Effects of interleukin (IL)-6 gene polymorphisms on recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common disease with oral ulceration in which cytokines are thought to play an important role. High levels of interleukin (IL)-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine have been detected in the circulation of ulcer tissue. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if the IL-6 gene polymorphisms are associated with RAS or clinical characteristics of RAS in a cohort of Turkish population. 184 RAS patients and 150 healthy controls were included in the study. The genotypes of IL-6 gene ?572G>C and ?174G>C polymorphisms were determined using polymerase chain reaction based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The genotype frequencies of ?572G>C polymorphism showed statistically significant differences between RAS patients and controls (p = 0.01). Frequencies of GG + GC genotypes and G allele of ?572G>C polymorphism were found higher in RAS patients (p = 0.0001, OR 10.8, 95 % CI 2.79–70.5; p = 0.0008, OR 2.06, 95 % CI 1.35–3.17, respectively). The genotype frequencies of ?174G>C polymorphism also showed statistically significant differences between RAS patients and controls (p < 0.0001). Frequencies of GG genotype and G allele of ?174G>C polymorphism were found higher in RAS patients (p < 0.0001, OR 4.87, 95 % CI 3.06–7.85; p < 0.0001, OR 3.82, 95 % CI 2.64–5.59, respectively). GG–GG combined genotype and G–G haplotype of ?174G>C to ?572G>C loci were also significantly higher in RAS patients (p < 0.0001 and p = 1.5 × 10^?8, respectively). After stratifying clinical and demographical characteristics of RAS patients according to IL-6 gene polymorphisms, an association was observed between family history of RAS and ?174G>C polymorphism (p = 0.011). Susceptibility effects of both IL-6 gene ?572G>C and ?174G>C polymorphisms for RAS were observed. Further studies are necessary to prove the association of IL-6 gene polymorphisms with RAS.     

High association of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism with recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common ulcerative disease of the oral mucosa. Oral ulcers are also the most common feature of Behçet’s disease (BD). Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism with BD has been reported in Turkish population. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and RAS, and evaluate if there was an association with clinical features in a relatively large cohort of Turkish patients. The study included 198 patients affected by RAS and 214 healthy controls. ACE gene I/D polymorphism genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction with I and D allele-specific primers. The genotype and allele frequencies of I/D polymorphism showed statistically significant differences between RAS patients and controls (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). After stratifying RAS patients according to clinical and demographical characteristics, no significant association was observed. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene was positively associated with predisposition to develop RAS in Turkish population. Further studies with larger populations are recommended.     

Functional polymorphisms in cell death pathway genes FAS and FAS ligand and risk of alopecia areata

FAS and FAS ligand (FASLG) are important proapoptotic proteins that have a significant function in regulating cell growth and apoptosis and play essential roles in many human autoimmune diseases. Alopecia areata (AA) is hypothesized to be an organ-specific autoimmune disease mediated by T cells to the hair follicles. The concept of an autoimmune mechanism as the basis for AA led us to investigate a possible association between the FAS and FASLG polymorphism with AA susceptibility and disease progression on AA patients in Turkish population. The study group consisted of 118 unrelated patients with AA and 118 unrelated healthy controls. We genotyped FAS?670 A/G and FASLG?124 A/G polymorphisms and assessed their association with AA risk. A statistically significant difference was observed between patients and controls according to genotype frequencies of FAS gene (p = 0.0002). GG genotype of 670 A/G polymorphism was found to be protective against AA (p = 0.000, OR 0.07, 95 % CI 0.00–0.41). It can be concluded there is a reduced risk of AA risk appeared to be associated with FAS?670 A/G. No association was observed between AA patients and controls according to genotype and allele distribution of FASLG gene 124 A/G polymorphism (p = 0.1297, p = 453, respectively). In conclusion, we provide evidence that FAS/FASLG polymorphisms may have an effect on the risk of AA in the Turkish population. These findings provide an additional support to a genetic basis for AA development.     

