Immunologic and nonimmunologic sclerodermal skin conditions - review

Scleroderma-like cutaneous lesions have been found in many pathological conditions and they have the clinical appearance of sclerotic or scleroatrophic lesions. Affected skin biopsies described histopathological changes similar to those of scleroderma located strictly on the skin or those of systemic sclerosis. These skin lesions can be found in inflammatory diseases with autoimmune substrate (generalized morphea, chronic graft versus host disease, eosinophilic fasciitis), tissue storage diseases (scleredema, scleromyxedema, nephrogenyc systemic fibrosis, systemic amyloidosis), metabolic diseases (porphyrya cutanea tarda, phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, scleredema diabeticorum), progeroid syndromes. Given the multiple etiologies of sclerodermal lesions, a correct differential diagnosis is necessary to establish the appropriate treatment.

Clinical, Imaging, Histological and Surgical Aspects Regarding Giant Paraovarian Cysts: A Systematic Review

Paraovarian cysts (POCs) develop within the broad ligament of the uterus. POCs are considered to be giant when the threshold of 150 mm is exceeded. Clinical signs and symptoms occur as a consequence of the pressure effect on adjacent organs or due to complications. Abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are useful imaging tools, but most often the exact origin of such voluminous cysts is revealed only by surgical exploration. The review aims to appraise and update the diagnostic, the histological aspects and the treatment of the giant POCs in rare cases. We carried out a systematic search in Medline-PubMed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate electronic databases. Twenty-seven papers fulfilling the selection criteria were included in the review. The data extracted included information about first author, year of publication, country, patient age, size and side of the POCs, symptoms, tumoral markers, imaging methods, preoperative diagnosis, surgical management and histopathological findings. Although not very numerous, all the studies highlighted the low incidence of giant POCs, the impossibility of establishing the origin of the cystic mass by clinical and imaging methods even with advanced technical tools and the low risk of torsion (11.1%). Despite the recognized benign nature of POCs, we found an unexpected high percent (25.9%) of borderline giant POCs. Surgical excision is the only treatment option. Ovarian-sparing surgery was performed in 85.1% of the cases, and minimally invasive techniques were applied in only 42.9% of the patients, which demonstrates the need of a high-level laparoscopic expertise. Knowledge of this pathology, its recognition as a possible etiology of an abdominopelvic cyst, and a higher awareness of the possibility of a borderline histology in giant POCs are required for the proper management of these particular cases.

An Unusual Case of Meckel Diverticulitis Misdiagnosed as an Infected Urachal Cyst

Introduction: Meckel’s diverticulum (MD), a remnant of the omphaloenteric duct, is among the most frequent intestinal malformations. Another embryonic vestige is the urachus, which obliterates, becoming the median umbilical ligament; the failure of this process can lead to a urachal cyst formation. We present a case of Meckel diverticulitis misdiagnosed as an infected urachal cyst. Presentation of case: A 16-year-old girl presented with hypogastric pain, fever and vomiting. She had undergone an appendectomy 6 years prior and no digestive malformation had been documented. In the last 2 years, she had 3 events of urinary tract infections with Escherichia coli, and anabdominal ultrasound discovered a 28/21 mm hypoechogenic preperitoneal round tumor, anterosuperior to the bladder. We established the diagnosis of an infected urachal cyst, confirmed later by magnetic resonance imaging. Intraoperative, we found MD with necrotic diverticulitis attached to the bladder dome. Discussions: Meckel’s diverticulum and urachal cyst (UC) are embryonic remnants. Both conditions are usually asymptomatic, being incidentally discovered during imaging or surgery performed for other abdominal pathology. Imaging diagnosis is accurate for UC, but for MD they are low sensitivity and specificity. For UC treatment, there is a tendency to follow an algorithm related to age and symptoms, but there is no general consensus on whether to perform a routine resection of incidentally discovered MD. Conclusion: Preoperatory diagnosis of MD represents a challenge. We want to emphasize the necessity of a thorough inspection of the small bowel during all abdominal surgical interventions and MD surgical excision regardless of its macroscopic appearance. These two actions seem to be the best prophylaxis measures for MD complications and consequently to avoid emergency surgery, in which case more extensive surgical procedures on an unstable patient may be needed.

Multifactorial expression of IL-6 with update on COVID-19 and the therapeutic strategies of its blockade (Review)

Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a cytokine produced by various cells of the human body (macrophages, lymphocytes, astrocytes, ischemic myocytes, endothelial cells) has both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties, being a key component in regulating various physiologic and pathological processes. The structure of this molecule and the receptor system it possesses are important due to the different activities that IL-6 can exert; through trans-signaling pro-inflammatory activities are mediated, while through classic signaling, IL-6 is responsible for anti-inflammatory and regenerative activities. IL-6 signaling is involved in coronary artery disease and the global COVID-19 pandemic. This proatherogenic cytokine reaches elevated serum levels in the cytokine storm generated by SARS-CoV-2, and is also associated with smoking or obesity-classic cardiovascular risk factors which promote inflammatory states. IL-6 levels are proportionally correlated with dyslipidemia, hypertension and glucose dysregulation, and they are associated with poor outcomes in patients with unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction. IL-6 targeting for treatment development (not only) in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 is still a matter of ongoing research, although tocilizumab has proven to be effective in reducing the proatherogenic effects of IL-6 and is suggested to improve COVID-19 patient survival.

