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Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of clinical forms in a group of oral lichen planus (OLP) patients and to investigate whether the oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with common clinical OLP forms differs significantly from that of other clinical forms of OLP and healthy patients, respectively. Methods: OHRQoL was assessed using the Romanian version of the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). OLP patients rated the pain they were currently experiencing on a visual analog scale (VAS). Statistics was performed using parametric and non-parametric tests and multiple linear regression. Results: Eighty OLP patients and 80 healthy controls were enrolled. The most prevalent OLP clinical form was keratotic form (n = 39, 48.75%, group 1), followed by atrophic (31.25%), erosive-ulcerative (17.5%), and bullous (2.5%) forms, which were included in group 2 (n = 41). The OHRQoL did not differ significantly between group 1 and the other two groups. A negative social impact was reported on psychological discomfort domain for both OLP groups, as compared with healthy controls. VAS scores were significantly associated with OHIP total scores in group 1 (rho = 0.41, n = 39, p = 0.009, Spearman's correlation coefficient). Within the same group, significantly higher OHIP total scores were recorded in patients lacking academic education (p = 0.0086, Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusions: Overall, the most common clinical OLP form did not impact significantly the OHRQoL of OLP patients. Clinical relevance: Psychological therapy and meeting the educational needs might improve the OHRQoL of patients with common clinical forms of OLP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory hyper-proliferative disease of the skin, scalp, nails, and joints. It has been hypothesized that prolactin (PRL) may modulate the skin immune system and be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Psoriasis exerts significant, negative impact on patients' quality of life. Relatively high rates of depression are reported in patients with psoriasis. Objectives: The aim of this work was to study the possible role of PRL in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its correlation with the disease activity, clinically, molecular and emotional status of patients. Subjects and methods: A total of 41 samples were analyzed - 21 new patients with psoriasis vulgaris before treatment and 20 after therapy - were included in this study. In all patients, we determined skin disease activity according to the PASI index, the psychological impact measured with HAMA and HAMD scales and the quality of their life measured by DLQI. The concentration of prolactin in the serum was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the concentration of soluble receptor of IL-2 was measured with automated immune chemiluminescent system - IMMULITE procedure. Results: The PRL and sIL2R serum levels were significantly decreased after three months of therapy, at least 50% with a p value <0.00001. Clinical, hormonal, molecular correlations between before and after therapy were measured with a statistically significant result. Correlations between HAMA-PRL and DLQI-PRL before therapy were not statistically significant, only the relationship between HAMD and PRL was demonstrated. After treatment, we obtained a significant clinical, psychological and paraclinical (especially serum levels of prolactin and sIL2R) decreased and relevant response on all the patients treated and analyzed. Conclusion: Prolactin seems to have a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and may represent a cause and/or a consequence of psoriasis pathology. The most likely scenario is that PRL enhances interferon-induced chemokine production in keratinocytes, thereby facilitating cutaneous T-cell infiltration. This raises the intriguing light that PRL may offer a novel future therapeutic target in psoriasis and other skin diseases that worsen in response to psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The polypeptide hormone prolactin (PRL) represents the pituitary modulator of lactation and reproduction. Currently, we discuss the wide range of PRL actions "beyond the mammary horizon". Multiple studies had showed the role of PRL as a cytokine, with comparable structural motifs, similar receptor structures and signal transduction pathways. Almost two decades ago it was first hypothesized that PRL acts as a neuroendocrine modulator of both skin epithelial growth and the skin immune system. Moreover, it was described the PRL circuit between the skin and the central nervous system. Psoriasis vulgaris, an immunologically mediated skin disease, is a common disorder, having as main pathogenetic mechanisms the chronic inflammation and keratinocytes hyperproliferation. Psoriasis vulgaris is not a life threatening disease, but affects seriously the quality of life; there is still no causative treatment. Methods: After we describe the essentials of general PRL biology, the almost ubiquitous distribution of its receptors and the vast list of extrapituitary PRL-expressing tissues, our aim is to summarize clinical observations that provide insights into how PRL may impact on the psoriatic skin and define research for better characterize the complex role of PRL in human skin biology and pathology. Results: Focusing on psoriasis, as a stress-related disease, we then discuss the possible role of PRL/ PRLR in its pathology and may identify one potential biological marker and therapeutic targets for the management of this autoimmune skin disorder. Conclusion: This theory/concept can now be integrated into current views on the multilevel neuroendocrine-immune communication along the brain-skin axis in health and disease. Due to the pathogenic complexity, there is no curative treatment for psoriasis and pharmacological modulation of PRL may represent a future target to restrict the lesions in psoriatic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During pregnancy, hormonal and immune adaptations are vital for supporting the genetically distinct fetus during elevated infection risks. The global prevalence of HPV necessitates its consideration during pregnancy. Despite a seemingly mild immune response, historical gestational viral infections underscore its significance. Acknowledging the established HPV infection risks during pregnancy, our review explores the unfolding immunological changes in pregnant women with HPV. Our analysis aims to uncover strategies for safely modulating the immune system, mitigating adverse pregnancy consequences, and enhancing maternal and child health. This comprehensive narrative review delves into the existing knowledge and studies on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mast cells (MCs) are infamous for their role in potentially fatal anaphylaxis reactions. In the last two decades, a more complex picture has emerged, as it has become obvious that MCs are much more than just IgE effectors of anaphylaxis. MCs are defenders against a host of infectious and toxic aggressions (their interactions with other components of the immune system are not yet fully understood) and after the insult has ended, MCs continue to play a role in inflammation regulation and tissue repair. Unfortunately, MC involvement in pathology is also significant. Apart from their role in allergies, MCs can proliferate clonally to produce systemic mastocytosis. They have also been implicated in excessive fibrosis, keloid scaring, graft rejection and chronic inflammation, especially at the level of the skin and gut. In recent years, the term MC activation syndrome (MCAS) was proposed to account for symptoms caused by MC activation, and clear diagnostic criteria have been defined. However, not all authors agree with these criteria, as some find them too restrictive, potentially leaving much of the MC-related pathology unaccounted for. Here, we review the current knowledge on the physiological and pathological roles of MCs, with a dermatological emphasis, and discuss the MCAS classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]