司库奇尤单抗治疗七例银屑病疗效评价

目的：评价司库奇尤单抗治疗银屑病的疗效和安全性。方法：选取中重度斑块状银屑病患者及泛发性脓疱型银屑病患者,给予司库奇尤单抗,300 mg/次,0～4周每周一次,后每4周一次,并分别于治疗前、1周后、4周后、8周后记录斑块状银屑病患者的银屑病皮损面积和严重度指数(PASI)、泛发性银屑病患者银屑病症状量表(PSS)评分。结果：共治疗6例斑块状银屑病和1例脓疱型银屑病患者,所选的患者均接受至少8周的司库奇尤单抗治疗,起效时间为（1.6±0.73)天;治疗4周时,6例斑块状银屑病患者中全部达到PASI 75,3例达到PASI 90;脓疱型患者PSS评分为2。治疗8周时6例斑块状银屑病患者均达到PASI 100;脓疱型患者PSS评分为0。所有患者治疗期间均未出现严重的药物不良反应。结论：司库奇尤单抗治疗中重度银屑病起效迅速,疗效显著,不良反应少。     

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor in psoriasis of early onset

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)--a stimulus of angiogenesis--is produced by epidermal keratinocytes, and elevated levels have been found in plaques of psoriasis. Polymorphisms in the VEGF gene regulate production of VEGF. We postulated that patients with psoriasis may have altered systemic expression of VEGF consequent upon programming at the genomic level. We investigated the genetic basis of VEGF expression in patients with type 1 (onset before age 40 y) chronic plaque psoriasis compared to healthy controls and also measured plasma levels of VEGF and its receptors flt-1 and KDR. Patients with severe disease, and those with onset of psoriasis between the ages of 20 and 40 y showed significantly increased frequency of the +405 CC genotype (p=0.04 and p=0.02) and the C allele (p=0.03 and p=0.02), respectively, compared to healthy controls. Plasma levels of VEGF and flt-1 were significantly detectable in patients with psoriasis compared with controls (p<0.001); by contrast, mean plasma levels of KDR in psoriatic patients were comparable with controls. These results suggest that alterations in the biology of VEGF may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. VEGF, flt-1, and KDR could provide attractive targets for future psoriasis therapy.     

Generalized Pustular Psoriasis in Childhood

Abstract: Generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis consisting of a generalized eruption of sudden onset with erythema and sterile pustules. In children, generalized pustular psoriasis is even more uncommon and may present as a severe and potentially life‐threatening disorder. In this study, we present demographics, clinical aspects, treatment response, and follow‐up of seven children with generalized pustular psoriasis. Retrospective study reviewing the records of seven children with generalized pustular psoriasis including age, gender, age of onset, presence of scalp and nail involvement, family history, concomitant diseases, precipitating factors, treatment modalities, and outcome. Age of first symptoms ranged from 1 month to 11 years. All patients received systemic retinoids at one time of the follow‐up period. Other treatment modalities included immunosuppressive drugs, biologics, phototherapy, and sulfasalazine. Two patients presented with severe constitutional illness, secondary infection and septic shock, including one fatal outcome. All further cases have remained free of recurrences for a mean period of up to 3 years. In our study, generalized pustular psoriasis presented a wide clinical spectrum in children ranging from mild, asymptomatic outbreaks to more severe, life‐threatening episodes. One fatality was observed. Children generally responded well to systemic retinoids. Further studies and long‐term follow‐up periods are needed to define potential trigger factors, efficacy and safety of different treatment modalities in children with generalized pustular psoriasis.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor in psoriasis: an indicator of disease severity and control

Background  Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by abnormal epidermal proliferation, inflammation and angiogenesis. It has been reported that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is overexpressed in lesional psoriatic skin and its serum levels are significantly elevated in patients with moderate to severe disease.
Objective  This study aims to evaluate the possible role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and its significance as an indicator of disease severity and control.
Methods  Thirty patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and 10 healthy controls were subjected to baseline evaluation of VEGF. Patients were divided into three groups according to the received treatment: psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) thrice weekly (group 1), acitretin 50 mg daily (group 2), and combined PUVA twice weekly and acitretin 25 mg daily (group 3).Treatment continued for 16 weeks or up to clinical cure. Every patient was subjected to severity evaluation by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and measurement of serum VEGF before and after treatment.
Results  Mean serum levels of VEGF were significantly elevated in patients (327 ± 66.2 pg/mL) than control subjects (178 ± 83.4 pg/mL). A highly significant correlation was found between VEGF and PASI score, but not with other variables. The best clinical response, the least side-effects and the highest reduction of VEGF serum levels were achieved by the combined therapy.
Conclusion  The present study supported the proposed role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and suggested that it could serve as a good indicator of disease severity and control.     

