Antibodies against 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal Modified Epitopes Recognized Chromatin and Its Oxidized Forms: Role of Chromatin, Oxidized Forms of Chromatin and 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal Modified Epitopes in the Etiopathogenesis of SLE

Objectives:This study was undertaken to investigate the role of lipid oxidative-by-product 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE)-modified human serum albumin (HSA), chromatin, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-modified chromatin and nitric oxide (NO)-modified chromatin in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods:HSA was modified by HNE. Immunogenicity of modified HSA was probed by inducing polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. Chromatin was isolated from goat liver and modified by ROS or NO. Immunocross-reactions of Protein-A purified anti-HNE-HSA-IgG with chromatin, ROS-chromatin and NO-chromatin were determined. Autoantibodies from 74 SLE patients were screened. HSA was isolated from SLE patients (SLE-HSA) and immunocross-reactions of isolated SLE-HSA with HNE-specific antibodies were investigated.Results:HNE-HSA was found to be highly immunogenic in rabbits. The notable feature of anti-HNE-HSA-IgG showed cross-reactions with chromatin, ROS-chromatin and NO-chromatin (p&lt; 0.01). High degree of specific binding to HNEHSA, chromatin, ROS-chromatin or NO-chromatin was observed with antibodies from 55% of SLE patients. SLE anti-native/oxidized chromatin antibodies showed specificity towards HNE-HSA. Furthermore, SLE-HSAshowed binding with HNE-specific antibodies.Conclusions:This is the first study to demonstrate that chromatin and its oxidized forms have been recognized by antibodies against HNE modified epitopes. Our results provide an important insight into the immunological basis of the reported HNE-modified epitopes in SLE.</jats:p

Psoriasin: A Novel Marker Linked Obesity with Psoriasis

To evaluate the role of psoriasin, koebnerisin, interleukn (IL)-12 and IL-23 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and their relations to Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and obesity. Thirty patients had chronic plaque psoriasis and 30 healthy subjects matched in age and sex were enrolled in this study. Serum from all subjects were used for determination of psoriasin, koebnerisin, IL-12 and IL-23 by ELISA kits. IL-23 and psoriasin were significantly higher in skin psoriasis compared to controls and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). There was a correlation between psoriasin and both PASI and obesity. On the other hand, IL-12 was significantly increased in PsA compared to skin psoriasis (p= 0.000) and controls. Its sensitivity and specificity were 87%, 93%; respectively. To our knowledge, psoriasin is the first biomarker confirm the link between obesity and psoriasis. The risk of developing psoriasis is directly related to higher BMI.</jats:p

Awareness to sun exposure and use of sunscreen by the general population

Sun exposure has a pathogenic effect on the development of skin cancer, whose prevalence increases worldwide. Educational programs are carried out to change high risk sun exposure behaviours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Saudi population regarding sun exposure and the risk of skin cancers, as well as to study their sun-protective attitudes and practices. A cross-sectional population-based survey using specially devised questionnaire on a stratified random sample of general population in Qassim Province between January and March 2010. One thousand three hundred and seventy six persons participated in the study. A high sun exposure of more than 10 hours per week was reported by 661 persons (48%). Fifty six percent of respondents were aware of the association between sun exposure and skin cancer but the rate of sun screen use was only 8.3%. Socio-demographic factors more likely to be associated with sunscreen use were: females, higher social class, higher levels of education, type 4 skin and married individuals. This study has indicated a low rate of sunscreen use by our population despite reasonably good knowledge about the hazards of sun exposure. This necessitates the need for health education program. We hope that the results of our study will be used for setting up a sun policy for Saudi general public

Awareness to sun exposure and use of sunscreen by the general population

Sun exposure has a pathogenic effect on the development of skin cancer, whose prevalence increases worldwide. Educational programs are carried out to change high risk sun exposure behaviours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Saudi population regarding sun exposure and the risk of skin cancers, as well as to study their sun-protective attitudes and practices. A cross-sectional population-based survey using specially devised questionnaire on a stratified random sample of general population in Qassim Province between January and March 2010. One thousand three hundred and seventy six persons participated in the study. A high sun exposure of more than 10 hours per week was reported by 661 persons (48%). Fifty six percent of respondents were aware of the association between sun exposure and skin cancer but the rate of sun screen use was only 8.3%. Socio-demographic factors more likely to be associated with sunscreen use were: females, higher social class, higher levels of education, type 4 skin and married individuals. This study has indicated a low rate of sunscreen use by our population despite reasonably good knowledge about the hazards of sun exposure. This necessitates the need for health education program. We hope that the results of our study will be used for setting up a sun policy for Saudi general public