Korean J Dermatol.  2006 Feb;44(2):157-165.

Immunohistochemical Studies of Angiogenic Factors on Psoriatic Lesions

• Kim YG
• Yoon TY
• Jung GB
• Kim GD
• Oh CW
• Kim CY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disorder characterized by hyperproliferation of the epidermis, inflammatory cell accumulation and increased tortuosity and dilatation of dermal papillary blood vessels. Angiogenesis plays a major role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, however the mechanism responsible is largely unknown. Recently, some studies have identified several angiogenic factors from psoriatic epidermis, including interleukin (IL)-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).
OBJECTIVE
This study was aimed to elucidate the roles of VEGF and bFGF in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
METHODS
Immunohistochemical staining for VEGF and bFGF was carried out on skin samples of 15 psoriatic patients, plus 5 normal skin samples as a control. The psoriatic skins were divided into early and fully-developed stages, and differences in their expression between the stages were examined.
RESULTS
The expressions of VEGF and bFGF on both epidermis and dermal structures were significantly higher in psoriatic lesional skin than in normal control skin. There was no significant differences between early and fully- developed psoriatic skin lesions.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that VEGF and bFGF may play significant roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Keyword

Angiogenesis; Psoriasis; Vascular endothelial growth factor

MeSH Terms

Angiogenesis Inducing Agents*
Blood Vessels
Dilatation
Epidermis
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
Humans
Interleukins
Psoriasis
Skin
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
Interleukins
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A