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We have investigated the HECA-452 expression in large plaque parapsoriasis (PP) and mycosis fungoides (MF) patients, evaluating the potential role of this biomarker in both cutaneous disorders. Skin specimens from 72 PP and 61 MF patients were selected in this study. We compared their actual histological diagnosis with their previous diagnosis and we found that all 72 PP patients had the same diagnosis as before (stable PP), while 26 out of 61 MF have a previous PP histological diagnosis (evolving PP). Our results show an increased expression of HECA-452 in MF compared to PP (p<0.01). Furthermore, evolving PP showed a significantly higher level of HECA-452 than stable PP (p< 0.05). We conclude that HECA-452 expression increases during the natural history of Mycosis Fungoides. HECA-452 could be used as a biomarker for MF and predict which PP evolves to MF.

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Case Report ABSTRACTMorbid obesity has been considered a contraindication for cardiac transplantation in some patients with Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the positive effect of bariatric surgery on this population, with improvement in Ventricular Ejection Fraction (VEF), could even avoid the necessity of a cardiac transplant. Obesity produces cardiac dysfunction and weight loss operations can partially revert it.The impact of bariatric surgery among people with DCM has been studied in two patients with morbid obesity. Both male patients suffered from DCM with a VEF less than 27%, and other co-morbidities. Their Body Mass Index (BMI) was 44 kg/m 2 and 37 kg/m 2 , respectively. They underwent a sleeve gastrectomy and reached a BMI of 28 kg/m 2 , 18 months after the operation, with more than 10% improvement in their VEF. The second patient had a gastric leak, due a stapler failure, and finally underwent an uneventful total gastrectomy after unsuccessful endoscopic procedures.In conclusion, bariatric surgery offers a significant benefit for obese patients with DCM and should be considered by cardiologists as other therapeutic approach when other weight loss strategies had failed. CASE REPORTSCase 1: A 54-year-old male with Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS), Diabetes Mellitus (DM) type 2, hypertension, Morbid Obesity (MO) and Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) was referred to our hospital for bariatric surgery. In addition, the preoperative cardiac ultrasound showed a Ventricular Ejection Fraction (VEF) of 24%. He had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 41 kg/m 2 and underwent an uneventful Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG). Three years after the surgical procedure, the patient co-morbidities and quality of life have improved, and the cardiac ultrasound confirmed an increase of his VEF from 24% to 36% ( Figure 1A-1B).