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Kristian Thestrup-Pedersen

Publications and source records attributed to Kristian Thestrup-Pedersen.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Expression of CCR2 on monocytes and macrophages in chronically inflamed skin in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Monocytes form a significant component of the inflammatory reaction taking place in the skin of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Chemokines are pivotal in mediating the attraction of leucocytes to sites of inflammation. The CC-chemokine, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1/CCL2), is expressed by keratinocytes in both atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. MCP-1 binds to the chemokine receptor CCR2 which is known to be expressed on monocytes and macrophages. We examined the expression of CCR2 on peripheral blood monocytes from patients with psoriasis (n=8) and atopic dermatitis (n=7) and found it to be expressed on approximately 90% of the cells, whereas monocytes from healthy donors had a significantly lower CCR2 expression (p<0.05). Skin biopsies from patients suffering from atopic dermatitis and psoriasis revealed that CCR2-positive cells expressed CD163, a marker for monocytes/macrophages. However, not all CD163-positive cells expressed CCR2, which could be interpreted as a mechanism for retaining the macrophages in the skin. Furthermore, we found that keratinocytes are able to express MCP-1, when stimulated with tumour necrosis factor-alpha and/or interferon-gamma in a dose-dependent manner. Thus MCP-1 and CCR2 interaction is likely of importance for the monocyte/macrophage trafficking of inflammatory skin disorders.

Antigens, CD↗

[Phytodermatitis caused by burning bush of Moses].

The most well-known cause of phytophotodermatitis in Denmark is accidental contact with plants belonging to the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), such as hodgweed (Heracleum spondylium). However, many other plants with furocoumarins (psoralens) may induce the same kind of reaction. We describe a case of phytophotodermatitis caused by Dictamnus alba, gas plant or burning bush also known from the Bible as the "burning bush of Moses".

Arm↗

Dermatologic and oral findings in a cohort of 47 patients with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome.

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and early development of aggressive periodontal infection. The aims of this study were to rank the severity of dermatologic and oral affections using a semiquantitative scoring system, and to evaluate whether the severity of the dermatologic changes were correlated to age, degree of periodontal infection, or both. The study included 47 patients with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. With no exception both skin and oral changes developed early in life. The dermatologic involvement showed no correlation with age, whereas the periodontal infection was significantly worse in young children with deciduous teeth. A strong correlation was found between the condition of feet and hands, although the scores for the feet were significantly higher. No significant correlation could be demonstrated between the level of periodontal infection and severity of skin affections, supporting the concept that these 2 major components of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome are unrelated to each other.

Adolescent↗

Atopic dermatitis is increased following vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella or measles infection.

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis increased markedly in the period 1960s to the 1990s. Earlier findings indicate that infections acquired in early life enhance or suppress the expression of atopic disease as a result of a change in immune reactivity. Our objectives were to examine the association between measles, mumps and rubella vaccination, measles infection and the risk of atopic dermatitis. A random sample of 9,744 children were followed up from birth to 3-15 years. Their parents responded to a questionnaire including highly structured questions on atopic dermatitis, measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and measles infection. Information on parental educational level was obtained from Statistics Denmark. The cumulative incidence of atopic dermatitis at age 14 was 19.7%. The confounder adjusted incidence ratio of atopic dermatitis among measles, mumps and rubella vaccinated children versus children not subjected to measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and measles infection was 1.86 (95% CI 1.25-2.79); the incidence ratio for measles-infected children was similar. The incidence of atopic dermatitis increased after measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and measles infection, which is surprising in view of the hygiene hypothesis. We suggest further study of the possible short-term and long-term effects of virus and bacteria on the immune responses and expression of atopic disease.

Adolescent↗

Tacrolimus treatment of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Atopic dermatitis is today the most common chronic disease of children in Europe, the US and Japan. The 'golden standard' of therapy is topical glucocorticosteroids and emollients. The steroids have been on the market for four decades, are efficacious, but only advised for short-term treatment due to their risks of side effects. RECENT FINDINGS: More than 16,000 persons suffering from atopic dermatitis have been enrolled in clinical studies of tacrolimus. One third of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis experience over 90% improvement in their disease over a 12-week treatment period and up to 70% of patients have over 50% improvement. A 1-year treatment leads to more than 90% improvement in 75% of patients. The most pronounced side effect is a burning sensation occurring in up to 60% of patients. SUMMARY: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease leading to a demand for long-term treatment control. Such treatment options have not previously been available--except for emollients which are not efficacious for controlling skin inflammation. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are new treatment options, free from the potential side effects of topical steroids, which are known for their efficacy in short-term treatment. The new treatment modalities prevent the eczema from relapsing and at the same time they control active eczema. The future will see a shift towards the long-term use of tacrolimus which is able to control the skin inflammation and, hopefully, shorten the course of the eczema.

Adult↗