticaria pathogenesis. We did not observe any difference in adiponectin level. In our opinion, it is necessary to conduct further analyses in this field.

In silico analysis of CpG islands and miRNAs potentially regulating the JAK-STAT signalling pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Searching for new therapeutic possibilities constitutes a challenge for modern medicine and an answer to better understanding of molecular mechanisms of pro-inflammatory diseases. The JAK-STAT pathway plays an important role in the inflammatory processes, which is supported by the fact that its inhibitors are used to treat, for instance, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. AIM: To determine whether the epigenetic mechanisms - methylation of gene promotion regions and miRNAs may serve as a new therapeutic strategy for JAK-STAT pathway inhibition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Basing on MethPrimer (plus CpG Island Prediction) program and microrna.org database of the said mechanism in the regulation of the JAK-STAT signalling pathway, the gene expression was performed, indicating or excluding the possibility of their use as new potential therapeutic strategies. RESULTS: A different number of CpG islands (CGI) for each gene (JAK1-4 CGI; JAK2-2 CGI; JAK3-5 CGI, TYK2-6 CGI; STAT1-2 CGI; STAT2-1 CGI; STAT3-3 CGI; STAT5A-4 CGI; STAT5B-3 CGI) might be a new therapeutic goal. What is more, our results show that genes associated with JAK-STAT signalling pathways can be regulated by miRNAs (JAK1-42 miRNAs; JAK2-47 miRNAs; JAK3-15 miRNAs, TYK2-4 miRNAs; STAT1-17 miRNAs; STAT2-30 miRNAs, STAT3-36 miRNAs, STAT4-15 miRNAs; STAT5A-10 miRNAs; STAT5B-23 miRNAs). CONCLUSIONS: The epigenetic mechanisms of the regulation of the JAK-STAT signalling pathway gene expression constitute a promising new therapeutic strategy for treatment of those diseases, during which disorders are observed in gene expression models of the analysed signalling pathway.

Factors affecting the concentration of soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor type I in the blood serum of patients with localized scleroderma.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess of sTNFαR1 concentration in the serum of patients with localized scleroderma (in comparison with a control group). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective study. The patients with localized scleroderma were divided into two groups: 21 persons treated with PUVA therapy and 20 persons treated with procaine penicillin. In the case of the patients treated with intramuscularly administered procaine penicillin (dose: 2,400,000 IU/day), achievement of a total dose of at least 30 million IU/day was considered as the end of the therapy. In the group of patients treated with photochemotherapy, the single initial dose during a PUVA session was 0.5 J/cm2 and it was increased by 0.5 J/cm2 every other day to reach the maximum value of 10 J/cm2, depending on the clinical condition. The study involved three sessions a week. RESULTS: sTNFαR1 concentration in the serum of patients with localized scleroderma was significantly higher in comparison with the control group and correlated with the skin damage index. The difference in the determined particle level was higher in the group of patients undergoing photochemotherapy (median: 106.25 ng/ml) than in the group taking penicillin (median: 81.50 ng/ml). Patients treated with PUVA sessions demonstrated a greater decrease in sTNFαR1 concentration and an improvement of the clinical condition after therapy completion. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest a potential role of sTNFαR1 in the pathogenesis of localized scleroderma.

Analysis of molecular and clinical parameters of 4-year adalimumab therapy in psoriatic patients.

INTRODCUTION: Through interaction with receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2, TNF-α activates a signal path, which exacerbates an inflammatory process, constituting an inseparable element of psoriasis. AIM: To evaluate changes in the expression of TNF-α, TNFR1, TNFR2 during the 4-year-long adalimumab therapy in psoriatic patients, searching for the correlation between molecular and clinical markers. In addition, the role of miRNAs was analysed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Whole blood and serum samples of psoriatic patients treated with adalimumab constituted material for the study. Changes in the expression of TNF-α and its receptors were evaluated with the use of the RTqPCR method and MALDI ToF mass spectroscopy, PASI, BSA, DAS28 indexes were used for the clinical analysis of the patients, while the role of miRNA molecules was determined basing on microrna.org database. RESULTS: Different TNF-α expression patterns were determined in patients with observed resistance to the medicine. We found that there is a correlation between the molecular markers of an inflammatory process and the clinical indexes. The bioinformatic analysis indicates the potential role of miRNAs in the regulation of expression of the analysed genes. Changes in the profile of TNF-α during adalimumab therapy are significantly determined by the individual variability and susceptibility to the biological medicine or its loss. CONCLUSIONS: TNF-α seems to be a useful marker to evaluate the efficacy of therapy and occurring resistance to the medicine. A complex mechanism for the regulation of the analysed gene expression was underlined, which involved the potential role of miRNAs.

