RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) are overexpressed in psoriatic keratinocytes, and regulate cell growth, proliferation and differentiation through binding to epidermal growth factor (EGF). The role of EGF and EGFRs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and the contribution of their measurement to psoriasis management are still unknown. AIM: To evaluate serum concentrations of EGF, soluble (s)EGFRs and EGF content in psoriatic scales of patients with severe psoriasis, and to analyse their association with the clinical activity of the disease. METHODS: Serum samples and plaque scales were collected from 51 patients with plaque-type psoriasis. Concentrations of EGF and sEGFR in serum and of EGF in scales were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Data were analysed with respect to baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). RESULTS: Mean serum EGF concentration in patients was higher than in controls (701 ± 72 vs. 586 ± 63 pg/mL), but the difference was not significant. Mean serum concentration of sEGFR was significantly lower than controls (40.8 ± 1.4 vs. 86.4 ± 11.3 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Serum levels of EGF showed a significant positive correlation and EGFR showed a significant negative correlation with PASI (P < 0.05). No correlation was seen between PASI and EGF content in scales or between EGF and sEGFR levels. Serum EGF concentrations reached the highest mean level (914 ± 138 pg/mL) in patients with PASI > 20, and this was significantly higher than the mean of 414 ± 82 pg/mL in the group with PASI < 10. Mean sEGFR serum concentrations remained significantly lower than those of controls, irrespective of disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with controls, patients with psoriasis had increased EGF and decreased sEGFR levels in serum. EGF and sEGFR levels correlated with disease severity.
Asunto(s)
Factor de Crecimiento Epidérmico/análisis , Receptores ErbB/análisis , Psoriasis/metabolismo , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Factor de Crecimiento Epidérmico/sangre , Receptores ErbB/sangre , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Psoriasis/sangre , Psoriasis/patología , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is recognized a pivotal pro-angiogenic factor responsible for new blood vessels formation in psoriatic lesion. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyse serum concentrations of VEGF and its soluble receptors (sVEGF) R1 and R2 in psoriatic patients before and after treatment. METHODS: Serum samples were collected before and after 14 days of standard topical therapy, from 44 patients with exacerbated chronic plaque-type psoriasis and VEGF, sVEGF R1 and sVEGF R2 concentrations were measured using an enzyme immunoassay. Data were analysed with respect to baseline values of the psoriasis area severity index (PASI). RESULTS: Baseline mean serum levels of VEGF and sVEGF R1, but not sVEGF R2 were significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls. VEGF demonstrated significant correlation with PASI score. Treatment resulted in significant reduction of VEGF serum concentration, particularly in patients with severe course of the disease (PASI >20) and increase in sVEGF R1 concentration in patients with mild disease activity (PASI <10). Moreover, serum sVEGF R1 level after treatment termination was significantly higher in patients with mild than severe course of psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the association between psoriasis activity and serum VEGF concentrations, which can be recognized as an indicator of the disease severity. However, the increase of serum sVEGF R1 concentrations can predict amelioration of clinical signs.