Teste intradérmico avalia reação de hipersensibilidade a diversos agentes que possam apresentar poder reacional alérgico e são comumente utilizados para complementar o diagnóstico da dermatite atópica canina (DAC). Ainda não existe consenso sobre as concentrações de histamina e extratos alergênicos a serem utilizadas. Para determinar a concentração ideal de histamina, como controle positivo, e do limiar irritativo de extratos alergênicos em teste intradérmico é necessário que diversas concentrações sejam avaliadas em uma população bem numerosa de cães hígidos. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar em 160 cães sadios submetidos a teste intradérmico, quais seriam as concentrações de histamina e de extratos alergênicos consideradas ideais. A solução contendo 0,1 mg/mL de histamina foi considerada como parâmetro ideal, provocando reações cutâneas com diâmetro médio, mediana e desvio padrão, de 15,18 mm, 14,97 mm e 2,07 mm, respectivamente. A partir do estabelecimento da concentração de histamina, foram determinadas as concentrações ótimas dos extratos alergênicos, expressas em PNU/mL: 1.000 para Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 500 para D. farinae, 125 para Blomia tropicalis e 2.000 para Malassezia pachydermatis. Futuros estudos devem ser conduzidos em cães atópicos para verificação da acurácia dos testes intradérmicos realizados com essas concentrações. / Intradermal testing evaluates hipersensitivity reaction to different agents that can present allergic reactivity power. It is commonly used to complement canine atopic dermatitis diagnosis. There is still no consensus about histamine concentrations and allergen extracts to be used. The determination of the histamine ideal concentration as positive control and the irritant threshold of allergen extracts for intradermal testing, requires evaluation of different concentrations on a large population of healthy dogs. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the ideal histamine and allergen extracts concentrations on 160 healthy dogs submitted to intradermal testing. A histamine solution 0,1 mg/mL was considered the ideal parameter. It caused cutaneous reactions with average diameter, median measure and standard deviation of 15.18 mm, 14.97 mm and 2.07 mm, respectively. From the histamine concentration establishment, the optimum allergen extracts concentrations were determined, expressed by PNU/mL: 1.000 for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 500 for D. farinae, 125 for Blomia tropicalis and 2.000 for Malassezia pachydermatis. Future studies have to be conducted on atopic dogs to verify the accuracy of the intradermal testing with these concentrations.

Introdução: A dermatite atópica (DA) é uma doença inflamatória crônica da pele que apresenta um impacto significativo na qualidade de vida dos pacientes, em conseqüência de episódios recorrentes durante a vida. Considerando estudos recentes que descrevem a associação entre aspectos psicológicos e a dermatite atópica, acredita-se que a investigação da existência de um possível perfil comportamental destas crianças possa auxiliar o desenvolvimento de intervenções psicoterápicas específicas, assim como aumentar o conhecimento sobre a doença. Método: Este trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma avaliação do perfil sóciocomportamental de crianças portadoras de DA e comparando-as com crianças sem a doença. Neste estudo, do tipo caso-controle, foram incluídos dois grupos com idades entre 4 e 18 anos: o grupo estudo, com pacientes portadores de dermatite atópica que consultam no ambulatório do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) e o grupo controle, composto por crianças e adolescentes sem doença dermatológica, matriculados em escola da rede pública de Porto Alegre. O tamanho estimado da amostra foi de 25 indivíduos em cada grupo. A coleta dos dados realizou-se através do CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist), validado no Brasil com o nome de Inventário de Comportamento da Infância e Adolescência. Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas duas dimensões globais (internalização e externalização), sendo que as crianças portadoras de dermatite atópica mostraram mais sintomas relacionados com ansiedade, depressão, alterações de pensamento e comportamento agressivo quando comparadas com crianças sem a doença. Conclusão: Os resultados indicam a necessidade de abordagens interdisciplinares no tratamento da criança com DA, valorizando não só as lesões dermatológicas, como também os aspectos emocionais dos indivíduos. / Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which causes a significant impact on the quality of life of the patients as a consequence of recurrent episodes during their lives. Considering recent studies describing the association between psychological aspects and atopic dermatitis, it can be suggested that the search of a possible behavioral profile of children presenting AD may be of help in the development of specific psychotherapeutic interventions as well as increasing the knowledge about the disease. Methodology: This research aims to accomplish an evaluation of the social-behavior profile of children with AD compared with others without the disease. In this case-control study two groups, aged 4 to 18 years old, have been included,; the study-group including patients with atopic dermatitis who have been assisted at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) and the control-group of children and adolescents without AD enrolled at public schools in Porto Alegre. The estimated sample size was 25 individuals in each group. Data collection was accomplished utilizing the Child Behavior Cheklist (CBCL), instrument valited in Brazil as Inventário de Comportamento da Infância e Adolescência. Results: Significant statistic differences were demonstrated in both global dimensions (internalizing and externalizing), having the children with AD more symptoms related to anxiety, depression, alteration of thoughts alterations and aggressive behavior when compared to the children without the disease. Conclusion: The results emphasizes the need of interdisciplinary approaches in treating children with AD, contemplating not only the dermatological aspects, but also the emotional aspects of the disease.