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) +49AG and CT60 gene polymorphisms in Alopecia Areata: a case–control association study in the Italian population

Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by well-circumscribed patches of hair loss especially from the scalp. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) gene, a negative regulator of T cells, has been associated with predisposition to most autoimmune disorders. We evaluated two CTLA4 functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for potential association with Alopecia Areata in an Italian population using a case–control approach. We genotyped +49AG (rs231775) and CT60 (rs3087243) variants in 130 AA patients and 189 ethnically matched controls by the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method. CTLA4 +49AG analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in both the allele and genotype frequencies between patients and controls. As regarding CT60 SNP, we found that AA cases less frequently than healthy subjects carried A/A genotype with a higher prevalence of A/G and G/G genotypes (83.8 and 75.1 %; p = 0.041, OR = 0.58, 95 % CI 0.32–1.03), consistent with a dominant effect of G disease risk allele. In particular, it seemed to exert effects mainly in DQ7-negative patients with a less aggressive form of the disease. Haplotype analysis suggested that the G(+49AG), A(CT60) allelic combination was significantly related to a reduced disease risk (p = 0.014, OR = 0.28, 95 % 0.09–0.82). Altogether, our findings confirm that only CTLA4 CT60 polymorphism seems to be an important genetic determinant of Alopecia Areata development in Italian subjects.     

Common variants of ZNF750, RPTOR and TRAF3IP2 genes and psoriasis risk

Psoriasis vulgaris is a genetically heterogenous disease with unclear molecular background. We assessed the association of psoriasis and its main clinical phenotypes with common variants of three potential psoriasis susceptibility genes: ZNF750, RPTOR and TRAF31P2. We genotyped 10 common variants in a cohort of 1,034 case–control individuals using Taqman genotyping assays and sequencing. Minor alleles of all four TRAF3IP2 variants were more frequent among cases. The strongest, significant association was observed for rs33980500 (OR = 2.5, p = 0.01790). Minor allele of this SNP was always present in two haplotypes found to be associated with increased psoriasis risk: rs13196377_G + rs13190932_G + rs33980500_T + rs13210247_A (OR = 2.7, p = 0.0054) and rs13196377_A + rs13190932_A + rs33980500_T + rs13210247_G (OR = 1.8, p = 0.0008). Analyses of clinically relevant phenotypes revealed association of rs33980500 with pustular psoriasis (OR = 1.2, p = 0.0109). We observed significant connection of severity of cutaneous disease with variation at rs13190932 and suggestive with three remaining TRAF3IP2 SNPs. Another positive associations were found between age of onset and familial aggregation of disease: smoking and younger age of onset, smoking and occurrence of pustular psoriasis, nail involvement and arthropatic psoriasis, nail involvement and more severe course of psoriasis. We found no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of the examined variants of RPTOR and ZNF750 genes among our cases and controls. We have replicated the association of TRAF3IP2-_rs33980500 variant with the susceptibility to psoriasis. We have found new associations with clinically relevant subphenotypes such as pustular psoriasis or moderate-to-severe cases. We ascertain no connection of RPTOR and ZNF750 variants with psoriasis or its subphenotypes.     

Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Background

Psoriasis is a multisystem chronic inflammatory disorder that is thought to be associated with cognitive impairment.

Aims

We aimed to investigate cognitive performance using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

In total, 77 patients with psoriasis and 83 age- and sex-matched control subjects were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. Physical and/or histopathological findings were used to diagnose psoriasis vulgaris, and patients with psoriasis were evaluated according to disease characteristics, including duration, severity, onset age, medical treatment, and cosmetic involvement. All participants provided sociodemographic data and completed the Beck Depression Inventory. Cognitive functions were evaluated using the MoCA tool.

Results

The MoCA scores were significantly lower in the psoriasis group than in the control group (p = 0.004). More psoriasis patients than control subjects presented with deficits in visuospatial domain (p = 0.037) and executive functioning (p = 0.010). In the multivariate model, the presence of psoriasis (odds ratio [OR] 3.64; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.65–8.02; p = 0.001), education level (3.74; 95 % CI 1.65–8.48; p = 0.002), and area of residence (3.56; 95 % CI 1.61–7.87; p = 0.002) were found to be independently associated with cognitive impairment in patients with psoriasis and control subjects. On the other hand, no correlations were observed between disease characteristics and cognitive impairment in patients with psoriasis vulgaris (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The results suggest that psoriasis patients might have early or subtle cognitive impairment, including visuospatial domain and executive functioning.

