Biomedical subjects

Markus Stuecker

Publications and source records attributed to Markus Stuecker.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Modulation of endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis: UVA1-mediated skin improvement in systemic sclerosis.

UVA1-mediated effects regarding vascular dysregulation as a primary pathogenetic factor of systemic sclerosis skin lesions have so far not been investigated. Pre- and posttherapy skin biopsies of four patients were evaluated immunohistochemically for angiostatic, angiogenic and angioapoptotic features. Immunohistochemistry revealed a partial pretherapy loss of endothelial CD31 and CD34 expression accompanied by a posttherapy increase of CD34(+) cells. Simultaneously, VEGF and M30 CytoDEATH immunolabeling demonstrated UVA1-induced neovascularization and decreased endothelial apoptosis. Our results suggest that UVA1 irradiation exerts its positive effects by a modulation of endothelial regulation/transformation beside the proposed induction of T cell apoptosis and collagenases.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed2004

Immunohistochemical investigations and introduction of new therapeutic strategies in scleromyxoedema: case report.

BACKGROUND: Scleromyxoedema is a rare chronic skin disease of obscure origin, which may often be associated with severe internal co-morbidity. Even though different casuistic treatment modalities have been described, to date, curing still seems to be impossible. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 44-year-old Caucasian female presenting with remarkable circumscribed, erythematous to skin-coloured, indurated skin eruptions at the forehead, arms, shoulders, legs and the gluteal region. Routine histology and Alcian blue labelling confirmed a massive deposition of acid mucopolysaccharides. Immunohistochemical investigations revealed proliferating fibroblasts and a discrete lymphocytic infiltration as well as increased dermal expression of MIB-1+ and anti-mastcell-tryptase+ cells. Bone marrow biopsies confirmed a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance without morphological characteristics of plasmocytoma; immunofixation unveiled the presence of IgG-kappa paraproteins. CONCLUSIONS: Taking all data into account, our patient exhibited a complex form of lichen mxyoedematosus, which could most likely be linked a variant of scleromyxoedema. Experimental treatment with methotrexate resulted in a stabilisation of clinical symptoms but no improvement after five months of therapy. A subsequent therapeutic attempt by the use of medium-dose ultraviolet A1 cold-light photomonotherapy led to a further stabilisation of clinical symptoms, but could not induce a sustained amelioration of skin condition.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

UVA1-induced decrease in dermal neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in acrosclerosis.

Besides its role in small-cell carcinoma of the lung, elevated serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) have recently been reported to be associated with autoimmune rheumatic disorders such as systemic sclerosis. Serum NSE seems to correlate with disease activity as well as Rodnan skin score. The aim of the study was to assess the neuromodulatory effects of conventional UVA1 phototherapy on acrosclerosis as an additional mechanism besides an assumed T cell apoptosis, collagenase induction and angiogenesis. Punch skin biopsies of acrosclerotic skin lesions taken before and after treatment from four patients were evaluated immunohistochemically for the presence of NSE, S100 and neurofilament. Immunolabeling revealed a UVA-induced decrease in dermal NSE expression. In contrast, no alteration in neurofilament+ cells could be detected. In line with the findings of a previous investigation, a high number of S100+ cells were detected in most specimens. We demonstrated a UVA1-induced reduction in dermal NSE levels correlating with a softening of former sclerotic lesions. Even though the origin and the functional mechanisms remain obscure, NSE might be relevant directly within sclerotic skin lesions and may possibly be used as a diagnostic marker at least in SSc-associated acrosclerotic skin.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Low-dose UVA1 phototherapy in systemic sclerosis: effects on acrosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Increased collagen synthesis, vascular damage, and T-lymphocytic infiltration contribute to the development of systemic sclerosis. Preliminary studies revealed the effectiveness of low-dose UVA1 phototherapy in acrosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: We sought to confirm data of a pilot study revealing the efficacy of low-dose UVA1 irradiation in acrosclerosis in a larger number of patients. METHODS: Symptoms of 18 patients receiving low-dose UVA1 phototherapy were evaluated clinically and biometrically in an open, nonrandomized study. A number of pretherapeutic and posttherapeutic biopsy specimens were tested immunohistochemically for matrix-metalloproteinase-1. RESULTS: UVA1 irradiation led to softening of former stiffness reflected by a significant decrease of the hand score, increase of total skin distension, and reduction of skin thickness. Posttherapeutically, matrix-metalloproteinase-1 immunolabeling revealed a significant dermal elevation of collagenase. CONCLUSION: Low-dose UVA1 phototherapy is a capable treatment option for acrosclerosis. Its beneficial effect may be mediated by the induction of collagenases and a reduction of collagen deposition and cellular infiltration.

Adult↗