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Biomedical subjects

R Caputo

Publications and source records attributed to R Caputo.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Expression of integrins in junctional and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Recently, monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) have been raised against a family of adhesive membrane receptors (R) for extracellular matrix molecules known as integrins. In order to ascertain whether these adhesive proteins are normally expressed in inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) dermal epidermal junction, we studied the reactivity of MoAb recognizing receptors for VLA-1 (R for unknown ligand), VLA-2 (R for collagen), VLA-3 (R for collagen, laminin, fibronectin), VLA-4 (R for unknown ligand), VLA-5 (R for fibronectin), VLA-6 (R for laminin), VNR alpha, and VNR beta (R for vitronectin) on cryostat skin sections from EB patients and normal controls and on cytospins of normal epidermal cell suspensions with indirect immunohistochemical methods. Two cases of junctional EB (EBj) (lethal and non-lethal), three cases of dominant dystrophic EB (EBdd), two cases of recessive dystrophic EB (EBdr), and two normal controls skin sections and cell suspensions entered the study. No significant modification of the distribution of these adhesive receptors was observed in junctional and dystrophic EB skin. Both in normal and EB specimens MoAb against VLA-2, VLA-3, and VNR alpha determinants showed reactivity with the total cytoplasmic membrane of basal keratinocytes and basement membrane zone. Interestingly, anti-VLA-6 MoAb was characterized by an intense linear staining of the dermal-epidermal junction with the same localization on the roof of the blisters in EBj, EBdd, and EBdr as bullous pemphigoid (BP) serum. On the basis of these results we suggest that anti-VLA-6 MoAb could be used instead of BP serum for immunohistochemical detection of the cleavage of blisters in EB.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1990

Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis: generalized form in children from parents with systematized linear form.

Two unrelated families are presented in both of which a child with generalized epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (congenital bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma) had a parent with linear epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (epidermolytic epidermal naevus). Light and electron microscopy of skin biopsies of lesions from the children and parents showed typical epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. Gonadal mosaicism in patients with linear epidermolytic hyperkeratosis may be responsible for transmission of the abnormality to the offspring.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

The treatment of visible signs of senescence: the Italian experience.

An open clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-photoageing efficacy of topical tretinoin. A length of cream of approximately 1 cm was applied to the face daily in the evening for 6 months: during month 1 of therapy 0.01% tretinoin cream was administered; 0.025% was given during month 2; and 0.05% was given in months 3-6. The clinical symptoms of photoageing (coarse wrinkling, fine wrinkling, skin thinning, mottled hyperpigmentation, laxity and xerosis) were evaluated before and after therapy. A total of 19.1% of patients withdrew from the study; only 5.6% were for treatment-related reasons. At the end of the treatment period all the clinical parameters, except xerosis, were improved. The amount of improvement varied, but only 4.2% of patients failed to show any improvement. Tolerability was excellent in 51.4% of patients, good in 44.4% and fair in 4.2%, and compliance was excellent in 47.0% of patients, good in 48.5% and fair in 4.5%. Tolerability and compliance were improved by applying the same amount of cream each day but increasing the concentration of tretinoin over the 6-month period. Silicone skin replicas of the same area of skin taken before and after treatment, analysed by scanning electron microscopy, profilometry and computer image analysis, showed a decrease in the width of wrinkles, and an improvement in skin texture and follicle density.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1990

Hypochromic reticulated streaks in incontinentia pigmenti: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.

A 25-year-old woman who recently gave birth to a baby affected by classic lesions of incontinentia pigmenti (IP), had hypochromic, atrophic, and reticulated streaks on both lower limbs. Her personal history was unremarkable for IP, and physical examination revealed no other cutaneous signs of the disease. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies were performed on biopsies obtained from both normal and hypochromic skin of the leg. Hypochromic skin showed epidermal atrophy and lack of adnexae, without significant melanocyte abnormality. As demonstrated by this patient, hypochromic reticulated streaks can represent the only cutaneous marker of IP in adulthood. Careful search for such skin lesions in the mother of a child with IP is essential in order to ascertain whether there is a risk of its occurrence in future offspring.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Prenatal diagnosis of junctional epidermolysis bullosa associated with pyloric atresia.

