The FADS mouse: A novel mouse model of atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a chronic allergic conjunctival disease. However, a mouse model of AKC to investigate the underlying mechanism of the therapeutic agents and estimate their efficacy has not been established. We recently generated mice in which Ikk2 is specifically deleted in facial skin fibroblasts and found that these mice spontaneously develop atopic dermatitis (AD)-like facial skin inflammation and scratching behaviors; thus, we named them facial AD with scratching (FADS) mice. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate whether the ocular lesions that FADS mice spontaneously develop are similar to those of patients with AKC and to estimate the efficacy of topical treatments with tacrolimus and betamethasone for FADS mice by using tear periostin, a novel biomarker for allergic conjunctival disease. METHODS: FADS mice, in which Ikk2 is deleted in dermal fibroblasts, were generated by crossing female Ikk2Flox/Flox mice to male Nestincre; Ikk2Flox/+ mice. We conducted histologic analysis of the ocular lesions in FADS mice. Furthermore, we measured periostin in the tears collected from FADS mice untreated or treated with tacrolimus or betamethasone. RESULTS: The FADS mice exhibited severe blepharitis and scratch behaviors for their faces. In these mice, corneal epithelium and stroma showed hyperplasia and infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells, and TH2/TC2 cells. Periostin was significantly expressed in the lesions and tear periostin was upregulated. Betamethasone showed more suppressive effects than did tacrolimus on severe corneal lesions and increased tear periostin level. CONCLUSIONS: The FADS mouse is a novel mouse model of AKC and is useful to examine the therapeutic effects of anti-AKC agents.

FLOTCH Syndrome: A Case of Leukonychia Totalis and Multiple Pilar Cysts.

FLOTCH (leukonychia totalis-trichilemmal cysts-ciliary dystrophy syndrome) syndrome is a rare genetic cutaneous disorder primarily characterized by multiple recurrent trichilemmal pilar cysts and leukonychia. It may be associated with ciliary dystrophy, koilonychia, and/or less frequently renal calculi and pancreatitis inherited in an autosomal-dominant fashion. We report the case of a 25-year-old Black woman who presented with white-colored fingernails and enlarging cysts in multiple locations including the scalp, rib cage, and forearm and was diagnosed with suspected FLOTCH syndrome. Pilar cysts in unusual locations along with distinct nail changes should prompt clinicians to consider further investigation for conditions such as FLOTCH syndrome.

Knockout of Mkp-1 exacerbates colitis in Il-10-deficient mice.

Il-10-deficient mice develop colitis associated with exaggerated Th1/Th17 responses and are a valuable model of inflammatory bowel disease. Mkp-1 is a major negative regulator of MAPKs, and its expression is enhanced by IL-10. To understand the role of Mkp-1 in the regulation of intestinal mucosal immune responses, we studied the effect of Mkp-1 deletion on the pathogenesis of colitis in Il-10(-/-) mice. We found that knockout of Mkp-1 on an Il-10(-/-) background accelerated the development of colitis. Compared with Il-10(-/-) mice, colitis not only appeared earlier but also was more severe in Il-10(-/-)/Mkp-1(-/-) mice. Il-10(-/-) mice exhibited a mild intestinal inflammation in the specific pathogen-free environment, and rectal prolapse rarely appeared before 6 mo of age. In contrast, the majority of Il-10(-/-)/Mkp-1(-/-) mice developed severe colitis rapidly and presented with rectal prolapse after only 2-3 mo. The colon of Il-10(-/-)/Mkp-1(-/-) mice showed diffuse transmural chronic inflammation and mucosal hyperplasia, with significantly more proliferating crypt epithelial cells than those of Il-10(-/-) mice. In addition to the severe colitis, Il-10(-/-)/Mkp-1(-/-) mice also developed conjunctivitis and blepharitis. The colon of Il-10(-/-)/Mkp-1(-/-) mice contained significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines and exhibited greater MAPK activities than did the colon of Il-10(-/-) mice. Splenocytes and lymphocytes from Il-10(-/-)/Mkp-1(-/-) mice produced higher levels of Th1 cytokines ex vivo upon activation than did cells from Il-10(-/-) mice. Our studies support a pivotal role of Mkp-1 as a negative regulator of mucosal immune responses and highlight its protective function against inflammatory bowel disease.

