Inflammation

Question 1

Chronic inflammation - 2

Answer 1

1. Manifestation of body’s response to tissue DMG & infection, brings cells from blood to site of infection.
2. Level of response must match the injury in severity & duration.

Question 2

Acute Inflammation

Answer 2

Acute Inflammation - Normal healing response

Question 3

Chronic Inflammation

Answer 3

Chronic Inflammation - Abnormal response to prolonged stimulation leading to further tissue damage and scarring.

Question 4

Immune system - 4

Answer 4

1. Chronic inflammation mediated by cytokines
2. Cytokines activated when immune cells exposed to antigens
3. Immune responses efficacy affects the ability of antigen elimination
4. Prolonged activation of immune system occurs due to failure to eradicate antigens - leads to chronic inflammation.

Question 5

Skin barrier’s function in inflammatory conditions - 3

Answer 5

1. A physical barrier
2. Skin, fat & oil maintains structure & reduces H20 loss.
3. Barrier breakdown enables entry of irritants, allergens & pathogens.

Question 6

Eczema & its mechanism - 6

Answer 6

1. Inflammation & intense irritation of the skin
2. Not infectious or contagious - symptoms typically caused by failure to retain moisture in the skin.

Mechanism
3. Reduction of fats & oils leaves gaps in skin, resulting in water loss & cells becoming flaccid.
4. Creates more entry gaps for pathogens & allergens.
5. Irritants contribute to the breakdown of skin.

Question 7

Psoriasis - 4

Answer 7

1. Autoimmune condition increasing skin cell production.
2. Normally skin cells made & replaced every 3-4 weeks, but psoriasis is 3-7, building up skin cell patches
3. Normally triggers to start or worsen the condition.
4. Not contagious but can be inherited.

Question 8

Genetic linkages to autoimmunity - 6

Answer 8

1. LL37: endogenous antimicrobial peptide produced by the bodies self antibiotics, protects injured skin (defence against harmful bacteria).
2. In psoriatic skin LL37 is overexpressed & activates dendritic cells too highly.
3. The immune cells triggered by LL37 also produce key cytokines such as IL-17.
4. IL36RN gene mutations linked to pustular psoriasis.
5. IL36RN helps regulate inflammation by suppressing inflammatory cytokines e.g. IL-1
6. Potential use of Kineret (anakinra), which targets this cytokine

Question 9

The Steroid Hormone: Vitamin D -

Answer 9

1. Absorbed from diet/ made in skin in sunlight.
2. Metabolised to active form by the liver & kidney.
3. Exerts effects on cellular differentiation, cellular proliferation & immune regulation
4. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to chronic inflammatory skin conditions & cancer.
5. Vitamin D & its analogues are effective treatment options for psoriasis & other skin diseases.