thymodepressin and Dermatitis--Atopic

We studied the status of proliferation processes (by Ki-67 expression) and biogenesis of free radicals (by chemiluminescence method) in skin biopsy specimens from patients with atopic dermatitis and lichen planus. The index of Ki-67-positive nuclei significantly (p<0.05) increased to 28.40±2.00% in patients with dermatitis and to 32.6±1.9% in patients with lichen planus vs. 8.65±1.31% in the reference sample. Decompensated accumulation of free-radical oxidation products and inhibition of detoxification systems in skin biopsy specimens indicate the development of local oxidative stress. After therapy consisting of two 10-day courses of thymodepressin injections (0.1%, 1.0 ml) over 30 days, normalization of epidermis proliferation was observed. Labeling index in atopic dermatitis and lichen planus significantly decreased (p<0.05) to 17.00±1.87 and 10.9±1.1%, respectively. The role of free radicals in the development of hyperregeneratory processes during dermatoses is discussed.

Topics: Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Ki-67 Antigen; Lichen Planus; Luminescent Measurements; Oxidative Stress; Peptides; Reactive Oxygen Species; Skin

Proliferative activity of the epidermis in skin biopsy specimens from patients with atopic dermatitis before and during therapy with thymodepressin (immunosuppressant) was studied by immunohistochemical method (by expression of Ki-67 antigen). The number of Ki-67-positive keratinocyte nuclei in atopic dermatitis considerably surpassed the corresponding parameter in intact skin (32.46 +/- 3.06% vs. 8.73 +/- 1.28%, p<0.05). Two 10-day courses of thymodepressin (0.1% solution, 1 ml intramuscularly) for 30 days reduced the number of Ki-67-positive keratinocyte nuclei to 20.78 +/- 3.36%. Clinical improvement was also achieved (sleep became normal, itching decreased, erythema and desquamation also decreased or disappeared). These findings suggest that disorders in keratinocyte proliferation are an important component in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and confirm high efficiency of thymodepressin in the treatment of this condition.

Topics: Cell Division; Dermatitis, Atopic; Epidermis; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Immunosuppressive Agents; Keratinocytes; Ki-67 Antigen; Peptides; Skin; Time Factors