Loss of MLL5 results in pleiotropic hematopoietic defects, reduced neutrophil immune function, and extreme sensitivity to DNA demethylation.

MLL5 is a divergent member of the Drosophila Trithorax-related (SET) domain and plant homeodomain (PHD) domain-containing chromatin regulators that are involved in the regulation of transcriptional "memory" during differentiation. Human MLL5 is located on chromosome 7q22, which frequently is deleted in myeloid leukemias, suggesting a possible role in hemopoiesis. To address this question, we generated a loss-of-function allele (Mll5(tm1Apa)) in the murine Mll5 locus. Unlike other Mll genes, Mll5(tm1Apa) homozygous mice are viable but display defects in immunity and hematopoiesis. First, Mll5(tm1Apa) homozygous mice show increased susceptibility to spontaneous eye infections, associated with a cell-autonomous impairment of neutrophil function. Second, Mll5(tm1Apa/tm1Apa) mice exhibit a mild impairment of erythropoiesis. Third, Mll5(tm1Apa/tm1Apa) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have impaired competitive repopulating capacity both under normal conditions and when subjected to self-renewal stimulation by NUP98-HOXA10. Fourth, Mll5(tm1Apa) homozygous HSCs show a dramatic sensitivity to DNA demethylation-induced differentiation (5-azadeoxycytidine). Taken together, our data show that MLL5 is involved in terminal myeloid differentiation and the regulation of HSC self-renewal by a mechanism that involves DNA methylation. These data warrant investigation of MLL5 expression levels as a predictive marker of demethylating-agent response in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemias and identify MLL5 as a key regulator of normal hematopoiesis.

Leukonychia totalis associated with multiple pilar cysts: report of a five-generation family: FLOTCH syndrome?

The association of familial totalis leukonychia with multiple pilar cysts is a rare condition that could represent a separate syndromic entity. Since Bauer described a family with totalis leukonychia and sebaceous cysts in 1920, only four new affected families have been reported. We report a five-generation family with a total leukonychia and multiple pilar cysts on the scalp. The hypothesis of a deficiency of a gene regulating the structure of keratin has been postulated but the exact genetic mechanism has not been yet determined. In our family, no other keratinizing structures were involved.

Randomized double-masked trial of eyelid cleansing treatments for blepharitis.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of a dedicated eyelid cleanser and diluted baby shampoo in the management of blepharitis. METHODS: Forty-three participants with clinical blepharitis signs were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-masked, paired-eye trial. A dedicated eyelid cleanser (TheraTears® SteriLid®) was applied to the eyelids of one eye (randomized) and diluted baby shampoo (Johnson's® No More Tears®) to the fellow eye, twice daily for 4 weeks. Tear film parameters, ocular surface characteristics, symptomology and cytology markers were assessed at baseline and day 28. RESULTS: Baseline measurements did not differ between treatments (all p > 0.05). The eyelid cleanser was preferred over baby shampoo by the majority of participants (p < 0.001). Improvements in the tear lipid layer, inferior lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE), cylindrical collarettes, and MMP-9 expression were limited to the dedicated eyelid cleanser (all p < 0.05), and a greater decrease in SANDE symptoms score was also observed (p = 0.04). Meibomian gland capping and MUC5AC expression worsened with baby shampoo treatment (both p < 0.05). SPEED symptoms score, superior LWE, seborrhoeic lash crusting, and trichiasis decreased significantly following application of both treatments (all p < 0.05), but did not differ between treatments (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinical improvements in blepharitis occurred with both treatments. However, only the dedicated eyelid cleanser proved effective in reducing ocular surface inflammation, and was the preferred therapy. Long term impact of decreased goblet cell function secondary to baby shampoo treatment requires further exploration.

