Search Results (297)

Background: Oral lichen planus is a chronic, potentially malignant disorder affecting the mucous membrane. As the etiology remains not fully understood, the treatment of this condition is mainly symptomatic, involving corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents, e.g., calcineurin inhibitors. One of the alternative therapeutic approaches includes platelet concentrates, which are autologous bioactive materials. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of platelet concentrates in the treatment of oral lichen planus and to compare them to other therapeutic strategies. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles published up to 30 March 2025, describing clinical studies focused on oral lichen planus and treatment with platelet concentrates. Results: Fourteen studies describing the effects of oral lichen planus therapy with three types of platelet concentrates (injectable platelet-rich plasma, injectable platelet-rich fibrin, and platelet-rich plasma gel) were included in this review. Comparative strategies included steroids and immunosuppressive agents. The treatment duration ranged from 3 weeks to 2 months. The follow-up period varied from 4 weeks to 6 months. In most of the studies, comparable efficacy was achieved for platelet derivatives and alternative treatments. Two of the studies demonstrated more beneficial effects for platelet concentrates compared to controls, while in one of the studies, more severe adverse reactions were revealed in the platelet group compared to the controls. Conclusions: Autologous platelet concentrates showed comparable efficacy in achieving clinical improvement in patients with oral lichen planus to steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Platelet derivatives could be considered as an alternative treatment to topical immunosuppressives, especially in steroid-refractory cases. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the conjunctiva and oral mucosa. Chronic inflammation causes conjunctival scarring, leading to symblepharon, trichiasis, corneal damage, and possible blindness. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by biopsy and immunofluorescence. Treatment includes systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics in refractory cases. Case Presentation: A 64-year-old male presented with ocular irritation, trichiasis, and counting fingers (CF) visual acuity in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed conjunctival inflammation, corneal epithelial defect, and symblepharon in the left eye. Biopsy confirmed ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP). He was treated with topical steroids, cyclosporine, subconjunctival injections, and systemic corticosteroids, followed by surgery, which improved BCVA to 0.10 logMAR. Two years later, disease progression resulted in severe inflammation and visual decline in both eyes. Systemic azathioprine and corticosteroids achieved partial control. Due to insufficient response, rituximab therapy was initiated, leading to significant reduction in inflammation and stabilization of disease. Right eye BCVA improved to 0.16 logMAR; the left remained at CF. The patient continues to receive rituximab during exacerbations and is under regular follow-up. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and timely systemic treatment are essential in preventing vision loss in OCP. In refractory cases, biologic agents like rituximab may offer effective disease control. Full article

This study evaluated diagnostic trends and the overall utility of cytology in feline patients through the analysis of a large, multicentric dataset from Portugal. A retrospective review of 3068 cytological cases from 130 veterinary practices was conducted, with samples categorised by anatomical location and lesion type. Diagnostic outcomes were statistically assessed, revealing an overall success rate of 66.20%. The highest diagnostic yields occurred in fluid samples (83.48%), glandular tissues (76.67%), and mucous membranes (75.81%), followed by organ-based samples (67.79%), miscellaneous tissues (66.98%), cutaneous/subcutaneous nodules (62.16%), and lymph nodes (57.93%). Neoplastic lesions showed age-associated prevalence, being more common in older cats, with epithelial and melanocytic lesions more frequent in females and round cell/mesenchymal lesions predominating in males. Non-diagnostic samples (33.80%) primarily resulted from insufficient cellularity or suboptimal quality, though no significant correlation existed between diagnostic success and clinical setting. This study underscores that cytology remains a fundamental diagnostic tool in feline medicine, particularly when combined with proper sampling techniques and complementary diagnostic methods, and reinforces its value in clinical decision-making, thereby supporting its broader utilisation in routine veterinary practice. Full article

