Investigation of the PD-1/PD-L1 Expression in the Lesional Skins of Patients With Psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, chronic and inflammatory disease whose pathogenesis is affected by the interactions of several immune cells and cytokines. PD-1 is an inhibitor receptor that is expressed to a large extent in T lymphocytes and responsible for regulating autoimmunity and self-tolerance. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of PD-1/PD-L molecules in the lesioned skins of psoriasis patients. METHODS: The study included 30 psoriasis patients, and 15 healthy volunteers as the control group. Anti PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies were applied to the skin biopsy samples that were collected from the patient and control groups. Cytoplasmic and membranous staining of PD-1 and PD-L1 were considered positive. The number of stained immune cells that was examined for each case. RESULTS: The percentage of the tissues with high PD-1 (+) and PDL-1 (+) immune cell counts were significantly higher in the psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls (P values = 0.004 and 0.002, respectively). A negative and statistically significant correlation was detected between PDL-1(+) immune cell numbers and PASI scores (P = 0.033, r=-0.57). CONCLUSIONS: In the lesioned skin samples of psoriasis patients, the PD-1 and PD-L1 expressions were significantly higher in immune cells than that in the skin samples of the healthy controls. This study was the first investigation of the expression of PD-1/PD-L molecules in the immune cells in found the lesioned skins of psoriasis patients.

A case of tinea incognito mimicking subcorneal pustular dermatosis.

An 89-year-old woman presented with plaque-like lesions, accompanied with pustules and desquamation on the back and front of the trunk for approximately one year. Long term use of potent topical corticosteroids was ineffective. Because of the chronicity of her condition, the diagnoses of subcorneal dermatosis or subcorneal pustular dermatosis type of IgA pemphigus were considered. However, fungal hyphae were observed in the potassium hydroxide examination. Therefore, we present this case since this clinical appearance of tinea incognito can also mimic various pustular dermatoses.

Tolerance to systemic isotretinoin therapy in two patients using highly wettable contact lenses.

Purpose. Numerous ocular side effects have been reported with the use of systemic isotretinoin therapy. Herein, we presented two contact lens user patients who did not have contact lens intolerance during systemic isotretinoin therapy. Methods. 25-year-old male and 20-year-old female patients with severe acne vulgaris who were using highly wettable silicone hydrogel contact lenses which increase tear film stability were examined. Tear film function tests including Schirmer tests and tear break up time (TBUT) test and ocular surface staining with fluorescein were done. Subjective ocular complaints were scored with ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Patients were followed up monthly and examinations were repeated at each visit. Results. Both patients completed the therapy after a cumulative dose of 140 mg/kg isotretinoin in 6 months. The OSDI score and tear film function tests before and after treatment were all within normal limits. Discussion. Highly wettable contact lenses that provide increase in the tear film stability may be used during systemic retinoid therapy under close followups. Although isotretinoin affects ocular glands, the differences between tolerances to this retinoid therapy need to be investigated in larger patient groups using contact lenses.

Evaluation of dermatological consultations of patients treated in intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Skin disorders which require treatment are a common development in patients treated in intensive care units (ICUs). There are very few prospective studies about skin complications in adult ICUs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate skin disorders in ICU-treated adult patients who were consulted for dermatological problems. METHODS: Eighty-two of 591 patients admitted to ICUs who were consulted for dermatological problems were included in the study. The correlation between skin complications and associated comorbidities, age, gender and ICU length of stay were analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety dermatological complications were observed. Cutaneous drug reactions were significantly more frequent in female patients than males (p = 0.020). Candidal intertrigo was more frequent in diabetic patients than in nondiabetic patients (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Patients in ICUs may develop various skin disorders that need to be evaluated by dermatological consultations. Clinical features of the patients, especially gender and comorbidities, may predispose skin complications.

Treatment of a congenital melanocytic nevus on the forehead with immediate tissue expansion technique: a three-year follow-up.

The aim of this case report was to determine the method and basic principles of immediate tissue expansion using a Foley catheter in the forehead region for treating a medium-sized congenital melanocytic nevus. A 4-year-old child presented with a supraorbitally located forehead congenital melanocytic nevus, close to the midline. Total excision and reconstruction with intraoperatively expanded forehead skin below the hairline was performed. Intraoperative tissue expansion using a Foley catheter allowed us to obtain expanded and enhanced local tissue, which had tissue characteristics similar to those of the forehead skin, and thus closure of a medium-sized defect without distorting important anatomic structures such as the brow and frontal hairline was possible. Of the two methods of tissue expansion, immediate expansion using a Foley catheter is a good alternative in single-stage reconstruction of head and neck defects because it has the advantage of omnidirectional expansion.

Plasma reactive oxygen species activity and antioxidant potential levels in rosacea patients: correlation with seropositivity to Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that there might be an etiologic role for Helicobacter pylori (HP) in rosacea. HP is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa, increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreases plasma antioxidants such as ascorbic acid. AIM: To investigate plasma ROS activities and antioxidant status, and their relationship with HP infection, in rosacea patients. METHODS: Twenty-nine rosacea patients and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were examined for specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM against HP, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant potential (AOP) levels. RESULTS: Compared with controls, the seropositivity of HP for IgM was significantly higher (P = 0.03) and the seropositivity of HP for IgG was significantly lower (P = 0.0001) in patients with rosacea. Plasma MDA levels were higher (P = 0.0001) and AOP levels were lower (P = 0.019) in patients than in controls, regardless of the severity of the disease. Plasma MDA and AOP levels were not affected by the seropositivity of HP for IgM and/or IgG in either group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that rosacea is an oxidative stress condition, as reflected by the increased ROS activity and decreased AOP, regardless of HP infection.