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-04-07T15:40:50Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) DAYANNE MOTA VELOSO BRUSCKY DISSERTAÇÃO 2015.pdf: 1467970 bytes, checksum: fee0da8b1c22b7ab32211b2ce92d54d9 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-07T15:40:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) DAYANNE MOTA VELOSO BRUSCKY DISSERTAÇÃO 2015.pdf: 1467970 bytes, checksum: fee0da8b1c22b7ab32211b2ce92d54d9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-05-29 / CNPq / A dermatite atópica acomete em torno de 10% da população pediátrica no mundo e causa importante interferência negativa na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos pacientes e seus familiares principalmente relacionada ao prurido. É recomendada a utilização de pelo menos dois instrumentos para medir adequadamente este sintoma e, no Brasil, dispomos atualmente apenas da escala visual analógica. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a adaptação transcultural e validação para português (cultura brasileira) da Itch Severity Scale, instrumento para medir a gravidade de prurido. Trata-se de estudo metodológico de validação de instrumento. Baseado nos protocolos propostos por Beaton et al. (2010) e Reichenheim e Moraes (2007) para obter as equivalências conceitual, de itens, semântica, operacional e de mensuração. Participaram do estudo 7 alergologistas, 3 professores de inglês, 1 professor de linguística, 1 professor com experiência em validação de instrumento, 42 responsáveis por portadores de dermatite atópica entre 02 a 18 anos incompletos de idade e 42 responsáveis por crianças de mesma faixa etária sem doença cutânea pruriginosa. Resultados da escala foram comparados com gravidade da dermatite atópica e controle da doença, e entre os dois grupos. Da população selecionada, 98,8% participaram e 100% das questões da escala foram respondidas. Houve clareza das questões maior que 90%. A Escala de Gravidade de Prurido mostrou forte correlação positiva com a gravidade da dermatite atópica (índice de Pearson 0,74 p<0,001) e boa correlação com o controle da dermatite (coeficiente de correlação ponto-bisserial 0,65 p<0,001). Foi demonstrada ótima consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach 0,96) e adequada reprodutibilidade pela concordância do teste e reteste (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse variando de 0,89 a 0,99 com IC95% e p<0,001. A Escala de Gravidade de Prurido (ISS-Ped) apresentou-se viável, válida e confiável, podendo ser utilizada no Brasil para avaliar a gravidade do prurido em crianças e adolescentes com dermatite atópica, permitindo comparações na prática clínica e entre pesquisas de diferentes centros. / Atopic dermatitis affects around 10% of the pediatric population in the world and has important negative impacts the quality of life related to health of patients and their families particularly related to the itch. It is recommended to use at least two instruments to properly measure this symptom, and in Brazil, we currently only visual analogue scale. The aim of this study was to adapt cross-culturally and validate an instrument to measure the severity of itching, the Itch Severity Scale, into Brazilian Portuguese. It is a methodological instrument validation study. Based on the protocols proposed by Beaton et al. (2010) and Reichenheim and Moraes (2007) was obtained the conceptual, item, semantic, operational and measurement equivalences. Seven allergists, 3 English teachers, one professor of linguistics, one teacher with experience in instrument validation, 42 parents of children with atopic dermatitis between 02-18 years of age-old and 42 parents of children of the same age group without itchy skin disease. Scale results were compared with severity of atopic dermatitis and disease control, and between the two groups. In the sample, 98.8% participated and 100% of the scale of the questions were answered. There was clear understanding > 90% of the questions. The Pruritus Severity Scale showed a strong positive correlation with the severity of atopic dermatitis (Pearson index 0.74 p <0.001) and good correlation with the control dermatitis (correlation coefficient 0.65 bisserial point p <0.001). Excellent internal consistency was demonstrated (Cronbach's alpha 0.96) and adequate reproducibility for the test and retest agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from .89 to 0.99 with 95% CI p <0.001. The Escala de Gravidade de Prurido (ISS-Ped) proved to be feasible, valid and reliable and can be used in Brazil to assess the severity of itching in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis, allowing comparisons in clinical practice and research between different centers.