Helicobacter pylori, which colonizes the human gastric mucosa, uses a cluster of polar, sheathed flagella to swim across the mucous layer of the stomach. The function and biogenesis of the H. pylori flagellar sheath are poorly understood. Cardiolipin is a phospholipid that accumulates in regions of the membrane that have negative curvature, such as the cell pole, cell septum, and flagellar sheath. The final step in cardiolipin biosynthesis is catalyzed by cardiolipin synthase. H. pylori has at least two cardiolipin synthases, one of which is cardiolipin synthase C (ClsC). Bioinformatic analysis revealed that homologs of H. pylori ClsC are restricted to Helicobacter species that have sheathed flagella and the ClsC homologs are predicted lipoproteins. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that a ClsC super-folder green fluorescent protein localized to the cell pole and cell septum in H. pylori G27. Comparing the proteomes of isolated sheathed flagella from the H. pylori B128 wild type and a clsC::cat mutant, we identified five proteins that were absent in the mutant flagellum preparations. One of the proteins was FaaA, an autotransporter that localizes to the flagellar sheath. These findings suggest that the localization of FaaA and possibly other proteins to the flagellar sheath is dependent on ClsC. Full article

The pathogenesis of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) remains unclear, with several factors implicated, including anatomical structures, hormones, and tear components. This study explored tear proteins to better understand PANDO etiology by comparing protein expression in tears from patients with PANDO and healthy controls. Tear samples were collected from 22 patients with PANDO (mucous and membranous types) and 8 controls using Weck-Cel sponges. Protein analysis was conducted using LC-MS/MS to identify and quantify tear proteins. Female patients with PANDO had higher numbers of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) compared with males. Certain DEPs associated with inflammatory pathways or the lacrimal duct epithelium, including SERPINB1, SERPINA3, CTSG, SLPI, and EZR, were identified in male patients. Although this is a preliminary study, our results offer insights into the pathogenesis of PANDO, with potential to distinguish between mucous and membranous subtypes. The potential biomarkers identified in this study could enhance early diagnosis and treatment, shedding light on inflammatory and immune processes in PANDO. Full article

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for recurrent infections, primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes. With the aim of targeting both the viral infection and the associated inflammatory response, biotechnologically produced Lavandula angustifolia Miller (L. angustifolia) extract, rich in rosmarinic acid, was incorporated into liposomal formulations intended for topical application. Lavender is known for its strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antiviral properties. However, its low stability under certain conditions limits its therapeutic potential. Four different formulations were developed: conventional liposomes, glycerosomes, hyalurosomes, and glycerohyalurosomes. The vesicles were characterized for size, stability, and entrapment efficiency. Glycerosomes were the smallest (~58 nm), while the other formulations ranged around 77 nm, all maintaining a highly negative surface charge, ensuring stability and reduced aggregation. Glycerol-containing formulations demonstrated superior stability over 12 months, while liposomes and hyalurosomes increased their size after only two months. Entrapment efficiency reached up to 100% for most vesicles, except for glycerohyalurosomes (~54%). In vitro studies on Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDFs) demonstrated that all formulations were biocompatible and enhanced cell viability under oxidative stress. Glycerosomes, hyalurosomes, and glycerohyalurosomes exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity by reducing MMP-1 and IL-6 levels in LPS-stimulated fibroblasts. Furthermore, these preliminary results highlighted promising antiviral activity against HSV-1 of the obtained formulations, particularly when applied during or post-infection. Overall, these phospholipid vesicles offer a dual therapeutic approach, combining antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects, positioning them as promising candidates for the treatment of HSV-induced skin lesions and related inflammatory conditions. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare angio-proliferative mesenchymal tumor that predominantly affects the skin and mucous membranes but may involve lymph nodes and visceral organs. Clinically, it manifests as red-purple-brown papules, nodules, or plaques, either painless or painful, often with disfiguring potential. The diagnosis is traditionally based on clinical and histopathological evaluation, although non-invasive imaging techniques are increasingly used to support diagnosis and treatment monitoring. We report a case of HHV-8-negative Kaposi sarcoma evaluated with multiple non-invasive imaging modalities to highlight their diagnostic utility. Case Presentation: An 83-year-old man presented with multiple painful, violaceous papulo-nodular lesions, some ulcerated, on the lateral aspect of his left foot. Dermoscopy revealed the characteristic rainbow pattern. Dynamic Optical Coherence Tomography (D-OCT) allowed real-time visualization of microvascular abnormalities, identifying large serpentine and branching vessels with clearly delineated capsules. Line-field Optical Coherence Tomography (LC-OCT) showed irregular dermal collagen, vascular lacunae, and the presence of spindle cells and slit-like vessels. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma, revealing a proliferation of spindle-shaped endothelial cells forming angulated vascular spaces, with red blood cell extravasation and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusions: Non-invasive imaging tools, including dermoscopy, D-OCT, and LC-OCT, have emerged as valuable adjuncts in the diagnosis and monitoring of KS. These techniques enable in vivo assessment of vascular architecture and tissue morphology, enhancing clinical decision-making while reducing the need for immediate biopsy. Dermoscopy reveals polychromatic vascular features, such as the rainbow pattern, while D-OCT and LC-OCT provide high-resolution insights into vascular proliferation, tissue heterogeneity, and cellular morphology. Dermoscopy, dynamic OCT, and LC-OCT represent promising non-invasive diagnostic tools for the assessment of Kaposi sarcoma. These technologies provide detailed morphological and vascular information, enabling earlier diagnosis and more personalized management. While histopathology remains the gold standard, non-invasive imaging offers a valuable complementary approach for diagnosis and follow-up, particularly in complex or atypical presentations. Ongoing research and technological refinement are essential to improve accessibility and clinical applicability. Full article

