Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Arash Izadpanah.
Digitocutaneous dysplasia is a rare X-linked dominant genetic syndrome characterized by multiple digital fibromas, atrophic plaques, dental anomalies, dysmorphic features, and bone anomalies. We report the case of a 2-year-old Mexican girl with this rare condition and discuss the clinical, histologic, and genetic features.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small molecular weight proteins with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These evolutionarily conserved peptides are usually positively charged and have both a hydrophobic and hydrophilic side that enables the molecule to be soluble in aqueous environments yet also enter lipid-rich membranes. Once in a target microbial membrane, the peptide kills target cells through diverse mechanisms. Cathelicidins and defensins are major groups of epidermal AMPs. Decreased levels of these peptides have been noted for patients with atopic dermatitis and Kostmann's syndrome, a congenital neutropenia. In addition to important antimicrobial properties, growing evidence indicates that AMPs alter the host immune response through receptor-dependent interactions. AMPs have been shown to be important in such diverse functions as angiogenesis, wound healing, and chemotaxis. As our knowledge of AMP biology expands, the precise role and relevance of these peptides will be better elucidated.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a technique that offers surgeons and pathologists a means to examine the entire surgical margins of excised cutaneous malignancies in a more complete manner than conventional methods. Initially developed to treat nonmelanoma skin cancers, its use has been expanded to include histologic margin evaluation for treatment of malignant melanoma. Clinical studies demonstrate equivalent or better 5-year survival rates with Mohs surgery compared to conventional wide local excision. For surgical treatment of melanoma, it offers unique advantages for lesions requiring tissue conservation and accurate margin determination, particularly in anatomic sites where cosmetic and functional concerns are of importance (head and neck, hands, and feet), and for large or ill-defined lesions such as lentigo maligna or lentigo maligna melanoma.