Effects of azithromycin on gene expression profiles of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators in the eyelid margin and conjunctiva of patients with meibomian gland disease.

IMPORTANCE: Topical application of azithromycin suppresses expression of proinflammatory mediators while restoring transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) levels as evaluated by eyelid margin and conjunctival impression cytology. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of azithromycin therapy on expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators in meibomian gland disease (MGD). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Case-control study performed in a clinic setting from August 17, 2010, to December 31, 2010. Sixteen patients with posterior blepharitis and conjunctival inflammation due to MGD were treated with azithromycin, 1%, drops for 4 weeks. Impression cytology of the lower eyelid margin and tarsal conjunctiva to measure cytokine expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction as well as tear collection to measure matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activity were performed once in 8 asymptomatic healthy control participants and 5 times in the 16 symptomatic patients (every 2 weeks for 8 weeks), before, during, and after azithromycin treatment. EXPOSURE: Azithromycin, 1%, drops for 4 weeks. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Cytokine expression in the eyelid margin and conjunctiva, and MMP-9 activity in tears. RESULTS: Compared with a 1-time measurement of 8 healthy participants, among 16 symptomatic patients, the mean (SD; 95% CI) fold change of expression of proinflammatory mediators interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), IL-8, and MMP-9 increased to 13.26 (4.33; 11.14-15.38; P < .001), 9.38 (3.37; 7.73-11.03; P < .001), and 13.49 (4.92; 11.08-15.90; P < .001), respectively, in conjunctival cells and to 11.75 (3.96; 9.81-13.69; P < .001), 9.31 (3.28; 7.70-10.92; P < .001), and 11.52 (3.50; 9.81-13.24; P < .001), respectively, in the eyelid margin of patients with MGD. In contrast, the mean (SD; 96% CI) fold change of expression of TGF-ß1 messenger RNA (mRNA) decreased to 0.58 (0.25; 0.46-0.70; P = .02) and 0.63 (0.14; 0.56-0.70; P = .02) in conjunctival and eyelid margin cells, respectively, of patients with MGD. Azithromycin, 1%, caused a change in the expression pattern of these mediators toward normal levels during 4 weeks of treatment. Levels of IL-1ß, IL-8, and MMP-9 mRNA remained suppressed, although they rebounded toward pretreatment values 4 weeks after azithromycin withdrawal. Expression of TGF-ß1 increased during treatment and remained at levels similar to the healthy controls after drug withdrawal. Change in tear MMP-9 activity was similar to the pattern of MMP-9 transcripts. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: While the study did not control for potential confounding factors over time independent of the intervention that may have contributed to the results, topical azithromycin suppressed expression of proinflammatory mediators and increased expression of TGF-ß1 to normal levels. Increased TGF-ß1 expression may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of azithromycin in MGD.

Genetic background determines the nature of immune responses and experimental immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis (EC).

PURPOSE: Experimental immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis (EC) was induced in Lewis rats by immunization with ovalbumin (OVA) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3]. To investigate the affect of genetic factors on the susceptibility of EC, we tested different strains of rats for the development of EC. METHODS: Lewis and Brown Norway (BN) rats were immunized once with 100 microg of OVA in CFA or Al(OH)3. Three weeks later they were challenged with OVA in eye drops; 24 hours after the challenge they were sacrificed and their eyes, blood, and lymph nodes were harvested for histological studies, measurement of OVA-specific antibodies (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgE), and proliferation or cytokine assay, respectively. ELISA was used to detect OVA-specific IgG; passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was used for detecting IgE. RESULTS: EC, OVA-specific IgG, and cellular immunity were induced in Lewis rats by using either adjuvant, whereas IgE was not produced by either adjuvant. In contrast, IgE was produced in BN rats using either adjuvant, whereas cellular immunity was evoked only when CFA was used. Less cellular infiltration as well as cellular proliferation was detected in BN rats immunized with Al(OH)3. In both strains, Al(OH)3 induced a higher IgG1/IgG2a ratio than did CFA. More interferon-gamma by stimulation with OVA was noted in Lewis rats compared to BN rats, whereas interleukin-4 was detected only in BN rats. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of EC evaluated by cellular infiltration was dependent on OVA-specific cellular immunity. Genetic background is more important than adjuvants in determining the nature of EC and immunity.