A five-month-old female mixed-breed dog presented with a two-week history of polyuria, polydipsia, and vomiting. Clinical examination revealed poor body condition, growth retardation, pale oral mucous membranes, weak pulse, and prolonged capillary refill time. Laboratory findings included neutrophilic leukocytosis with a regenerative left shift, fasting hyperglycemia, elevated fructosamine, glycated hemoglobin, and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, while the acid–base balance remained normal. Canine-specific pancreatic lipase and trypsin-like immunoreactivity concentrations ruled out an underlying pancreatitis or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, respectively. Urinalysis showed glycosuria and ketonuria. Supportive care included antibiotics and regular insulin administration. Abdominal ultrasonography identified a pancreatic cavity with a thick wall and mixed echogenic fluid. Ultrasound-guided drainage was performed without complications. Cytology confirmed a pancreatic abscess with pyogranulomatous inflammation, though the culture results were negative. The dog was discharged with intermediate-acting lente insulin. Follow-up ultrasonographic evaluations at 7, 14, and 21 days and 5 months post-drainage showed no recurrence. The diabetes remained well-controlled one year post-discharge. This case report describes the successful management of a dog with juvenile diabetes mellitus complicated by a pancreatic abscess, highlighting the effectiveness of percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage combined with medical therapy. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) is a major environmental pollutant implicated in various respiratory diseases. However, its impact on the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa, remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the acute inflammatory effects of PM exposure on the sinonasal mucosa and evaluate the natural recovery process in a controlled rat model. Ten-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to incense-derived PM in a custom-designed exposure chamber for 2 h daily for seven consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed at 3, 7, and 14 days post-exposure. Histopathologic changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue staining, and mucosal gene expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-5 and MUC5AC was quantified using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. PM exposure induced significant histological alterations, including epithelial thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, and goblet cell hyperplasia, which peaked at 7 days post-exposure. Expression levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were significantly elevated at 7 days compared to controls. The sinonasal mucosa in the 14-day post-exposure groups exhibited a remarkable decrease in goblet cell numbers, and IL-1β and TNF-α expression. Short-term exposure to high concentrations of PM resulted in acute inflammatory changes in the sinonasal mucosa of rats, including epithelial thickening and goblet cell hyperplasia. These changes were partially resolved after exposure ended, indicating that PM-induced sinonasal inflammation may be at least partially reversible. Full article