Prenatal diagnosis of junctional epidermolysis bullosa associated with pyloric atresia was carried out in a couple at risk. Their two previous children had died during the first months of life of the same disorder despite surgery for the pyloric abnormality. Ultrastructural study of fetal skin biopsies obtained at 18 weeks' gestation showed dermal-epidermal separation at the lamina lucida level, while ultrasound showed marked stomach dilatation. Light microscopy of pyloric tissue obtained after termination showed the pyloric lumen to be replaced by loose connective tissue with no inflammatory reaction. Immunofluorescence studies on the skin specimens with the monoclonal antibody GB3, known to be absent in 'lethal' junctional epidermolysis bullosa skin, disclosed a marked positivity suggesting that the junctional epidermolysis bullosa in this case may be of the 'non-lethal' type.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1990

[Use of salmon calcitonin nasal spray in the prevention of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis in bullous diseases].

Osteoporosis becomes a common pathologic feature in patients given a long-term corticosteroid treatment: actually, bone formation proves decreased, and bone resorption increased. Said reduced bone formation is ascribable to an inhibited osteoblastic function: on the contrary, increased bone resorption may be ascribed to a suppressed intestinal calcium absorption with a consequent secondary increase in the parathyroid hormone secretion. The present trial had the purpose of assessing the BMC (Bone Mineral Content) in 10 patients with bullous diseases, such as pemphigus and pemphigoid, in the course of treatment with corticosteroid agents and nasal spray salmon calcitonin (sCT). The patients, 3 males and 7 females, mean age 62.9 years (min 33, max 93) were given intranasal sCT at the dosage regimen of 200 IU/day/6 months. No patients had previously received corticosteroid treatment. Six patients were given betamethasone, and 4 methylprednisolone, compared thereafter with hydrocortisone; the minimum dose was 70 mg and the maximum dose 400 mg. To evaluate the BMC, the patients were subjected to a single photon absorption densitometry (SPA). Distal radius determinations were reasonably related with the axial skeleton BMC. Determinations were carried out at the start of the trial, at the 3rd month as well as the end of treatment. At the start of the trial, the mean BMC was 0.765 (+/- SE 0.056) calculated at the radial distal end; at the 6th month of treatment the mean BMC resulted to be 0.847 (+/- SE 0.059). Actually, as reported by various investigators, BMC may attain an over 10% loss in the course of a corticosteroid treatment, an evidence that is not encountered in the case of an intranasal sCT administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1990

[Evaluation of the anti-comedo effect of azelaic acid using the technique of horny layer biopsy and scanning electron microscopy].

Hyperkeratosis of the follicular channel is the most common finding in acne skin. The hyperkeratosis may represent an altercated keratinization process or the consequence of the abnormal sebum production and excretion. Several review demonstrated the anti-comedo activity of azelaic acid in acneic skin. This action may be due either to an anti-hormonal effect or to a change in keratin production. The aim of this work is to investigate the anti-comedo activity of 20% azelaic acid cream topically applied in a group of teen-agers affected by acne. A horny layer biopsy with cyanoacrylate glue was performed before and after four months of treatment with azelaic acid cream in ten acne patients. About 1 cm square horny layer biopsy was metallized and observed at the scanning electron microscopy to count the number of comedos. With this method we detected a reduction of about 26% of the comedos after four months of azelaic acid treatment. The result we obtained is in accordance with previous works about the anti-comedo activity of azelaic acid.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1990

Clinical efficacy and patient tolerance of topical tretinoin therapy in photo-ageing.

A total of 89 patients (mean age 42 years) with clinical signs of photo-ageing were evaluated in an open study to determine the clinical efficacy and tolerance of topical tretinoin therapy. Each evening for 6 months about 1 cm of cream containing tretinoin was applied to the face. Patient compliance and tolerance were maximized by gradually increasing the tretinoin concentration in the cream over the treatment period: 0.01% tretinoin for 1 month, then 0.025% for 1 month and finally 0.05% for 4 months. By the end of the 6 months' treatment period, 95.8% of patients showed improvement in the clinical symptoms of photo-ageing (coarse and fine wrinkling, skin thinning, mottled hyperpigmentation and laxity), except for xerosis. During treatment, 17 (19.1%) patients withdrew from the study, in five (5.6%) this was due to treatment-related side-effects. Patient compliance was rated as excellent in 47.0% of cases, good in 48.5% and fair in 4.5%; tolerability was excellent in 51.4% of cases, good in 44.4% and fair in 4.2%. Improvements were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, computerized profilometry and computerized image analysis of skin replicas of the same areas taken before and after treatment, with a reduction in width and depth of wrinkles, improved skin texture and increased follicle density.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Children's skin and cleansing agents.

Due to its particular physiology, baby skin is highly sensitive towards cleansing agents especially during the child's first period of life. Dermatologists therefore suggest cleansing rules and recommend the use of suitable products to avoid skin defects by cleansing agents.

