Biomarkers of Inflammation in Obesity-Psoriatic Patients.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory multisystemic disease with a complex pathogenesis consisting of genetic, immunological, and environmental components. It is associated with a number of comorbidities, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and myocardial infarction. In addition, the severity of psoriasis seems to be related to the severity of obesity. Patients with higher levels of obesity show poorer response to systemic treatments of psoriasis. Several studies have demonstrated that white adipose tissue is a crucial site of the formation of proinflammatory adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin and classical cytokines such as interleukin- (IL-) 6 and tumour necrosis factor-α. In psoriasis, due to the proliferation of Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells, IL-22, among others, is produced in addition to the abovementioned cytokines. With respect to leptin and resistin, both of these adipokines are present in high levels in obese persons with psoriasis. Further, the plasma levels of leptin and resistin are related to the severity of psoriasis. These results strongly suggest that obesity, through proinflammatory pathways, is a predisposing factor to the development of psoriasis and that obesity aggravates existing psoriasis. Different inflammatory biomarkers link psoriasis and obesity. In this paper, the most important ones are described.

Dermatologists happiness and satisfaction / Estudio sobre la satisfacción laboral y la felicidad en médicos dermatólogos.

Objective: To assess the level of happiness and satisfaction in the life and medical practice of dermatologists in Mexico. Method: A descriptive study (online survey) was conducted focused on practicing dermatologists in our country. Questions included demographic characteristics, the Pemberton happiness index (with local validation) and questions that assessed the degree of personal satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were used to obtain the central tendency and dispersion. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were performed; to compare categorical variables, contingency tables for chi-square test were used and when comparing quantitative variables with normal distribution, Student's t t-test was used. Results: 219 surveys were included, 72.6% female and 27.4% male, with an average age of 45.6 and an average of 16 years of medical practice. Most of them (64.8%) graduate from Mexico City; 93% were very satisfied with the specialty and 98.6% of them would choose the same once again, the most important reason is to encompass medical and surgical areas. The level of happiness by using the Pemberton scale was "high" (mode: 9.11; standard deviation: 1.73). Conclusions: This first study in Latin America on this subject in dermatologists showed high levels of satisfaction and happiness in both professional and personal areas.

Objetivo: Conocer la felicidad y la satisfacción laboral de los dermatólogos en México. Método: Estudio descriptivo, mediante encuesta en línea dirigida a dermatólogos especialistas, graduados y con ejercicio en México. Se incluyeron elementos demográficos, el Índice de Felicidad de Pemberton (con validación local) y preguntas para evaluar la satisfacción personal. Se realizaron medidas de tendencia central y dispersión; para comparar las variables categóricas, se utilizaron tablas de contingencia para ji al cuadrado, y al comparar variables cuantitativas con distribución normal se utilizó la prueba t de Student. Resultados: Se incluyeron 219 encuestados, el 72.6% mujeres y el 27.4% hombres, con una media de edad de 45.6 años y un promedio de 16 años de ejercicio profesional. La mayoría (64.8%) eran egresados de la Ciudad de México y el 75.3% estaban muy satisfechos con su escuela de formación. Un 93% se manifestó muy satisfecho con su especialidad y el 98.6% volvería a escogerla; el mayor motivo sería abarcar ámbitos médicos y quirúrgicos. El grado de felicidad según el Índice de Pemberton fue «alto¼ (media: 9.11; desviación estándar: 1.73). Conclusión: Este primer estudio en América Latina sobre este aspecto en dermatólogos, muestra unos altos índices de satisfacción y felicidad, tanto en el área profesional como en la personal.

Update of phylogenetic and genetic diversity of Sporothrix schenckii sensu lato.

Sporothrix schenckii sensu lato causes subcutaneous mycosis. In this article we analysed its phylogeny and genetic diversity using calmodulin DNA sequences deposited in GenBank database. Population genetics indices were calculated, plus phylogenetic and haplotype network trees were built. Five clades with high values of posterior probability, 47 haplotypes and high diversity in the complex were found. Analysis of partial calmodulin sequences alignment revealed conserved and polymorphic regions that could be used as reference for taxonomic identification. The use of population genetics analysis allowed understanding the phylogenetic proximity of S. schenckii s. str. and S. brasiliensis; scarce genetic flow among them with low migration index and high ancestry coefficient was found. Similarly, S. globosa, S. mexicana and S. pallida sequences showed highly differentiated species with no genetic exchange. The phylogenetic tree suggests that S. mexicana shared a common ancestor with S. pallida; while S. globosa and S. brasiliensis are more related to S. schenckii s. str. and showed less haplotype diversity and restrictions in geographic distribution. In the haplotype network tree S. schenckii s. str. species displayed worldwide distribution without dispersion centres; while S. brasiliensis and S. globosa, exhibited Brazil and Euro-Asia as dispersion centres, respectively. Our data suggest that S. schenckii complex has been submitted to a divergent evolution process, probably due to the pressure of the environment and of the host. In contrast, S. brasiliensis could have been submitted to purifying selection or expansion process.

