Growth Factors In Psoriasis

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor-!(IGF-I)/somatomedin Cis an important mediator of keratinocyte growth, and the expression ofiGF-I in the basal layer of normal epidermis suggests that this growth pathway may function in the regulation of keratinocyte growth in vivo as well. The purpose of this study was to obtain a better understanding ofiGF-I role in development of psoriasis and to investigate the contribution of dermal fibroblasts to the development of psoriasis. METHODS. We carried out our study on 35 cases, 25 psoriatic patients and I 0 controls. Punch skin biopsies were taken and the expression of level of insulin-like growth factor-! (IGF-I) was measured by IRMA. Results: marked increase of expression of IGF-I in involved and uninvolved skin of psoriatic patients in comparison to control. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of IGF-I in psoriatic plaques suggest an important role exerted by this growth factor on the development of psoriatic plaques possibly through its hyperproliferative effect on keratinocytes.