Approaches to nutrition intervention in plaque psoriasis, a multi-system inflammatory disease-The Diet and Psoriasis Project (DIEPP).

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2% of the UK population. Its pathogenesis is suggested to be an outcome of genetic and environmental interplay. People with psoriasis have an increased likelihood of developing other conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Connective tissue disease and sarcoidosis: a true association or a secondary granulomatous reaction?

Sarcoidosis occurs much more commonly in cohorts of connective tissue disease (1%) compared to the general population (0.01-0.04%).

Acne and rosacea in skin of colour.

Acne and rosacea are common inflammatory skin conditions present in numerous racial and ethnic groups. There are distinct differences in clinical presentation, exacerbating factors, potential triggers and consequences of both conditions in individuals with skin of colour (SOC), classified as Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI. For example, acne can be complicated by the development of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and keloid scarring in SOC, and this can influence treatment choice.

A characteristic rash caused by Shiitake mushrooms - An emerging concern?

Shiitake mushroom dermatitis is a striking rash that can present as an emergency. Despite the dramatic appearance, the rash is an idiosyncratic reaction which resolves spontaneously and does not progress to anaphylaxis.

The status and outcomes of registered clinical trials for Janus kinase inhibitors in alopecia areata: are unpublished trials being overlooked?

Recent meta-analyses of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in alopecia areata (AA) have excluded trial registries and may thus be subject to publication bias. This study assessed the potential for evidence selection bias and provides an overview of JAK inhibitor trials in AA. A broad search strategy of ClinicalTrials.

Loss-of-function desmoplakin I and II mutations underlie dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy with a hair and skin phenotype.

Background: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inherited, frequently underdiagnosed disorder, which can predispose individuals to sudden cardiac death. Rare, recessive forms of AC can be associated with woolly hair and palmoplantar keratoderma, but most autosomal dominant AC forms have been reported to be cardiac specific. Causative mutations frequently occur in desmosomal genes including desmoplakin (DSP).

Rhomboid family member 2 regulates cytoskeletal stress-associated Keratin 16.

Keratin 16 (K16) is a cytoskeletal scaffolding protein highly expressed at pressure-bearing sites of the mammalian footpad. It can be induced in hyperproliferative states such as wound healing, inflammation and cancer. Here we show that the inactive rhomboid protease RHBDF2 (iRHOM2) regulates thickening of the footpad epidermis through its interaction with K16.

Tylosis with oesophageal cancer: Diagnosis, management and molecular mechanisms.

Tylosis (hyperkeratosis palmaris et plantaris) is characterised by focal thickening of the skin of the hands and feet and is associated with a very high lifetime risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. This risk has been calculated to be 95% at the age of 65 in one large family, however the frequency of the disorder in the general population is not known and is likely to be less than one in 1,000,000. Oesophageal lesions appear as small (2-5 mm), white, polyploid lesions dotted throughout the oesophagus and oral leukokeratosis has also been described.

Discovery in genetic skin disease: the impact of high throughput genetic technologies.

The last decade has seen considerable advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of skin disease, as a consequence of high throughput sequencing technologies including next generation sequencing and whole exome sequencing. We have now determined the genes underlying several monogenic diseases, such as harlequin ichthyosis, Olmsted syndrome, and exfoliative ichthyosis, which have provided unique insights into the structure and function of the skin. In addition, through genome wide association studies we now have an understanding of how low penetrance variants contribute to inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis vulgaris and atopic dermatitis, and how they contribute to underlying pathophysiological disease processes.

Deterioration of vitiligo and new onset of halo naevi observed in two patients receiving adalimumab.

Two patients with a long-standing history of recalcitrant ankylosing spondylitis were commenced on adalimumab as monotherapy. Case 1 developed marked rapid deterioration in his previously stable vitiligo within 3 months of commencing treatment. This was attributed to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy, and a marked improvement was noted following withdrawal of adalimumab.