Haptoglobin is an independent marker for disease severity and risk for metabolic complications in hidradenitis suppurativa: A prospective study

Proteomic analysis of mouse liver lesions at all three stages of Echinococcus granulosus infection

Echinococcus granulosus, a zoonotic parasite, can severely damage host health or even lead to host death. In humans, early diagnosis of E. granulosus infection is difficult because the initial stages of the infection tend to be asymptomatic, this delays treatment and worsens prognosis in most patients. Herein, we present a comprehensive, temporal proteomic atlas of the liver at three stages of E. granulosus infection and analyze the changes in the proteome of host focal lesions; this atlas may provide an overview of the effects of E. granulosus in the host, as well as the interactions between them. We identified 3,197 proteins from mice model at 1, 3, and 6 months after E. granulosus infection; of these proteins, 760 were differentially expressed (520 upregulated; 240 downregulated). Moreover, 228 differentially expressed proteins were screened through cluster analysis and classified into four clusters according to their changing trends. Subsequently, candidate molecules related to cyst invasion, growth, candidate pathways and proteins related to angiogenesis were noted to demonstrate important value in mouse liver. Next, we used western blotting to verify the presence of the aforementioned proteins in mouse liver. In the later stages, E. granulosus infection was noted to result in significant enrichment of crucial proteins facilitating protoscoleces growth and development and inhibition of amino acid and lipid metabolic enzyme expression in mouse liver; it was also noted to transform host metabolism by weakening oxidative phosphorylation and enhancing glycolysis. In conclusion, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the parasitic processes of E. granulosus through proteomic analysis. Our results provide evidence that may enable the exploration of core regulatory targets for early and effective diagnosis and immunotherapy of E. granulosus infection, as well as parasite-host interactions involved in cystic echinococcosis development.

Apocrine Gland Damage and the Release of Specific Keratins in Early Stage Indicate the Crucial Involvement of Apocrine Glands in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The apocrine glands (AGs) are not considered to be primarily involved in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This study investigated the potential role of AGs in HS pathogenesis using immunohistochemistry and single-cell sequencing of nonlesional skin and early lesional skin (LS) from patients with HS (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 8). AG cell destruction was more frequent, and AG size was significantly reduced in the nonlesional skin and LS. Barrier-related genes (eg, CLDN1 and CDH1) were downregulated in the AGs of the nonlesional skin and LS. Damaged AGs in the LS primarily recruited and activated neutrophils through the CXCL-CXCR and SAA1-FPR2 pathways. Elevated levels of specific keratins (keratin 18 and keratin 19) released from damaged AGs were observed on the skin surface of patients and were associated with disease severity. Keratin 19 was also detected in the dermis of the nonlesional skin and LS and was surrounded by neutrophils and macrophages. Moreover, serum keratin 19 levels in patients (N = 20) were significantly negatively correlated with the age at HS onset. Collectively, our findings provide previously unreported evidence that the AGs are damaged and release specific keratins in early HS lesions, indicating a crucial role of the AGs in HS pathogenesis.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Investigation of Trigger Factors in a Single Center

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating, chronic inflammatory disease associated with multiple triggers. As the world struggles with the global COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to review the trigger factors for chronically ill HS patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work investigates the self-described trigger factors of HS patients that emerged during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: We anonymously surveyed 110 HS patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic using a 25-question questionnaire that included trigger factors for deterioration. Demographic, personal, and HS-specific information was also collected to identify potential trigger factors for HS exacerbation. All HS patients were asked if their HS had worsened compared to the time before the pandemic. Results: Compared to before the pandemic, 20% of HS patients (n = 22) reported a worsening of HS. Patients with an HS exacerbation were significantly more likely to avoid contact with a doctor than those without an exacerbation (45.5% vs. 18.2%; p = 0.007). HS involvement, severity, exercise activity, and BMI had no association with worsening HS (p > 0.05). Interestingly, dietary changes and increased consumption of sweets and treats were associated with worsening HS (p = 0.011 and p = 0.013). Specifically, eating more sweets and treats was associated with a 6-fold increased risk of worsening HS. The results suggest that diet has an important influence on HS relapses. Further investigation is needed to determine whether diet is a triggering factor independent of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In addition, gluteal HS involvement was associated with a more than 4.3-fold risk of HS exacerbation. Conclusions: In the management of HS patients, it is important to consider that gluteal involvement and the consumption of sweets are more often associated with deterioration.