Serum and tissue expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 in psoriasis

Background In psoriasis, keratinocyte hyperplasia may be explained by imbalance of growth factors responsible for epidermal proliferation and altered metabolism of their receptors. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) implications in the pathogenesis of psoriasis can be attributed to several mechanisms besides keratinocyte cell cycle inhibition. Objectives To evaluate the relation between serum and tissue levels of TGF-beta 1 in psoriasis and their correlation with disease parameters. Patients and methods Serum and punch biopsy of involved and non-involved skin of 22 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 10 controls were collected for quantification of TGF-beta 1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results Serum level of TGF-beta 1 in psoriatic patients was higher than controls in a statistically non-significant manner. Correlations between serum level of TGF-beta 1 and extent of the disease (P = 0.007) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (P = 0.005) were observed. Mean tissue levels of TGF-beta 1 were highest in psoriatic lesions in contrast to normal skin of psoriatic patients and healthy controls, but not statistically significant. Correlation between tissue levels of TGF-beta 1 in non-involved skin and extent of the disease (P = 0.007) and PASI score (P = 0.013) was detected. Correlation was detected between levels of TGF-beta 1 in psoriatic plaques and serum of patients (P = 0.035), but not between levels of TGF-beta 1 in non-involved skin and serum. Conclusions Tissue expression of TGF-beta 1 in psoriasis may be affected by the stage of development of the lesion. The direct relation between TGF-beta 1 in psoriatic plaques and serum imply that the mechanisms for TGF-beta 1 production and release in both these compartments may be related.