A atopia ou dermatite atópica é uma doença inflamatória pruriginosa, crônica e recorrente reconhecida como a segunda alergopatia mais comum, estando aquém apenas da dermatite alérgica à picada de pulgas. Esta doença é caracterizada pela presença exacerbada de prurido corpóreo, infringindo sofrimento ao paciente e desalentando seu proprietário. A busca a uma boa \"qualidade de vida\" está sendo cada vez mais demandada pelos proprietários de animais alergopatas ou portadores de outras doenças crônicas. Por se tratar de uma doença de longo decurso, o tratamento com glicocorticóides pode causar diversos efeitos colaterais, além de doenças mais graves como diabetes melitus e hiperadrenocorticismo iatrogênico. Como alternativa ao tratamento de cães atópicos, a ciclosporina (CsA) acaba tornando-se uma boa opção terapêutica. A CsA inibe as funções das células que iniciam a resposta imunológica (células de Langerhans e linfócitos) e das células que efetuam a resposta alérgica (mastócitos e eosinófilos) e, também, diminui a liberação de histamina e de várias citocinas. Os objetivos do presente estudo incluíram: análise da eficácia da CsA na redução de lesões corpóreas e do prurido com auxílio do CADESI-03 (Olivry et al.,2007) e de duas escalas de prurido corpóreo; detecção de ocorrência de eventuais efeitos adversos (tegumentares ou sistêmicos) decorrentes da terapia imunomodulatória através da realização de hemograma, função renal, função hepática e mensuração da pressão arterial; avaliação e monitoramento da qualidade de vida de 21 animais atópicos tratados com ciclosporina (5 mg/Kg, SID durante 60 dias) com auxílio de uma escala validada para cães. A CsA mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento da dermatite atópica canina pois reduziu as lesões corpóreas em 70% após 60 dias de terapia. Nesse mesmo período ocorreu redução da intensidade do prurido corpóreo em 52,6%, avaliado através da escala numérica verbal; e observou-se redução significativa na escala qualitativa de prurido corpóreo (Hill, 2002; modificada), uma vez que os níveis máximos de prurido (\"três\" e \"quatro\") quase não foram observados após a terapia imunomodulatória. Os efeitos adversos observados foram relacionados a distúrbios gastrintestinais e, ocorreram com maior freqüência nos primeiros 15 dias de tratamento. Alterações laboratoriais não foram observadas. Os animais portadores de dermatite atópica apresentaram melhora no escore de qualidade de vida em 32%. A CsA mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento da dermatite atópica canina. / Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory, pruritic and chronic allergic skin disease. It´s recognized as the second most common allergic skin disease of dogs after flea allergy. Pruritus is the predominant sign of canine AD affecting a variety of areas of the body, leading to intense suffering to the animal and its owner. \"Quality of life\" (QL) is being much more requested from owner of animals with allergic skin diseases or with any kind of chronic disease. The long-term use of glucocorticoids therapy can be devastating because of its inumerous adverse effects and secondary diseases like diabetes mellitus and iatrogenic hiperadrenocorticism. Cyclosporine (CsA) has been considered a good therapeutic option in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. It inhibits the activation of cells that initiate cutaneous immune response (Langerhans\' cells and lymphocytes) and cells that mediate allergic reactions (mast cell and eosinophils). It also decreases histamine and other citocines release. The objectives of this study included: analysis of the efficacy of CsA in reducing skin lesions and pruritus of 21 atopic dogs using CADESI-03 (Olivry ey al., 2007) and two scales to quantify levels of body itching; detection of any possible adverse effects (dermatologic or systemic) secondary to immunomodulatory therapy, by performing complete blood count, renal and hepatic function and measurement of blood pressure; evaluation and monitoring QL from dogs treated with CsA (5 mg/Kg, SID during 60 days) with a validated scale; This immunomodulatory therapy was considered an