     

Relationship between periodontal findings and specific polymorphisms of interleukin-1α and -1β in Turkish patients with Behçet’s disease

Genetic factors predispose individuals to Behçet’s disease (BD) and periodontal disease. IL-1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both BD and periodontal disease. The relationship between periodontitis and pathogenesis of BD has not yet been determined. Since IL-1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both BD and periodontal disease, we aimed to investigate the possible relation of the periodontal scores and SNPs of IL-1α?889C/T, IL-1β?511C/T, and IL-1β+3962T/C with BD compared to healthy controls (HC) and recurrent aphtous stomatitis (RAS). A total of 155 Turkish individuals were enrolled in this study. The periodontal status of all subjects was evaluated according to the WHO community periodontal index of treatment needs. For genotyping, CTS-PCR-SSP was employed. IL-1α?889C allele was significantly higher in BD patients (p = 0.03) and RAS (p = 0.02) compared to HC. The frequency of IL-1β+3962T allele was significantly higher in RAS patients compared to HC (p = 0.015). Male gender (p = 0.04), age (p = 0.02) and carrying IL-1β?511T allele (p = 0.01) were found to be a significant risk factors for higher periodontal scores in Turkish population. We can speculate that susceptibility to the development of periodontal disease could be influenced by IL-1 SNPs. Periodontitis-induced autoinflammatory response also may play a role in the development/severity of BD and RAS via IL-1 gene alteration.     

The association of the BLK gene with SLE was replicated in Chinese Han

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the region of B lymphoid tyrosine kinase (BLK) have been shown to be associated with SLE in Caucasian population. In this paper, we genotyped SNP rs2248932 in 1,396 SLE patients of Chinese Han and 4,362 ethnically matched control subjects by using the Sequenom MassArray system. We confirmed that SNP rs2248932 in BLK gene was significantly associated with SLE (P = 1.41 × 10^?8 for the allele frequency, Odds ratio [OR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–0.82).The association of BLK in Chinese SLE patients was consistent with a dominant model (P = 8.88 × 10^?9, OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.61–0.79). In contrast to the Caucasian, this risk allele was the major allele in the Chinese Han; the risk allele frequency was higher in Chinese Han than in Caucasian. We did not find the association between this SNP and any subphenotype of SLE. The SNP rs2248932 was correlated to the expression of BLK mRNA. We conclude that the association of the BLK region with SLE was replicated in Chinese Han population living in mainland.     

Does MBL2 codon 54 polymorphism play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis?

Background Psoriasis is a T cell‐mediated immune disease in which various cytokines, primarily tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), are complexly involved. Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphisms decrease MBL serum levels, thereby increasing the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α. Objectives This trial was designed to evaluate the role of the MBL2 codon 54 polymorphism in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods Fifty patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris and 53 healthy subjects were included in the trial. The polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method was applied to determine the MBL2 codon 54 polymorphism. Genotypes were determined according to the bands formed in agarose electrophoresis gels. For the statistical analysis, the level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results A total of 33 (66.0%) of the 50 psoriasis patients were detected to have A/A genotype and 17 (34.0%) had B/B genotype. Of the control subjects, 44 (83.0%) had A/A genotype and nine (17.0%) had B/B genotype. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.047). The analysis of allele frequencies revealed A allele prevalences to be 79 (79.0%) and 95 (89.6%), and B allele prevalences to be 21 (21.0%) and 11 (10.4%), in the patient and control groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference between allele frequencies was detected (P = 0.031). Conclusions This study suggests that the MBL2 codon 54 polymorphism may have an association with psoriasis in the Turkish population.     

