Objectives: First, this research was instituted to identify common allergens, and second, to test the association between IL16 gene promoter polymorphism rs4778889 T/C and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Methods: A case control study was conducted in dermatology outpatients’ clinic. Study subjects received interview-based semi-structured questionnaire, complete skin examination, IL16 gene promoter was investigated by PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis, and IQ Ultra™ patch test units (Chemotechnique Diagnostics AB, Sweden) with 10 substances were used. Results: Most of the prevalent cases had positive patch test (93.3%). The most common clinical presentation of ACD in our patients was itching (96.7%), followed by dryness (86.75%), erythema (76.7%), and fissuring (76.7%). There was higher CC gene distribution among cases, but there was no statistically significant difference. IL16 gene distribution was nearly similar among different clinical presentations. Formaldehyde showed statistically significant higher frequency for CC. The most common allergen found was mercury chloride (76.6%), followed by potassium dichromate (26.6%) and cobalt chloride (20%). Conclusions: The current study found prominent metal sensitization (mercury chloride) over the previously known potassium dichromate. There was no statistically significant IL16 gene distribution among cases compared with control. However, C allele was more frequently encountered in cases. Further studies are required to test the association with IL16 genotype and ACD and highlight the new trends in metal sensitization among cement-exposed workers.
Introduction: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by deficiency of the plasma protein C1 inhibitor (C1-INH). Patients classically present with recurrent localized subcutaneous or submucosal edema lasting for 2 to 5 days, severe abdominal pain, or acute airway obstruction which can be fatal. Case presentations: We highlight 2 patients with acute airway compromise secondary to HAE who were successfully treated with plasma-derived C1-INH concentrates. Conclusions: The timely administration of plasma-derived C1-INH concentrates for the acute treatment of HAE has been proven to be effective in both patients in aborting an airway complication. A high index of suspicion is required for the early diagnosis and treatment of this potentially fatal condition.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuroinflammation and demyelination that results in axon loss. Multiple sclerosis has been shown to be the result of an autoimmune response caused by a mixture of genetic and environmental factors. Dendritic cells are prominent antigen-presenting cells that interact with various molecules to regulate the immune system. The dysfunction of various features of immune regulation, including interleukins (ILs), CD4 + T cells, and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS1), has been implicated in the pathogenesis of MS. T cells, particularly through the malfunction of B7-costimulatory pathways, have been shown to affect the progression of the disease. SOCS1 is important in regulating the function of T cells through its interactions with other nearby genes, especially CLEC16A, with abnormal decreases in SOCS1 expression leading to the exhibition of MS symptoms. The activation of IL-23 receptors on CD4 + T cells is pivotal to their differentiation into pathogenic T H 17 cells. Several promising compounds that downregulate gene expression of IL-23 and IL-23R have been discovered but require further investigation for efficacy and safety. Given their role in the severity and progression of MS, therapies that decrease these dysregulations may ultimately decrease symptoms and in turn improve patients’ quality of life.
FUNDING: this study was supported by funding from the alison hunter memorial Foundation, mason Foundation, and Queensland co-investment Program. the authors confirm that the funder had no influence over the study design, content of the article, or selection of this journal. COMPETING INTERESTS: smm-g, dRs and Ps have a provisional patent pending on diagnostic methods. Other authors disclose no potential conflicts of interest.
