Precision Dermatology: A Review of Molecular Biomarkers and Personalized Therapies

Tan, Isabella J., Alicia Podwojniak, Aarushi Parikh, and Bernard A. Cohen. 2024.  Current Issues in Molecular Biology 46, no. 4: 2975-2990. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46040186

Abstract

The evolution of personalized medicine in dermatology signifies a transformative shift towards individualized treatments, driven by the integration of biomarkers. These molecular indicators serve beyond diagnostics, offering insights into disease staging, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring. Specific criteria guide biomarker selection, ensuring attributes like specificity, sensitivity, cost feasibility, stability, rapid detection, and reproducibility. This literature review, based on data from PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, explores biomarkers in Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis (AD), Alopecia Areata (AA), Vitiligo, and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU). In HS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMPs serve as biomarkers, influencing targeted therapies like adalimumab and anakinra.

Rhinoconjunctivitis severity induced by cat exposure influences early and late asthmatic responses: Evidence from an environmental exposure chamber

Piotin A, Godet J, Domis N, de Blay F. Clin Exp Allergy. 2024; 00: 1-11. doi:10.1111/cea.14485

Abstract

Background

The impact of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis on the early (EAR) and late asthmatic response (LAR) has yet to be assessed during optimal allergen exposure conditions.

Objective

We aimed to assess predictive factors of the EAR and LAR and to evaluate the relation between rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma induced by cat allergen exposure in an environmental exposure chamber (EEC).

Methods

Data from two cohort studies involving asthmatic patients with cat allergy who performed a cat allergen exposure challenge in ALYATEC EEC were analysed. Spirometry, visual analogue scale (VAS) for asthma, VAS for rhinitis, Total Nasal Symptoms Score, Total Ocular Symptoms Score (TOSS), Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptoms Score and Abelson score were used to assess asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis during and after exposure.

Results

Correlation map between respiratory and rhinoconjunctivitis parameters
in patients with an EAR during cat allergen exposure.

An EAR occurred in 65.1% of patients, 32.1% of whom had a LAR. The diameter of the prick test to cat allergens and non-specific bronchial hypersensitivity level were independent risk factors for EAR (p < .05). No independent risk factors for LAR were identified. Rhinoconjunctivitis severity during exposure correlated with the asthma VAS during EAR and LAR (p < .05). Allergen exposure time needed to trigger an EAR correlated with the Abelson score during exposure (p < .05). The asthma VAS and TOSS during exposure correlated with faster LAR occurrence (p < .05).

The incidence of upper respiratory infections in children is related to the concentration of vanadium in indoor dust aggregates.

Prokopciuk N, Taminskiene V, Vaideliene L et al.  Front Public Health. 2024 Mar 21;12:1339755. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1339755.

Abstract:

Background: It has been reported that the disease-initiated and disease-mediated effects of aerosol pollutants can be related to concentration, site of deposition, duration of exposure, as well as the specific chemical composition of pollutants.

Objectives: To investigate the microelemental composition of dust aggregates in primary schools of Vilnius and determine trace elements related to acute upper respiratory infections among 6-to 11-year-old children.

Methods: Microelemental analysis of aerosol pollution was performed using dust samples collected in the classrooms of 11 primary schools in Vilnius from 2016 to 2020. Sites included areas of its natural accumulation behind the radiator heaters and from the surface of high cupboards. The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, W, Sb, Sn, Zr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, V, and As) in dust samples were analyzed using a SPECTRO XEPOS spectrometer. The annual incidence rates of respiratory diseases in children of each school were calculated based on data from medical records.

A rare condition: montelukast allergy

Dindar Çelik F, Çelik Tuğlu H, Yağdıran M, Akkale Ö, Telli O, Aksu K. Eurasian J Pulmonol 2024;26:70-2.

Abstract

Montelukast, selective leukotriene (LT) receptor antagonist specific for cysteinyl LT type 1 receptors, serves as an alternative treatment option for asthma and different allergic clinical conditions. However montelukast, itself, may rarely induce hypersensitivity reactions. Although rare, clinicians, especially those working in pulmonology and allergy clinics, should be aware of the potential for montelukast to cause hypersensitivity reactions. 

