Role and effectiveness of complex and supervised rehabilitation on overall and hand function in systemic sclerosis patients-one-year follow-up study.

The aim of this study was to estimate the long-term results of complex and supervised rehabilitation of the hands in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Fifty-one patients were enrolled in this study: 27 patients (study group) were treated with a 4-week complex, supervised rehabilitation protocol. The control group of 24 patients was prescribed a home exercise program alone.

The Role of Angiogenesis Factors in the Formation of Vascular Changes in Scleroderma by Assessment of the Concentrations of VEGF and sVEGFR2 in Blood Serum and Tear Fluid.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by tissue hypoxia, excessive fibrosis of skin and internal organs, and angiogenesis imbalance. The aim of the study was to evaluate in SSc patients the association between the retinal microcirculation disturbances and the presence of peripheral trophic changes and to determine the role of angiogenesis factors in the formation of vascular changes in scleroderma. Twenty-five SSc patients and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included to the study.

Abnormalities of heart rate turbulence and heart rate variability as indicators of increased cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease manifested by progressive fibrosis of many internal organs including the cardiovascular system and development of autonomic disorders with sympathetic predominance. These abnormalities can increase cardiovascular mortality.

Aim: To evaluate heart rate turbulence (HRT) and variability (HRV) parameters (indicator of autonomic imbalance) obtained from 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring, as predictors of the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with scleroderma.

Analysis of genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1) in Polish patients with systemic sclerosis.

Aim: It is commonly assumed that a genetically determined polymorphism of xenobiotic biotransformation plays a particular role in the development of such disease entities in which chemical compounds and environmental pollutants are relevant etiologic factors. Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) belongs to diseases of connective tissue, characterized by chronic inflammation developing on an autoimmune background. The current state of knowledge on the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases indicates the existence of many factors affecting the development of the disease, including factors of the external environment.

Serum concentrations of IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17E and IL-17F in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Introduction: Immune system activation, microvascular abnormalities and extracellular matrix deposition in tissues play roles in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Th17 cells producing interleukin (IL)-17 are involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune-mediated inflammatory diseases; however, the role of IL-17 in SSc remains unclear.

Material And Methods: The concentrations of IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17E, and IL-17F in the serum of patients with SSc and in the healthy control group were assessed with regard to type of the disease - whether limited (lSSc) or diffuse (dSSc) - and symptoms.

ADAMTS13 deficiency and immunological abnormalities in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by immunological deviations and generalized microvascular damage.

Aim: To determine the serum level of the von Willebrand factor cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) in 39 SSc patients and healthy controls.

Material And Methods: ADAMTS13 serum level was determined in 39 SSc patients and 11 healthy controls.

Circulating angiostatin serum level in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is achronic connective tissue disease characterized by microangiopathy with inadequate angiogenesis. Angiostatin (AS) is a potent antiangiogenic factor specifically inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells.

Aim: To evaluate the level of angiostatin in the serum of patients with SSc.

Genotype and haplotype analysis of ABCB1 at 1236, 2677 and 3435 among systemic sclerosis patients.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) belongs to the group of systemic diseases of the connective tissue, which are characterized by a chronic autoimmune inflammatory process. P-glycoprotein, initially associated with the drug resistance in patients with cancer, becomes more and more often a subject of considerations in terms of its significance in the development of illnesses, including autoimmune diseases. The aim of the study was an attempt to answer the question whether there was a relationship between ABCB1 polymorphisms and morbidity of systemic sclerosis in a Polish population.

The use of isotretinoin in low doses and unconventional treatment regimens in different types of acne: a literature review.

High effectiveness of isotretinoin treatment for severe types of acne resistant to antibiotics has been widely recognized. However, the recommended doses in conventional therapy, according to consensus of the Polish Dermatological Society, may cause serious adverse effects. Thus, research into less stressful, alternative treatment regimens with the use of low doses of isotretinoin has been carried out.

Genetic polymorphism of in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis.

Human organism is constantly exposed to harmful exogenous factors (xenobiotics) including drugs and carcinogenic compounds that can induce development of a large number of diseases. The processes of biotransformation in the organism are multidirectional and xenobiotics can be transformed into active or inactive metabolites via the oxidative route. The knowledge of oxidation polymorphism in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis may be helpful in choosing more efficient and safer therapy, particularly in the case of a disease involving various organs and treated with drugs belonging to diverse therapeutic groups.

Behçet's disease leaves the silk road.

Behçet's disease is rarely recognized among Caucasians, while it is endemic in countries of the Eastern and Central Asia, especially in Turkey. The aim of the manuscript is to present the clinical picture, diagnosis criteria and therapeutic approaches of this rare disease which, because of intensive migration, can occur not only in particular regions of the world.

Assessment of skin microcirculation by laser Doppler flowmetry in systemic sclerosis patients.

Introduction: First lesions to occur in the course of systemic sclerosis (SSc) involve microcirculation.

