α-synuclein antibody 5G4 identifies idiopathic REM-sleep behavior disorder in abdominal skin biopsies

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic REM-sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is considered the most specific prodromal marker of Parkinson's disease (PD). With the need to improve early detection of prodromal α-synucleinopathies, several methods to identify peripheral α-synuclein (α-syn) pathology have been exploited in manifest and prodromal PD with varying diagnostic accuracy. Recently, a disease specific 5G4 antibody has been evaluated in skin biopsies of manifest PD patients. The aim of our study was to analyze the 5G4 α-syn immunoreactivity in skin biopsies of deeply phenotyped subjects with iRBD and controls.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 28 patients with PD, 24 subjects with iRBD and 27 healthy controls, recruited from the CEGEMOD, PDBIOM and PARCAS cohorts. All subjects were deeply phenotyped and assessed for prodromal PD (pPD) probability based on MDS research criteria. Abdominal skin punch biopsies were processed and stained using a conformation specific 5G4 α-syn antibody as well as axonal markers SMI-31 and S100.

RESULTS

5G4-positivity was identified in 23/28 PD patients, 20/24 iRBD subjects and 8/27 healthy controls. Compared to healthy controls, sensitivity and specificity reached 83.33 % and 70.37 % for iRBD; and 82.14 % and 70.37 % for PD, respectively. 5G4-positivity rate in our study was irrespective of the calculated pPD probability of iRBD subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

This work establishes the diagnostic yield of conformation specific 5G4 α-syn antibody testing in skin biopsies of subjects with pPD, specifically iRBD. The diagnostic accuracy for this method seems to be similar for both manifest and prodromal PD and is not dependent on the pPD probability ratios.

Interprofessional cooperation with a dermatovenerologist - specifics of hidradenitis suppurativa management in gynaecological practice

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that is manifested by formation of painful nodules, abscesses and suppurating fistulas, primarily in the intertriginous spaces. This painful, often under-diagnosed disease affects much more women. They are also exposed to certain specific challenges in the management of this disease, especially during menstruation or pregnancy. The treatment requires the interdisciplinary cooperation of a dermatologist, gynaecologist, obstetrician and last but not least an algesiologist and psychotherapist. Above all, early and correct diagnosis, initiation of therapy in the early stages of the disease, is a key, which also plays a fundamental role in controlling inflammatory activity, preventing complications and further prognosis.

Spice-Derived Phenolic Compounds: Potential for Skin Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Skin cancer is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells, primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Different types of skin cancer include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the advancements in targeted therapies, there is still a need for a safer, highly efficient approach to preventing and treating cutaneous malignancies. Spices have a rich history dating back thousands of years and are renowned for their ability to enhance the flavor, taste, and color of food. Derived from various plant parts like seeds, fruits, bark, roots, or flowers, spices are important culinary ingredients. However, their value extends beyond the culinary realm. Some spices contain bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, which are known for their significant biological effects. These compounds have attracted attention in scientific research due to their potential health benefits, including their possible role in disease prevention and treatment, such as cancer. This review focuses on examining the potential of spice-derived phenolic compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents for managing skin cancers. By compiling and analyzing the available knowledge, this review aims to provide insights that can guide future research in identifying new anticancer phytochemicals and uncovering additional mechanisms for combating skin cancer.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis

OBJECTIVES

The main goal of the study was to describe the demographic, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of a monitored group of patients with psoriasis to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and to define the cardiovascular risk profile.

METHODS

One hundred and ninety outpatients aged over 18 were included in the prospective observational cross-sectional study. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from patients. The severity of psoriasis was evaluated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The results of laboratory testing were identified based on patient health records.

RESULTS

Based on an evaluation of psoriasis phenotypes, 150 patients (78.95%) suffered from plaque psoriasis, 18 (9.5%) from palmoplantar psoriasis, 11 (5.8%) from guttate psoriasis, 6 (3.2%) from generalized pustular psoriasis, and 5 (2.6%) from erythrodermic psoriasis. The personal medical history discovered the occurrence of arterial hypertension in 83 patients (43.7%), the occurrence of depression in 49 patients (25.8%), type 2 diabetes in 29 patients (15.3%), and dyslipidaemia in 48 patients (25.3%).

CONCLUSION

It is noteworthy that psoriasis may be demonstrated as a multi-system disease which does not only affect the skin and its adnexa. The association of psoriasis with comorbidities may significantly increase morbidity and total mortality as well as the demands for health care provision.

Cutaneous candidosis in immunosuppressed patients

One-hundred patients with candidosis of the skin, mucous membranes and nail plates (confirmed by cultivation) were examined. Topical or systemic antimycotic treatment was successful in 58 patients. After a complete evaluation, 42 patients were found to suffer from factors supporting candidosis--diabetes mellitus (12), anemia (3) and various local factors (10 patients); 27 patients showed a deficiency in cell-mediated immunity. In addition to intensive antimycotic therapy, successful treatment is affected by the actual immunity level and can be ensured by efficient immunomodulation treatment of immunodeficiency.