Herein, we present a 61-year-old female patient who was followed up with Samter’s syndrome and developed urticarial rashes after montelukast treatment, and montelukast allergy was confirmed by oral drug provocation test.

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Allergen Component Testing: Key in Diagnosing Atypical Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome

Lee Qiyu M, Dawson T, Moulsdale P.  Cureus 16(4): e58722. doi:10.7759/cureus.58722

Abstract

This case report details the complex presentation, diagnosis, and management of a teenager with pollen-food allergen syndrome (PFAS), formerly known as oral allergy syndrome. PFAS, mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, stems from the cross-reactivity between pollens and uncooked plant-based foods, leading to a spectrum of symptoms, such as itching or tingling of the oral cavity. A UK survey indicated an average PFAS prevalence of 2%, with apples, hazelnuts, and kiwifruit commonly implicated. The presented case involved a 15-year-old girl referred from the respiratory clinic to the allergy clinic due to episodes of sore throat and urticaria rash following Nutella (chocolate paste containing hazelnut) and peanut consumption. 

Summary of the allergen component testing results.

Extensive diagnostic measures, including specific IgE testing, skin prick tests, and allergen component testing, revealed cross-reactivity between Bet v 1 and hazelnut allergens.

Patients' values and preferences for health states in allergic rhinitis-An artificial intelligence supported systematic review

Brozek J, Borowiack E, Sadowska E et al. Allergy. 2024 Mar 29. doi: 10.1111/all.16100.

Abstract

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) impacts patients' physical and emotional well-being. Assessing patients' values and preferences (V&P) related to AR is an essential part of patient-centered care and of the guideline development process. We aimed to systematically summarize the information about patients' V&P on AR and its symptoms and impact on daily life.

Methods

We conducted systematic review in a MEDLINE, Embase, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases. We included studies which quantitatively assessed patients' V&P for specific outcomes in AR by assessing utilities, applying discrete choice approaches, or rating and ranking outcomes. We grouped outcomes as AR symptoms, functional status, and care-related patient experience. Study selection and data extraction were supported by the Laser AI tool. We rated the certainty of evidence (CoE) using the GRADE approach.

Global assessment of the knowledge and confidence in managing allergic disorders among primary care pediatricians across Europe: An EAACI task force report

 Cabrera M, Ryan D, Erlewyn-Lajeunesse M et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2024 Apr;35(4):e14116. doi: 10.1111/pai.14116. 

Abstract

Background: Pediatricians are often the first point of contact for children in Primary Care (PC), but still perceive gaps in their allergy knowledge. We investigated self-perceived knowledge gaps and educational needs in pediatricians across healthcare systems in Europe so that future educational initiatives may better support the delivery of allergy services in PC.

Method: A multinational survey was circulated to pediatricians who care for children and adolescents with allergy problems in PC by the EAACI Allergy Educational Needs in Primary Care Pediatricians Task Force from February to March 2023. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess the level of agreement with questionnaire statements. Thirty surveys per country were the cut-off for inclusion and statistical analysis.

Proportion of responders and reasons for referral to an allergist.

Results: In this study, 1991 respondents were obtained from 56 countries across Europe and 210 responses were from countries with a cut-off below 30 participants per country. Primary care pediatricians (PCPs) comprised 74.4% of the respondents. The majority (65.3%) were contracted to state or district health services. 61.7% had awareness of guidelines for onward allergy referral in their countries but only 22.3% were aware of the EAACI competencies document for allied health professionals for allergy.

Increased prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease after COVID-19: A single-center, prospective study

Rossini A, Cassibba S, Perticone F et al. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Mar 8;14:1126683. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1126683. 

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunctions associated with SARS-CoV-2 acute infection have been extensively described since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemics. Conversely, few data are available on the occurrence of thyroid autoimmunity after COVID-19 resolution. We assessed the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) and thyroid dysfunctions in COVID-19 survivors three months after hospital admission.

Design and methods: Single-center, prospective, observational, cohort study performed at ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy. 599 COVID-19 survivors were prospectively evaluated for thyroid function and autoimmunity thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). When a positive antibody concentration was detected, thyroid ultrasound was performed. Multiple logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between autoimmunity and demographic characteristics, respiratory support, and comorbidities. Autoimmunity results were compared to a cohort of 498 controls referred to our Institution for non-thyroid diseases before the pandemic onset.