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Biomedical subjects

M Heidenheim

Publications and source records attributed to M Heidenheim.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

[Investigation of malignant melanoma in an "open house" setting].

Individuals with a self-evaluated risk of malignant melanoma were invited to an "open house" where trained dermatologists examined suspected lesions. The attendants filled in a short questionnaire relating to skin cancer risk factors. Persons with skin changes suspected for malignancy were referred for excision in the dermatological department. The clinical evaluation included dermatoscopy. Nine hundred and eleven individuals attended. Among 16 individuals referred for excision one malignant melanoma, one lentigo maligna melanoma and two in situ melanomas were histologically verified. Furthermore, 21 basal cell carcinomas were identified clinically. The most frequent clinical diagnoses were melanocytic naevi and seborrhoic keratoses.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa in Denmark].

The morbidity of hidradenitis suppurativa can be considerable, but little is known about its epidemiology. Our purpose was to describe the one-year and point prevalences of hidradenitis suppurative and its potential precursor lesions. We obtained the histories and examined an unselected sample (599 persons) of the general population (one-year prevalence), and we performed physical examination for a consecutive sample of 507 persons undergoing screening for sexually transmitted diseases (point prevalence). The point prevalence was 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.0-6.0) on the basis of objective findings. The one-year prevalence of hidradenitis was 1.0% (CI = 0.4-2.2) on the basis of subject recollection only. The patients in the sample on which the point prevalence is based were younger than those in the unselected sample of the general population (p < 0.001). Hidradenitis was significantly more common in women (p = 0.037), which may result from a female preponderance of genitofemoral lesions (odds ratio [OR] = 5.4; CI = 1.5-19.3). No sex difference was found in the prevalence of axillary lesions. Hidradenitis suppurativa is significantly more common than hitherto estimated. A female preponderance of patients is confirmed, except for patients with axillary lesions. Additional longitudinal studies are necessary to assess the importance of potential precursor lesions such as non-inflamed nodules or comedones.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Water and protein structure in photoaged and chronically aged skin.

Changes in the structural proteins and hydration during aging is responsible for altered skin morphologic and mechanical properties manifested as wrinkling, sagging, loss of elasticity, or apparent dryness. To gain insight into the age-related alterations in protein conformation and water structure, we obtained Raman spectra from the sun-protected buttock skin representing chronologic aging and the sun-exposed forearm skin representing combined effects of photoaging and chronologic aging. Ten aged individuals (five men, five women; age range 74-87) and 10 control young individuals (five men, five women; age range 22-29) entered the study. In the photoaged forearm skin the positions of protein-specific amide I, amide III, and CH stretching bands were shifted, suggesting increased protein folding. In contrast, major changes were seen only in the amide I peak in chronologically aged skin. The intensity of the 3250 cm(-1) OH stretching band was increased in photoaged skin (but not in chronologically aged skin) indicating an increased water content. R(v) representation of the low-frequency region of Raman spectra was applied to determine water structure. In the young skin and chronologically aged skin water was mostly present in the bound form. In the photoaged skin, however, an increase in intensity at 180 cm(-1) was noted, which reflects an increase in the not-protein bound water (tetrahedron water clusters). In conclusion, it seems that proteins in the photoaged skin are more compact and interact with water to limited degree. Impairment in protein hydration may add to the understanding of ultrastructural, mechanical, and biochemical changes in structural proteins in the aged skin.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa and its potential precursor lesions.

BACKGROUND: The morbidity of hidradenitis suppurativa can be considerable, but little is known about its epidemiology. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the 1-year and point prevalences of hidradenitis suppurativa and its potential precursor lesions. METHODS: We obtained the histories and examined an unselected sample (599 persons) of the general population (1-year prevalence), and we performed physical examinations for a consecutive sample of 507 persons undergoing screening for sexually transmitted diseases (point prevalence). RESULTS: The point prevalence was 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.0-6.0) on the basis of objective findings. The 1-year prevalence of hidradenitis was 1.0% (CI = 0.4-2.2) on the basis of subject recollection only. The patients in the sample on which point prevalence is based were younger than those in the unselected sample of the general population (p < 0.001). Hidradenitis was significantly more common in women (p = 0.037), which may result from a female preponderance of genitofemoral lesions (odds ratio [OR] = 5.4; CI = 1.5 - 19.3). No sex difference was found in the prevalence of axillary lesions. CONCLUSION: Hidradenitis suppurativa is significantly more common than hitherto estimated. The female preponderance of patients is confirmed, except for patients with axillary lesions. Additional longitudinal studies are necessary to assess the importance of potential precursor lesions such as noninflamed nodules or comedones.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Hidradenitis suppurativa--characteristics and consequences.