[Psoriasis and hypogonadism in chronic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis. A case report]. / Psoriasis und Hypogonadismus bei chronischer Blepharokeratokonjunktivitis. Ein Fallbericht.

BACKGROUND: Ocular symptoms occur in approximately 10% of patients with psoriasis vulgaris. PATIENT: We report the clinical course of a 35-year-old male patient with obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction, keratoconjunctivitis and reduced reflex secretion of both eyes. Psoriasis vulgaris and hypothalamic hypogonadism were also present. Genetic testing (cytogenetic and DNA analysis) was performed because of additional facial dysmorphia, brachydactylia and obesity. No chromosomal anomaly was found and no genetic syndrome has yet been diagnosed. The therapeutic regimen included preservative-free artificial tears, occlusion of the puncta and a systemic dose of doxycycline. Dermatological symptoms were treated topically and the hypogonadism was treated with intramuscular injections of testosterone. CONCLUSION: Lacrimal and meibomian glands are influenced by androgens. Therefore hormonal dysfunction can also have contributed to the blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in this patient.

STAT6-mediated keratitis and blepharitis: a novel murine model of ocular atopic dermatitis.

PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory disease that can affect the eye, resulting in ocular pathologies, including blepharitis, keratitis, and uveitis; however, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the ocular manifestations of AD are not well understood. METHODS: In the present study, we characterized the ocular pathologies that develop in the Stat6VT mouse model of AD. We examined the cytokine profile of the eyelid lesions, measured the behavioral response, and documented the treatment response to topical steroids. RESULTS: Our results show that Stat6VT mice spontaneously developed blepharitis, keratitis, and uveitis similar to that observed in patients with AD. Histologic findings of allergic inflammation in affected eyelids in this model include the presence of a lymphocyte-predominant infiltrate and tissue eosinophilia in the dermis. Gene expression analysis of affected eyelid tissue by quantitative PCR revealed increased amounts of mRNAs for the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. In addition, increased eyelid scratching was seen in Stat6VT mice with blepharitis. Topical treatment with the corticosteroid clobetasol reduced eyelid inflammation, tissue eosinophilia, and Th2 cytokine expression. CONCLUSIONS: The development of AD-like ocular pathologies in this model supports the idea that in humans, AD-associated disease of the eye may be driven by Th2-mediated inflammation and demonstrates that the Stat6VT mouse may be a useful system in which to further investigate pathogenesis of and treatment strategies for blepharitis and other ocular diseases that develop in association with AD.

Distinct ocular expression in infants and children with Down syndrome in Cairo, Egypt: myopia and heart disease.