Efficacy and safety of ixekizumab treatment for Japanese patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis,erythrodermic psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis: Results from a 52‐week,open‐label,phase 3 study (UNCOVER‐J)

Psoriasis, a chronic, immune‐mediated skin disease characterized by red, scaly plaques, affects approximately 0.3% of the population in Japan. The aim of this open‐label study was to evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of ixekizumab, a humanized, anti‐interleukin‐17A monoclonal antibody, in Japanese patients with plaque psoriasis (n = 78, including 11 psoriatic arthritis), erythrodermic psoriasis (n = 8) and generalized pustular psoriasis (n = 5). Ixekizumab was administrated s.c. at baseline (week 0, 160 mg), from weeks 2 to 12 (80 mg every 2 weeks), and from weeks 16 to 52 (80 mg every 4 weeks). At week 52, 92.3% of patients with plaque psoriasis achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75, 80.8% achieved PASI 90, 48.7% achieved PASI 100, and 52.6% had remission of plaques (by static Physician Global Assessment, sPGA [0]). Difficult to treat areas of psoriasis (nail or scalp) also responded to ixekizumab. All patients with psoriatic arthritis who were assessed (5/5) achieved an American College of Rheumatology 20 response. Most patients with erythrodermic psoriasis or generalized pustular psoriasis responded to ixekizumab and the clinical outcome was maintained over 52 weeks (75% and 60% of patients achieved sPGA [0, 1] at week 52, respectively). Mostly mild or moderate treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported by 79 of 91 patients; the most common were nasopharyngitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, urticaria and injection site reactions. In conclusion, 52‐week ixekizumab treatment was efficacious and well tolerated in Japanese patients with plaque psoriasis. Efficacy was also observed in patients with erythrodermic psoriasis, generalized pustular psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.     

银屑病患者外周血肝细胞生长因子和粒细胞-巨噬细胞集落刺激因子水平改变

目的 探讨肝细胞生长因子(HGF)和粒细胞-巨噬细胞集落刺激因子(GM-CSF)与银屑病的关系。方法 采用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测寻常性银屑病患者和正常人血清中HGF和GM-CSF水平。结果 进行期寻常性银屑病患者血清中HGF水平明显高于静止期及正常人对照(P<0.01),而静止期患者血清中HGF水平与正常人对照比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);进行期银屑病患者血清中GM-CSF水平明显高于正常人对照及静止期(P<0.01),静止期患者血清中GM-CSF水平亦高于正常人对照(P<0.05);进行期泛发性与局限性皮损患者之间血清HGF及GM-CSF水平差异均无统计学意义;患者血清HGF和GM-CSF水平与PASI计分均呈正相关(分别为r=0.38和r=0.30,P<0.002和P<0.02)。结论 寻常性银屑病患者外周血循环HGF和GM-CSF水平明显增高,HGF和GM-CSF可能参与银屑病发病。     

Effect of methotrexate on serum levels of IL-22 in patients with psoriasis

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is the effector molecule of T-helper subset 22 (Th-22) lineage that promotes keratinocyte proliferation and dermal inflammation in psoriasis. Methotrexate is widely used as a first-line treatment in moderate to severe psoriasis. Methotrexate inhibits inflammatory and cytokinetic processes via various mechanisms, but the relevance of these to psoriasis is limited and whether methotrexate is specifically able to down-regulate Th22 cytokines is unknown. To determine if methotrexate reduces IL-22 in cases of psoriasis. Nineteen patients with moderate to severe psoriasis were given methotrexate 15 mg per week for up to 12 weeks. Serum levels of IL-22 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after treatment. Eleven of 19 patients (57.8%) achieved a 75% PASI score reduction. IL-22 levels were significantly higher in untreated psoriasis patients (56.63 ± 60.73 pg/mL) than in controls (12.58 ± 12.59 pg/mL). Methotrexate significantly reduced serum levels of IL-22 in psoriasis patients to 5.91 ± 7.97 pg/mL (p<0.001). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between IL-22 levels and PASI (r=0.63, p=0.004). Methotrexate significantly reduces serum IL-22 levels in cases of psoriasis. This is a novel mechanism by which methotrexate acts in the treatment of this disease.     