[Presence of lactoferrin (LF) in lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. Yeast-bound antimicrobial peptide]. / Presencia de lactoferrina (LF) en la esporotricosis linfocutánea. Péptido antimicrobiano unido a levaduras.

Sporotrichosis is a common subcutaneous mycosis in Latin America, produced by dimorphic fungi belong to Sporothrix schenckii complex of cryptic species. Infection is acquired by traumatic inoculation with contaminated organic material. Host immune response includes polymorphonuclear neutrophils chemotaxis and release of granular components. Lactoferrin is a protein member of the transferrin family of iron-binding proteins, present inside polymorphonuclear granular structure, and has been reported to affect growth and development of infectious agents, including fungal organisms. Nevertheless, lactoferrin expression in sporotrichosis infections has not been reported yet. OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of lactoferrin using immunohistochemical staining in sporotrichosis human infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The dermatology department's files during a period of five years were reviewed; cases with a diagnosis of sporotrichosis were selected and lactoferrin immunostaining was performed when enough biological material was available. RESULTS: Three cases with a diagnosis of sporotrichosis and adequate biological material on paraffin block were identified. In all cases, lactoferrin immunostaining was positive around yeast cell.

Morphological findings of deep cutaneous fungal infections.

Cutaneous fungal infections used to be rare in most developed countries. However, they have become more common due to immunosuppression and globalization. In this report, we summarize the histopathologic findings of the main cutaneous fungal infections that are commonly seen in daily practice, including eumycetoma, sporotrichosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, coccidioidomycosis, aspergillosis, zygomycosis, phaeohyphomycosis, alternariosis, blastomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, lobomycosis, and chromoblastomycosis. We also include protothecosis (despite the fact that the infectious agent of this disease is algal and not fungal) and rhinosporidiosis (despite being caused by mesomycetozoea, which are not fungi).

Candida species isolation in peristomal skin in patients with abdominal stomas and correlation to clinical signs: a descriptive pilot study.

The reported prevalence of candidiasis in peristomal skin varies greatly. Very few studies exist that correlate the clinical findings around the peristomal skin to the mycology. In this study, the authors report on Candida species prevalence, clinical correlation, and mycology.

[Vaginal colonization by Candida spp. Frequency and description of the species isolated in asymptomatic women]. / Colonización vaginal por Candida spp. Frecuencia y descripción de las especies aisladas en mujeres asintomáticas.

BACKGROUND: During reproductive age 75% of women experience at least one episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis, approximately 6% to 55% of healthy women are asymptomatic carriers. In Mexico there are no current data of the frequency of vaginal colonization by Candida in the general population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of the colonization by Candida species in asymptomatic women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, open, observational, prospective, cross sectional study was carried out in adult women attending the cervical cytology department at Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González in Mexico City. The study was conducted from January to May 2013. RESULTS: There were a total of 150 samples of asymptomatic women between 15 and 77 years (mean 43 years). We obtained positive culture for Candida in 19 samples (12.6 %). 47% of the species corresponded to C. albicans, however, it was isolated other species such as C. krusei in 26%, C. glabrata (21%) and C. tropicalis by 15%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are consistent with data reported in the literature. It is relevant the isolation of non-albicans Candida species. These findings may be caused by an increase of inappropriate therapies.

[Atypical microbacteriosis: a report of two cases and review of the literature]. / Lipotransferencia complicada con micobacteriosis atípicas. Reporte de dos casos y revisión de la literatura.

Lipotransference is a technique that has evolved within the aesthetic and reconstructive surgery area to change body shape in the individual. However, it has been associated occasionally with infections of varying degrees of morbidity and mortality. We report two cases of patients who underwent abdominal and waist area lipotransference to buttocks, and who developed postoperative infection. Using polymerase chain reaction of DNA extracted from a tissue sample and from a culture, with subsequent sequencing, Mycobacterium chelonae and M. massiliense were identified as causative agents.

Borderline tuberculoid leprosy mimicking mycosis fungoides.

