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Biomedical subjects

H Bachelez

Publications and source records attributed to H Bachelez.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Immune-mediated destruction of melanocytes in halo nevi is associated with the local expansion of a limited number of T cell clones.

The beta-chain repertoire of the T cells that infiltrate spontaneously regressing nevi (the halo nevus phenomenon) was studied. In addition to the infiltration of the halo nevi by cutaneous lymphocyte-associated Ag-positive lymphocytes, oligoclonal expansion of T cells was observed in all halo nevi of all patients. T cells using the same TCR beta-chain were observed in distinct halo nevi of the same patient but not in his peripheral blood, demonstrating a local expansion of common clones that are most likely activated by the Ag(s) shared by independent halo nevi of the same patient.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Methotrexate in dermatology: pharmacology, indications, applications and prudent use].

High dosage methotrexate is currently used in the treatment of malignancies. When used at low- or moderate doses, methotrexate has antiproliferative and antiinflammatory effects and is a useful drug in skin diseases. The aim of this review is to describe pharmacology, indications, adverse effects and practical use in Dermatology. Pharmacodynamics of methotrexate is especially related to antifolic activity. Methotrexate is officially approved in the treatment of severe psoriasis, but many other proliferative or inflammatory diseases with cutaneous manifestations may benefit from this drug, usually in association with corticosteroids. The use of methotrexate needs some precautions and a precise follow-up to minimise the risk of severe adverse effects. However, efficacy of methotrexate was reported in open and retrospective small size studies. Prospective and comparative trials are required to confirm the indications, advantages and tolerance of methotrexate in dermatology.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Oligoclonal expansion of HIV-specific cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes in the skin of HIV-1-infected patients with cutaneous pseudolymphoma.

A massive infiltration of the skin by activated CD8+ T lymphocytes involving both the dermis and the epidermis has been found in HIV-1-infected patients presenting with a chronic skin rash. We characterized the T cell receptor (TCR) BV-BJ junctional diversity of the skin-infiltrating lymphocytes (SILs) in four patients. The SILs expressed a limited set of TCRBV gene segments. Complementarity determining region 3 length analysis further emphasized their oligoclonality, suggesting that antigen stimulation might be responsible for the cutaneous T cell expansion. Furthermore, independent skin biopsies obtained from the same individual were shown to harbor distinct T cell repertoires, possibly reflecting the spatial heterogeneity of the antigenic stimuli. The CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) lines isolated from the skin rash in one patient exhibited a specific, class I MHC-restricted cytotoxic activity against HIV-1 Gag- and Pol-expressing target cells, whereas CTL lines derived from the skin lesions of a second patient were shown to be predominantly Env-specific. Taken together, these data demonstrate the infiltration of HIV-specific CTLs in the skin of HIV-infected patients, and suggest that in addition to their known role in controlling the retroviral infection, these CTLs may also be involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous inflammatory disorders occurring during the course of HIV infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Treatment of recalcitrant plaque psoriasis with a humanized non-depleting antibody to CD4.

The presence of activated CD4(+) T lymphocytes in psoriatic skin plaques suggests an immune-mediated pathogenesis for the disease. Six patients with recalcitrant plaque psoriasis (PASI>12) received a humanized non-depleting monoclonal antibody to CD4 (ORTHOCLONE OKT(R)cdr4a). The antibody was well tolerated. Four weeks from treatment, the mean decrease in PASI score was 46%. In three patients disease remission was prolonged for up to 6 months and, in one case, up to 1 year post-treatment. In all patients, circulating CD4+ T-cell counts remained normal and peripheral OKTcdr4a-coated CD4+ lymphocytes were detected up to 10 days after antibody infusion. These results point to the relevance of CD4+ lymphocytes in psoriasis. They also emphasize that depletion of CD4+ cells is not mandatory to achieve therapeutic effectiveness.

Adult↗

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis-like eruption complicating human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Three human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients presented with disseminated pityriasis versicolor-like skin lesions. Histological examination showed features characteristic of epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). Hybridization studies demonstrated the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 5 (HPV5) DNA in two patients and HPV20 in one. A relative increase in CD8+, CD57+ cells, which are known to inhibit cell-mediated cytolysis, was observed in all patients. HLA-DQB 0301 haplotype, which has been associated with EV, was detected in two patients. The findings suggest that infection with EV-associated HPV types can complicate HIV infection. Both cellular immune defects and a hitherto unknown genetic background might explain the occurrence of EV in HIV-infected patients.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Dermatological infections in the immunocompromised host.

The data from the most recent studies concerning infection with human herpes virus 8 strongly support a pathogenic role for this virus in the tumoral hyperplasia which is a feature of Kaposi's sarcoma. The results from the first studies of the sensitivity of human herpes virus 8 to antiviral drugs were also published last year. This review also concerns bacterial and mycobacterial infections showing unusual presentation, important trials in the prevention of infection with varicella zoster virus by using vaccination in children with leukemia, and a controlled therapeutic study in HIV-infected patients presenting with early syphilis.

Journal Article↗

Fulminant Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in 4 patients with dermatomyositis.

Between 1989 and 1996, 4 cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) were observed in patients seronegative for the human immunodeficiency virus who were receiving corticosteroid therapy for dermatomyositis in our institution. These cases were considered unusual in light of the short delay of their onset after initiation of immunosuppressive therapy and their fulminant course: 3 of these patients died of PCP occurring during the first month of treatment with prednisone. In all 4 patients lymphopenia was observed before the initiation of corticosteroid treatment and low CD4 and CD8 cell counts were evident at the time of PCP. These observations support the view of an increase in both the severity and incidence of PCP in patients without human immunodeficiency virus infection and question the need for a primary prophylaxis in patients with connective tissue diseases receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy.

Adult↗

Disseminated varioliform pustular eruption due to Mycobacterium avium intracellulare in an HIV-infected patient.

Severe disseminated infection due to Mycobacterium avium intracellulare, with unusual cutaneous features, is reported in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The eruption appeared as disseminated pustular lesions which showed necrotic features and which led to varioliform scarring. Bacterial culture from the skin, blood, and bone marrow, and ultimately from the bronchoalveolar fluid and sputum, was positive for M. avium intracellulare. The patient was successfully treated using a multiple agent anti-mycobacterial regimen including clarithromycin, which appeared to be the most effective drug. This resulted in resolution of the cutaneous and general symptoms. Our patient illustrates the wide spectrum of skin presentations that may be seen with mycobacterial infections in subjects infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Clarithromycin is an important agent for the treatment of these severe infections.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Association of Mycoplasma penetrans with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

A cross-sectional study was done to determine the seroprevalence of Mycoplasma penetrans in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-seropositive and -seronegative persons recruited in France. The data were analyzed with respect to the sociodemographic, clinical, and biologic status of the patients. M. penetrans seropositivity was associated with HIV infection (18.2% of HIV-seropositive vs. 1.3% of HIV-seronegative persons were M. penetrans-seropositive; P < .001). M. penetrans infection was predominantly but not exclusively associated with homosexual practices in HIV-seropositive subjects and thus presumably sexually transmitted. M. penetrans seroprevalence increased with progression of HIV-associated disease. No association was found between M. penetrans and Kaposi's sarcoma. Thus, there is an unambiguous association between M. penetrans and HIV, particularly among homosexual persons, but its clinical significance remains to be investigated.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