Fahimeh Abdollahimajd

Bio: Fahimeh Abdollahimajd is an academic researcher from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Dermatology. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 74 publications receiving 343 citations.

Increased serum leptin and resistin levels and increased carotid intima-media wall thickness in patients with psoriasis: Is psoriasis associated with atherosclerosis?

Abstract: Background Patients with psoriasis may have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease Objective We sought to evaluate the potential association between subclinical atherosclerosis and psoriasis by measuring the intima-media wall thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) in patients with psoriasis and evaluating its correlation with serum leptin and resistin levels Methods The mean IMT (MIMT) of the CCA and leptin, resistin, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol levels in serum were determined in 60 patients and 60 healthy sex- and age-matched control subjects Results Compared with the healthy control subjects, patients with psoriasis had significantly higher MIMT of the CCA and higher levels of serum leptin, resistin, TG, and total cholesterol In addition, MIMT of the CCA was positively correlated with serum leptin, resistin, TG, and total cholesterol levels in patients with psoriasis Limitations This was a cross-sectional single-center study, and we could not evaluate additional biomarkers such as adipokine or adiponectin because of our restricted facilities Conclusion Although serum leptin, resistin, TG, and total cholesterol levels and MIMT of the CCA were significantly increased in patients with psoriasis, MIMT of the CCA was also positively correlated with these biomarkers Therefore, psoriasis could be an independent risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis

Generalized pustular psoriasis following COVID-19

Abstract: Dear Editor, Generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare manifestation of psoriasis that can be triggered by a variety of factors including viral infections, drugs, and the rapid tapering of systemic corticosteroids. Herein, we report the case of a 60-year-old male patient who presented to the hospital on 3 July 2020, with vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, and cough. The past medical history included hypertension, osteopenia, and subacute thyroiditis. The nasal swab polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was positive. Oxygen saturation was 98% without an oxygen mask and the patient was discharged with naproxen and hydroxychloroquine. On 18 July 2020, he returned to the hospital with respiratory distress; the computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest revealed bilateral ground-glass opacities (Figure 1). Meropenem, linezolid, vitamin D3, heparin, and intravenous pulse methylprednisolone were added to the treatment protocol. On 27 July, he was discharged on prednisolone 30 mg/day. Two days later, the patient developed fever (39 C) and widespread erythematous patches and pustules (Figure 1). He also complained of bilateral edema of the lower extremities, but color Doppler sonography revealed no signs of deep venous thrombosis. Further questioning indicated that the patient had a history of psoriasis during childhood. A skin biopsy was taken with differential diagnoses of pustular psoriasis and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); the histopathologic findings were compatible with the former (Figure 1). Laboratory evaluations revealed a white blood cell count of 7.2 × 10/L (neutrophil and lymphocyte differentiation of 82% and 8%, respectively), a creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL, a blood urea nitrogen level of 21 mg/dL, mild hypocalcemia (7.4 mg/dL), and negative stool, urine, and blood cultures. Oral acitretin 25 mg/day was initiated and hydroxychloroquine was discontinued. Oral prednisolone was gradually tapered and, fortunately, there was a gradual improvement in the pustular lesions (Figure 2). Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can be aggravated by viral infections (especially rhinoviruses and coronaviruses), in addition to pregnancy, hypocalcemia, and a variety of medications. During this pandemic, psoriasis flares have been reported in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with a history of psoriasis. Both viral infections and medications used for treatment may play roles in these flares. A possible mechanism for psoriatic flares following viral infections is the induction of a hyperinflammatory state, with SARSCoV-2 possibly being involved. Moreover, hydroxychloroquine, one

The effect of nitrogen plasma on the skin and hair follicles: a possible promising future for the treatment of alopecia

Abstract: Nowadays, there is a great attention to the plasma applications in medicine. Not only does cold atmospheric pressure plasma provide a therapeutic opportunity to control redox-based processes, it is also an innovative method in rejuvenation. Given the current interest in new methods of rejuvenation, we aimed to introduce a novel pulsed nitrogen plasma torch with potential use in rejuvenation. We investigated production of reactive species at different pulse energy by spectroscopy and also measured nitric oxide and O2 concentration and evaluated the flame temperature. Fifteen Wistar rats were divided into three groups based on the applied energy settings; the skin of the animals was processed with plasma. For quantitative evaluation of dermis, epidermis and hair follicles (to confirm the effects of this technique on rejuvenation), skin biopsies were taken from both unexposed and treated areas. The spectroscopy results showed the presence of nitric oxide in plasma and the concentration was suitable for dermatological applications. A significant increase was observed in epidermal thickness, fibroblast cell proliferation and collagenesis (P < 0.05). Interestingly, plasma led to a temporary increase in the diameter of primary and secondary hair follicles compared to the controls. The results confirmed the positive effects of this pulsed nitrogen plasma torch on rejuvenation and also revealed a new possible aspect of cold plasma; its effect on hair follicles as a promising area in the treatment of alopecia that requires further clinical and molecular studies.