TNF,IL12B,and IFNG Gene Polymorphisms in Serbian Patients with Psoriasis

BackgroundPsoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with a strong genetic basis. Cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins (ILs) such are IL-12 and IL-23, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) are released from various inflammatory and resident cells, and have been implicated in the initiation/maintenance of inflammation. Certain alleles of the aforementioned cytokines may be associated with disease susceptibility/severity.ObjectiveTo investigate the association of three common functional gene polymorphisms, namely TNF -308 G/A (rs1800629), IL12B (encoding the p40 subunit of IL-12/23) +1188 A/C (rs3212227), and IFNG +874 T/A (rs2430561) with psoriasis development and severity in Serbian patients.MethodsWe genotyped 130 patients with psoriasis (26 of whom also had psoriatic arthritis) and 259 controls; rs1800629 and rs3212227, and rs2430561, by real-time PCR assay.ResultsThe TNF GG genotype was detected at a higher frequency in patients with psoriasis compared to control subjects (OR, 1.420; 95% CI, 0.870~2.403) without statistical significance (p=0.191). Lack of the TNF G allele was associated with lower psoriasis severity (p=0.007). The IL12B AC genotype was underrepresented in the patients with psoriatic arthritis compared to healthy subjects (OR, 0.308; 95% CI, 0.090~1.057; p=0.049). The distribution of the rs2430561 allele and genotype frequencies was similar between patients with psoriasis and controls.ConclusionOur study demonstrates an effect of the rs1800629 on psoriasis severity, and a marginal impact of the rs3212227 on susceptibility to psoriatic arthritis. Collectively, our results obtained in a Serbian cohort expand current knowledge regarding individual predisposition to psoriatic disease.     

The association of polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene with psoriasis in the Han population of northeastern China

BackgroundThe vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a master regulator of epidermal barrier function, inflammation, stem-cell proliferation, and microbial defense.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between the VDR and psoriasis in the northeastern Chinese Han population.MethodsIn this case–control study, 342 patients with psoriasis and 341 controls were genotyped for five common VDR gene polymorphisms (ApaI, TaqI, BsmI, FokI, and Cdx2) by the Multiplex SNapSHOT method.ResultsThe frequency of ApaI (rs7975232) allele A was significantly increased in psoriasis relative to the control group (27.8% vs. 22.1%, p = 0.018); the allele A of the ApaI polymorphism showed a 1.35-fold increased risk of developing psoriasis. Haplotype analyses showed the BsmI/ApaI/TaqI/Cdx2/FokI GATGC to be significantly over-represented in psoriasis patients compared with controls (p = 0.012). The BsmI/ApaI/TaqI haplotype GCT was presented to a lesser extent in psoriasis patients in comparison with control patients (72.2% vs. 77.9%, p = 0.012).ConclusionsThese data suggest that VDR polymorphisms are associated with psoriasis in Northeastern Han Chinese population.     

Association of CYP2J2 polymorphism with susceptibility to psoriasis in Turkish population: a case–control study

BackgroundCytochrome P450 2J2 is mostly expressed in extrahepatic tissues; it metabolizes arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, with various cardio protective and anti-inflammatory effects. CYP2J2 polymorphism has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but its association with psoriasis remains unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate CYP2J2 polymorphism as a risk factor for psoriasis in the Turkish population.MethodsThere were 94 patients with psoriasis and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls included in the study. Detailed demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were calculated for psoriasis patients. Venous blood samples were collected from all the participants and CYP2J2 50G>T (rs890293) polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsBoth T allele and TT + GT genotype frequencies were increased in psoriasis vulgaris patients compared to the control group (p = 0.024 and p = 0.029 respectively, OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.11–7.15) No association between CYP2J2 polymorphism and clinical features of psoriasis was identified.Study limitationsA limited number of patients were included in the study.ConclusionCYP2J2 50G>T (rs890293) polymorphism was associated with an increased risk for PsV in the Turkish population.     

Gene polymorphisms (G82S, 1704G/T, 2184A/G and 2245G/A) of the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in plaque psoriasis

Having in mind the relationships among oxidative stress, psoriasis and common disorders, the association between polymorphisms in the gene encoding the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and plaque psoriasis, including patients with a personal history of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, cancer and allergy, was investigated. The allele frequencies and genotype distribution combinations of the four polymorphisms in the RAGE gene (6p21.3, G82S, 1704G/T, 2184A/G and 2245A/G) were compared in a case-control study of 272 subjects (130 patients with plaque psoriasis and 142 healthy control subjects of comparable age and sex distribution). The polymerase chain reaction with subsequent restriction analysis was used for detection of genotype variants. There was a significantly higher frequency of the 2184G allele of the 2184A/G RAGE polymorphism in psoriatic patients than in the control subjects (odds ratio 2.18, 95% CI 1.32-3.59, P=0.001). The 2184G allele occurred more often in psoriatic patients with a negative history of cardiovascular diseases (odds ratio 2.38, 95% CI 1.35-4.18, P=0.001, Pcorr=0.004), in those with a negative history of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 2.05, 95% CI 0.1.22-3.45, P=0.004, Pcorr=0.012) and in those with a negative history of cancer (odds ratio 1.97, 95% CI 1.17-3.31, P=0.007, Pcorr=0.014) compared with the corresponding control subjects. We conclude that the 2184G allele of the RAGE gene is a significant risk factor for plaque psoriasis. The risk is associated with the non-presence of some common, especially cardiovascular, diseases in psoriatic patients.     