Comprehensive molecular and clinical analysis of adalimumab and etanercept therapeutic potential in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Adalimumab and etanercept are drugs used in anti-TNF therapy in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Despite the molecular targeting of these drugs, the loss of pharmacological response to treatment is observed in patients. The development of personalized medicine makes it possible to use not only clinical parameters of disease severity, but also molecular marker systems. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 expression in relation to parameters of disease severity (PASI, BSA, DAS28) in patients treated with adalimumab and etanercept. We have attempted to determine whether changes in the TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 expression profile may be a useful molecular marker of the therapeutic potential of anti-TNF drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 3 patients initially treated with adalimumab, followed by etanercept. The control group included 20 healthy volunteers. The expression profile of TNFR1 and TNFR2 was determined at the mRNA level, while TNF-α expression was evaluated at the transcriptome and proteome levels using the RT-qPCR method (transcriptional activity assay) and MALDI-TOF MS (protein level assessment). RESULTS: Depending on the drug, different expression profiles of the studied cytokines are observed. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data indicate that TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 may be useful markers of the efficacy of anti-TNF therapy, thus complementing clinical parameters.

The impact of diabetes and metabolic syndromes to the effectiveness of cyclosporine a pharmacotherapy in psoriatic patients.

Metabolic diseases concurrent with psoriasis may considerably affect the intensity of its symptoms and therapy efficacy. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is one of the medicines used in conventional therapy of psoriasis. The aim of the study was to determine whether Diabetes 2 and metabolic syndromes influence the efficacy of the CsA therapy in psoriatic patients. The sample group was composed of 32 patients with diagnosed moderate to severe forms of psoriasis vulgaris. The group was divided into subgroups, with regard to concurrently occurring Diabetes 2 and metabolic syndromes. The subgroups were composed of as follows: with diabetes-7 patients, without diabetes-25, with metabolic syndrome-15, without concurrent metabolic syndrome-17, with a metabolic syndrome without diabetes-8 and with both a metabolic syndrome and diabetes-7 patients. The efficacy of therapy was evaluated in each subgroup on the basis of the following scales: PASI, BSA, DLQI on the day of therapy commencing, after 42 and 84 days of the CsA therapy. The statistical analysis was performed with the use of STATISICA 12 (Cracow, Poland; p < .05). The following tests were used: The ANOVA Friedeman test, the posthoc test for ANOVA Friedeman test, the Mann-Whitney U test. We observed clinical improvement measured with PASI BSA scales in each subgroup. The patients themselves also reported improved comfort in their lives, which is confirmed by the lower score in the DLQI scale after 42 and 84 days of the pharmacotherapy. Differences in the values of each scale in a given subgroup turned to be statistically significant. The biggest differences occur after the first 42 days of therapy and they last in the later period of observations. We did not determine any statistically significant differences as a response to treatment in the subgroups subject to comparison. Diabetes and a metabolic syndrome concurrent with psoriasis vulgaris do not affect the efficacy of CsA therapy, which indicates no necessity to modify the standard dosage of the medicine and therapy regime.

The analysis of the therapeutic potential of ustekinumab in psoriasis vulgaris treatment.

The molecular mechanism of ustekinumab action involves an interruption of signaling pathways activated by IL-12/23. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of the anti-IL12/23 therapy in seven psoriatic patients by assessing changes in the values of psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), dermatology life quality index (DLQI), body surface area (BSA) indexes, and an analysis of changes in the mRNA expression profile of genes IL12A, IL12B, IL23A during three 40-week long observation periods. The clinical (PASI, DLQI, BSA indexes) and molecular (RTqPCR for IL12A, IL12B, IL23A) analyses were performed on the day of ustekinumab therapy initiation, 4 weeks post first administration, and every 12 weeks thereafter. The statistically significant differences were observed only during Stage I for values of PASI (p = 0.0134), DLQI (p = 0.01299), BSA (p = 0.0355). During the subsequent stages, we observed lower values of PASI, BSA indexes, which suggests that the lesions are less intensified than at the moment of the therapy commencing. The relationship between the selected genes was observed: IL23A>IL12A>IL12B. In conclusion, the aforementioned clinical and molecular analysis suggests the efficacy of ustekinumab therapy in patients with psoriasis vulgaris can be analyzed with the PASI, BSA, DLQI indexes, and changes in the expression of selected genes. The analysis of IL12A, IL12B, IL23A expression may serve as a valuable supplementation for the therapeutic methods currently used to evaluate the degree of disease progression and treatment efficacy.

Evaluation of expression pattern of selected genes associated with IL12/23 signaling paths in psoriatic patients during cyclosporine A therapy.

