Allergy promotes alopecia areata in a subset of patients

YesIn this commentary, we focus on allergy as a facilitating factor in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA). From previous studies on AA, it is well known that subsets of patients can have one or more of; seasonal relapse, comorbid atopic rhinitis, asthma and dermatitis, lesion infiltrating eosinophils and plasma cells, high levels of total IgE, specific IgE for house dust mites (HDMs), and/or disrupted skin barrier function by the evaluation of filaggrin. Allergy and AA share a similar genetic background; both contributing to an immune reaction imbalance. Furthermore, adjunctive treatment with antihistamines, or desensitization for HDM, can reduce the severity of alopecia in atopic AA patients. Therefore, allergies may contribute to the onset and relapse of AA. Identification of an allergic or atopic immune component in AA patient subsets may indicate adjunctive treatment intervention measures against allergies should be taken which may improve the success of conventional AA treatment

Interferon-gamma in patients with alopecia universalis

Background: Alopecia universalis (AU) is an uncommon form of alopecia areata that involves the loss of all hear and body hair. The cause of AU is unknown, although most evidence supports the hypothesis that AU is a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease of the hair follicle and that cytokines play an important role. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate serum concentrations of interferon-g (IFN-g) in patients with AU and healthy subjects and also to asses a possible association between IFN-g and duration of the disease. Material and Methods: Twenty two patients with AU and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of IFN-g were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay techniques. Results: The serum concentration of IFN-g in patients with AU was significantly higher than that in the control group (12.050 pg/ml vs 10.000 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.0001). No correlations were found between duration of disease and the serum levels of IFN-g (p= 0.3048). Conclusion: Our results have demonstrated the importance of determining IFN-g concentrations in serum in patients with AU. This research could contribute to the interpretation of insufficiently well known views of the pathogenesis role and significance of IFN-g in AU

PREVALENCE OF NAIL ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS

Abstract Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects about 2% of general population. Clinically, disease can present with cutaneous and nails lesions. Nail abnormalities can be seen in up to two-thirds of patients with psoriasis and both fingernails and toenails may be affected. Objective: The objectives of our study were to evaluate the frequency and clinical presentations of nail abnormalities in patients with psoriasis. Also, we aimed to find correlation between nail changes and some clinical parameters. Methods: One hundred and ten patients with psoriasis were included in this study. A detailed history and examination was recorded for all study subjects, including the age and gender of the patients, type of psoriasis, duration, and extent of disease. Finger and toe nails were clinically examined and nail changes were noted. In the case of clinically suspected of fungal infection, further mycological investigations were performed. Results: Nail abnormalities were present in 67 patients (60.9%) with psoriasis. Nail pitting was the most common lesion observed on fingernails, followed by discoloration of nail plate. Subungual hyperkeratosis of nail plates were significantly more frequent on the toenails. Positive mycological culture was in 14 (20.8%) psoriatic patients with nail involvement. Also, positive correlation between nail abnormalities and duration of psoriasis was found. Conclusions: Nail involvement is common in patients with psoriasis and accompanies skin lesions on the body surface. Pitting and subungual hyperkeratosis are the most frequent nail abnormality in psoriatic patients

TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA IN PATIENTS WITH ALOPECIA AREATA

Background : Alopecia areata (AA) is a common form of localized, nonscarring hair loss. It is characterized by the loss of hair in patches, total loss of scalp hair (alopecia totalis, AT), or total loss of body hair (alopecia universalis, AU). The cause of AA is unknown, although most evidence supports the hypothesis that AA is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease of the hair follicle and that cytokines play an important role. Aims : The aim of the study was to compare the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in patients with AA and the healthy subjects and also to investigate the difference between the localized form of the disease with the extensive forms like AT and AU. Materials and Methods : Sixty patients with AA and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Forty-six patients had localized AA (LAA), and 14 patients had AT, AU, or AT/AU. The serum levels of TNF-α were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay techniques. Results: Serum levels of TNF-α were significantly higher in AA patients than in controls (10.31 ± 1.20 pg ml vs 9.59 ± 0.75 pg/ml, respectively). There was no significant difference in serum levels of TNF-α between patients with LAA and those with extensive forms of the disease. Conclusion : Our findings support the evidence that elevation of serum TNF-α is associated with AA. The exact role of serum TNF-α in AA should be additionally investigated in future studies

Anti-thyroglobulin Antibody and Vitiligo: A Controlled Study

Introduction: Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder characterized by depigmented maculae resulting from a reduction of the number and function of melanocytes. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is still unclear, but there is evidence that autoimmunity and endocrine disfunction may be involved. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of anti-thyroglobulin antibody (anti-Tg) in vitiligo patients and control subjects, and also to assess the difference between the localized and generalized forms of the disease. Methods: In this prospective study we investigated serum level of anti-Tg in 33 patients with vitiligo and 33 healthy controls. We also examined a possible association between serum levels of anti-Tg and disease severity. Results: Comparison of median values of anti-Tg has showed that serum concentrations of anti-Tg are significantly higher (p<0.05) in serum samples of vitiligo patients in relation to control group. Statistically significant difference was also found in values of anti-Tg between patients with generalized and patients with localized vitiligo (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study shows a significant association between vitiligo and thyroid autoimmunity, and that tests to detect anti-Tg are relevant in patients with vitiligo