The −1154 G/A VEGF gene polymorphism is associated with the incidence of basal cell carcinoma in patients from northern Poland

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is believed to play a crucial role in neoplastic angiogenesis. Although the genetic background of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has been analyzed in some papers, the mechanism of BCC pathogenesis is not fully understood. To the best of our knowledge, VEGF gene polymorphisms have not yet been explored. The aim of the study was to asses the frequency of three polymorphisms in the VEGF gene (?1154 G/A, ?460 T/C and +405 G/C) in patients of Polish origin with BCC and control group. In addition, VEGF serum levels of patients with BCC and controls were measured. The study involved 180 patients (96 women, 84 men) with BCC and a mean age of 68.9 ± 11.8, and 215 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers. The VEGF polymorphisms at positions ?1154 and +405 were analyzed using the amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction method. To assess the VEGF gene polymorphism at position ?460, we used the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Serum levels of VEGF protein were measured using the ELISA test. The presence of the G allele (GA or GG) in the ?1154 VEGF polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of BCC development (OR = 7.28, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the carriers of the AA genotype in ?1154 VEGF polymorphism showed significantly reduced risks of BCC (OR = 0.14, p < 0.0001). It was also shown that the GTC haplotype of VEGF predisposes to BCC development (OR = 1.69, p = 0.013), while the presence of the ATG haplotype significantly reduces this risk (OR = 0.17, p = 0.00001). We have found significantly increased VEGF serum levels among BCC patients, in comparison with the healthy controls (mean 596.7 ± 393.5 pg/ml; range 60.1–931.4 vs. 255.9 ± 174.6 pg/ml; range 42.2–553.0 pg/ml; p < 0.0004). The serum levels of VEGF significantly correlated with tumor size: r = 0.41, p < 0.0001. Our results testify to the importance of ?1154 G/A VEGF gene polymorphisms in altering the risk of BCC among the population from northern Poland.     

Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence in Psoriasis

Background

The pathogenesis of psoriasis is complex, with a significant role suggested for pro-inflammatory mediators. There is strong evidence of an association between psoriasis and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, which impose a substantial disease burden.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and to examine the implications of disease severity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease in a large cohort of Italian psoriatic patients representative of the whole population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving 13 dermatological clinics in Italy. The primary study endpoint was a comparison of the prevalence of MetS between psoriatic patients and a non-psoriatic control group; secondary endpoints included the influence of psoriasis severity on the prevalence of MetS, and the relative prevalence and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorders.

Results

A total of 720 patients were enrolled (n = 360 per group). The prevalence of MetS was 26.84 % in the psoriatic population and 15.16 % in the control population (p = 0.0001; adjusted odds ratio 1.96). MetS was associated with a greater degree of psoriasis severity, and the prevalence and risk of diabetes tended to be higher in psoriatic patients than in the control group.

Conclusion

In the Italian population, the prevalence of MetS and associated comorbidities is elevated in patients with psoriasis compared with non-psoriatic subjects, as has been demonstrated in other countries. Our findings reinforce the importance of considering the implications of metabolic comorbidities in treating patients with psoriasis.     

Association of MIF promoter polymorphisms with psoriasis in a Han population in northeastern China

BackgroundMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important part in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. A high level of MIF has been detected in plaques of psoriasis and the sera of patients with psoriasis. Polymorphisms associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases exist in the promoter region of MIF and alter its expression.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between functional polymorphisms of MIF and psoriasis in a Han population in northeastern China.MethodsTwo-hundred-and-forty psoriasis patients and a control group of 269 healthy volunteers were included in this study. We genotyped MIF-173G/C using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). MIF-794CATT_5–8 microsatellite polymorphism was genotyped by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).ResultsNo significant difference in the distributions of alleles, genotypes and haplotypes was observed between patients and controls. When patients were divided into subtypes according to sex, family history and age of onset, distribution of the MIF-173C allele between male and female patients was significantly different (P = 0.04). MIF-173C allelic distribution between late onset psoriasis patients and controls was also different (P = 0.02), as well as late onset patients and early onset subjects (P = 0.04).ConclusionsThese results suggested a preliminary association between the MIF-173C allele and male psoriasis and late onset psoriasis in the studied population. In addition, the distributions of the two polymorphisms in Asian populations were quite different from the other continental populations.     