Anti-Staphylococcal and cytotoxic activities of the short anti-microbial peptide PVP

Abstract: Over the past years, short anti-microbial peptides have drawn growing attention in the research and trade literature because they are usually capable of killing a broad spectrum of pathogens by employing unique mechanisms of action. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-bacterial effects of a previously designed peptide named PVP towards the clinical strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro. Secondary structure, cytotoxicity, and membrane-permeabilizing effects of the peptide were also assessed. PVP had a tendency to adopt alpha-helical conformation based upon structural predictions and circular dichroism spectroscopy (in 50% trifluoroethanol). The peptide showed MIC values ranging from 1 to 16 µg/mL against 10 strains of MRSA. In contrast to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, PVP at sub-lethal concentration (1 µg/mL) did not provoke the development of peptide resistance after 14 serial passages. Remarkably, 1 h of exposure to 4 × MBC of PVP (8 µg/mL) was sufficient for total bacterial clearance, whereas 4 × MBC of vancomycin (8 µg/mL) failed to totally eradicate bacterial cells, even after 8 h. PVP showed negligible cytotoxicity against human dermal fibroblasts at concentrations required to kill the MRSA strains. The results of flow cytometric analysis and fluorescence microscopy revealed that PVP caused bacterial membrane permeabilization, eventually culminating in cell death. Owing to the potent anti-bacterial activity, fast bactericidal kinetics, and negligible cytotoxicity, PVP has the potential to be used as a candidate antibiotic for the topical treatment of MRSA infections.

Cultured allogeneic fibroblast injection vs. fibroblasts cultured on amniotic membrane scaffold for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa treatment.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Different methods of fibroblast application have been examined to treat recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). OBJECTIVES To compare the effects of intradermal injection of cultured allogeneic fibroblasts in healing RDEB wounds with those of fibroblasts seeded on amniotic membrane scaffolds (FAMS) or standard wound care (SWC) with Vaseline® gauze as controls. METHODS Seven patients were recruited, and seven wounds were assessed in each patient: three wounds were treated with injection of intradermal fibroblasts, three were treated with FAMS and one was dressed with SWC. Changes in wound size were assessed after 2 and 12 weeks of treatment. Qualitative wound scores (QWS) were used to assess wound severity. Additionally, biopsies and antigen mapping were performed to detect type VII collagen in the dermoepidermal junction. RESULTS In both treated areas, the QWS and wound size were significantly decreased (P < 0·001), whereas there were no changes in the control group (P = 0·29). After 2 and 12 weeks of treatment, the wound size was significantly decreased in wounds that were treated with fibroblast injection compared with those treated with FAMS (P < 0·001); but no significant changes were found in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Fibroblast injection has been shown to promote healing of RDEB wounds and is superior to FAMS or the control treatment.

Clinical course and risk factors for mortality of adult inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract: Summary Background Since December, 2019, Wuhan, China, has experienced an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 have been reported but risk factors for mortality and a detailed clinical course of illness, including viral shedding, have not been well described. Methods In this retrospective, multicentre cohort study, we included all adult inpatients (≥18 years old) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from Jinyintan Hospital and Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital (Wuhan, China) who had been discharged or had died by Jan 31, 2020. Demographic, clinical, treatment, and laboratory data, including serial samples for viral RNA detection, were extracted from electronic medical records and compared between survivors and non-survivors. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods to explore the risk factors associated with in-hospital death. Findings 191 patients (135 from Jinyintan Hospital and 56 from Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital) were included in this study, of whom 137 were discharged and 54 died in hospital. 91 (48%) patients had a comorbidity, with hypertension being the most common (58 [30%] patients), followed by diabetes (36 [19%] patients) and coronary heart disease (15 [8%] patients). Multivariable regression showed increasing odds of in-hospital death associated with older age (odds ratio 1·10, 95% CI 1·03–1·17, per year increase; p=0·0043), higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (5·65, 2·61–12·23; p Interpretation The potential risk factors of older age, high SOFA score, and d-dimer greater than 1 μg/mL could help clinicians to identify patients with poor prognosis at an early stage. Prolonged viral shedding provides the rationale for a strategy of isolation of infected patients and optimal antiviral interventions in the future. Funding Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences; National Science Grant for Distinguished Young Scholars; National Key Research and Development Program of China; The Beijing Science and Technology Project; and Major Projects of National Science and Technology on New Drug Creation and Development.

