Measurement of Serum Elafin Protein in Psoriasis Vulgaris Patients Before and After Narrowband Ultraviolet (NB-UVB) Therapy

Abstract

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated disease of the skin, mostly characterized by red, scaly, sharply demarcated, indurated plaques. The immunopathogenesis of psoriasis is not fully understood as it is the result of a complex interaction between genetic, environmental and immunological factors. Furthermore, a large body of evidence has identified a dysregulated interplay between keratinocytes and infiltrating immune cells underlying cutaneous inflammation in psoriasis. Cytokines and other soluble factors such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) secreted by resident or infiltrating cells are essential elements in this process of cell-cell communication. Objective To measure serum level of elafin protein using ELISA technique in psoriasis vulgaris patients before and after narrowband ultraviolet therapy and detect its correlation with psoriasis severity. Subjects and Methods Sixty subjects; 30 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 30 age and sex matched apparent healthy controls were included. Each patient was subjected to a detailed history taking and examination beside calculation of PASI score before and after treatment. Blood samples were also taken from all subjects to assess serum Elafin level by ELISA technique before and after treatment. NB-UVB treatment sessions were given for the patients group three times per week for 3 months. Results There was a highly significant correlation between serum Elafin level and PASI scores among patients with psoriasis before and after treatment, which indicates that serum Elafin level could be used as a diagnostic marker for psoriasis severity and a prognostic marker for different psoriatic treatments. Conclusion In conclusion measurement of serum Elafin protein level could be considered as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for psoriasis activity and a useful tool for evaluating the efficacy of treatment.