Narrow band ultraviolet B irradiations cause alteration in interleukin-31 serum level in psoriatic patients

Scientific communications indicate the disturbed expression of neuropeptides in the skin and serum in psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) patients. Narrow-band ultraviolet radiation (NB-UVB) is one of the systemic therapies of PsV. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of NB-UVB therapy on substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and interleukin-31 (IL-31) serum concentrations in PsV patients. 59 psoriatic patients with mean PASI (psoriasis area and severity index) 14.3 were treated with NB-UVB (20 exposures). The control group consisted of 50 healthy subjects, whose age and sex matched. In all patients, serum concentration of BDNF, CRF, IL-31 substance P and CGRP was analyzed by ELISA before the treatment and in psoriatic group the analysis was also done after 10 and 20 irradiations. In patients there was found a significantly higher concentration of IL-31 (215.3 vs. 748.6 ng/ml; p < 0.0001), SP (25.7 vs. 67.2 pg/ml; p < 0.01), CGRP (31.4 vs. 44.15 pg/ml; p < 0.01) and a lower concentration of CRF (0.89 vs. 0.426 ng/ml; p < 0.0001) and BDNF (16.39 vs. 14.15 ng/ml; p = 0.1216) in comparison with the controls. 20 NB-UVB exposures caused a significant decrease in IL-31 level (748.6 vs. 631.7 ng/ml; p < 0.0001). The NB-UVB therapy had no major effect on neuropeptides serum levels regardless of a number of irradiations. On the basis of our study it can be suggested that IL-31 is involved in pathogenesis of psoriasis and the NB-UVB therapy causes alterations in its level.     

In psoriasis,levels of hope and quality of life are linked

Psychological resources such as hope have been suggested to positively influence quality of life (QoL) in chronic disorders. Here, we determined hope levels of psoriasis vulgaris in-patients and analyzed their relation to QoL. A total of 60 (29 male) patients were assessed for their QoL with a generic tool (WHOQOL-BREF) and a skin disease-specific instrument, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Hope levels were determined by use of the Basic Hope Inventory. We found a positive correlation between hope and all domains of WHOQOL-BREF (physical: r = 0.446, p = 0.000; psychological r = 0.464, p = 0.000; social r = 0.302, p = 0.019; environmental r = 0.480, p = 0000; and global r = 0.501, p = 0.000) and a negative correlation with DLQI (r = ?0.281, p = 0.030) indicating higher QoL in patients with high hope. Hope was not correlated with disease severity or duration. Hope may play a substantial role in preventing QoL impairment in psoriasis. Psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at strengthening hope could improve QoL in this condition.     

The expression of serotonin transporter protein correlates with the severity of psoriasis and chronic stress

Psoriasis may be worsened by stress and mood disorders. There is an increased expression of the serotonin transporter protein (SERT) in involved psoriatic skin as compared to non-involved psoriatic skin and normal skin. The aim of this study was to investigate if the increased expression of SERT in psoriasis correlates with the severity of disease, chronic stress, and depression. Biopsies from involved and non-involved skin from the back of 20 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were immunohistochemically analysed, using a monoclonal antibody to SERT. The severity of psoriasis was assessed for each patient using the Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Levels of depression and chronic stress were measured using Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the salivary cortisol test, respectively. A positive correlation (r = 0.53; p < 0.05) between PASI and the numbers of SERT-positive dendritic cells in the epidermis of involved psoriatic skin was determined. We also observed a negative correlation (r = ?0.46; p < 0.05) between salivary cortisol ratio levels and the numbers of SERT-positive cells in the epidermis of involved psoriatic skin, indicating a correlation between SERT expression and chronic stress. The serotonergic system may be involved in the chronic inflammation evident in psoriatic skin. Through modulating the levels of SERT, there might be a therapeutic possibility for reducing chronic inflammation in psoriasis.