Immunologic changes in TNF-alpha, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, sICAM-1, and IL-8 in pediatric patients treated for psoriasis with the Goeckerman regimen

Pediatr Dermatol. 2007 Nov-Dec;24(6):607-12. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2007.00548.x.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which is often manifested during childhood. The present study investigated changes in the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and soluble forms of adhesion molecules in children with psoriasis. The observed patient group of 26 children was treated with the Goeckerman regimen. This therapy combines dermal application of crude coal tar with ultraviolet radiation. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index decreased significantly after treatment by with the Goeckerman regimen (p < 0.001). Serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and adhesion molecules sICAM-1, sP-selectin and sE-selectin decreased after the Goeckerman regimen. The TNF-alpha and sICAM-1 decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Our findings support the complex role of these immune parameters in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis in children. The serum level of IL-8 increased after the Goeckerman regimen. This fact indicates that the chemokine pathway of IL-8 activity could be modulated by this treatment, most likely by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adolescent
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / blood*
  • Child
  • Coal Tar / administration & dosage*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-8 / blood*
  • Male
  • Phototherapy / methods*
  • Psoriasis / blood
  • Psoriasis / immunology*
  • Psoriasis / therapy
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / blood*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Interleukin-8
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Coal Tar