Biomedical subjects

Liborija Lugović

Publications and source records attributed to Liborija Lugović.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The role of adhesion molecules in atopic dermatitis.

Adhesion molecules may play an important role in the homing of T-cell subsets into allergen-exposed skin of atopic individuals. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the expression of adhesion molecules in atopic dermatitis (AD) skin lesions. Biopsies were taken at acute skin lesions from 10 AD patients and 5 healthy controls, and were studied by immunohistocytochemistry for the expression of E-selectin, L-selectin, ICAM-1 and ICAM-3 on cells in the epidermis and dermis. Study results revealed all AD patients to express ICAM-1 (10/10) and ICAM-3 (10/10) in the dermis, and most of them to express E-selectin (9/10) and L-selectin (6/10) in the dermis, without expression of E- and L-selectins in the epidermis. Our results revealed a high expression of adhesion molecules, especially ICAM-1 and ICAM-3, in the skin lesions of AD patients, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD, and these preliminary results may be of clinical relevance for the treatment of AD.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Metastatic melanoma and vitiligo: a case report.

Different clinical studies report the connection between malignant melanoma (MM) and vitiligo, as the etiology of both diseases evolves around melanocytes. A case is presented of a 70-year-old female patient with metastatic MM in lymphatic node of the right groin, which developed simultaneously with the "vitiligo-like patches" over the face and extremities. Some authors suggest that the appearance of depigmentation during the course of MM might be considered a good prognostic sign. However, our patient subsequently developed multiple lung metastases as well as metastases in lymphatic nodes of the other groin region. This case shows that MM and vitiligo may develop simultaneously, indicating the possibility of similar mechanisms in the destruction of both benign and malignant melanocytes.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Prominent involvement of activated Th1-subset of T-cells and increased expression of receptor for IFN-gamma on keratinocytes in atopic dermatitis acute skin lesions.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic skin disease mediated by antigen-specific IgE and an important role has been ascribed to CD4+ cells (Th cells). The objective of the study was to evaluate humoral and cellular immunological factors in the blood and the skin lesions of AD patients, and to analyze the presence of inflammatory cell-surface markers in blood and skin biopsies. METHODS: The parameters for monitoring of 40 AD patients included results of prick test to inhalant allergens and epicutaneous (patch) test to contact allergens; values of total IgE, serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) and different cell markers in the sera (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD21, CD23, HLA-DR). We also analyzed the presence of inflammatory cell-surface markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD20, CD1a, CD23, CD29, CD45Ro, IFNgamma+ markers) in the biopsies of skin lesions from 10 AD patients and 5 healthy controls (HCs) by immunohistochemical analysis (method of avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase). RESULTS: Beside increased total serum IgE and positive skin tests, a significantly higher percentage of CD23+ cells with lower percentage of CD21+ cells was revealed in peripheral blood of AD patients in comparison to HCs. A positive epidermal expression of the majority of markers of T cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD29+, CD45Ro+, IFNgamma+) and those of Langerhans' cells (LCs) (CD1a, CD23+), without those of B cells (CD20+) were noted in AD patients, but no in the skin of HCs. Furthermore, significant difference was also found between the two groups for increased expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD29, CD45Ro, IFNgamma+ markers (markers for IFNgamma receptor) and higher intraepidermal CD23+ LCs and intradermal CD1a+ LCs in AD skin lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest involvement of various humoral factors with increased production of IgE and cooperation between Th subsets and LCs, with higher production of related cytokines, and disturbed cellular immunity, including epidermal LCs with IgE receptors of high and low affinity in AD. The annotation of activated Th1 cells with increased producing of IFNgamma in acute AD skin lesions is notable, and might lead to IFNgamma binding to keratinocytes and consequently inflammatory skin changes in the disease.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2005

Malignant melanoma--future prospects.