The profile and outcome of pustular psoriasis in Singapore: a report of 28 cases

Background Pustular psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis that can be divided into generalized and localized forms. The aim of this study is to describe the patient profile and outcome of pustular psoriasis seen at a tertiary referral skin center in a tropical country. Methods The records of all patients with pustular psoriasis during the 4 years from 1989 to 1993 were reviewed. Diagnostic criteria for selection included at least one episode of either generalized or localized macroscopic noninfective pustulation. Results There were 28 patients with pustular psoriasis, with an age range of 4–77 years. Nineteen patients had generalized pustular psoriasis: Von Zumbusch (seven), annular form (two), juvenile form (six), pustular psoriasis of pregnancy (one), and the localized form of generalized pustular psoriasis (three). Nine patients had localized pustular psoriasis: palmoplantar pustulosis (five) and acrodermatitis continua (four). Patients with the acute Von Zumbusch pattern had recalcitrant disease with multiple flares and significant morbidity and mortality. Patients with the annular form had a subacute onset and a chronic course. In patients with the juvenile form of generalized pustular psoriasis, two patterns could be recognized: Zumbusch form (four) and annular form (two). Despite significant morbidity, each of our young patients had a relatively benign course with no deaths and an excellent response to etretinate therapy. Our nine patients with localized pustular psoriasis all had a chronic course: the average duration of disease was 6 years for patients with palmoplantar pustulosis and 12 years for patients with acrodermatitis continua. Conclusions The pattern of pustular psoriasis seen in Singapore is similar to that reported in the Western literature. Using these categories we can provide guidelines for treatment and prognosis.     

Psoriasis pustulosa generalisata--classification, clinical aspects and therapy. Review and experiences with 18 patients

On the basis of clinico-morphological criteria we suggest the following classification of various pustular forms of psoriasis into four subtypes: generalized pustular psoriasis (von Zumbusch) and its atypical forms, erythema anulare centrifugum-like psoriasis with and without pustulation (EACP); psoriasis vulgaris with pustulation; palmo-plantar pustular psoriasis (K?nigsbeck-Barber) and its acral variant; acrodermatitis continua suppurativa (Hallopeau), and transitional forms. This classification takes into consideration both clinical aspects and response to treatment, and allows a prognosis of the various types of pustular psoriasis. Owing to its mild course and good treatment results, EACP represents a special form of psoriasis pustulosa generalisata. In our group of patients, systemic glucocorticosteroid therapy has proved deleterious, whereas oral photochemotherapy and etretinate have been found to be highly effective modes of therapy with only mild side effects and have been able to induce even permanent remission in EACP.     

银屑病与血清瘦素水平的研究

目的 探讨血清瘦素水平与不同类型银屑病的发生及其病情的相关性。方法 51例银屑病患者及年龄、性别、体质指数(BMI)与之均衡的正常人对照50例,采用放射免疫技术检测其血清瘦素水平。结果 银屑病患者血清瘦素水平(7.62±4.32ng/mL)较正常人对照(5.40±3.14ng/mL)显著增高(P=0.004);血清瘦素水平可见显著的性别差异(P<0.001);寻常性银屑病与正常人对照比较,患者血清瘦素水平(7.64±3.90ng/mL)显著增高(P=0.006),尤其进行期患者及无银屑病家族史患者血清瘦素水平(8.29±3.85ng/mL及8.41±3.70ng/mL)显著增高(P=0.002及P=0.001);与正常人对照比较,脓疱性银屑病血清瘦素水平(11.72±6.45ng/mL)显著增高(P<0.001),而红皮病性及关节病性银屑病差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 瘦素可能在银屑病的发生及发展过程中起作用。     