effective treatment for atopic dogs because it reduced skin lesions in 70% after 60 days of therapy. During that period there was a reduction of body itching in 52,6% by verbal numeric scale, and there was significant reduction on qualitative scale of body itching (Hill, 2002; modified), since maximum levels of pruritus (\"three\" and \"four\") were hardly observed after immunomodulatory therapy. Gastrointestinal disorders were observed and appeared most often in the first 15 days of therapy. Laboratory abnormalities were not detected. The quality of life of these atopic dogs treated with CsA for 60 days was improved by 32%. CsA was effective and safe in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis.

Le psoriasis et la dermatite atopique sont des pathologies inflammatoires cutanées chroniques, fréquentes et invalidantes. Dans la peau des patients souffrant de ces pathologies, un dérèglement de la réponse immunitaire aboutissant à une inflammation chronique est toujours observé. Le réseau cytokinique joue un rôle essentiel dans la physiopathologie cutanée en permettant la communication entre les cellules cutanées et les cellules immunitaires. Dans le psoriasis et la dermatite atopique, ce réseau est largement perturbé. En effet, un grand nombre de cytokines proinflammatoires sont surexprimées au détriment des cytokines anti-inflammatoires. Cette inflammation chronique est directement responsable de l'apparition des lésions cutanées. Parmi les cytokines surexprimées dans ces pathologies, des études antérieures du LITEC ont montré in vitro que l'Oncostatine M (OSM) est impliquée dans la production de peptides antimicrobiens et de médiateurs de l'inflammation, ainsi que dans l'inhibition de la différenciation des kératinocytes. Notre objectif était de poursuivre ces travaux en étudiant le rôle de l'OSM dans l'inflammation cutanée in vitro et in vivo chez la souris. Nous avons pour cela, comparé le rôle de l'OSM à celui d'autres cytokines de la famille de l'IL-6, l'IL-6 et l'IL-31, qui présentent également une activité sur le kératinocyte. L'activité de ces cytokines a été étudiée in vitro sur des cultures primaires de kératinocytes murins en monocouche, sur des épidermes reconstruits murins ainsi qu'in vivo dans différents modèles d'inflammation cutanée. Nous montrons que l'OSM est plus active que l'IL-6 et l'IL-31 sur les kératinocytes en culture et que la surexpression de cette cytokine in vivo dans la peau de souris à l'aide d'adénovirus recombinants induit une inflammation cutanée forte, présentant des caractéristiques communes avec le psoriasis et la dermatite atopique. Néanmoins, les souris déficientes pour le gène codant l'OSM ne présente aucune diminution du phénotype inflammatoire cutané dans le modèle de psoriasis induit par application d'Imiquimod et dans un modèle de dermatite atopique induit par application de Calcipotriol, suggérant l'existence de mécanismes de compensation par d'autres cytokines proinflammatoires. En parallèle de cette étude, nous avons mis au point un nouveau modèle d'épidermes reconstruits murins permettant l'étude de l'activité des cytokines sur les kératinocytes. Ce modèle présente l'avantage de reproduire plus finement la physiologie d'un épiderme normal par rapport aux autres modèles préalablement décrits et ouvre la perspective de développer des épidermes reconstruits à partir de kératinocytes de souris transgéniques. En conclusion, ces travaux démontrent le rôle pro-inflammatoire de l’OSM dans l'inflammation cutanée et son activité majeure sur les kératinocytes en comparaison à celles décrites pour l'IL-6 et l'IL-31. Néanmoins, la pertinence du ciblage thérapeutique de cette cytokine dans le psoriasis et la dermatite atopique reste encore à démontrer. / Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are the most prevalent cutaneous inflammatory disease in worldwide. An imbalance immune response is a characteristic feature of these diseases and through their role in the communication between cutaneous and immune cells; cytokines are key players in these diseases. Indeed, in the psoriatic and atopic lesions, an altered cytokine network is always described and mainly in favor