Molecular analysis is key to a better understanding of drug resistance during therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-IL12A, IL12B, IL23A, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in psoriatic patients during 84 days of treatment and TNF-α on the protein level. The study group consisted of 32 psoriatic patients during cyclosporine A therapy. The molecular analysis was made by using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain assay (RTqPCR) and MALDI ToF mass spectroscopy three times: after 0, 42, 84 days of treatment. Statistically significant differences (p < .05) in transcriptional activity were observed for genes: TNF-α (0 vs. 42nd days p = .006; 0 vs. 84th days p = .005), IL23A (0 vs. 42nd days p = .041), IFN-γ (0 vs. 42th days p = .040; 0 vs. 84th days p = .041), IL17 (0 vs. 42nd p = .000003 0 vs. 84th p = .001650), IL12A (0 vs. 42nd p = .0047 vs. 84th p = .0063). The expression of TNF-α was downregulated during therapy, IL23A was upregulated during CsA treatment, while the expression of IFN-γ and IL17 were higher after 42 days and lower after 84 days compared to 0 days of CsA treatment. It seems that TNF-α, IL12A, IL23A, IFN-γ, and IL17 can be useful complementary molecular markers to assess the efficacy of psoriasis treatment.

The influence of ustekinumab on expression of STAT1, STAT3, STAT4, SOCS2, and IL17 in patients with psoriasis and in a control.

The aim of this study was to assess changes in the expression of STAT1, STAT3, STAT4, SOCS2, and IL17 in psoriatic patients under ustekinumab treatment and in healthy volunteers. The study group consisted of 14 patients suffering from psoriasis vulgaris qualified for ustekinumab therapy (4 women, 10 men) The control group consisted of 14 healthy volunteers (7 women, 7 men), their whole blood was used as a material in this study. A quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain assay was used to amplify analyzed genes. To indicate the differences in expression of selected genes in the test and control groups, the Kruskal-Wallis and the post hoc Dunn's test was carried out. After 40 weeks of observation of the effectiveness of ustekinumab in patients with psoriasis, the expression of STAT1, STAT3, STAT4, IL17, and SOCS2 was silenced. Statistic differences in expression were observed for STAT3 (40 vs. 0 weeks, p < .05; 0 week vs. C, p < .05) and SOCS2 (0 week vs. C, p < .05). Patients with psoriasis vulgaris have higher levels of STAT1, STAT3, STAT4, SOCS2, and IL17 expression compared to healthy individuals. On the other hand, the treatment of ustekinumab lasting 40 weeks caused a decrease in the transcriptional activity of the analyzed genes.

Assessment of transcriptional activity genes associated with the IL-17 signaling pathway in skin fibroblasts under the influence of adalimumab.

It is believed that IL-17 is involved in the signaling pathways of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and mitogen-activated kinases (MAPKs). Adalimumab, a full anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody, was used for treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adalimumab on changes in the expression of genes associated with IL-17 signaling pathways in normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) culture. NHDFs treated with adalimumab at 2, 8, and 24 hr were compared with those of control. Microarray technique and PANTHER program were used to determine the expression of genes. The number of mRNA IDs differentiating the culture displayed on adalimumab in comparison with the control culture (-3.0 < FC > + 3.0) was as follows: H-2-32 mRNA ID, H-8-3 mRNA ID, H-2 and H-8-47 mRNA ID, H-8 and H-24-1 mRNA ID. Analysis by the PANTHER program indicated that adalimumab significantly affects the six signaling pathways and 19 biological processes associated with IL-17. The strongest changes in the expression profile concerned pathway genes associated with the chemokine and cytokine signaling pathway, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor pathway, and the CCKR signaling map.

Evaluation of changes in expression pattern of oxidative stress genes under the influence of adalimumab.

The psoriasis therapy consists of the inhibition of cytokines involved in inducing and development of this disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in the expression of genes related to the oxidative stress phenomenon in the culture of normal human dermal fibroblasts of Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF) exposed to adalimumab. NHDF culture was exposed to adalimumab for 2-, 8-, and 24-hr periods. The control consisted of the same cells not exposed to adalimumab. The oligonucleotide microarrays HG-U133A 2.0 were used to analyze the changes in gene expression in NHDF culture. Analysis showed that there are 3,881 ID mRNA involved in the induction and development of oxidative stress, the expression of which changes significantly due to the exposure of NHDF cells to adalimumab (p < .05) among 1,369 ID mRNA of them. These include genes associated with apoptosis, the p38 MAPK pathway and the PDGF pathway, and above all with pathways not yet classified. Studies have shown that two genes: NR4A2 and IL1RN, whose expression has changed the most, expressed as Fold Change (FC) seem to be the most promising molecular markers to monitor therapy and loss of cell sensitivity to treatment.