Serum and tissue levels of IL-17 in different clinical subtypes of psoriasis

Serum IL-17 levels and IL-17 mRNA expression have been reported to be higher in psoriatic skin than normal skin. There are very limited data in the literature about difference in the levels of this cytokine in various clinical disease subtypes. We aimed to evaluate whether there is a difference in the level of this cytokine according to clinical subtypes of psoriasis. 70 psoriasis patients (30 plaque psoriasis, 20 guttate psoriasis, and 20 pustular psoriasis) and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum IL-17 levels were determined by ELISA. Skin biopsies obtained from lesions and non-lesional skin area of 12 patients and healthy individuals (n = 5) were analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure the mRNA levels of IL-17. Statistically, the serum IL-17 levels did not exhibit any difference between the patients and control groups. However, analysis of each subgroup revealed that the IL-17 levels were significantly higher in pustular psoriasis group (10.09 ± 12.6 pg/ml) than controls (4.4 ± 4.1 pg/ml) (p = 0.02). In addition, the IL-17 levels of plaque psoriasis patients with PASI score ≥10 (11.30 ± 6.0 pg/ml) were significantly higher than that of patients with PASI score <10 (3.39 ± 2.6 pg/ml) and controls (p < 0.001). The Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the serum IL-17 levels and PASI. Lesional skin samples of psoriasis patients showed significantly higher levels of IL-17 mRNA compared with perilesional skin samples (p = 0.017). Also, in the pustular psoriasis, IL-17 mRNA levels were found to be distinctively high in comparison with other clinical subtypes and healthy controls. Our results indicate that IL-17 and Th17 cells have an important role in pustular psoriasis and severe psoriasis.     

A case of generalized pustular psoriasis associated with Turner syndrome

We report a 27-year-old Japanese woman with Turner syndrome who had generalized pustular psoriasis of the von Zumbusch type. She developed a febrile diffuse erythema and pustular eruption without any history of preceding psoriasis vulgaris or drug ingestion. Oral treatment with 3.2 mg/kg cyclosporin per day successfully resulted in rapid improvement, followed by a complete remission. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the unusual coexistence of these two systemic disorders. We discuss a hormone imbalance that might have contributed to the predisposition to pustular psoriasis and difficulties in the management of the patent's treatment. Abbreviations: TS: Turner syndrome, GPP: generalized pustular psoriasis     

Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitor-Induced Psoriasis or Psoriasiform Exanthemata

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) inhibition is effective in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. We report on 120 patients from the literature including six new patients (three women and three men) who developed pustular lesions during treatment with TNFalpha inhibitors. We identified 72 women and 36 men (several papers did not specify the gender of patients) with an age range of 13-78 years (mean 42.3 years). The primary diagnoses were rheumatoid arthritis (n = 61), ankylosing spondylitis (n = 21), psoriasis (n = 10), Crohn disease (n = 8), SAPHO (synovitis acne pustulosis hyperostosis osteitis) syndrome (n = 3), psoriatic arthritis (n = 2), and other diagnoses (n = 15). Psoriasis (except palmoplantar pustular type) was the most common adverse effect during anti-TNFalpha treatment (n = 73), followed by palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (n = 37) and psoriasis of the nail (n = 6), sometimes combined in the same patient. Palmoplantar pustulosis and psoriasiform exanthema was the diagnosis in ten patients each. A positive personal history of psoriasis was recorded in 25 patients. A positive family history was noted in eight patients. No data about personal (n = 7) or family history (n = 46) were available in a number of patients. Newly induced psoriasis was diagnosed in 74 patients whereas an exacerbation or aggravation of a pre-existing psoriasis was noted in another 25 patients. All three TNFalpha inhibitors available on the market were involved: infliximab (63 patients), etanercept (37 patients), and adalimumab (26 patients). Several patients were treated with more than a single TFNalpha inhibitor. The timing of cutaneous adverse effects (psoriasis and psoriasiform rash) varied considerably among patients, ranging from after a single application to a delayed response of up to 63 months after initiation of treatment. The mean time to appearance of the cutaneous adverse effect for all TNFalpha inhibitors was 9.5 months. Cessation of the responsible TNFalpha inhibitor was carried out in 47 patients either alone or in association with adjuvant anti-psoriatic therapy (mostly topical). This resulted in complete remission in 21 patients, partial remission in 20 patients, and stable disease in another three patients; in the other three patients, the outcome was not reported. TNFalpha inhibition was continued in 47 patients but anti-psoriatic adjuvant therapy was introduced. The outcome in this group was complete remission in 22 patients, partial remission in 25 patients, and stable disease in 2 patients. The response rate (complete remission plus partial remission) was 93.2% and 95.9%, respectively, in each group. In six patients, switching from one TNFalpha inhibitor to another one immediately after cutaneous adverse effects occurred resulted in an improvement in five patients. In nine patients, a second TNFalpha inhibitor was initiated after a break in TNFalpha inhibition. The response to a second or third drug in these patients was mixed. The underlying pathomechanisms of induction of psoriasis or psoriasiform exanthemata by TNFalpha inhibitors remain elusive but there is reason to assume that induction of such adverse events has more than one pathophysiology.     