A 65-year-old unemployed man, originally from Michoacán and currently living in Toluca, state of Mexico, presented for medical consultation for disseminated dermatosis in all body segments. The condition was limited to the head and neck, was bilateral and symmetrical, and was characterized by infiltrated and confluent erythematous-edematous plates of diverse diameter covering 90% of the upper and lower extremities (Figure 1). The ailment had 2 years' evolution and a progressive course. The patient was diagnosed in private practice as having atopic dermatitis. After exacerbation of symptoms, he was treated with deflazacort and hydroxychloroquine with no improvement. Results from lesion biopsies revealed sarcoidal granulomas and the patient was therefore referred to the dermatology department at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán for further study and treatment with the presumptive diagnosis of mycosis fungoides vs sarcoidosis.

Keratinocyte Response to Infection with Sporothrix schenckii.

Sporotrichosis is a subacute, or chronic mycosis caused by traumatic inoculation of material contaminated with the fungus Sporothrix schenckii which is part of the Sporothrix spp. complex. The infection is limited to the skin, although its progression to more severe systemic or disseminated forms remains possible. Skin is the tissue that comes into contact with Sporothrix first, and the role of various cell lines has been described with regard to infection control. However, there is little information on the response of keratinocytes. In this study, we used the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and evaluated different aspects of infection from modifications in the cytoskeleton to the expression of molecules of the innate response during infection with conidia and yeast cells of Sporothrix schenckii. We found that during infection with both phases of the fungus, alterations of the actin cytoskeleton, formation of membrane protuberances, and loss of stress fibers were induced. We also observed an overexpression of the surface receptors MR, TLR6, CR3 and TLR2. Cytokine analysis showed that both phases of the fungus induced the production of elevated levels of the chemokines MCP-1 and IL-8, and proinflammatory cytokines IFN-α, IFN-γ and IL-6. In contrast, TNF-α production was significant only with conidial infection. In late post-infection, cytokine production was observed with immunoregulatory activity, IL-10, and growth factors, G-CSF and GM-CSF. In conclusion, infection of keratinocytes with conidia and yeast cells of Sporothrix schenckii induces an inflammatory response and rearrangements of the cytoskeleton.

International registry of dermatological manifestations secondary to COVID-19 infection in 347 Hispanic patients from 25 countries.

BACKGROUND: The infection by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with multiple cutaneous manifestations, although characterization of them in Hispanic patients with darker skin phototypes is lacking. The objective of this study is to characterize the clinical dermatological manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection in cases with few or without general symptoms in patients from Latin America. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that was made for health professionals (physicians with a specialty in dermatology) to investigate dermatological lesions associated with COVID-19 infection in patients from 25 countries of Latin America. The survey was active from June 9 to July 30, 2020. RESULTS: In this study, information was collected from a total of 347 patients. We found a female gender predominance: 179/347 (51.6%). The mean age at presentation was 40.87 years. The most frequent dermatological manifestations were maculopapular rash and urticarial lesions, followed by papulovesicular lesions, vesicular lesions, chilblain-like lesions, papular lesions, ecchymosis, petechial purpura, pityriasis rosea-like lesions, pruritus, palmoplantar dysesthesias, transient livedo, acral necrosis, palpable purpura, livedo racemosa, and retiform purpura. As far as we know, there are no previous reports of pruritus and palmoplantar dysesthesias. CONCLUSIONS: This registry emphasizes skin manifestations as an important criterion for establishing the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in Latin American countries. This information will be useful for the early identification of suspected cases by health professionals (dermatologists and nondermatologists) and will allow contact tracing to mitigate the impact on health systems at different levels.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) are melanocytic lesions secondary to the abnormal migration of melanoblasts during the embryogenesis, affecting approximately one in 20,000 live births. They are usually present since birth and are distinguished by changing their morphological characteristics within time, and increasing their size parallel to the growth of the child, reaching a diameter ≥ 20 cm in adulthood. The importance of the GCMN lies in the complications associated to them; mainly the development of melanoma or neurocutaneous melanosis, in addition to the psychological or social impact that generates in most of the cases. Therefore, individuals with GCMN will require a multidisciplinary long-term follow-up. Currently, the management of children with GCMN is still controversial since there is no treatment of choice. Consequently, the treatment must be individualized according to the characteristics of the nevus and the specific needs of each patient.