IMPORTANCE: The study establishes the importance of genetic background for the expression of Down syndrome phenotype. OBJECTIVE: To define the ocular manifestations of Down syndrome in infants and children in Cairo, Egypt, a historically isolated region, and compare them with systemic features and with findings in other geographic groups. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: We prospectively studied the ocular status and systemic features of 90 infants and children with Down syndrome and monitored all patients for 3 years. The complete ophthalmic examinations were performed along with ultrasonography, if media opacities were evident. Thyroid and cardiac status were assessed. An extensive literature search for comparison was performed. SETTING: Outpatient clinical genetics department at the National Research Centre in Cairo, Egypt. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Ocular and systemic manifestations of Down syndrome in infants and children in Cairo, and comparison of these features with patients with this anomaly from other geographic regions and ethnic populations. RESULTS: Fifty-two infants or children (58%) had at least 1 abnormal ocular finding identified at the first visit. Significant refractive errors (in 37 [41%] patients) were the most common. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction, blepharoconjuctivitis, or conjunctivitis was found in 18 (20%), strabismus in 13 (14%), cataract in 5 (6%), nystagmus in 3 (3%), and optic nerve dysplasia in 2 (2%). Brushfield spots were not found. Additional ocular features developed over time. Thirty-six patients (40%) had congenital heart defects, and many (31 [86%]) had associated ocular disorders; a statistically significant correlation with myopia was established. Chromosomal translocations were high. The phenotype in Cairo was distinct. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: More than half of infants and children with Down syndrome in Cairo had ophthalmic abnormalities; myopia was correlated with congenital heart defects. Comparison of the specific ocular features in our population with those in previous worldwide studies shows differences that may be related to overexpression or polymorphisms of key, modifying genes or other mutations in this historically isolated region along the Nile River. Down syndrome is more common in the highly consanguineous and multiparous Middle Eastern populations, and our Cairo findings underscore regional differences.

IL-4 is a critical determinant in the generation of allergic inflammation initiated by a constitutively active Stat6.

IL-4 is required for the pathogenesis of atopic diseases and immune regulation. Stat6 is critical for IL-4-induced gene expression and Th cell differentiation. Recently, we have generated mice expressing a mutant Stat6 (Stat6VT) under control of the CD2 locus control region that is transcriptionally active independent of IL-4 stimulation. To determine whether active Stat6 in T cells is sufficient to alter immune regulation in vivo, we mated Stat6VT transgenic mice to IL-4-deficient mice. Stat6VT expression in IL-4-deficient lymphocytes was sufficient to alter lymphocyte homeostasis and promote Th2 differentiation in vitro. HyperTh2 levels in Stat6 transgenic mice correlated with an atopic phenotype that manifested as blepharitis and pulmonary inflammation with a high level of eosinophilic infiltration. In the absence of endogenous IL-4, Stat6VT transgenic mice were protected from allergic inflammation. Thus, in mice with hyperTh2 immune responses in vivo, IL-4 is a critical effector cytokine.

Genetic background determines susceptibility to experimental immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis: comparison of Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice.

Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice have been reported to be biased towards Th2 and Th1 immune responses, respectively. We investigated which strain is more susceptible to the development of experimental immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis (EC), which is predominantly mediated by Th2 immune responses. EC was induced by three different methods in Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice using ragweed (RW) as the antigen. The mice were thus either actively immunized with RW, passively immunized by transfer of RW-primed T cells, or passively immunized by transfer of RW-specific IgE, followed by RW challenge in eye drops. Twenty-four hours after the challenge, conjunctivas, sera and spleens were harvested for histological analysis, measurement of serum IgE and assessment of cellular immune responses, respectively. The responses of the Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice were compared. In addition, to assess the involvement of IFN-gamma in the development of EC in the two strains, IFN-gamma knockout (GKO) mice of the two strains were actively immunized and evaluated as above. Regardless of the method of induction, EC, as determined by the degree of eosinophil infiltration into the conjunctiva, was more severe in Balb/c mice than in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, more IgE was produced by actively immunized Balb/c mice than C57BL/6 mice and RW-primed splenocytes from Balb/c mice produced more IL-4 but less IFN-gamma than those from C57BL/6 mice. EC could be induced in the GKO mice of both strains. However, when their EC was compared to that in WT mice, significantly less infiltration of eosinophils was noted in the Balb/c GKO mice. Taken together, Balb/c mice are more susceptible to EC than C57BL/6 mice and this higher susceptibility might be related to the Th2 immune response bias of Balb/c mice. Furthermore, the involvement of endogenous IFN-gamma in the development of EC in these two strains differs.

Ocular involvement in two symptomatic congenital erythropoietic porphyria.

