Modern data on the classification, clinical picture, morphological, histological, immunohistochemical, and genetic characteristics of primary CD30+ lymphoproliferative diseases of the skin are presented. A clinical case with primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is presented. The relevant diagnostic criteria are described in details. The disease had to be differentiated from cutaneous pseudolymphoma and malignant tumors, such as systemic CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma and lymphomatoid papulosis.

The concept of tumor stem cells has been formulated about two decades ago, and their identification and functioning are now a priority in many studies, for example, of radio- and chemotherapy resistance and of tumor relapses. It is assumed that tumor stem cells, like normal stem cells, are capable of asymmetrical division, in addition, they can differentiate into other than tumor stem cells. Tumor stem cells are one of the factors responsible for tumor tissue heterogeneity. We analyze the biology of tumor stem cells in general and of melanoma in particular, their markers, methods for identification of these cells, and their significance for clinical oncology.

Jessner-Kanoff’s lymphocytic infiltration (LI) is a variant of cutaneous pseudolymphoma, charactarized by T-lymphocyte infiltration of the derma without formation of follicles. The etiology of the condition is unknown, the role of various trigger factors is discussed; men suffer more often then women. The clinical picture is nonspecific, the pathological process is located mainly on the facial skin and is characterized by lasting benign course with seasonal exacerbations and a trend to spontaneous resolution. The histological picture corresponds to cutaneous pseudolymphoma with CD4 predominating in the cellular infiltrate. The condition is not associated with clonality or fixation of immunoglobulins and the complement along the dermo-epidermal conjunction. A clinical case, effectively treated, is presented.

Published data on the etiology, clinical forms, diagnosis, and therapy of granuloma annulare are reviewed and a clinical case is presented. A woman with hypercholesterolemia, aged 62 years, has developed generalized granuloma annulare. This condition is associated in the majority of cases with various diseases: diabetes mellitus, thyroiditis, malignant tumors, necrobiosis lipoidica, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipemias. In contrast to the local form, the generalized one is not liable to spontaneous regression. The efficiency of systemic and topical therapies is discussed. Our patient was effectively treated by scarifiers and clobetasol combined with dimethylsulfoxide.

A retrospective analysis of 36 case histories ofpatients with Hailey-Hailey disease, residents of the Moscow Region, is presented. The disease manifested in residents of region at the age of 34.5±14.2 years and was characterized by involvement of only the skin integument. Imitation of clinical manifestations of other diseases of the skin prevented its early diagnosis. Only after years the clinical picture aquired a pronounced polymorphism with manifestation of the pathognomonic sign of the disease. Uncommon manifestations, no data on the hereditary liability in 58.3% patients impeded the diagnosis of Hailey-Hailey disease. Autoimmune pemphigus was suspected most often, other more rare erroneous diagnoses were Duhring’s herpetiform dermatitis, streptostaphylodermia and toxicoderma. The clinical picture was augmented by the lasting chronic process with involvement of the entire skin integument, in some cases of the mucosal membranes, with unpleasant subjective sensations and deterioration of the general condition. All these events led to hospitalization, the patients were aged 47.5±12.4 years by this time. This cohort of patients were in need of life-time observations. The studies should be carried out at the molecular biological level. A stable clinical remission for many years, allowing patient’s professional and social activity, can be attained only in response to personified therapy.

The role of CD27 and CD28 co-activation molecules on immune effector cells in the formation of the autoimmune process in local scleroderma (LS) and the mechanisms of their correction by extracorporeal photochemotherapy (EPCT) were studied. The CD4 + T-lymphocytes of LS patients were characterized by the activation immunophenotype, mediated by hyperexpression of CD27 and CD28, and by CD3 +CD4 +CD28 - tolerogenic immunophenotype. The expression of CD27 and CD28 on CD4 + T-lymphocytes decreased during EPCT, which indicated recovery of immunological tolerance of the intrinsic antigens. These data were in line with obvious clinical efficiency of EPCT in LS.

The repertory of T-cell receptors in some immunassociated cutaneous disease is presented. We studied the T-cell receptor variety in involved and intact skin and in the blood of patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis and the time course of these receptors during immunosuppressive therapy by massive sequencing methods, in order to detect the probable specific antigen as a potential target for developing new methods for effective therapy of these diseases.

A clinical observation of acantholytic pemphigus vulgaris in a man aged 65 years is presented. Cancer of the lip was erroneously diagnosed, and resection of the lower lip was carried out. The authors focus on the errors made by physicians of various specializations in the diagnosis and therapy of acantholytic pemphigus.

Vitiligo is now regarded as mainly an autoimmune disease, and hence, use of drugs with immunomodulatory activity is a rational approach to arresting the progress of vitiligo. We study the efficiency of acid peptidoglycan ofplant origin with immunomodulatory activity in therapy of vitiligo. Twenty-five patients with active vitiligo received a course of treatment (6 injections). The activity of vitiligo was evaluated after 1, 3, and 6 months of the therapeutic course. The results were compared with the patients’ clinical and immunological data before therapy. Disease stabilization was attained 6 months after therapy in 18 (72%) patients. Low secretion of phytohemagglutinin-induced IFN-g by peripheral blood mononuclears before therapy seemed to be a prognostic factor predicting active course of vitiligo after therapy (p=0,0022, odds ratio 14,5; 95% confidence interval 3,15-5,72). Hence, use of acid peptidoglycan with immunomodulatory activity can be regarded as a new safe and effective method for vitiligo progress.

A case with a large posttraumatic soft tissue hematoma of the right ileac area is presented. Wide tissue edema and a large cyanotic area (palm-sized), sharply painful, firm in the center were observed. Ultrasonic examination of soft tissues and puncture of the focus confirmed the diagnosis. Local therapy with Cicabio Arnica+ cream twice daily (morning and night) led to resolution of the hematoma and prevented the probable complications. The authors emphasize the efficiency of Cicabio Arnica+ cream in dermato-cosmetology and draw the attention of specialists to this cream.

A specific feature of hair growth in humans is the highest concentration of hair follicles in the skin of the head. Complaints of hair loss and poor hair growth are most often responsible for patient’s application to the doctor. Alopecia is pathological hair falling, leading to their partial or complete loss in certain areas of the head or trunk. Diffuse alopecia is characterized by manifest even hair falling from the hairy part of the head in men and women as a result of hair cycle failure. The molecular mechanisms regulating the hair follicle growth and the follicle transition from one phase into another are now known. A unique complex system for hair loss control is suggested. Selencin combines the therapeutic effects of a homeopathic drug and a specialized cosmetic program. Experience gained in effective use of Selencin program is presented in this paper.

The results of therapy of 90 women with chronic gonococcal infection are presented. Analysis of the clinical efficiency of combined therapy including y-D-glutamyltryptophan (bestim) and recombinant human interleukin 1β (betaleukin) showed their high efficiency and safety; the drugs were well tolerated.

Screening for sexually-transmitted and urogenital infections was carried out in homeless and neglected adolescents and children. Risk factors promoting propagation of these infections in this population are discussed.