Los nevos melanocíticos congénitos gigantes (NMCG) son lesiones melanocíticas secundarias a la migración anormal de los melanoblastos durante la embriogénesis. Afectan aproximadamente a 1 de cada 20,000 nacidos vivos y suelen estar presentes desde el nacimiento. Estas lesiones se distinguen porque cambian sus características morfológicas con el tiempo y aumentan su tamaño de forma paralela al crecimiento del niño, alcanzando un diámetro ≥ 20 cm en la edad adulta. La importancia de los NMCG radica en las complicaciones a las que se encuentran asociados, principalmente al desarrollo de melanoma o melanosis neurocutánea, además del impacto psicológico y social que generan en la mayoría de los casos, por lo que quienes los padecen requerirán de un seguimiento multidisciplinario a largo plazo. Actualmente, el manejo de los niños con NMCG continúa siendo controversial, ya que no existe un tratamiento de elección, por lo que este deberá ser individualizado de acuerdo con las características del nevo y las necesidades específicas de cada paciente.

The importance of diagnostic imaging of mycetoma in the foot.

BACKGROUND: Mycetoma is a chronic, localized infection caused by fungi and bacteria. It usually affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bone of exposed areas with deformity of the affected limb, ulcers, and fistula; however, pain is not severe, therefore the patient comes late to hospital for care. OBJECTIVE: To establish the diagnosis of mycetoma in the foot by imaging and identify the principal radiological signs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with foot mycetoma were evaluated with plain x-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance (MR) after confirming the diagnosis by histopathology and culture. RESULTS: All patients presented the MR "dot-in-circle" sign; four presented "punched out" bone lesions on plain x-ray. The six patients had fistulas, ulceration, a seropurulent exudate, edema, and a foot deformity. Four patients had N. brasiliensis infection with positive anti-Nocardia IgG antibodies, and only half presented bone lesions. CONCLUSION: Characteristic findings were foot deformity, edema, bone lesions, ulcers, fistulas and the presence of the "dot-in-circle" sign. We recommend a comprehensive study of patients with plain x-ray and MR.

Biofilms and vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Candida species, including C. albicans, are part of the mucosal flora of most healthy women, and inhabit the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Under favourable conditions, they can colonize the vulvovaginal mucosa, giving rise to symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The mechanism by which Candida spp. produces inflammation is unknown. Both, the blastoconidia and the pseudohyphae are capable of destroying the vaginal epithelium by direct invasion. Although the symptoms are not always related to the fungal burden, in general, VVC is associated with a greater number of yeasts and pseudohyphae. Some years ago, C. albicans was the species most frequently involved in the different forms of VVC. However, infections by different species have emerged during the last two decades producing an increase in causative species of VVC such as C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei and C. tropicalis. Candida species are pathogenic organisms that have two forms of development: planktonic and biofilm. A biofilm is defined as a community of microorganisms attached to a surface and encompassed by an extracellular matrix. This form of presentation gives microorganisms greater resistance to antifungal agents. This review, about Candia spp. with a special emphasis on Candida albicans discusses specific areas such as biofilm structure and development, cell morphology and biofilm formation, biofilm-associated gene expression, the cell surface and adherence, the extracellular matrix, biofilm metabolism, and biofilm drug resistance in vulvovaginitis biofilms as an important virulence factor in fungi.

Analysis of the rs2476601 polymorphism of PTPN22 in Mexican mestizo patients with leprosy.

Leprosy, a human chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), remains endemic in certain countries despite the use of multidrug therapy. Recently, several host genes modulating the immune responses to M. leprae infection have been suggested to influence the acquisition and clinical course of leprosy. Lymphoid protein tyrosine phosphatase, encoded by the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene, serves a negative regulatory role in T cell activation. The non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2476601 (1858C>T) has been associated with autoimmune diseases. Here, the present study investigated if rs2476601 polymorphism was associated with leprosy in a Mexican mestizo population. Genotyping was performed in patients with leprosy (n=189) and control subjects (n=231) from regions with higher incidence of leprosy. Genotypic (P=0.44) and allelic frequencies (P=0.45) of the rs2476601 polymorphism were similar between patients and controls; genotypic frequencies were 91 vs. 94% for CC and 9 vs. 6% for CT, and the TT genotype was absent in both groups. Allelic frequencies were 96 vs. 97% for C, and 4 vs. 3% for T. In the same way, the genotypic (P=0.46) and allelic frequencies (P=0.47) from MB patients and controls were similar. In conclusion, there was a lack of association of the PTPN22 rs2476601 polymorphism with the development of leprosy, which suggests that this SNP was not a genetic risk factor for leprosy in the Mexican mestizo population studied.

[Confluent and reticulated Gougerot-Carteaud papillomatosis: a case report of an excellent response to minocycline]. / Papilomatosis reticulada y confluente de Gougerot-Carteaud. Un caso con excelente respuesta a minociclina.