Aim: The study involved assessment of the suitability of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in examination of the performance of skin microcirculation in the distal portion of the upper extremity in SSc patients.

Material And Methods: Overall the study involved 27 patients with systemic sclerosis.

Disturbed balance between serum levels of receptor tyrosine kinases Tie-1, Tie-2 and angiopoietins in systemic sclerosis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the characteristic factors for vascular development and maintenance levels as well as correlation between Tie-1 receptors, Tie-2 receptors and the corresponding ligands--angiopoietins--in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

Materials And Methods: Serum levels of Tie-1, Tie-2, Ang-1 and Ang-2 were measured in 25 SSc patients and healthy controls.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in serum Tie-1 (p = 0.

Prevalence of ocular manifestations in systemic sclerosis patients.

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is a severe chronic connective tissue disease caused by immune system disorders and changes in the structure and functions of blood vessels, which consequently leads to enhanced tissue fibrosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the organ of vision in systemic sclerosis patients.

Material And Methods: Overall the study involved 27 patients with systemic sclerosis.

[Increased level of lipid peroxidation products and disturbances in oxidation-reduction balance in erythrocytes from patients suffering from systemic sclerosis, who are chronically treated with vitamin E].

Unlabelled: Systemic sclerosis is a chronic connective tissue disease of unknown pathogenesis. In view of the reports of essential role of oxidative stress in development of disease, trials with supportive care with vitamin E are undertaken. The aim of the study was to estimate parameters of oxidation-reduction balance in erythrocytes from scleroderma patients, who were chronically treated with vitamin E compared with healthy controls.

Significance of genetic polymorphism of CYP2D6 in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) belongs to the group of systemic diseases of the connective tissue, which are characterized by a chronic autoimmune inflammatory process. The studies on etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases focus on the impact the genetically conditioned impairment of xenobiotic metabolism may exert. The genetically polymorphic CYP2D6 is one of the most important phase I drug metabolizing enzymes.

Angiogenin and SDF-1α serum concentration in patients with systemic sclerosis in relation to clinical status.

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by tissue hypoxia due to vascular changes and excessive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Damage to blood vessels and endothelium, as well as imbalance of vascular homeostasis, impairment of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis are observed in the course of the disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the pro-angiogenic factors angiogenin and SDF-1α in patients with SSc.

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis with endocrinopathy - case report.

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is characterized by Candida infection of the mucous membrane, scalp, skin and nails. We present a case of a 42-year-old man who was treated twice in the Dermatological Department. He was admitted the first time as a 7-year-old boy because of skin and mucosal lesions and then the diagnosis of granuloma candidamyceticum was established.

[Systemic sclerosis and scleroderma circumscripta--disturbances of selected serum parameters which are responsible for vascular changes and CD34 expression in involved skin].

Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis confined only to skin (scleroderma circumscripta, morphea) or to skin and internal organs (systemic sclerosis, SSc) as a result of vascular changes, immune dysfunction and increased production of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Both types of scleroderma present clinical and histological similarities in skin changes but their pathogenic relationship is still not elucited. The aim of our study was to evaluate vascular changes in both types of scleroderma on the basis of: serum levels of gelatinases--MMP-2 and MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptor 2 (sVEGFR2) and expression of CD34 antigen in skin changed samples.

[Pyoderma gangrenosum--an interdisciplinary diagnostic problem].

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, chronic, progressive and noninfectious necrosis of skin with an unclear etiology. It usually coexists with the systemic disorders. Clinically it appears as a rapidly spreading ulceration in a various location.

Correlation of endostatin and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2) serum levels with cardiovascular involvement in systemic sclerosis patients.

Fibrosis of oesophagus, lungs, heart, and kidney in the course of systemic sclerosis (SSc) may lead to dysfunction of the above organs or even patients death. Recent studies point out the role of angiogenesis and fibrosis disturbances in the pathogenesis of SSc. Heart fibrosis is one of the most important prognostic factors in SSc patients.

[The etiopathogenesis of acne vulgaris--if the diet is an important factor?].

Acne is one of the most common skin diseases. Up till now a lot of research is being conduced on the pathogenesis of this disease. Diet is regarded as one of the possible, although controversial, co-factors.

Duration of Raynaud's phenomenon is negatively correlated with serum levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), soluble receptor of interleukin 2 (sIL2R), and sFas in systemic sclerosis patients.

Background: Dysfunction of blood vessels and endothelial cells is regarded as a primary triggering factor of the development of autoimmunological processes in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc). Literature data suggest that the duration of Raynaud's phenomenon may correlate with disease severity.

Material/methods: The study comprised 34 patients with SSc, 19 with limited SSc (lSSc) and 15 with diffuse SSc (dSSc).

Interleukin 4 plasma levels in psoriasis vulgaris patients.

Background: Psoriasis is regarded as a Th1-cell type disease. Interleukin-4, a Th2 type cytokine, is diminished in psoriatic skin. It has been postulated that switching the cytokine profile from Th1 to Th2 may be of great help in the treatment of psoriasis.