Role of Toll-like receptor 4 gene expression in psoriasis and its relation to disease activity

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the possible role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene expressions in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and to correlate its level with disease activity and severity.BackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease described by unique skin symptoms, most usually manifesting as erythema wrapped through silvery lamellar scales.Patients and methodsA prospective case–control study was carried out on 120 participants. They were divided into two groups as follows: group 1 included 80 patients diagnosed and evaluated clinically as plaque psoriasis without psoriatic arthritis and group 2 included 40 healthy volunteers matched in age and sex who serve as a control group. All patients were subjected to full history taking, general examination, thorough local examination with determination of the site of lesion and assessing disease severity utilizing Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. mRNA expression of TLR4 was done using real-time PCR applied Biosystems 7500 for whole blood samples.ResultsPsoriatic patients were 36 (45%) males while 44 (55%) were females. There was a highly significant elevation of mRNA of TLR4 among psoriatic patients compared with the control group. In addition there was a significant positive correlation with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, disease duration, and age of patients.ConclusionMarked statistical elevation of mRNA of TLR4 gene and its positive correlation with disease severity could explain that TLR4 might have a prominent role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its regulation could have a role in treatment.