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ABSTRACT: ADAMTS2 belongs to the "ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif" (ADAMTS) family. Its primary function is to process collagen type I, II, III, and V precursors into mature molecules by excising the aminopropeptide. This process allows the correct assembly of collagen molecules into fibrils and fibers, which confers to connective tissues their architectural structure and mechanical resistance. To evaluate the impact of ADAMTS2 on the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, mainly type I and III collagens, we evaluated carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in ADAMTS2-deficient (TS2(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) mice. A single carbon tetrachloride injection caused a similar acute liver injury in deficient and WT mice. A chronic treatment induced collagen deposition in fibrous septa that were made of thinner and irregular fibers in TS2(-/-) mice. The rate of collagen deposition was slower in TS2(-/-) mice, and at an equivalent degree of fibrosis, the resorption of fibrous septa was slightly faster. Most of the genes involved in the development and reversion of the fibrosis were similarly regulated in TS2(-/-) and WT mice. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the extent of fibrosis is reduced in TS2(-/-) mice in comparison with their WT littermates. Inhibiting the maturation of fibrillar collagens may be a beneficial therapeutic approach to interfering with the development of fibrotic lesions.
Hepatology 12/2007; 46(5):1620-31. · 11.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Onychomycosis is a frequent disorder that represents the most prevalent fungal infection, particularly among older individuals. Diverse fungi of the dermatophyte, non-dermatophyte mold and yeast families have been reported to be responsible for onychomycosis. The output from the pharmaceutical industry of new antifungals to treat onychomycosis has been limited over the last decade. Present treatment options include both oral and topical drugs, with oral therapies giving better outcomes. However, neither of these treatment options provides high cure rates that are durable. At present, azoles and allylamines are keeping the pivotal roles. New derivatives with a favorable risk-benefit ratio and new formulations of older azoles seem to be promising. Thus, ongoing drug development activities have focused on novel delivery technologies to facilitate incorporation of existing antifungal drugs inside the nail plate and the discovery of new active antifungals.
Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs 10/2007; 12(3):345-53. · 3.21 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The misdiagnosis of onychomycosis delays the proper treatment of the nail condition. Nail histomycology refers to the microscopic examination of histologic sections prepared from nail clippings for the purpose of detecting the presence of fungi. This laboratory method is the most sensitive procedure for the diagnosis of onychomycosis. It allows for the visualization of the precise location of the invasive fungus inside the nail apparatus. The method also distinguishes various shapes of the fungal cells, in particular filamentous fungi, yeasts, conidia, and sporodochia. The correct diagnosis provided by histomycology combined with culture not only allows for more efficient expenditure of funds and services but also is important for the timely alleviation of the disorder.
Dermatologic Clinics 08/2006; 24(3):371-4. · 2.16 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A 7-year-old, otherwise healthy Peruvian boy presented with a 3-month history of an indurated centrofacial plaque. Histologic examination revealed a granuloma containing free-living amebae tentatively identified as Balamuthia mandrillaris. The patient failed to respond to tentative treatment. He was admitted to the intensive care unit 7 months later with neurologic manifestations of granulomatous amebic encephalitis, which proved fatal. The difficulty in diagnosing this rare presentation of cutaneous amebiasis, the challenge of treating the condition, and the morbidity and high mortality associated with cerebral involvement are discussed.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 02/2006; 7(4):267-9. · 1.71 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Onychomycoses represent a group of nail affections caused by one or more fungi. Whether aging represents a risk factor for developing onychomycosis, remains a question. In the present work, we studied the variations in frequency and prevalence of onychomycoses and non-mycotic onychodystrophies according to age. Our results show that there is an increase in the frequency and prevalence of onychomycoses and non-mycotic onychodystrophies predominantly in patients over forty years of age.
Revista Iberoamericana de Micología 10/2005; 22(3):163-6. · 1.16 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: It is acknowledged that tumour thickness, ulceration and lymph node invasion are the most important prognostic factors for cutaneous melanomas. Other histopathological features may also be informative. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether immunohistochemical methods can improve the detection of satellite micrometastases in primary melanoma patients. In addition, the predictive value of cutaneous satellite micrometastases for sentinel lymph node involvement was evaluated. A total of 265 primary cutaneous melanomas and 68 of the respective sentinel nodes were studied using a panel of seven antibodies directed against melanocyte-related antigens. In 12.4% of the 265 cases, small satellite micrometastases were detected by immunohistochemistry. Sentinel lymph node metastases were found in 14% of the 68 cases. Invasion of the sentinel lymph node correlated with the presence of cutaneous satellite micrometastases. It is concluded that the presence of cutaneous satellite micrometastases may be an indication for the performance of sentinel lymph node biopsy, and this finding calls for a closer follow-up of these patients.