Influence of phytochemicals in induced psoriasis (Review)

Cytokines involved in pathogenesis of psoriasis such as interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23), interferon-α, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ can also become therapeutic targets. Research currently uses murine models of imiquimod-induced psoriatic-type dermatitis in order to analyze potentially helpful phytotherapeutics for psoriasis treatment: Curcuma longa, Aloe vera, Nigella sativa, Rubia cordifolia, Smilax china, Thespesia populnea, Wrightia tinctoria, Scutellaria baicalensis, Cassia tora, Pongamia pinnata and various Chinese herbal formulas. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with complex pathogenic mechanisms that yield abnormal immune responses with clinical and morphological echoes (erythematous, scaly plaques with a histopathological basis made up of alterations i.e. keratinocyte aberrant proliferation, parakeratosis or chronic inflammation). The current therapeutic approach has only been able to manage the disease, without ensuring a certified treatment, thus giving rise to the need for better medications. This novel therapeutic approach has shown promising results in preclinical studies, giving hope for future phytochemical animal-based studies.

Case series of an alternative therapy for generalised lichen planus: Four case studies

Lichen planus (LP) is an idiopathic, cell-mediated immune disorder, accompanied by itching. Spontaneous remission occurs. Topical and systemic therapies are utilised. Four cases of generalized LP with and without mucosal involvement treated homeopathically are presented. Case 1: A 48-year-old female presented with a 7-month history of generalized itchy rash, which had been diagnosed as LP, treated unsuccessfully with topical steroids and removal of dental fillings. Examination revealed violaceous papules on upper and lower limbs, oral mucosal lesions and an irregular, erythematous, blanching, macular rash on the chest. She received homeopathic Ignatia amara at medication dilution factor (MK) potency, weekly dose and went into remission at 3 months. Patient remains in remission. Case 2: A 65-year-old female presented with a 27-year history of generalized, LP, which had been unresponsive to topical steroids. Examination showed generalized, violaceous papules, with no mucosal involvement. She received homeopathic Aurum metallicum, MK potency, weekly, and went into remission. She relapsed at 8 months after onset of therapy, following a very stressful incident, but gained remission again with Aurum metallicum after 1 month of therapy. She remains in remission. Case 3: A 38-year-old male presented with a 21-year history of generalized LP. Medical history was significant for hepatitis B and asthma. Topical steroid therapy was only partially successful. Examination revealed generalized, violaceous papules, with oral and genital involvement. He received homeopathic Lycopodium at MK potency, weekly, and remitted by 2 months. He remains in remission. Case 4: A 41-year-old male presented with a 12-year history of generalized hypertrophic LP, which had responded partially to topical steroids and ultraviolet A therapy. Medical history was significant for reduced sense of smell. Examination revealed generalized, violaceous, hypertrophic papules and nodules. He received homeopathic Carcinosinum at MK potency and remitted at 6-months. In its long-standing, generalized form, with mucosal involvement, LP may respond to individualized homeopathy. More research may clarify homeopathy's place in LP therapy.

Undesirable Effects of Some Topical Antiseptics Chemical, pharmacological and dermatological aspects

Topical antiseptics are a diverse group of agents that are widely used in medicine for the antimicrobial properties. Despite their long history and broad application, caution must be exercised in their use, especially in the pediatric age group, as various cutaneous reactions ranging from hypersensitivity to urticarial to skin necrosis have been reported. The use of topical antiseptics in pediatrics has also been associated with systemic reactions, which depend on the antiseptic in question. Antiseptics such as chlorhexidine, povidon iodine, methylene blue, gentian violet, silver nitrate, boric acid, Castellani solution, alcohol and chloramines have been reviewed. It is essential that physicians bear in mind the possible adverse effects that may follow topical antiseptic use, as this facilitates prevention and also timely intervention if, and when, they occur.

Effect of 2,6-diisopropylphenol and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-(fluoromethoxy) propane as Anesthetic

Sevoflurane (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-[trifluoromethyl]ethyl fluoromethyl ether or C4H3F7O), with a molar mass 200.055 g/mol, also called fluoromethyl, is a highly fluorinated methyl isopropyl ether with general anesthetic property, available for clinical practice for about 30 years. Sevoflurane is a sweet-smelling, non-flammable and it is used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Together with desflurane, it is replacing isoflurane and halothane in modern anesthesiology. Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol or C12H18O), with a molar mass 178.271g/mol is an alkylphenol derivative formulated for induction and maintenance (in some cases) of general anesthesia, sedation and hypnosis and acting as an intravenous anaesthetic drug, having largely replaced sodium thiopental because recovery from propofol is more rapid and clear.

