Plasma level of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in atopic dermatitis patients

Abstract

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense pruritus with marked exacerbation and remission. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a neuropeptide produced at different sites including the skin. It has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its role in the etiopathogenesis of AD still remains largely unclear. Objective The aim of this work was to evaluate the plasma level of α-MSH in patients with AD to assess its role in the severity of the disease. Patients and methods This study included 30 patients with AD whose severity of disease was assessed by means of the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) score, in addition to 18 healthy individuals who served as controls. Blood samples were taken from all patients and controls for detection of plasma α-MSH level by means of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results A highly significant increase was found in the mean plasma α-MSH level of AD patients compared with controls. Further, the plasma α-MSH level was significantly positively correlated with the severity of AD. Conclusion T he mean plasma α-MSH level in AD patients was significantly higher than that in normal healthy controls. Moreover, the plasma α-MSH level showed a significant positive correlation with disease severity.