Vitamin D status in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and its association with selected clinical and laboratory parameters.

OBJECTIVES: To identify relationships between vitamin D serum levels and the presence of autoantibodies directed against vitamin D and levels of interleukin(IL)-17 and IL-23 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: The study included 49 patients with SLE. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D(3) were measured with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to determine antibodies directed against 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in serum of SLE patients. In evaluation of vitamin D status, the control group consisted of 49 age and gender matched healthy individuals, whereas in assessment of anti-vitamin D antibodies the control group comprised 30 sera from blood donors. RESULTS: Serum concentration of 25(OH)D(3) in SLE patients during the warm season was 18.47 ± 9.14 ng/ml, which was significantly decreased as compared with that of the control group - 31.27 ± 12.65 ng/ml (p = 0.0005). During the cold season a trend toward lower concentration of 25(OH)D(3) in SLE patients was revealed; however, it did not reach statistical significance (11.71 ± 7.21 ng/ml vs. 16.01 ± 8.46 ng/ml; p = 0.054). Results within the recommended range for vitamin D (30-80 ng/ml; 70-200 nmol/l) were observed only in three patients. The 25(OH)D(3) concentration was decreased in SLE patients with renal disease or leucopenia as compared with the levels in patients who did not have either problem (p = 0.006 and p = 0.047, respectively). The cold season was found to be a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) (odds ratio = 9.25; p = 0.005). Autoantibodies directed against 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) were detected in three SLE patients. No significant difference in 25(OH)D(3) serum concentrations was found between SLE patients with and without these autoantibodies. No link was shown between the existence of autoantibodies against 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and clinical or laboratory findings, including IL-17 and IL-23 levels. However, serum concentrations of IL-23 were lower in patients with vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: SLE patients, especially those with leucopenia or renal involvement, are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency and require vitamin D supplementation. Some SLE patient sera contained 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) antibodies, but these antibodies do not appear to affect vitamin D levels.

Malignant blue nevus with neurosarcoma-like lymph node metastases.

We report a case of malignant blue nevus (MBN) of the foot with unusual morphologic presentation of nodal metastases. Their structure resembled neurosarcoma, and differed from the appearance of the primary tumor. This case confirms the mutual close histogenic relationship between MBN and neurosarcoma, both tumors originating from the structures of the neural crest. We also discuss the problem of so-called "benign" metastases of malignant melanoma.

[Correlations between the properties and effects of clinical therapy using textile material with antipsoriatic action]. / Korelacja wlasciwosci i efektów terapii klinicznej materialu tekstylnego o dzialaniu przeciwluszczycowym.

The aim of the study was to design a textile material as a carrier for dermatological drugs. Cotton fabric was chosen for experimentation to be a fibrous support for the system. Additional components were a drug carrier in form of synthetic hydrogel impregnation (partially crosslinked poly(acrylic acid) and a bioactive agent dithranol) dispersed within the gel. The rate of release of the drug from the fibrous system was measured in aqueous media and depended on the concentration of dithranol. The structure and physical properties of the material were designed and controlled in order to ensure the optimal contact with the skin. Clinical studies were carried out with psoriatic patients. The results of the treatment with the textile material containing dithranol were presented using a computer optimalization method. In conclusion it was asserted that this type of textile-based medical device is effective and in many respects more convenient and less troublesome alternative in the treatment of psoriasis as compared to conventional treatments with dithranol suspended in ointments and creams.

[Local treatment of acne vulgaris with erythromycin]. / Lokalbehandlung der Akne vulgaris mit Erythromycin.

2% Erythromycin solution was applied topically in 20 patients with papulopustular acne vulgaris. The treatment proved beneficial and its results were similar to those obtained in the group of patients who additionally received Erythromycin systemically.