Neutralization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) by fully human antibodies correlates with their specificity for the β-sheet structure of MIF.

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine that recently emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for a variety of diseases. A diverse panel of fully human anti-MIF antibodies was generated by selection from a phage display library and extensively analyzed in vitro. Epitope mapping studies identified antibodies specific for linear as well as structural epitopes.

Changes in the sex hormone profile of male patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis under systemic therapy: results of a prospective longitudinal pilot study.

Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis exhibit increased cardiovascular mortality. Recent publications point towards psoriasis-induced insulin resistance as an important pathomechanism driving cardiovascular comorbidity in these patients. As the hormonal status in general and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in particular serve as sensitive indicators for insulin resistance, we analysed these parameters in the context of a set of multiple additional clinical and laboratory measurements in a cohort of male patients.

Systemic therapy of plaque-type psoriasis ameliorates endothelial cell function: results of a prospective longitudinal pilot trial.

Severe psoriasis is associated with significant cardiovascular mortality. We therefore investigated the effects of systemic therapy on the cardiovascular risk of psoriasis patients. Thirteen consecutive patients receiving fumaric acid esters were included and followed for 24 weeks both clinically and by means of laboratory monitoring, 10 completed the study.

Low allergenic potential with fondaparinux: results of a prospective investigation.

Objective: To determine the incidence and causes of skin reactions to the synthetic pentasaccharide fondaparinux.

Patients And Methods: Patients who received prophylactic/therapeutic subcutaneous fondaparinux treatment for more than 7 days were prospectively examined for cutaneous adverse effects between September 1, 2008, and April 30, 2009. When indicated, other procedures, such as skin biopsy, allergy testing, and clinical/laboratory assessment for thrombosis and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, were performed.

Platelet P-selectin reflects a state of cutaneous inflammation: possible application to monitor treatment efficacy in psoriasis.

Haemostasis-maintaining platelets are also recognized as important modulators in the regulation of immune response. Activated platelets expressing P-selectin (CD62P) are involved in the extravasation of leucocytes. This study evaluated platelet P-selectin expression as a biomarker for cutaneous inflammation.

Platelet, not endothelial, P-selectin expression contributes to generation of immunity in cutaneous contact hypersensitivity.

Leukocyte extravasation is a prerequisite for host defense and autoimmunity alike. Detailed understanding of the tightly controlled and overlapping sequences of leukocyte extravasation might aid development of novel therapeutic strategies. Leukocyte extravasation is initiated by interaction of selectins with appropriate carbohydrate ligands.