Tetanus

Research from University of Sao Paulo, Department of Dermatology in the area of atopic dermatitis immunology published

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"Several mediators are related to the AD immune imbalance and interleukin-18 (IL-18), an inflammatory cytokine, may play a role in the atopic skin inflammation. To evaluate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) proliferation response to staphylococcal enterotoxins A (SEA) and B (SEB) and the levels of IL-18 in adults with AD. Thirty-eight adult patients with AD and 33 healthy controls were analysed. PBMC were stimulated with SEA and SEB, phytohemaglutinin (PHA), pokeweed (PWM), tetanus toxoid (TT) and Candida albicans (CMA). IL-18 secretion from PBMC culture supernatants and sera were measured by ELISA. A significant inhibition of the PBMC proliferation response to SEA, PHA, TT and CMA of AD patients was detected (p <or=0.05). Furthermore, increased levels of IL-18 were detected both in sera and non-stimulated PBMC culture supernatants from AD patients (p <or=0.05). A decreased PBMC proliferation response to distinct antigens and mitogens (TT, CMA, SEA and PHA) in adults with AD suggest a compromised immune profile. IL-18 secretion from AD upon stimulation was similar from controls, which may indicate a diverse mechanism of skin inflammation maintained by Staphylococcus aureus," wrote R.L. Orfali and colleagues, University of Sao Paulo, Department of Dermatology.

The researchers concluded: "On the other hand, augmented IL-18 secretion from AD sera and non-stimulated cell culture may enhance the immune dysfunction observed in AD, leading to constant skin inflammation."

Orfali and colleagues published their study in Experimental Dermatology (Atopic dermatitis in adults: evaluation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation response to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins A and B and analysis of interleukin-18 secretion. Experimental Dermatology, 2009;18(7):628-33).

For more information, contact R.L. Orfali, University of Sao Paulo, Dept. of Dermatology, School of Medicine, CEP 05403-002, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Publisher contact information for the journal Experimental Dermatology is: Blackwell Publishing Inc., 350 Main St., Malden, MA 02148, USA.

Keywords: Brazil, Sao Paulo, Atopic Dermatitis Immunology, Atopic Dermatitis, Dermatology, Experimental Dermatology, Immunology, Inflammation, Skin Disease, Staphylococcus Infections, Tetanus.

This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.