Male pattern androgenetic alopecia

Abstract: Androgenetic alopecia is characterised by progressive, patterned hair loss from the scalp. Recently the pathogenesis and genetic basis of the hair loss have been better understood, as has the distress experienced by men who have lost their hair. There have also been breakthroughs in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The transition of some terminal hairs into vellus hairs is a universal physiological secondary sexual characteristic.1 Androgenetic alopecia becomes a medical problem only when the hair loss is subjectively seen as excessive, premature, and distressing. The prerequisites for premature androgenetic alopecia are a genetic predisposition and sufficient circulating androgens.2 Eunuchs do not go bald.3 Every white man possesses the autosomal inherited predisposition,4 and 96% lose hair to some degree,5 but because of the variabity of gene expression far fewer have appreciable premature hair loss. #### Summary points This article is based largely on my experience in the management of hair loss. Original articles and expert reviews from major journals cited in Medline between 1966 and 1997 have been supplemented by information and articles cited in recently published textbooks. The following keywords were used for the Medline search: androgenetic alopecia, androgenic alopecia, common baldness and balding, premature baldness and balding, hereditary balding and baldness, male pattern and female pattern alopecia, …

Leptin, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: Leptin, an adipokine that is implicated in the control of food intake via appetite suppression, may also stimulate oxidative stress, inflammation, thrombosis, arterial stiffness, angiogenesis and atherogenesis. These leptin-induced effects may predispose to the development of cardiovascular diseases. In the present review we discuss the evidence linking leptin levels with the presence, severity and/or prognosis of both coronary artery disease and non-cardiac vascular diseases such as stroke, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) as well as with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Leptin levels have been positively associated with the presence, severity, extent and lesion complexity of coronary atherosclerosis as well as with the presence, severity and poor clinical outcomes of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. But conflicting results also exist. Furthermore, leptin was reported to independently predict common carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque instability. A link between hyperleptinemia and PAD has been reported, whereas limited data were available on the potential association between leptin and AAA. Elevated leptin concentrations have also been related to CKD incidence and progression as well as with insulin resistance, T2DM, micro- and macrovascular diabetic complications. Statins and antidiabetic drugs (including sitagliptin, metformin, pioglitazone, liraglutide and empagliflozin) may affect leptin levels. Further research is needed to establish the potential use (if any) of leptin as a therapeutic target in these diseases.

Calcium - a central regulator of keratinocyte differentiation in health and disease

Abstract: Regular keratinocyte differentiation is crucial for the formation of an intact epidermal barrier and is triggered by extracellular calcium. Disturbances of epidermal barrier formation and aberrant keratinocyte differentiation are involved in the pathophysiology of several skin diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, basal and squamous skin cancer, and genetic skin diseases such as Darier's disease and Olmstedt syndrome. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the underlying molecular mechanisms of calcium-induced differentiation in keratinocytes. We provide an overview of calcium's genomic and non-genomic mechanisms to induce differentiation and discuss the calcium gradient in the epidermis, giving rise to cornified skin and lipid envelope formation. We focus on the calcium-sensing receptor, transient receptor potential channels, and STIM/Orai as the major constituents of calcium sensing and calcium entry in the keratinocytes. Finally, skin diseases linked to impaired differentiation will be discussed, paying special attention to disturbed TRP channel expression and TRP channel mutations.

Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Comorbidities: Focusing on Severe Vascular Events, Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Implications for Treatment

Abstract: Psoriasis is a common and chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. It may impair the physical and psychosocial function of patients and lead to decreased quality of life. Traditionally, psoriasis has been regarded as a disease affecting only the skin and joints. More recently, studies have shown that psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disorder which can be associated with various comorbidities. In particular, psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of developing severe vascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. In addition, the prevalence rates of cardiovascular risk factors are increased, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Consequently, mortality rates have been found to be increased and life expectancy decreased in patients with psoriasis, as compared to the general population. Various studies have also shown that systemic treatments for psoriasis, including methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, may significantly decrease cardiovascular risk. Mechanistically, the presence of common inflammatory pathways, secretion of adipokines, insulin resistance, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, microparticles, and hypercoagulability may explain the association between psoriasis and cardiometabolic disorders. In this article, we review the evidence regarding the association between psoriasis and cardiovascular comorbidities, focusing on severe vascular events, cardiovascular risk factors and implications for treatment.