Formulation, Preparation , Physico-Chemical, Microbiological Analysis and Clinical Uses of Capsaicin Microemulsions

The present paper aims at creating a pharmaceutical formulation, i.e. microemulsion with capsaicin as the active principle; the purpose was to solubilize capsaicin and draw up pseudoternary phase diagrams establishing the microemulsion domains. We created a pharmaceutical form: capsaicin ointment, aiming at releasing capsaicin in the microemulsion and ointment bases. Comparative microbiological determinations were performed between microemulsion and ointment. The novelty of the study is formulating microemulsions as a means of solving solubility issues and increasing the bioavailability of medicinal substances.

Immunologic adverse reactions of β-blockers and the skin

β-Blockers are a widely utilised class of medication. They have been in use for a variety of systemic disorders including hypertension, heart failure and intention tremors. Their use in dermatology has garnered growing interest with the discovery of their therapeutic effects in the treatment of haemangiomas, their potential positive effects in wound healing, Kaposi sarcoma, melanoma and pyogenic granuloma, and, more recently, pemphigus. Since β-blockers are deployed in a variety of disorders, which have cutaneous co-morbidities such as psoriasis, their pertinence to dermatologists cannot be overstated. Likewise, β-blockers, like any other drug category, carry risks of side effects, some of which are dermatologic. These include triggering and exacerbation of psoriasis, psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, anaphylaxis, contact dermatitis, occupational contact dermatitis, Raynaud's disease, alopecia, lichen planus-like drug eruption, hyperhydrosis and vitiligo. While recent articles have focussed on the positive uses of β-blockers, it may also be wise to call our attention to the potential dermatologic adverse effects that may follow β-blocker use, as well as possible therapeutic approaches to these. This short review will focus on those dermatoses resulting from β-blocker use, which have an immunologic basis.

Dexamethasone-Chemical Structure and Mechanisms of Action in Prophylaxis of Postoperative Side Effects

Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. In addition to these therapeutic indications, it is also recommended for nausea and vomiting treatment which may occur during the postoperative period, with impact on postoperative evolution, regarding the evolution of wound healing and length of stay (LOS), with a reflection on the costs of hospital admission. Therefore, their prevention is very important for both patients� comfort and a good recovery.

Cannabinoids: Chemical Structure, Mechanisms of Action, Toxicity and Implications in Everyday Life

In the human body there is an endocannabinoid system consisting of cannabinoid receptors and endogenous transmitters - the endocannabinoids (anandamides).This cannabinoid system works by certain principles: the presynaptic neuron releases the neurotransmitter that reaches the postsynaptic neuron, activating it; at this level endocannabinoids are synthesized, whichhave retrograde transmission through the synaptic gap, reaching the cannabinoid receptors where they can inhibit the anterograde release of neurotransmitters. At the same level, certain exogenous substances, derived from plants and called phytocannabinoids may also work, the most known one being tetrahydrocannabinol. 9-D-Tetrahydrocannabinol is a component extracted from hemp plant with intense psychotic action but also with some medical applications. The result of the cannabinoid system activity is to obtain certain psychoactive effects, euphoria, relaxation, intense sensory experiences, pain relief but also changes in perception, attention deficit, etc. Synthetic cannabinoids are obtained to mimic the effects of marijuana, are major cannabinoid receptor agonists and are at increased risk of toxicity. Chronic consumption of such substances can cause memory disorders, pulmonary disorders and, most importantly, addiction.

Pharmaceutical Forms with Basil and Propolis to the Benefit of the Oral Cavity. Formulation, preparation and microbiological analysis

The present paper aims at formulating, preparing, following the antibacterial activity of pharmaceutical forms with oral cavity applicability. Two pharmaceutical forms were prepared, a tincture and a toothpaste based on basil and propolis, being subsequently compared to the mix of basil and propolis tinctures that are commercially available; each pharmaceutical form was analyzed organoleptically and microbiologically. As a result of the measurements the conclusion was drawn that the tinctures prepared, the propolis tincture and the basil tincture show a strong sensitivity Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and Enterococcus hormaechei.Candida albicans reacted more strongly to the propolis tincture, and less to the basil tincture. The scientific novelty of the paper consists in the formulation and determination of the antimicrobial activity of the toothpaste prepared in the laboratory of the Pharmacy Faculty of Galati. The results obtained were favorable on microorganisms acting on the oral cavity, i.e. gram positive germs, gram negative germs and fungi. Keyworlds:basil(Ocimum basilicum)propolis, lemon basil, tincture

Hydrochlorothiazide: Chemical Structure, Therapeutic, Phototoxic and Carcinogenetic Effects in Dermatology

The present paper is a review on hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic frequently used in therapeutics, also underlining several particularities observed in time and correlated with the results in the literature in what concerns the phototoxic action of this diuretic on skin.