Interleukin 6 and 8 Levels in Plasma and Fibroblast Cultures in Psoriasis

Anna Zalewska,Joanna Narbutt,Ewa Głowacka,Janina Wyczółkowska,Anna Sysa-Jȩdrzejowska,Henryk Tchórzewski

doi:10.1155/mi/2006/81767

Abstract

Fibroblasts have been implicated in psoriatic inflammatory processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) plasma levels in psoriatic patients and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in fibroblast culture supernatants. Cytokines levels in plasma and supernatants were measured by ELISA. Plasma sIL-2R, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were higher before the treatment in comparison to healthy controls (P < 0.001) and decreased after treatment. Fibroblasts from healthy controls, psoriatic lesional skin, and noninvolved psoriatic skin, when stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha, released considerable amounts of IL-6 and IL-8. No significant difference between healthy controls and psoriatic fibroblasts was observed. Monitoring plasma sIL-2R levels could be employed as a reliable method of psoriasis activity. IL-8 and IL-6 plasma levels seem to reflect psoriasis activity, and treatment response, respectively. Fibroblasts are not a major source of increased IL-6 and IL-8 production in psoriasis.

Highlights

Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent skin disease involving 1% to 2% of human population worldwide
We observed significantly increased plasma soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R) and IL6 levels before treatment than 3 weeks after inpatient treatment and when comparing with the healthy controls
No significant differences in the above cytokine plasma levels were found between psoriatic patients after treatment and healthy controls (P > 0.05)

Summary

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent skin disease involving 1% to 2% of human population worldwide. On histology, it is characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, vascular expansion, together with leukocyte infiltration. Fibroblasts are the most abundant cells in the connective tissue. From the historical point of view, these cells were regarded as only quiescent elements forming stromal framework for other cells in the connective tissue [5]. In view of current findings, fibroblasts should be regarded as active participants of tissue reactivity taking part in inflammatory and remodelling processes. Literature data point out fibroblast involvement in psoriatic inflammation [7, 8]

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