Melanoma Research 05/2005; 15(2):107-10. · 2.19 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Histological structures of the skin are often irregular in size and shape. Euclidean geometry and fractal analysis are complementary for assessing distinct aspects of their dimensions.
To determine and compare the variations in shape of the dermo-epidermal junction and the size of the superficial vessels in psoriatic lesions.
The relative microvasculature area and the fractal dimension D of the dermo-epidermal interface were measured inside and outside growth-stunted guttate lesions (n = 22) and expanding plaques (n = 37) in psoriasis of the trunk.
The median D values of the dermo-epidermal interface were significantly larger (p < 0.01) in psoriatic plaques (D = 1.15) than in guttate lesions (D = 1.08), and these D values on lesional skin were significantly larger (p < 0.01) than in the uninvolved skin (D = 1.03). The microvasculature was significantly (p < 0.01) more developed in lesional (plaque: 13%, guttate: 8.20%) than in uninvolved skin (3.60 and 3.85%). No correlations were found between the relative microvasculature areas and the D values of the dermo-epidermal interface, both in the uninvolved and lesional skins of each psoriatic type.
The absence of a relationship between modulations of the dermo-epidermal junction and vascular hyperplasia, both in expanding and stable psoriasis lesions, suggests that these events are regulated by different mechanisms and do not depend on each other.
Dermatology 01/2005; 210(3):189-93. · 2.05 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: There is increasing awareness of the population about the risk of cutaneous melanoma. In recent years, some improvement was gained in the early recognition of clinical warning signs using dermoscopy. As a result, the number of puzzling cases exhibiting limited classical clues for malignancy are submitted to the dermatopathologist. Thus, the risk of microscopic uncertainty or misdiagnosis may be increasing. The aim of the study was to assess retrospectively the contribution of immunohistochemistry in establishing the histological diagnosis of 520 melanocytic neoplasms. According to the disease evolution and the histological presentation, 6 profiles of phenotypical expressions were distinguished.
International Journal of Oncology 02/2004; 24(1):211-6. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Psoriasis is an immunogenetic disorder. Factor XIIIa+ dermal dendrocytes (DD) are part of the pathobiological changes in the plaque type of the disease.
The present study aimed at comparing the effect of 3 vitamin D(3) derivatives on the epidermis, microvasculature and DD in psoriasis.
Twenty men suffering from chronic plaques of psoriasis on the trunk were enrolled in this study. They applied twice a day for 3 weeks calcipotriol, tacalcitol and calcitriol, each to one plaque. Another similar lesion received petrolatum as a placebo treatment. Skin biopsies were taken at entry and at completion of the 3-week treatment phase. Immunohistochemistry was performed using the lectin of Ulex europaeus and an antibody to factor XIIIa. Computerized image analysis served to measure the stratum Malpighii area, the microvasculature area and the DD numerical density in the papillary dermis.
At entry in the study, the 4 test sites were indistinguishable with regard to the stratum Malpighii area, the papillary microvasculature area and the papillary DD density. The 3 histometric parameters appeared correlated with each other. At completion of the 3-week treatment phase, the 3 vitamin D derivatives had decreased the size of the stratum Malpighii. In addition, calcitriol had also reduced the DD density in the papillary dermis. No other significant changes were yielded.
As assessed by histometry, the psoriatic epidermis responded to a short treatment using the 3 vitamin D derivatives. The better result compared to the control site was achieved by calcitriol. DD appeared to be most controlled by the same drug. The microvasculature did not appear to be decreased at the 3-week time point in treatment.
Dermatology 02/2003; 206(4):366-9. · 2.05 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Melanotic schwannoma is a pigmented nerve tumor that may be located in the skin and express local aggressivity. This tumor may occur singly. It may also be part of the Carney complex which consists of various, but specific, tumors.
We report two cases of subcutaneous melanotic schwannoma localized on the trunk in two men aged 37 and 45 years.
Conventional histology and immunohistochemistry were performed.
One melanotic schwannoma was associated with a cutaneous atypical myxoma and multiple melanocytic lesions, all being part of the Carney complex. The other case had no associated signs. In both cases, the melanotic schwannoma was completely excised and did not recur.