of proinflammatory cytokines. Among them, our laboratory previously described that Oncostatin M, an IL-6 family member is up-regulated in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis lesions. In vitro, we have demonstrated that OSM induces a proinflammatory signature on human keratinocytes including the up-regulation of antimicrobials peptides and proinflammatory mediators as well as inhibiting the epidermal differentiation. The aim of this work was to confirm the role of OSM in cutaneous inflammatory diseases and compare it to others IL-6 family members such as IL-6 and IL-31 also described for their potent activities on keratinocytes. The activity of theses cytokines was study in vitro on normal murine epidermal keratinocytes or in reconstituted murine epidermis and in vivo in inflammatory murine models. Compared to IL-6 and IL-31, OSM is a strong inducer of proinflammatory signature in vitro on keratinocyte and in vivo using recombinant adenovirus overexpressing theses cytokines. The inflammatory phenotype induces by overexpression of OSM in mouse ears mimics key features of psoriatic and atopic skins. However, deficiency mice for the gene encoding OSM dot not demonstrated reduced phenotype in a mouse model of psoriasiform dermatitis induce by imiquimod or in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis induced by calcipotriol suggesting that compensatory cytokines are sufficient to maintain phenotype in the absence of OSM. Concurrent to this study, we also developed a model of reconstituted murine epidermis in order to test the activity of cytokines in a model reproducing more closely the epidermal physiology. The in vitro model could be used to study the function of numerous epidermal proteins of cytokine using transgenic mice and will provide a useful tool in the dermatological research field. Finally this work demonstrated the proinflammatory role of OSM in cutaneous inflammation through its major activities on keratinocytes in comparison to IL-6 and IL-31. However, the relevance of therapeutic strategies to block the activity of this cytokine in inflammatory skin diseases remains to be demonstrated.

The aim of this thesis is to analyze the prevalence of the phenomenon of non-compliance patiens with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis using the questionnaire survey in two selected dermatology clinics in Prague. The result obtained were tested using standard statistics methods. The results suggest the non-compliance depends mainly on attitude of physisians.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects patients with disabilities in the skin barrier and low immune response. Tacrolimus ointment for topical use is an immunomodulator that has shown to be a good alternative for the treatment of AD. However, it also has adverse effects such as low and variable bioavailability, burning sensation and itching at the application site. Thus, the development of new dosage forms that overcome these drawbacks is crucial to the success of the therapy. The objective of this study was to obtain lipid nanoparticles (LN) of tacrolimus for future application in AD therapy. The LN were obtained by solvent diffusion method associated with ultrasonication using stearic acid (SA) and beeswax as solid lipid in the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and oleic acid (OA) incorporated into the solid lipid matrix in the carriers lipid nanostructured (NLC). Lipid dispersions were characterized by determining the particle size, Polydispersity Index (PDI), Zeta Potential (ZP) and and drug content in the NL. Evaluation by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), analysis by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Infrared Spectroscopy in the region Fourier Transform (FT-IR). As results, LN presented nano-sized spherical shape with an average diameter ranging from 139 – 274, 9 nm and IPD from 0.3 - 0.5. PZ of LN was higher than -|25 mV|, which ensures the stability of the dispersion. In the results of DSC, it was observed that the endothermic event in the NLC was shifted to lower temperatures. Drug loading of 2,3 a 3,2%. The results of XRD also showed low