Autochthonous Chagas disease remains a health risk for humans in Latin American countries but is rarely found among residents of the United States (US), despite the presence of competent insect vectors and small mammal reservoirs of Trypanosoma cruzi in the lower two-thirds of the US. This report discusses the differences in the rates of autochthonous Chagas disease in Latin America and the US. The key to the differences may lie in the mode (or means) of transmission of parasites to humans. In both Latin America and the US, the so-called vectorial transmission of Chagas disease to humans is the mode of acquisition accepted by most authorities. This mode involves the improbable combination of an infected kissing bug defecating near the mouth or eyes or the site of the bite, followed by the bite victim rubbing infected feces into the wound site or mucous membranes. Outbreaks of Chagas disease due to fecal–oral contamination, known as oral Chagas, have been recorded in Latin America for decades, and at present, oral Chagas is the predominant mode of infection recognized in Brazil. It is perhaps time to consider fecal–oral transmission in its many manifestations as a risk factor for Chagas disease in the US rather than reflexively invoking vectorial transmission. Fecal–oral transmission includes contamination of food and drink by triatomine feces and infection via contaminated fomites and surfaces at home and at worksites, as well as transmission from infected small mammals and other routes discussed in this report. Full article

(1) Background: Contagious ecthyma, also known as orf, is an epitheliotropic zoonotic disease caused by the orf virus (ORFV), primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes of ruminants such as goats and sheep, leading to the formation of papules and pustules. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent this disease in susceptible animals; however, traditional attenuated vaccines carry the potential risk of reversion to virulence. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective vaccines for the prevention and control of orf. (2) Methods: In this study, building upon the previously constructed ORFV three-gene deletion strain rGS14-TrypMut, we employed homologous recombination to knock out the VIL-10 gene and successfully constructed a four-gene deletion strain, rGS14-QuadMut. We evaluated its in vitro growth characteristics, safety, and protective efficacy in a challenge model. (3) Results: The in vitro results show that rGS14-QuadMut had a replication ability similar to that of other two-gene deletion strains, with good genetic stability. In in vivo experiments, compared to rGS14-TrypMut, rGS14-QuadMut caused only mild redness and swelling at the inoculation site, with a faster healing rate, indicating better safety. Additionally, rGS14-QuadMut induced strong differentiation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, increased the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio, and primarily stimulated a Th1-type immune response, with significant changes in cytokine levels, including IL-8, IFN-γ, and IL-2. In the challenge protection experiment, both rGS14-QuadMut and rGS14-TrypMut provided 100% protective efficacy. In conclusion, rGS14-QuadMut demonstrated enhanced safety without compromising immune protection efficacy and is a promising candidate for an orf live vaccine strain. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium living abundantly on our skin and mucous membranes. When there is an imbalance in microbiota, they are the main protagonists of various infections, such as soft tissue infections and bacteremia. However, Staphylococcus epidermidis also colonizes this microbiome, is able to compete with pathogenic bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and can contribute to treatments such as photodynamic inactivation (PDI) by inhibiting infection progression and restoring a healthy microbiota. In vitro photodynamic inactivation experiments were carried out using synthetic curcumin at a concentration of 5 μM as a photosensitizer and varying light doses (1, 2 and 5 J/cm²) at a wavelength of 450 nm, on pure cultures (S. aureus, S. epidermidis and MRSA) and mixed cultures, in which bacteria were placed together proportionally. This study revealed that pure cultures of these bacteria obtained statistically significant results with varying light doses of 2 and 5 J/cm². In addition, in an attempt to bring infections closer to reality, experiments were carried out on mixed cultures. The results were not only significant but also increased reduction of bacteria, including resistant bacteria. Study offers new perspectives on the importance of themicrobiota for treatment of infections caused by the Staphylococcus genus. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has emerged as a valuable immunosuppressive agent used in the management of oral mucocutaneous diseases, particularly in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as pemphigus vulgaris (PV), oral lichen planus (OLP), mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), erythema multiforme (EM) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). This review consolidates the current evidence regarding MMF’s efficacy, safety and clinical applications across these conditions. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was performed, focusing on the mechanism of action, dosing strategies, therapeutic outcomes and adverse effects associated with MMF therapy in oral mucocutaneous diseases. The potential of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in optimizing MMF therapy and minimizing adverse effects was also explored. Results: The review demonstrates that MMF is effective in inducing disease remission in up to 80% of patients with PV, with notable steroid-sparing effects. In OLP, MMF provided significant clinical improvement, especially in patients with severe and refractory forms of the disease. For MMP, MMF showed an 89% response rate, particularly when combined with corticosteroids, though gastrointestinal side effects were noted in some patients. In SLE, MMF was effective in managing both renal and non-renal manifestations, with favorable remission rates observed in patients receiving MMF therapy. For EM, MMF’s effectiveness was limited, with only a small number of patients responding to therapy. In RAS, there is limited evidence of MMF’s efficacy, with only partial improvement in severe cases reported. MMF is a promising immunomodulatory therapy for oral mucocutaneous diseases, particularly in reducing corticosteroid dependence and improving patient outcomes. However, the variability in the study designs, dosages and patient populations complicates the generalization of these findings. Conclusions: There is a pressing need for randomized controlled trials to validate MMF’s efficacy and long-term safety across all disease categories. The integration of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) shows potential for improving disease control and minimizing adverse effects, making it a key consideration for future research. Full article