The general characteristics of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa have not been previously described in detail. Although rare complications of the disease have been described, little is known of the average impact of hidradenitis suppurativa. We have now aimed to describe the general characteristics of the disease and its impact on patients with an established diagnosis of hidradenitis (n = 68) and compare these with those of an unselected general population sample (n = 523). Pierced earlobes were more common in patients than in the controls (P < 0.02). Female patients were younger (P = 0.0002) and better educated (P < 0.0001), and fewer had been pregnant (P = 0.0006). The median number of treatments prior to referral was two, and an average of 2.7 work days/patient per year were lost due to hidradenitis. The self-reported health of patients was significantly inferior to that of the general population (P < 0.001), mainly because of soreness and restriction of movement. Low-grade hidradenitis suppurativa therefore has a considerable impact on the health of patients. Previously implied associations with the disease such as the use of cosmetics or oral contraceptives, menstrual cycle and body mass index (BMI) were not confirmed in our study, although they may influence the course pre-existing disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

A case-control study of hidradenitis suppurativa in an STD population.

The prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa has been found to be higher among patients attending an STD clinic than in an unselected general population sample. The aetiology of hidradenitis in unknown, but an association with chlamydial infections has been suggested for perineal lesions. Our aim was to describe the history of STD, STD risk factors and possible current STD in patients with hidradenitis. A case-control study comparing patients with hidradenitis (20) and controls (60) was therefore made in patients attending an STD clinic. Genital HPV infection was found to be more common in patients with hidradenitis (p = 0.036), but no differences were seen in the history of STD, STD risk behaviour or other current STD between the two groups studied. HPV infection appears to be the only STD which is more common in hidradenitis patients, but the biological significance of this finding is not clear. It is speculated that common predisposing factors may be responsible. We were unable to support the previously postulated association between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and hidradenitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The influence of sex hormones on UVB induced erythema in man.

Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that sex hormones can modify the inflammatory response in a number of diseases. In a pilot study the influence of sex hormones on UV-induced inflammation, testing was done with oestradiol-17beta, testosterone and progesterone, as a double-blind vehicle-controlled study in 47 healthy volunteers. Inflammation was graded using laser-doppler velocimetry. Oestradiol (5 mg/100 g) was found to increase the inflammatory response significantly when compared with placebo or testosterone treated areas (P < 0.03). These findings support previous experimental and epidemiological observations of an increased inflammation following oestrogenic stimulation, and suggest that non-lymphocyte-mediated mechanisms may be involved as well.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1995

CDW60, which identifies the acetylated form of GD3 gangliosides, is strongly expressed in human basal cell carcinoma.

The monoclonal antibody UM4D4, assigned to the CDw60 cluster of differentiation, identifies an epitope expressed on a subset of normal T cells, some malignant T cells, melanocytes, malignant melanoma cells and hyperproliferative psoriatic keratinocytes. CDw60 antibodies bind to the acetylated form of GD3 gangliosides. These gangliosides have been implicated in the control of cellular proliferation. Because the acetylated form of GD3 has been demonstrated in basal cell carcinomas, we determined whether the CDw60 epitope was expressed in basal cell carcinomas (n = 24) and squamous cell carcinomas (n = 2). Biopsies of these tumours were sectioned on a cryostat, and stained with anti-CDw60 using a sensitive indirect immunoperoxidase technique. A mean of 74 +/- 4% (mean +/- SEM) of the basal cell carcinoma cells expressed CDw60. In contrast, CDw60 expression in normal skin was confined to melanocytes and a few scattered keratinocytes at the basal cell layer. CDw60 expression in basal cell carcinomas was highly upregulated at the tumour front in most of the lesions, whereas the squamous cell carcinomas showed uniform CDw60 expression in all areas.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

High frequency of thyroid dysfunction in patients with vitiligo.