crystallinity when NLC was compared with SLN. The results of FTIR was not observed interaction between the drug and the lipid components of the matrix. Then, it can be concluded that NL develop were successfully obtained and may represent promising system for the placement of tacrolimus in topical formulations. / A Dermatite Atópica (DA) é uma doença inflamatória cutânea crônica que acomete principalmente pacientes com deficiência na barreira cutânea e com baixa resposta imunológica. O tacrolimo para uso tópico em pomada é um imunomodulador que tem mostrado ser uma boa alternativa para o tratamento da DA. Porém, ele também apresenta efeitos adversos, tais como baixa e variável biodisponibilidade cutânea, sensação de queimação e prurido no sítio de aplicação. Assim, o desenvolvimento de novas formas farmacêuticas que contornem estas desvantagens é crucial para o sucesso da terapia. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi obter nanopartículas lipídicas (NL) contendo tacrolimo para uso tópico. As NL foram obtidas pelo método de difusão do solvente associado a ultrassonicação, utilizando o ácido esteárico (AE) e a cera de abelha (CA) como lipídios sólidos nas nanopartículas lipídicas sólidas (NLS) e ácido oléico (AO) incorporado à matriz lipídica sólida nos carreadores lipídicos nanoestruturados (CLN). As dispersões lipídicas foram caracterizadas através da determinação do tamanho de partícula, Índice de Polidispersidade (IPD), Potencial Zeta (PZ) e teor de fármaco nas NL, avaliação por Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão (MET), análises através de Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC), Difração de raio-X (DRX) e Espectroscopia na região do Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Como resultados, as NL apresentaram tamanho nanométrico, com um diâmetro médio variando de 139 – 274,9 nm e IPD de 0,3 - 0,5. O PZ das NL foi maior do que - |25 mV|. O teor de fármaco encontrado nas NL foi de 2,3 a 3,2 %. Nos resultados de DSC foi observado que o evento endotérmico nas CLN e nas NLS com fármaco foi deslocado para temperaturas menores, sugerindo maior desorganização da estrutura assim como os resultados de DRX, que também revelaram menor cristalinidade. Nos resultados de FTIR não foi observado interação entre o fármaco e os componentes da matriz lipídica. Então, pode ser concluído que as NL desenvolvidas foram obtidas com sucesso e podem representar futuros sistemas promissores para a veiculação do tacrolimo em formulações tópicas.

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive opportunistic pathogen responsible for more deaths every year than HIV/AIDS. Its formidable repertoire of virulence factors, ubiquitous nature, and ability to acquire antibiotic resistance quickly allow S. aureus to colonize and persist in nearly any body site if given the opportunity. S. aureus is the leading cause of many common and severe skin diseases, i.e. atopic dermatitis and surgical site infections, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality due to lack of available treatments and chronic non-healing nature of each infection. The human body is capable of producing many antimicrobial factors, such as defensins in the epidermis, in conjunction with providing a seamless barrier to many environmental threats, i.e. the skin, yet when given the opportunity, S. aureus can overtake these innate defenses, colonize, and cause disease. Despite S. aureus being a prominent organism in skin infections, little has been done to identify critical factors of S. aureus to cause skin infections. This document demonstrates the capacity of specific S. aureus virulence factors, superantigens and cytotoxins, to alter re-epithelialization and wound healing, as indicated by altered keratinocyte migration and proliferation. In an attempt to harness natural occurring host defenses, we have also identified and generated novel antimicrobial peptides capable of ablating toxin production independent of bacterial growth inhibition. Evidence presented should convince the reader that S. aureus exotoxin production is critical in perpetuating chronic wounds through local keratinocyte interaction. This suggests targeting production of these toxins to prevent cell toxicity and inflammatory responses, could allow the host to repair damaged tissue effectively.