Melanotic schwannoma is rare and curable by surgery. It must not be confused with malignant melanoma and other pigmented neoplasms. The Carney complex should be carefully ruled out.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 01/2003; 4(11):799-802. · 1.71 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The therapeutic outcome of onychomycoses is uncertain. Comparative short-term efficacy studies on antifungals abound and report contradictory findings. Few unbiased follow-up studies have scrutinized the long-term outcome. Basically, none of the current antifungals can guarantee cure in all instances. In addition, relapses are not rare. The causes of therapeutic failure in onychomycoses are multiple. The most important are the lack of diagnostic accuracy, inadequate antifungal choice or delivery modality, and presence of dormant conidia, sequestrated mycelium pockets or resistant fungal species. The concept of fungicidal drug derived from selected in vitro studies appears irrelevant in clinical practice.
Dermatology 01/2003; 207(3):255-60. · 2.05 Impact Factor
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International Journal of Dermatology 09/2002; 41(8):461-6. · 1.14 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Tricholemmal carcinoma is a rare entity. It must be distinguished from the benign proliferating variant of the tricholemmal cyst. We report a case of tricholemmal carcinoma massively invading the nose. The neoplasm was excised surgically with a satisfactory outcome.
Dermatology 02/2002; 204(4):315-7. · 2.05 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: One case and literaturereview. We discuss a case of ten year-old boy withcircumscrite angiokeratoma managed with criotherapy andpartial outcome. Circumscribed angioketatoma is moreinfrequent angiokeratoma. It could appear in birth or first twolife decades, and is more common among females.Generally, it is no symptomatic and 90% of cases find inlegs. There is a discussion: Is it a neoplasia or just avasodilatation?. Treatment consider size, deep and expanselesion; if possible, surgical remove is recommended.
MedUNAB. 01/2002;
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ABSTRACT: Herpetiform dermatitis is an autoimmuneampollae disease characterized by an pruriginouspapulovesicular eruption associated with IgA granulardermical papillayr deposites which are detected by DIF. Thisskin disease has relation to non symptomatical glutensensible intestinal illness. Microscopical examination showmicroabscess with many neutrophilous, eosonophilous in dermis papille and lymphocyte T, neutrophilous,eosinophilous infiltration. Disease pathogenesis is not knownand is considered type IgA complex illness. The effectivetreatment is done with dapsone and a free gluten diet.
MedUNAB. 01/2002;
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International journal of dermatology 12/2001; 38(S2):1 - 6. · 1.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background Antibiotic therapy is one of the main methods of acne treatment; however, bacterial resistance is on the rise and can affect the treatment outcome. Quantitative bacteriologic cultures are the gold standard methodology for the assessment of such a problem; however, certain important biological aspects remain uncovered.Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the antibacterial activity of minocycline and lymecycline in sebaceous follicle infundibula and comedones of acne patients.Method We used a recently introduced flow cytometric method, allowing a distinction to be made between viable, injured (presumably resistant), and dead microorganisms.Results Minocycline (100 mg) proved to be superior to lymecycline (600 mg) in abating the microflora harboring in the sebaceous follicles of acne patients.Conclusions The dissimilar bioavailability and antimicrobial efficacy between the two bacteriostatic agents may impart different clinical efficacy.
International journal of dermatology 05/1998; 37(6):461 - 464. · 1.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Some antibiotics represent a mainstay in acne treatment. However, studies comparing their efficacies are rare.
To evaluate the clinical and in vivo antibacterial effect of lymecycline and minocycline at different dosages.
Eighty-six patients with moderate to severe acne were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, intent-to-treat study comparing in three parallel groups the effect of (1) lymecycline 300 mg daily for 12 weeks, (2) minocycline 50 mg daily for 12 weeks and (3) minocycline 100 mg daily for 4 weeks followed by 50 mg daily for 8 weeks. Evaluations were made at the screening visit and at five on-treatment visits. They consisted of clinical counts of acne lesions and evaluations of bacterial viability using dual flow cytometry performed on microorganisms collected from sebaceous infundibula by cyanoacrylate strippings.
Patients receiving minocycline 100/50 mg had the best clinical outcome, particularly in the reduction of the number of papules. By the end of the trial, the microbial response to minocycline 100/ 50 mg was also superior to either of the other two treatments. There were less live and more dead bacteria.
In this trial, minocycline 100/50 mg was superior for the treatment of inflammatory acne when compared to lymecycline 300 mg and minocycline 50 mg.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology 15(2):112-9. · 2.12 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background:
We studied the immunopathologic characteristics of five cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis by using a large panel of antibodies.
Archives of Dermatology 130(5):605-608. · 3.89 Impact Factor
