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Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in skin disorders
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Elevated eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and activated eosinophils in skin are common in many skin disorders, even with normal blood eosinophil counts. ECP levels reflect disease activity and improve with treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a key mediator released by eosinophils.
- ECP plays a significant role in inflammatory skin conditions.
- Assessing ECP and eosinophil activation may aid in understanding disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum ECP levels and eosinophil activation in patients with various skin disorders.
- To correlate ECP levels and eosinophil activation with circulating eosinophil counts.
- To evaluate the utility of ECP as a biomarker for skin disease activity.
Main Methods:
- Serum ECP concentrations were measured in 155 patients with diverse skin disorders.
- Circulating eosinophil counts were analyzed.
- Immunohistochemistry using EG-2 and EG-1 antibodies was employed to detect activated and non-activated eosinophils in skin biopsies.
Main Results:
- Elevated serum ECP was observed in numerous skin disorders, often independent of peripheral eosinophil counts.
- Increased numbers of activated eosinophils were detected in the skin of patients with active disease.
- Serum ECP and skin eosinophil activation correlated with disease severity and normalized upon improvement.
Conclusions:
- High serum ECP levels and activated skin eosinophils are prevalent in many dermatoses.
- ECP serves as a valuable indicator of disease activity in skin disorders.
- Monitoring ECP may be beneficial for managing inflammatory skin conditions.