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) typically develops in patients with a history of allergic ailments, and is characterised by an itchy, inflammatory skin condition with scaling, lichenification, papules, excoriations and pruritus. In AD patients a chronic relapsing inflammatory condition is seen, associated with IgE hyper production. AD flares are largely triggered by environmental factors. However, the exact etiology of AD is unclear and there is a pressing need for new treatment regimens as AD is a chronic condition and requires long term treatment. Historically Aloe has been used to treat skin conditions as well as a variety of other diseases. To further explore the pathogenesis and treatment of AD, Balb/c mice were sensitized and challenged with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for atopic dermatitis induction. Thereafter, mice were treated with either Aloe ferox or Aloe vera applied daily on the dorsal skin for 10 consecutive days. A placebo gel was used for the control mice. Blood was collected at the end of the treatment period and serum IgE levels measured. Serum IgE levels were significantly lowered in the Aloe ferox group than in the Aloe vera group. This study demonstrated Aloe’s immunoregulatory potential for alleviating atopic dermatitis through influencing of Th2 cell activation. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Pharmacology / unrestricted

In verschiedenen Studien konnte eine Korrelation im Auftreten von Übergewicht bzw. Adipositas und Asthma bronchiale sowohl bei Erwachsenen als auch bei Kindern festgestellt werden. Als Hintergrund für diesen Zusammenhang werden aktuell verschiedene Theorien, die die biochemischen, genetischen und Lebensstil-abhängigen Ursachen betrachten, diskutiert. In dieser Arbeit wurden die Ursachen für Übergewicht und Asthma sowie der Zusammenhang zwischen beiden Erkrankungen innerhalb der LISA-Studie untersucht. Hierbei handelt es sich um eine prospektive Geburtskohortenstudie, wobei insgesamt 3097 Neugeborene zwischen 1997-1999 aus 4 verschiedenen deutschen Städten rekrutiert worden sind. In regelmäßigen zeitlichen Abständen wurden mittels standardiesierten Fragebögen Daten zu Lebensbedingungen und Gesundheitszustand der Kinder erhoben. Als statistische Methode wurden vorwiegend logistische Modelle erstellt, sodass Odds Ratios in einem multivariaten Zusammenhang angegeben werden konnten. Ergebnisse: Als signifikante Risikofaktoren für Übergewicht im Alter von 5 Jahren stellten sich heraus: Mütterliches Übergewicht (OR: 2,05; KI:1,22-3,46), väterliches Übergewicht (OR: 1,77; KI: 1,02-3,06). Rauchen der Mutter im 1. Trimenon der Schwangerschaft (OR: 2,10; KI: 1,16-3,80). Geburtsgewicht des Kindes > 90. Perzentile (OR: 2,80; KI: 1,63-4,80). Niedriger Bildungsstand der Eltern (OR: 3,41; KI: 2,04-5,71), Zeitdauer,die pro Tag vor einem Bildschirm verbracht wird, > 1 Stunde (OR: 2,12; KI: 1,23-3,65). Für die Entwicklung eines Asthma bronchiale bis zum 6. Lebensjahre wirkten in der LISA-Studie folgende Faktoren als signifikante Einflüsse: eine positive Familienanamnese (OR: 4,57; KI: 2,69 – 7,77), ein männliches Geschlecht ( OR: 1,70; KI: 1,02 – 2,83), Rauchen während der Schwangerschaft ( OR: 2,05; KI: 1,04 – 4,02), Wohnen an einer Haupstraße bis zum 6. Lebensmonat (OR:1,72; KI:1,02 – 2,95) sowie das Renovieren der Wohnung während der Schwangerschaft und im 1. Lebensmonat (OR: 2,13; KI: 1,03 – 4,39). Anhand unserer Daten konnte insgesamt eher geschlossen werden, dass bei dem besprochenen Zusammenhang Übergewicht bzw. Adipositas den Risikofaktor für Asthma bronchiale darstellen. Bei der Untersuchung im logistischen Modell waren hierbei ein sehr hoher Geburts-BMI (OR: 2,06; KI: 0,95 – 4,47) und Übergewicht im Alter von 5 Jahren (OR: 2,26, KI: 0,93 – 5,50) in der Tendenz als Risikofaktor zu sehen. Für Adipositas mit 5 Jahren konnte auch im logistischen Modell ein signifikanter Einfluss auf die Entwicklung eines Asthma bronchiale gesehen werden (OR: 6,48; KI: 1,91 – 21,96 )