Child↗
PubMed1989

Clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements and normal T-cell receptor, bcl-2, and c-myc genes in primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas.

Fourteen cases of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas were investigated at the immunohistochemical and molecular level to further characterize this newly defined entity. Neoplastic cells from all cases, phenotyped with a panel of monoclonal antibodies, were positive for HLA-DR, for the B-cell markers CD19, CD22, but not CD23 (except one case), and negative for the T-cell marker CD2. Monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains were demonstrated in six cases. The reactivity with the Ki-67 monoclonal antibody indicated that the neoplastic cells are proliferating. In five biopsies the presence of dendritic cells infiltrating the neoplastic areas was revealed using the monoclonal antibody Kim4b. By Southern blot analysis, clonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (involving one or both alleles) was shown in 12 of 14 cases and of the light chain genes in 13 cases. The bcl-2 oncogene, normally involved in nodal follicular lymphomas, was in germ-line configuration. The c-myc and the beta and gamma chain genes of the T-cell receptor were also in the germ-line configuration. None of the cases presented Epstein-Barr virus sequences. These data indicate that primary cutaneous lymphomas of B-cell origin share morphological and phenotypic similarities with the nodal B-cell lymphomas of follicular histotype, are proliferating, and express in 45% of cases clear monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain; the molecular analysis confirms the B-cell derivation and the monoclonal nature of this neoplasia; it also shows that neither bcl-2 nor c-myc oncogenes are involved and that no inappropriate rearrangements of the T-cell receptor genes are found in this lymphoma.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Long-term treatment of acne with 20% azelaic acid cream.

Preliminary clinical studies (2) proved the effectiveness of topical azelaic acid (AZA) in the treatment of acne vulgaris. During the period of 1982-86 we carried out two studies with 20% AZA cream in patients with acne to determine its clinical indications and therapeutic schedules. The first, open study was of 100 unselected patients of either sex, while a second group of 30 patients formed a part of a larger (309 patients) multicentre single-blind comparison of topical AZA vs. 5% benzoylperoxide (BPO) gel for the treatment of papulopustular acne. The rates of improvement obtained indicate that topical AZA can be considered an effective therapy chiefly for papulo-pustular acne, with a very good local tolerance.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1989

[National and international experiences with azelaic acid cream in the treatment of papulo-pustular acne].

In a series of investigation using 20% azelaic acid as a therapy for acne, it was found that the treatment, compared with most common therapies (benzoylperoxide, oral tetracycline) significantly reduced inflamed lesions in papulo-pustular acne. The rates of improvement obtained indicate that topical azelaic acid treatment can be considered an effective therapy for papulo-pustular acne and it compares well with other agents. Azelaic acid cream shows a progressive and significant beneficial effect and its action is more pronounced in long-term treatment.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1989

Lipodystrophia centrifugalis sacralis infantilis. A 15-year follow-up observation.

A unique case of Lipodystrophia centrifugalis sacralis infantilis in a caucasian is reported. This case fulfils all the clinical requirements of the centrifugalis lipodystrophy described in Oriental children by Imamura et al. (1) and usually localized on the abdomen. The 15-year follow-up of this case clearly demonstrates the tendency toward spontaneous remission of the disease after puberty.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Heterogeneity of immunological patterns in Langerhan's histiocytosis and response to crude calf thymic extract in 11 patients.

Response to treatment with daily intramuscularly administered crude calf thymic extract (Suppressin) in 11 patients with Langerhan's histiocytosis (L.H.) is reported. In ten patients, T-lymphocytic subsets were studied before starting immunotherapy: OKT3 positive and OKT4 positive cells were reduced in four patients; OKT8 positive cells were reduced in two patients; three patients were normal. After immunotherapy, one patient entered complete remission, four patients had stationary disease, and six had marked clinical progression. Subsequently eight patients underwent conventional chemotherapy, and only three entered complete remission. This study has demonstrated the heterogeneity of immunological patterns in L.H. and justifies the necessity for investigations on the immunoregulatory mechanism of L.H.

Child↗
PubMed1988

Reticulohistiocytoma of the dorsum.

To clarify the nature of reticulohistiocytoma of the dorsum, 19 cases, including three of the seven original cases described by Crosti, were evaluated clinically, histologically, and immunologically. In seven cases gene rearrangement analysis was also performed. Results indicate that reticulohistiocytoma of the dorsum must be considered a primary cutaneous B cell lymphoma of follicular center cell origin. This localized skin disease has a very slowly progressive course, with many patients showing no systemic involvement even after prolonged follow-up.

Adult↗