The novel secreted protein Meteorin-β (Metrnβ) is a homologous protein of the neurotrophic regulator Meteorin, which is widely expressed in the skin, mucous membranes, and white adipose tissue upon stimulation by a variety of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and chemokines, while, at the same time Metrnβ may also regulate the expression of these cytokines and chemokines. As a small secreted protein with low tissue specificity, Metrnβ plays vital roles in energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity regulation, neurodevelopment, white fat browning, and inflammatory response. Specifically, Metrnβ may act as an adipokine, myokine, neurotrophic factor, and cytokine, thereby being involved in the pathological and physiological processes of various human diseases, including metabolic, autoimmune and infectious/allergic diseases, and certain types of tumors. This review aims to systematically introduce the current research progress on Metrnβ, including its expression and distribution profiles, biological functions, and immunomodulatory roles in the process of human diseases. Additionally, we also discuss its potential as a biomarker, as well as a therapeutic/preventive agent for human diseases. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the virulence of 36 clinical isolates estimated as blood culture contaminants (BCCs). MALDI-TOF MS classified all isolates as coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) with the highest percentage of S. epidermidis (77.78%). All tested strains formed biofilms with greater ability at room temperature than 37 °C. CoNS were sensitive to vancomycin (0% resistance) and had relatively low resistance to linezolid and rifampicin (8.33 and 22.22% resistance). The highest resistance was observed for penicillin (94.44%). Moreover, we observed the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from the tested CoNS to S. aureus and even to E. coli, although with lower efficiency. CoNS in planktonic form were completely combated by antiseptics after 10 and 60 s exposition, and activity against biofilms was time-dependent. The complete elimination of biofilms was observed after a 180 s exposure to Kodan and CITROclorex, and this exposure to Rivanol and Octenidyne showed still viable cells (>0.9 log CFU/mL). Our findings showed that a careful selection of antiseptics and extending the exposure time before blood collection can reduce the occurrence of blood culture contamination. However, our most important finding is the indication that CoNS naturally occurring on human skin and mucous membranes exhibit antibiotic resistance, and what is more, determinants of antibiotic resistance are transferred to both closely related Gram-positive bacteria and phylogenetically distant Gram-negative bacteria. Thus, our findings shed new light on CoNS—they indicate the necessity of their control due to the effective transfer of mobile genetic elements harboring antibiotic resistance genes, which may contribute to the spread of resistance genes and deepening the antibiotic crisis. Full article