CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD2+high regulatory T cells in disseminated and localized forms of allergic contact dermatitis: relation to specific cytokines.

The aim of this study was to evaluate regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) in the course of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and to elucidate the role of IL-10 and TGF-β in Tregs activity. Peripheral blood CD4(+)CD25(+) and CD4(+)CD25(high) cells were determined by flow cytometry in patients with acute disseminated ACD ('ad', n = 36), acute localized ACD ('al', n = 26), and disseminated ACD during remission ('rd', n = 27) as well as in controls (n = 22). Serum levels of cytokines were measured using ELISA.

Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels are increased in serum of patients with allergic contact dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an antigen-specific, T-cell-mediated skin inflammatory disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play a role in degradation of extracellular matrix and subsequent tissue remodelling during inflammatory process. The objective of this study was to examine a possible role of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of ACD.

[Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus].

A case of 43-year-old woman with skin and genital lesions of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus was presented. It was paid attention to simultaneously examination of the skin and genital areas. For this reason it is necessary closed cooperation between dermatologists and gynaecologists for determination of proper diagnosis.

Permeability of human skin to selected anions and cations--in vitro studies.

Among the many factors influencing the human body every day, metal cations and anions are some of the most important and are constantly present in atmospheric fallout. Some of them such as sulfate or nitrate anions along with different detergents may cause pathological changes within the skin. The aim of this study was to estimate whether sulfate (SO4(2-)) and nitrate anions (NO3-) as well as metal cations, magnesium (Mg2+) and calcium (Ca2+) are able to pass through isolated patches of human skin and to investigate the dynamics of ion diffusion.