The effectiveness of cyclosporine and photochemotherapy in the treatment of psoriasis: a retrospective study

Objective In this retrospective study, the effectiveness of cyclosporine A (CsA) and photochemotherapy (PUVA) in inducing and maintaining remission has been evaluated for a 1 year period in 50 patients. Methods CsA was administered for induction of remission and continued as maintenance therapy. PUVA was given as a single course. Patients were classified into two groups: moderate psoriasis and severe psoriasis. Results Efficacy parameters showed a remission of 93% following one course of PUVA therapy versus 80% in the CsA group (P < 0.01) in moderate psoriasis. In severe psoriasis no differences were detectable. The mean induction of remission period with CsA was 12.5 weeks and with PUVA 13.5 weeks. Nine of 25 CsA treated patients and five of 25 PUVA treated patients failed to reach a remission within a period of 16 weeks. The mean maintenance of remission was 39 weeks in the CsA group and 33 weeks in the PUVA group. Conclusion These results indicate a preferential position of PUVA therapy to treat both moderate and severe psoriasis that does not respond to topical treatment.     

阿维A对寻常性银屑病患者外周血MCP-1及MIP-1α表达水平的影响

目的探讨阿维A治疗寻常性银屑病(PV)的疗效以及对PV患者血清单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)及巨噬细胞炎性蛋白-1α(MIP-1α)的影响,进一步阐明阿维A治疗PV的作用机制。方法 38例中、重度PV患者口服阿维A治疗8周,以银屑病皮损面积和严重程度(PASI)评分评价疗效;采用双抗体夹心法(ELISA)检测正常对照组以及PV患者阿维A治疗前后血清MCP-1及MIP-1α的表达水平,并与40例正常对照组比较。结果阿维A治疗中、重度PV疗效显著,治疗后PASI评分明显下降(P<0.01)。PV患者外周血MCP-1及MIP-1α表达水平分别为(267.95±16.87)pg/mL,(1319.47±165.25)pg/mL,明显高于正常对照组(87.36±9.63)pg/mL,(479.24±35.71)pg/mL(P<0.01);阿维A治疗后血清MCP-1(91.71±11.25)pg/mL,与治疗前相比明显降低(P<0.01),同正常对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后血清MIP-1α(956.58±87.39)pg/mL,较治疗前显著下降(P<0.01),仍显著高于正常对照组(P<0.01)。结论阿维A治疗中、重度银屑病疗效明显,可能通过调节外周血MCP-1及MIP-1α表达水平来发挥治疗银屑病的作用。     

Failure of short-term psoralen and ultraviolet A light maintenance treatment to prevent early relapse in patients with chronic recurring plaque-type psoriasis

Background: Photochemotherapy using psoralen and ultraviolet A light (PUVA) is a highly effective treatment option for patients with severe psoriasis. Maintenance treatment has been advocated to provide for sustained remission. However, only a few studies have been conducted to assess the efficacy of maintenance treatment and these have provided inconsistent results.
Methods: We performed a prospective intrapatient left–right comparison study in 34 patients with chronic relapsing plaque psoriasis. PUVA treatment for clearing was given four times weekly. After complete or near-complete clearing, all patients were placed on a halfside maintenance schedule with irradiation twice weekly and then once weekly for 4 weeks each. The psoriasis area and severity index score was determined at baseline, end of the clearing phase and at 2-monthly intervals after discontinuation of treatment.
Results: Using a short-term maintenance protocol, a moderate delay in relapse of psoriasis was observed in only three patients (8.8%; 95% CI: 1.8–23.6%). In the remaining patients (91.2%), maintenance treatment had no effect on the length of remission. The mean time interval until relapse without and with maintenance irradiation was 4.5 ± 3.4 and 4.6 ± 3.4 months, respectively.
Conclusion: Our data indicate that short-term maintenance treatment is not effective in preventing early relapse of psoriasis and should be avoided.     

A dramatic response to a single dose of infliximab as rescue therapy in acute generalized pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch associated with a neutrophilic cholangitis

Generalized pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch is an unstable, inflammatory form of psoriasis, with the hallmark of neutrophil infiltration in cutaneous as well as extracutaneous lesions. It is often recalcitrant, making treatment difficult. Tumour necrosis factor-α antagonists including infliximab have been used with success in treating recalcitrant cases. We report a case of a 48-year-old Chinese female patient with a long-standing history of poorly controlled generalized pustular psoriasis which was resistant to multiple therapies. During a severe flare, a single dose of infliximab resulted in rapid clearing of cutaneous lesions, together with resolution of liver function abnormalities that are likely secondary to neutrophilic cholangitis. Subsequent maintenance therapy with acitretin allowed remission of pustular disease for 7 months. This demonstrates the efficacy of single-dose infliximab for both cutaneous lesions and systemic hepatic involvement in generalized pustular psoriasis.     