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (Gunther disease, CEP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of haeme biosynthesis. It is characterized by extreme photosensitivity and the excretion of large amounts of uroporphyrin I and coproporphyrin I in the urine and coproporphyrin I in the faeces. We have diagnosed two cases of congenital erythropoietic porphyria, who were first cousins once removed. They had recurrent skin bullae, scarring on the face and hands, hirsutism, discoloured fluorescent teeth, red urine, increased haemolysis and grossly increased excretion of porphyrin. Both children had blepharitis and their sclera gave pink fluorescence under long wave ultraviolet light, mainly in the interpalpebral fissures. All the features of our two patients, except the ocular lesions, conformed to cases of CEP reported in the literature. We have encountered no other reports on ocular lesions in CEP since first described by Chumbley in 1977.

Chronic blepharitis and pyoderma of the scalp: an immune deficiency state in a father and son with hypercupremia and decreased intracellular killing.

An immune deficiency state is proposed as the cause of a disorder affecting a father and son with chronic dermatitis, purulent blepharitis with corneal ulceration, and scarring pyodermatous alopecia of the scalp. The results of immunologic investigation revealed abnormal neutrophil function with a variable decrease in intracellular killing, decreased lymphocyte transformation, increased serum IgG and IgE, and elevated serum copper levels. These findings will be compared with previously described immune deficiency disorders.

The masked rat. An X-ray induced mutant with chronic blepharitis, alopecia, and pasteurellosis.

An autosomal recessive mutation had been previously X-ray-induced in the rat and named the masked rat (genotype mk/mk). This study describes the mutant's appearance, histology, and microflora. The rat's eyelids were swollen, often to the point of closure, and its face was partially covered by a brownish crust, giving the mutant a mask-like appearance. The chronic blepharitis was also accompanied by alopecia that appeared as bare patches across the mutant's back. Pasteurella pneumotropica was found in eyelids and on skin from all masked rats. The normal rat demonstrated a resistance to Pasteurella pneumotropica infection, or, conversely, the masked rat appeared to be genetically predisposed to pasteurellosis.

Comparison of genetic susceptibility to experimental allergic/immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis between Lewis and Fischer rats.

BACKGROUND: Fischer rats were less susceptible to experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) than Lewis rats, although both strains have the same MHC molecules. The purpose of this study was to compare the susceptibility of experimental allergic/immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis (EAC) between these two strains. METHODS: Male Lewis and Fischer rats were immunized with either ovalbumin (OVA) or OVA peptide (OVA323-339) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Three weeks later, they were challenged with OVA by eye drops. Twenty-four hours later, after clinical evaluation, they were killed and eyes, blood and lymph nodes were harvested for histology, antibody titer and proliferation assay, cytokine production or flow cytometric analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Fischer rats developed mild EAC compared with Lewis rats. Cellular proliferative responses, IFN-gamma production of culture supernatant and serum IgG specific for OVA were basically the same between the two strains. The same OVA peptides were selected as immunodominant. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated the same cellular profile of lymph node cells in the two strains. CONCLUSION: EAC in Fischer rats was milder than that in Lewis rats, although no apparent differences in immunological parameters between these two strains were detected. These data suggest that factors unrelated to immunological parameters may depend on the susceptibility of EAC.

Pyoderma eczema and folliculitis with defective leucocyte and lymphocyte function: a new familial immunodeficiency disease responsive to a histamine-1 antagonist.

A new familial immunodeficiency disease characterised by recurrent and persistent pyoderma, folliculitis, and atopic dermatitis is described in a father and son. It is accompanied by abnormalities of lymphocyte function (including defective proliferative responses to phytomitogens, and subnormal response in immunoglobulin production after stimulation of the lymphocytes by pokeweed mitogen) and defective leucocyte chemiluminescence responses, which were associated with defective ability for intracellular killing of microbial organisms. The abnormalities of lymphocyte and leucocyte function, as well as the clinical manifestations, responded dramatically to treatment with the histamine-1 antagonist, chlorpheniramine, suggesting that the underlying defect in this disease may relate to defective histamine metabolism or abnormal expression of histamine receptors on lymphocytes and leucocytes.