Dynamics of the chemokine ENA-78/CXCL5 levels in blood serum and skin exudate in patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Currently, there are only scarce data on dynamics of biologically active substances in the lesions associated with atopic dermatitis. Persistence of microorganisms in atopic dermatitis is high on the skin surface. However, pathophysiological significance of ENA-78/CXCL5 for development of atopic dermatitis was not studied so far. The ENA-78/CXCL5 is known to be produced by endotheliocytes, keratinocytes, eosinophils, fibroblasts to activate neutrophil migration, especially under the influence of LPS-containing microorganisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of ENA-78/CXCL5 chemokine levels in blood serum and skin exudates in the patients with atopic dermatitis, as well as to determine pathophysiological role of the chemokine in pathogenesis of dermatosis. 80 patients with limited and widespread forms of atopic dermatitis and 15 volunteers were under observation. The dynamics of ENA-78/CXCL5 levels was studied in blood sera and skin exudates. Blood samples for the study were drawn at the time periods of exacerbation and remission. Skin exudates were taken from the patients during the exacerbation period using disposable insulin syringes and 20-G disposable needles. In healthy volunteers, the skin exudate was obtained by the “skin window” technique as described by V.V. Klimov and coauthors “A method for assessing minimal inflammatory activity of skin in atopic dermatitis in remission”. The cell analysis was conducted by flow cytofluorimetry using the LEGEND plex TM Human Proinflammatory Chemokine Panel (USA) according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Serum concentrations of chemokine ENA-78/CXCL5 in adolescents with atopic dermatitis, exceeded the range for healthy volunteers. During remission of dermatitis, the chemokine level did not reach the indices in the control group. In adults, the ENA-78/CXCL5 concentration, both at the onset of symptoms and upon their resolution, was below the control levels. Maximal concentrations of ENA-78/CXCL5 chemokine were detected in the skin exudates. As based on our data on the dynamics of ENA-78/CXCL5 chemokine levels, it could be assumed that this substance may represent a sufficient link in pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, by causing migration of neutrophils and monocytes to the affected area. The ENA-78/CXCL5 chemokine may be a marker of microbial pathogenesis and cellular damage in atopic dermatitis.