Introduction: Interleukin-8 is a chemotactic agent for neutrophils which causes their simultaneous activation. This cytokine of the chemokines family contributes considerably to the processes observed in the psoriatic epidermis with the participation of neutrophils.
Material and methods: The level of IL-8 in plasma of psoriatic patients during the period of acute and chronic relapses, the number of neutrophils in blood, and the correlation between these parameters were analysed. The study included 55 patients affected by psoriasis (psoriasis severity and activity index ranging from 16.20 to 70.20) and 10 people of the control group. Psoriatic patients were divided into two groups: 'acute psoriasis'--with an acute relapse of the disease (up to one month)--15 patients, and 'chronic psoriasis'--with a longer period of relapse--40 patients. IL-8 plasma levels were determined with the use of the ELISA method. The total number of neutrophils was assessed in blood and smears, and calculations were performed.
Results: The results of the study showed higher levels of IL-8 in the plasma of patients with acute psoriasis, however, an elevated number of neutrophils in this group was not statistically significant.