Features of skin itching in HIV-infected patients with atopic dermatitis

Evdokimov E.Yu., Svechnikova E.V., Ponezheva Zh.B., Gorelova E.A.

1) Polyclinic No. 1 of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; 2) Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being, Moscow, Russia; 3) Russian Biotechnology University (ROSBIOTECH), Moscow, Russia

The review article analyzes current data on the role of various parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as individual sensory nerve fibers and skin receptors in the development of skin itching. Itching receptors are listed with their characteristics and fundamental differences for sensory nerve fibers. Information on significant endogenous factors of itching is systematized with an analysis of the most significant causes. The article presents an analysis of clinical and research data related to the involvement of individual blood cells as triggers in the development of skin itching. Facts indicating creative connections between leukocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils) and platelets in cases of itching formation and maintenance have been revealed. The significance of the mean volume and shape of platelets in the development of persistent skin itching in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) is shown. Important links in the development of skin itching in HIV-infected patients due to HIV-mediated effects of platelet activation are presented. An opinion on the role of individual cytokines in the development of itching in patients with AD and the function of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of HIV infection is expressed. The importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected patients in order to reduce the production of cytokines associated with skin itching is demonstrated. In addition, the data of modern studies on the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the development and maintenance of skin itching in patients with AD are collected. The importance of SCFAs in embryogenesis and the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems is indicated. The role of SCFAs in the modulation of inflammatory reactions of immunocompetent cells is considered. Information on the role of endogenous predictors of itching in the pathogenesis of HIV infection in patients with AD is concentrated.

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About the Authors

Corresponding author: Evgeny Yu. Evdokimov, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Leading Researcher, Clinical Department, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being, Moscow, Russia; evdokimovevg@yandex.ru

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