As the incidence and already high mortality rates of malignant melanoma have been steadily increasing in recent decades, the early detection and excision of malignant melanoma have imposed as the most important task. Staging of malignant melanoma is determined according to the level of invasion (Clark level) and vertical thickness (Breslow scale). Besides operative therapy, which is the only effective treatment for malignant melanoma, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and biologic therapy also are of great importance. In recent years, immunologic strategies including tumor vaccine and adjuvant therapy with interferon-alfa have been attempted to improve survival of patients with more advanced malignant melanoma. A recent melanoma research has focused on target therapy such as immunotherapy (vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, dendritic cells) and gene therapy. Genetic immunization has become an attractive strategy for the development of melanoma vaccines, because a number of antigens recognized by cellular components of the immune system have been identified at the molecular level. Numerous chemotherapeutic agents have shown activity in the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma, such as dacarbazine (dimethyl triazene imidazole carboxamide); other agents have been used, however, with less success. However, a very modest effect was recorded in advanced malignant melanoma. There are many experimental trials using combined therapy for malignant melanoma, including chemotherapy (dimethyl triazene imidazole carboxamide) and biologic therapy (interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-gamma, IFN-alfa). The results obtained open particularly interesting prospects in the field of malignant melanoma with high relevance for its development and progression. Molecular therapeutics and vaccine development will probably be an important focus for the future melanoma treatment.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

PubMed2004

From circumscribed scleroderma (morphea) to subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma: case report.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It presents clinically as panniculitis, with erythematous, firm subcutaneous infiltrates and recurrent papulonodules. A 45-year-old male Croat presented with a 6-month history of tender erythematous subcutaneous skin lesions without systemic symptoms. Analysis of a lesion biopsy specimen showed circumscribed scleroderma (morphea). During hospitalization, skin biopsies from two subcutaneous lesions on the stomach were repeated, and pathohistologic analysis corresponded primarily to panniculitis in the context of morphea. Pathohistologic analysis and immunohistochemistry of a specimen obtained by tumor excision from the back indicated subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. Histologic analysis revealed a dense infiltrate of atypical T-lymphoid cells expressing CD8(+) phenotype located in the subcutaneous tissue with histiocyte-phagocytizing apoptotic cells. Specific hematologic analysis and medical treatment were continued. This case report illustrates the importance of continuous follow-up with repeat biopsy and use of immunohistologic techniques for early diagnosis.

Humans↗

PubMed2003

The use of emollients as sophisticated therapy in dermatology.

Emollients are agents designed to make the stratum corneum softer and more plant by increasing its hydration. A large number of preparations are available today, many of which are marketed as cosmetic and therapeutic moisturizers. They are the most prescribed products in dermatology. Their structure and function are surprisingly complex and sophisticated, and many are equidistant between cosmetics and drugs. The use of the emollients corrects the problems in scaling disorders. It is well known that the electrical properties of the stratum corneum change after application of an emollient. It is also possible that they have suppressive effects on epidermal thickening. Emollients have an anti-inflammatory activity and also give some transient relief from irritation. In clinical use emollients are employed as treatments for ichthyoses, xeroderma and disorders of keratinization, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and photodamaged skin. Emollients of the new millennium include agents that mimic natural ingredients and function as botanicals, including vitamins, hydroxy acids, and retinoids. Emollients can cause a few side effects, such as irritant dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, fragrance allergy or allergy to other constituents (preservatives or additives), stinging, cosmetic acne, and pigmentary disorders. We can conclude that emollients, continuously evolving to ever more sophisticated products, are very important in the treatment of different dermatoses.

Dermatitis, Allergic Contact↗

PubMed2003

Candida infections today--how big is the problem?

Thirty years ago, superficial fungal infections were common, but systemic fungal infections were not as frequent as today. Since that time incidence in both superficial and systemic fungal infection has been increasing. The reasons are many. Due to advances in medicine, human life span is extended and many people suffer from various immunodeficiencies. Transplantation of organs and tissues, wide application of parenteral feeding and parenteral administration of drugs, infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and long-term peroral administration of antibiotics are the main reasons for appearance of many immunologic dysfunctions and thereby systemic fungal infections. The most usual predisposing factors for systemic fungal infection are skin and mucosal damage, hypofunction of T-cell-mediated immunity, decreased function of neutrophiles, long-term administration of corticosteroids, as well as dysfunction of microbial flora. Systemic fungal infections are a great problem, because they are very difficult to prove and to treat. This is why prevention of systemic infections is extremely important today, including the removal of predisposing factors as well as rational drug administration.

Candidiasis↗