Plasma concentration of selected neuropeptides in patients suffering from psoriasis

The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma levels of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) during psoriasis course. METHODS: Seventy-three patients with psoriasis and 32 healthy volunteers were included. Detailed demographic and disease anamnesis was obtained from every patient. The disease severity was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Plasma levels of SP, CGRP, VIP and NPY were measured radioimmunologically. RESULTS: Plasma levels of SP and NPY did not significantly differ between patients with psoriasis and controls (median SP: 52.8 and 57.9 pg/ml, respectively; P = 0.32; median NPY: 8.5 and 8.2 pg/ml, respectively; P = 0.67). CGRP plasma concentration was significantly elevated in psoriatic individuals both before (median 43.1 pg/ml) and after treatment (median 45.4 pg/ml), in comparison with healthy donors (median 13.5 pg/ml; P < 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). Treatment did not significantly influence plasma CGRP levels (P = 0.3). Median VIP plasma concentration in psoriatics before treatment was significantly higher compared with healthy controls (medians 66.9 and 60.1 pg/ml, respectively; P = 0.04), but the therapy resulted in significant decrease in VIP plasma level (median 19.0 pg/ml; P < 0.001). In psoriatic patients significant correlations were noted between NPY and VIP (R = 0.34; P < 0.01), and VIP and CGRP plasma levels, both before (R = 0.28; P = 0.03) and after the treatment (R = 0.44; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results and previous literature data it could be suggested that neuropeptides may be involved in the development of psoriatic lesions.     

Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor in cutaneous malignant melanoma

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis has been reported as a parameter of potential prognostic value in solid tumours, as it may facilitate tumour growth and metastasis. One of the most important growth factors involved in angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). OBJECTIVES: To determine the predictive value of circulating VEGF levels in a cohort of patients with melanoma. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 324 patients with cutaneous melanoma at different clinical stages were investigated over 2 years (2002-04). VEGF was measured in plasma using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two hundred and eight patients were able to be followed up for progression of their disease and for blood sample collection (mean +/- SD follow-up 13.4 +/- 0.8 months). Data were compared with the extent of the disease and the clinical course. RESULTS: A significant increase in plasma VEGF levels was found in patients with melanoma compared with healthy controls, with statistically significant differences between patients in stages I, II and III vs. those in stage IV, but not between patients in stages I, II and III. When considering the 237 patients in stages I and II, no statistical correlation was found between plasma VEGF levels and tumour thickness. Baseline plasma VEGF levels were not significantly higher in patients who relapsed compared with nonprogressing patients. Among the 35 patients (two stage I, eight stage II and 25 stage III) who experienced a progression during follow-up, an increase in plasma VEGF level to > 100 pg mL(-1) was found in 20 (sensitivity 57.1%), while 38 of the 173 remaining nonprogressing patients demonstrated an increase in VEGF level, indicating a specificity of 78%. In addition, an increase in plasma VEGF level was found in 58 patients during follow-up, of whom 20 showed evidence of progression, indicating a positive predictive value of 34.5%. However, among the 150 remaining patients who did not demonstrate any increase in plasma VEGF level during follow-up, only 15 experienced a progression, indicating a negative predictive value of 90%. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that blood VEGF levels are significantly increased in patients with melanoma and, more interestingly, that the absence of plasma VEGF level increase during follow-up appears to be associated with remission.     

阿维A对脓疱性银屑病患者外周血 IL-8水平的影响

目的 　探讨脓疱性银屑病患者经阿维A治疗前后外周血中白介素8（IL-8）水平的变化。方法 用双抗体夹心法（ELISA） 检测患者治疗前、后外周血白介素（IL-8）的水平并与正常人进行比较,进一步评价IL-8与脓疱性银屑病病情的相关性。结果 阿维A在改善脓疱性银屑病患者病情的同时,外周血IL-8的水平（治疗前96.84 ± 14.68 pg/ml,治疗后57.07 ± 12.02 pg/ml）显著下降,差异有统计学意义（P均 < 0.05）。结论 阿维A下调IL-8水平可能是其治疗脓疱性银屑病的作用机制之一。