An association between vitiligo and autoimmune thyroid disease has previously been suspected. This study was undertaken to determine the frequency and type of thyroid disease in 35 consecutive patients admitted because of vitiligo compared with a matched control group. One or more signs of thyroid disease was demonstrated in 15 out of 35 patients (43%) with vitiligo, as compared to 7 out of 35 (20%) in the matched control group (p = 0.04). Thyroid dysfunction - 6 patients with hyperthyroidism and 2 with hypothyroidism - was found in 8 out of 35 patients, as compared to no patient in the control group (p = 0.003). Nine patients had thyroid autoantibodies, compared to 2 controls, and 6 had an enlarged thyroid gland, compared to 5 subjects in the control group. There appears to be an increased frequency of clinical as well as subclinical thyroid disease in patients with vitiligo. Our findings support the theory of vitiligo being an autoimmune disease and indicate a need for screening vitiligo patients for thyroid disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Cutaneous larva migrans].

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic disease of the skin produced by skin-penetrating larvae, mainly the filariform larvae of cat and dog hookworms. Three cases of CLM diagnosed in Copenhagen are reported and the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment are described.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Leukemic T cells from patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma demonstrate enhanced activation through CDw60, CD2, and CD28 relative to activation through the T-cell antigen receptor complex.

Antigen-dependent activation of T cells occurs through the T-cell antigen-receptor complex (TCR/CD3). Antigen-independent T-cell activation may occur through the surface molecules CDw60, CD2, and CD28. We wished to determine whether these antigen-independent T-cell-activation pathways could be involved in proliferation of leukemic T cells from patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Whereas CDw60 was only expressed on 28% +/- 7% (mean +/- SEM) of blood T cells obtained from healthy control subjects (n = 4), CDw60 was expressed on 94% +/- 3% of blood T cells obtained from patients with CTCL (n = 4). Dual color immunofluorescence microscopy of the T-cell infiltrate in involved skin of these patients demonstrated that almost 100% of the T cells expressed CDw60. Not only did T cells in the patients with CTCL express CDw60, but triggering of the T cells with anti-CDw60 resulted in enhanced proliferation relative to anti-TCR/CD3 and mitogenic lectins. Other antigen-independent pathways also appeared highly active in the T cells from patients with CTCL because enhanced proliferation relative to anti-TCR/CD3 or mitogenic lectins was found when anti-CD2 or anti-CD28 plus phorbol ester was used as stimulant. Despite the brisk proliferation induced by anti-CDw60, anti-CD2, or anti-CD28, T cells from the patients did not produce detectable amounts of gamma-interferon. The inability to produce gamma-interferon correlates with our finding of absent (n = 3) or weak (n = 1) intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in the lesional keratinocytes in these patients. In conclusion, T cells of patients with CTCL demonstrate elevated expression of a T-cell-independent signaling molecule CDw60 and respond to antigen-independent activating signals.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Epidermal interleukin 1 alpha functional activity and interleukin 8 immunoreactivity are increased in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Previous studies have suggested that epidermal-derived interleukin-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL); however, the findings are conflicting and studies that combine immunohistochemistry and functional activity have not been performed. We investigated the interleukin-1 level in epidermis of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma using both immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and the thymocyte co-stimulation assay. Using supernatants obtained from epidermal cell cultures, we found a significant but small increase of interleukin 1 alpha protein release from involved CTCL epidermis compared to normal epidermis from healthy individuals. Both keratinocytes and leukocytes could release interleukin-1 alpha, but the majority was derived from the keratinocytes. Interleukin-1 beta protein was not detectable. In the thymocyte assay, interleukin-1 alpha was found to be biologically active. When lymphokines derived from a T-cell clone obtained from involved CTCL skin were co-cultured with epidermal cells, an enhanced release of epidermal interleukin-1 alpha could be demonstrated. Because interleukin 1 alpha was increased, we investigated the presence of interleukin 1-inducible keratinocyte-derived interleukin 8 and found it increased in CTCL epidermis compared to normal epidermis from healthy individuals. This study demonstrated an elevated epidermal IL-1 alpha level and IL-8 immunoreactivity in CTCL epidermis, which suggests that this elevated level is induced by lymphokines released from activated T cells.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1989

Elephantiasis-like cutaneous metastases from signet-ring cell carcinoma of the stomach.

We report the clinical features and course of a 66-year-old patient with gastric carcinoma, in whom multiple cutaneous metastases occurred one year after he underwent subtotal gastrectomy. Although internal malignancies rarely metastasize to the skin, when they do this may have profound diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic significance. Cutaneous metastases are usually synonymous with a rapidly progressive disease and a poor prognosis. This case, in which cutaneous metastases were found in the lower limbs, is notable since usually less than 4 percent of cutaneous metastatic lesions are found in this region. Moreover, the case seems unique because of the predominating dermiotrophic metastases, with only minor internal involvement.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