Melanoma outcome seems different between females and males, with a potential protective role of estrogen (E) through estrogen receptors (ER) expression into the tumor. In the study of ERs, both alfa (ERα) and beta (ERβ) is a well-known endocrine elements in non-melanoma tumors, like mammary and endometrial cancer. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assessment of melanoma concerning ERs represents a path to explore the tumor profile to provide useful information concerning the prognostic and potential adjuvant treatment. Currently, this is not a routine practice, nor a mandatory step for deciding the medical therapy. Typically, IHCs are based on usual kits for mammary tumors regarding ERs configuration. Prior/concomitant use of oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy is not correlated with a better prognostic in melanoma; neither have they represented a contraindication for survivors of melanoma; a subset of tumors might present a higher ER expression which is potentially targeted by the hormone-based treatment as SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptors Modulator), for instance, tamoxifen. Experimental studies on melanoma cell lines confirmed the anti-tumor activity of ERβ which might function as a prognostic marker. G-protein-coupled estrogen receptors in melanocytes and keratinocytes might be involved, too. Additional crosstalk of TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor β), respective IGF1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor), and ERα expression are involved in tumorigenic pathways. Recent preclinical studies showed the potential benefits of diarylpropionitrile, a selective agonist of ERβ; pyrazole derivates 21-23 can block ERs. Murine melanoma models showed the interference of anti-estrogenic medication (like molecule fulvestrant) to enhance immune checkpoint blockade, a modern approach to solid cancers. The proliferation of melanoma might be partially explained by ERs; whether this is generally applicable or there is a subgroup of tumors particularly related to E status is still debatable. The subject of E status in melanoma is far from clear at this point and further studies are necessary concerning this particular issue to implement it as a practical approach in the daily management of a disease that still has a very severe prognostic nowadays.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin condition, characterized by multiple recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itchiness. It is a multifactorial skin disorder involving an association between genetic and environmental factors that lead to a defect of the epithelial barrier in conjunction with immunological dysregulation. Over the last decade, there has been an increasing understanding of the role of the human microbiota in preserving skin integrity and that a shift in the homeostasis of these microorganisms may lead to dysbiosis and disease. Diversity in the intestinal microbiome and its role in the etiopathogenesis of AD has been described and has become of great interest. In this report, we have reviewed the importance of the gut microbiome and the possible mechanism in the pathogenesis of AD as well as the therapeutic impact of probiotics and prebiotics.
The interparietoperitoneal (IPP) space, by a broad definition, is the space between the musculo-fascial walls of the abdomen and the parietal peritoneum. A review of the literature on this subject has been performed through a search in the databases according to the following
The increasing incidence of obesity, a significant health problem worldwide, represents a major socio-economic burden with a high impact on the quality of life. It is considered a risk factor for multiple medical conditions. More than half of women from developed countries are overweight or obese, this comorbidity can affect them from puberty through the reproductive period and then in the menopausal period, involving multiple medical and surgical specialties. It has a significant impact on the onset of puberty, the menstrual cycle, ovulation, fertility rate, and pregnancy outcome. In postmenopausal women, obesity represents an important risk factor for breast cancer, endometrial cancers or polyps, fibroids, pelvic organ prolapse, or stress urinary incontinence in addition to a higher risk of post-operative complications and also to some types of fragility fractures, especially if diabetes mellitus is associated. Pelvic floor disorders include pelvic organ prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence. Obese patients seem more affected compare with normal-weighted females. We introduce a single-center, retrospective study on 74 patients (admitted between 2016 and 2019) with pelvic organ prolapses that were referred for surgical correction, and further on they were evaluated after one month, respective after 6 months since procedure. On admission, the subjects, aged between 41-82 years (median of 57 years) showed a strong correlation between the symptomatology caused by the prolapse degree and obesity (40.54% of them), as it appears that the discomfort and symptoms are significantly higher in the women with higher body mass index. In the reevaluation form, the patients with obesity complaint more frequently compared to the non-obese females about urinary and colorectal distress and low sexual desire and interest. The use of surgical treatment for pelvic organ dysfunctions is a contributor to improved quality of life in adult obese females.
Clear cell acanthoma represent a benign solitary epidermal tumor of the clear glycogen containing epithelial cells, which is quite common in dermatologic practice. The etiology of this tumor formation is not known exactly at the moment. Clinically, the lesion appears as a single reddish papule or papule-nodule and the characteristic of this lesion is represented by a peripheral scaling collarette. Although solitary lesions represent the most common form of presentation of the acanthoma with clear cells, less than thirtieth cases of multiple clear cell acanthoma, from two up to four hundred lesions, have been described in the medical literature to date. The diagnosis based on clinical features frequently needs to be supported using a dermoscopy exam and, in most cases, a histopathology exam is required. The treatment consists is complete removal (standard surgical excision, cryotherapy, electrofulguration alone, carbon dioxide laser or shave removal or curettage followed by electrofulguration). For the cases with multiple lesions, cryotherapy, or topical 5- fluorouracil are preferred. We present the case of a 62-year-old male patient, presented to our Dermatology Department for multiple asymptomatic rounded papules and multiple exophytic nodular tumor formations (approximate fifteen), on the lower extremities, which had occurred approximately two years previously and gradually increased in number.