Confluent and reticulated Gougerot-Carteaud papillomatosis is an uncommon dermatological condition that affects adolescents, especially young women with dark skin types. It presents itself as asymptomatic pigmented patches with a papillomatous texture that coalesce to form reticular plaques localized in the neck and intertriginous areas. The cause of this disease is unknown, although an abnormal keratinization has been implicated and sometimes has been associated with Malassezia sp. It has a chronic course with remissions and exacerbations. Several therapies have been used unsuccessfully to eradicate it but nowadays there is no specific treatment. We report a case treated efficiently with minocycline without recurrence at 6 months follow-up.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Case Involving the Scalp - Clinical and Videodermoscopic Findings.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a worldwide infectious disease caused by flagellate protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In America, the species most commonly responsible for CL are L. mexicana and L. brasiliensis. Usually, in America, it is transmitted by sand flies mainly of the genus Lutzomyia and Psychodopygus. CL most commonly affects exposed areas and is characterized by an erythematous infiltrated and ulcerated papular or nodular lesion. We report a 28-year-old male, with a 6-month history and a previous trip to the forest in the south of Mexico. He presented with an asymptomatic erythematous plaque on his scalp, with slow and progressive nodular lesions with central crusted ulceration, with a raised and well-defined border. On videodermoscopy, we observed erythematous gummy lesions, yellowish scabs, and white star, dotted, hairpin, and glomerular patterns of vessels.

Photoletter to the editor: Atypical primary cutaneous mucormycosis of the scalp.

Mucormycosis of the scalp is a rare cutaneous presentation of the disease. It is also an unusual infection in children. We present the case of a 4-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who presented with atypical cutaneous mucormycosis simulating an ecthyma gangrenosum lesion. Risk factors for the infection are diabetes, neoplastic diseases, immunosuppression in organ transplant recipients, and neutropenia. The cutaneos forms have been associated with trauma, burns and surgical wounds. First line treatment is amphotericin B. Posaconazole was recently approved to treat invasive mucormycosis. Surgical removal of the infected tissue is indicated.

[Treatment of interdigital foot Erythrasma with ozonated olive oil]. / Tratamiento de eritrasma interdigital de pies con aceite de oliva ozonificado.

BACKGROUND: Erythrasma is caused by Corinebacterium minutissimum producing a porphyrin that with Wood's light emits a coral-red fluorescence. It is the most common bacterial infection of the feet. Ozonated olive oil decreases the cytoplasm and damages bacterial proteins and lipids. Treatment is with oral erythromycin and there is no consensus regarding the topical therapy of choice. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ozonated olive oil in a pilot trial for Erythrasma. METHODS: Experimental, open, observational, descriptive, longitudinal clinical trial at the section of Mycology, of the General Hospital "Dr. Manuel Gea González". PATIENTS: 10 individuals with interdigital feet Erythrasma. INTERVENTION: ozonated olive oil every 12 hours for 10 days was given. RESULTS: All patients had disappearance of coral-red fluorescence, erythema, fissures, pruritus, and maceration; two patients persisted with scaling. A cure was obtained in 100 % of patients, similar to oral erythromycin response. CONCLUSIONS: Ozonated olive oil is a good topical treatment option for interdigital Erythrasma avoiding oral medications. Larger studies are required.

Introducción: el eritrasma es causado por Corinebacterium minutissimum que produce una porfirina que con la luz de Wood emite una fluorescencia rojo coral es la infección bacteriana más frecuente en los pies. El aceite de oliva ozononificado disminuye el citoplasma y daña las proteínas y los lípidos bacterianos. El tratamiento es mediante eritromicina oral y no hay consenso respecto a la terapia tópica de elección. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la eficacia terapéutica del aceite de oliva ozonificado en el eritrasma en una prueba piloto. Métodos: estudio clínico experimental, abierto, observacional, descriptivo y longitudinal, llevado a cabo en la sección de Micología del Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González". Se incluyeron 10 pacientes con eritrasma interdigital de pies, a quines se les administró aceite de oliva ozonificado cada 12 horas por 10 días. Resultados: en todos los pacientes hubo desaparición de la fluorescencia rojo coral, eritema, fisuras, prurito y maceración; en dos de ellos persistió la descamación. Se obtuvo una cura clínica en el 100 % de los pacientes, respuesta similar a la eritromicina oral. Conclusiones: el aceite de oliva ozonificado es una buena opción terapéutica tópica para el eritrasma interdigital, que permite evitar la prescripción de medicamentos por vía oral. Se requieren estudios más extensos.