Psoriasis Treatment Changes the Expression Profile of Selected Caspases and their Regulatory MicroRNAs.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Psoriasis, an autoimmune diseases of the skin, characterized by patches of abnormal/inflammed skin, although not usually life-threatening, it causes severe discomfort, esthetic impairments, and may lead to impaired social functions and social withdrawal. Besides UV-phototherapy, various anti-inflammatory treatments are applied, depending on the severity of symptoms. In 2008, adalimumab (fully humanized human anti-TNF antibody) was launched for the treatment of psoriasis. In the quest to better understand the pathomechanism of adalimumab's therapeutic effects, and the acquired resistance to the drug, we have investigated how its administration affect the regulation of the expression of selected caspases, including those activated by inflammosome. METHODS: The research was initially carried out on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) treated with adalimumab for 2, 8 and 24 hours in vitro. Then, expression profile of genes encoding caspases and their regulatory micro-RNAs was determined with the use of oligonucleotide microarray. The validation of the microarray results was carried out by qRT-PCR. The in vitro study was followed by ex-vivo investigation of adalimumab's effects on the expression of caspase-6 in blood of the psoriatic patients. The samples were collected before, and 2 hours after adalimumab's administration and the analysis was determined by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: The result of the analysis indicated that introduction of adalimumab to the NHDF culture resulted in the change of the transcription activity of genes encoding caspases and genes encoding miRNAs. The analysis revealed 5 different miRNA molecules regulating the expression of: CASP2, CASP3 and CASP6. There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of gene encoding caspase-6 in the patients' blood before and 2 hours after the anti-TNF drug administration. CONCLUSION: We have found that adalimumab administration affects caspases expression, thus they may be used as molecular markers for monitoring the therapy with the use of an anti-TNF drugs, including adalimumab. It is likely that the mechanisms responsible for changed expression profiles of genes encoding caspase-2,-3, and -6, may be caused by the upregulation of the respective microRNA molecules. Increased expression of genes encoding specific caspases may induce inflammatory processes, as well as trigger apoptosis. Furthermore, the proapoptotic activity of caspases may be enhanced by miRNA molecules, which exhibit proapoptotic function. The overexpression of such miRNAs was observed in our study.

Effect of adalimumab on the expression of genes encoding TNF-α signal paths in skin fibroblasts in vitro.

INTRODUCTION: Tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) is one of the main cytokines participating in inflammation and immune response. Biological effects of the cytokine action, mediated by two receptors: TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B involve activation of many signal paths, thus change the transcription activity of many genes. The mechanism of action of an anti-TNF medicine consists in blocking TNF-α though preventing activation of signal paths. AIM: To single out mRNA and microRNA genes relating to TNF-α signal paths, the expression of which could indicate sensitivity of cells to the medicine in question. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material used in the research consisted in the cell line of regular human skin fibroblasts NHDF (CC-2511 Lonza, Basel, Switzerland) exposed to adalimumab with a concentration of 8.00 µg/ml of the medium for 2, 8 and 24 h, compared with the control material, i.e. non-stimulated cells. Molecular analysis was performed using the oligonucleotide expressive micro-matrices technology HG-U133A, miRNA 2.0 Array micro-matrices and RTqPCR. RESULTS: mRNA: BIRC5, MAP3K4, ZFAND5, JUN differentiate cells exposed to the anti-TNF medicine, regardless of the time of cell/medicine incubation. TNF-α transcription activity is reduced during exposure of NHDF cells to adalimumab. miRNA regulating transcription activity of the said 4 mRNA and miRNA related to TNF-α and its receptors was also singled out. CONCLUSIONS: It was ascertained that adalimumab has therapeutic potential and affects genes engaged in signal paths activated by TNF-α. The results indicate the TNF-α usefulness as the molecular, supplementary marker in diagnostics and control of treatment effects.

The correlation between serum E-selectin levels and soluble interleukin-2 receptors with relation to disease activity in localized scleroderma.

INTRODUCTION: Scleroderma is a chronic connective tissue disease resulting in fibrosis. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the connection between sE-selectin and sIL-2R and the severity of skin lesions in various subtypes of LoS. Evaluation of disease severity, the location of skin lesions, the duration of symptoms and disease activity were assessed in relation to the three different LoS subtypes in patients with localized scleroderma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 42 patients with localized scleroderma and the control group consisted of 41 healthy subjects. All patients in the LoS study group had a confirmed diagnosis via skin biopsy and underwent serology testing for sE-selectin and sIL-2R concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of sE-selectin and sIL-2R were observed in the LoS study group when compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The analysis showed a result close to statistical significance (p = 0.058) between sE-selectin concentration during the time of active disease in the LoS study group. The highest concentrations of sE-selectin and sIL-2R were observed in patients with the generalized subtype of LoS. A positive, statistically significant, curvilinear relationship was shown amid the modified Localized Skin Severity Index (mLoSSI) and sE-selectin and sIL-2R concentrations in the LoS study group. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of the circulating form of sE-selectin appear to be an adequate marker of the endothelial function, positively correlating with the severity of the disease. The proven correlation of sIL-2R concentrations with the severity of the disease indicates that it is a valuable prognostic factor for predicting the impending course of the disease.