Evaluation of the profile of inflammatory cytokines, through immunohistochemistry, in the skin of patients with allergic contact dermatitis to nickel in the acute and chronic phases

Abstract: Background: Allergic contact dermatitis to ion nickel (Ni+2) is an inflammatory dermatosis, common in industrialized countries. It involves the activation of nickel-specific T-cells, followed by proliferation and induction of a mixed profile of both proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines, suggesting that several T-cell subtypes (helper - Th and cytotoxic - Tc) are involved. A broader understanding of the cytokine profile may lead to new therapeutic approaches. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the cytokines TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17 and IL-23 using the immunohistochemistry technique in order to try to identify their prevalence in chronic and acute eczema of patients with allergic contact dermatitis to Ni+2. Methods: We performed an immunohistochemical study for eight cytokines in 20 patients with Ni+2 allergic contact dermatitis, biopsied at the site of chronic eczema, triggered by the patient's daily contact with Ni+2, and at the site of acute eczema caused by nickel sulfate, 48 hours after applying the contact test. Results: The stained samples showed positive results for the eight cytokines studied. TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-13 and IL-17 had a higher prevalence in chronic eczema, IL-2 and IL-23 in acute eczema, and IL-10 presented a similar prevalence in both acute and chronic eczema. However, these prevalences were statistically significant only for IL-4 and IL-13. Study Limitations: Small sample size. Conclusions: In chronic and acute eczema, we observed the presence of a mixed cytokine profile of the T cell subtypes (Th/Tc), suggesting that the responses are expressed at the same time.

Chronic urticaria in adults: state-of-the-art in the new millennium

Chronic urticaria has been explored in several investigative aspects in the new millennium, either as to its pathogenesis, its stand as an autoimmune or auto-reactive disease, the correlation with HLA-linked genetic factors, especially with class II or its interrelation with the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems. New second-generation antihistamines, which act as good symptomatic drugs, emerged and were commercialized over the last decade. Old and new drugs that may interfere with the pathophysiology of the disease, such as cyclosporine and omalizumab have been developed and used as treatments. The purpose of this article is to describe the current state of knowledge on aspects of chronic urticaria such as, pathophysiology, diagnosis and the current therapeutic approach proposed in the literature.

Evaluation of D-dimer serum levels among patients with chronic urticaria, psoriasis and urticarial vasculitis / Avaliação dos níveis séricos de D-dímeros entre doentes com urticária crônica, psoríase e urticária vasculite

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes, under appropriated stimulus, may express tissue factor and therefore, activate the extrinsic pathway of coagulation. We performed a transversal and case-control study of patients with chronic urticaria and patients with psoriasis, in our outpatient clinic to evaluate the production of D-dimer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate D-dimer serum levels in patients with chronic urticaria and its possible correlation with disease activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from October 2010 until March 2011. We selected 37 consecutive patients from our Allergy Unit and Psoriasis Unit, and divided them into three groups for statistical analysis: (i) 12 patients with active chronic urticaria (CU); (ii) 10 patients with chronic urticaria under remission and (iii) 15 patients with psoriasis (a disease with skin inflammatory infiltrate constituted by neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes). Another five patients with urticarial vasculitis were allocated in our study, but not included in statistical analysis. The serum levels of D-dimer were measured by Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA), and the result units were given in ng/ml FEU. RESULTS: Patients with active chronic urticaria had the highest serum levels of D-dimer (p<0.01), when compared to patients with CU under remission and the control group (patients with psoriasis). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with active chronic urticaria have higher serum levels of D-dimer, when compared to patients with chronic urticaria under remission and patients with psoriasis. We found elevated serum levels of D-dimer among patients with urticarial vasculitis. .

FUNDAMENTOS: Tem sido demonstrado que os neutrófilos, eosinófilos e monócitos, sob estímulo apropriado, podem expressar fator tecidual e, portanto, ativar a via extrínseca da coagulação. Realizamos um estudo transversal e caso-controle de pacientes com urticária crônica e pacientes com psoríase em nosso ambulatório para avaliar a produção de dímero-D. OBJETIVO: Avaliar níveis de dímero-D em pacientes com urticária crônica e sua possível correlação com a atividade da doença. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: O estudo foi conduzido de outubro de 2010 até março de 2011. Nós selecionamos 37 pacientes consecutivos da Unidade de Alergia e Unidade de Psoríase, divididos em três grupos para análise estatística: (i) 12 pacientes com urticária crônica ativa; (ii) 10 pacientes com urticária crônica em remissão e (iii) 15 pacientes com psoríase (uma doença com a pele infiltrado inflamatório constituído por neutrófilos, linfócitos e monócitos). Outros cinco pacientes com vasculite urticariforme foram alocados em nosso estudo, mas não incluídos na análise estatística. Os níveis séricos de D-dímero foram medidos por Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA), e os resultados foram medidos em ng / ml FEU. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes com urticária crônica ativa tinham níveis séricos mais altos de dímero-D (p <0,01), quando comparados aos pacientes com urticária crônica em remissão e ao grupo controle (pacientes com psoríase). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com urticária crônica ativa têm níveis séricos mais elevados de dímero-D, quando comparados aos pacientes ...

Dermatomiosite / Dermatomyositis

Dermatomiosite é doença idiopática inflamatória crônica que afeta a musculatura estriada, a pele e outros órgãos. Apresenta critérios diagnósticos definidos por Bohan & Peter, podendo os pacientes ser classificados em cinco grupos: dermatomiosite juvenil, dermatomiosite primária idiopática, dermatomiosites amiopáticas, dermatomiosite associada a neoplasias e dermatomiosite associada a outras doenças do tecido conectivo. O sexo feminino é mais afetado, e a idade média do diagnóstico é 40 anos. Manifestações cutâneas são observadas em todos os pacientes. Das alterações sistêmicas, a manifestação muscular mais freqüente é a perda de força proximal, e a manifestação pulmonar mais comum é a pneumopatia intersticial. Podem ser observadas neoplasias durante o seguimento da doença, sendo mais freqüentes nos pacientes acima de 60 anos. A desidrogenase lática é a enzima muscular alterada na maioria dos casos. Para diagnóstico da dermatomiosite, pode ser realizado exame anatomopatológico de biópsia cutânea e biópsia muscular, além de eletroneuromiografia. Os corticóides são a terapia mais utilizada. As causas de óbito mais freqüentes são a neoplasia maligna, a septicemia e a infecção pulmonar.

Dermatomyositis is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorder that affects striated skeletal muscles, the skin, and other organs. Diagnostic criteria were established by Bohan & Peter and patients may be classified into five groups: juvenile dermatomyositis, primary dermatomyositis, amyopatic dermatomyositis, dermatomyositis associated with malignancies and dermatomyositis associated with other connective tissue disorders. Females are more affected and the mean age of diagnosis is 40 years. Skin manifestations are observed in all patients. Loss of proximal strength is the most common systemic alteration and lung involvement is most often manifested as interstitial pneumopathy. Neoplasms may be detected during the course of the disease specially in patients over 60. Lactic dehydrogenase serum levels are altered in the majority of cases and diagnosis can be established or the basis of skin and muscle biopsies and electroneuromiography. Corticosteroids are the first line drugs. The most common causes of death are malignant neoplasms, sepsis and pulmonary infection.