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Connective Tissue Growth Factor Neutralization Aggravates the Psoriasis Skin Lesion: The Analysis of Psoriasis Model
Kunihiro Hayakawa1, Keigo Ikeda1,2, Maki Fujishiro1
1Institutes for Environmental and Gender Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan.
Background:
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a multifunctional cellular protein and playing a role as a central mediator in tissue remodeling and fibrosis. The physiological function of CTGF in psoriasis is unknown.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the function of CTGF in psoriasis using the established imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis murine model and psoriasis patients.
Methods:
Anti-CTGF monoclonal antibody was applied to IMQ induced psoriasis mice and those skin were clinically, pathologically and immunologically analyzed. Additionally, CTGF expression was analyzes using skin samples and plasma from psoriasis patients.
Results:
CTGF expression was observed in the dermis from both IMQ-induced psoriatic mice and psoriasis patients. CTGF inhibition using an anti-CTGF antibody slightly worsened IMQ-induced dermatitis. In addition, the increase of CTGF showed tendency to suppress the psoriatic dermatitis through inhibition of suprabasal cells proliferation and macrophage infiltration in the skin. CTGF was also detected significantly higher in plasma from psoriasis patients comparing with healthy control.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that CTGF could contribute to the healing rather than the worsening of psoriasis skin lesions.
Insights
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) may help heal psoriasis. Higher CTGF levels in patients suggest it suppresses skin inflammation and cell proliferation, indicating a therapeutic role in psoriasis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a key mediator in tissue remodeling and fibrosis.
- The specific role of CTGF in the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the function of CTGF in psoriasis.
- Utilized an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis mouse model and human patient samples.
Main Methods:
- Administered anti-CTGF monoclonal antibody to IMQ-induced psoriasis mice.
- Performed clinical, pathological, and immunological analyses of mouse skin.
- Analyzed CTGF expression in skin and plasma samples from psoriasis patients and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- CTGF expression was detected in the dermis of both IMQ-induced psoriatic mice and human psoriasis patients.
- Inhibition of CTGF slightly exacerbated IMQ-induced dermatitis.
- Increased CTGF levels appeared to suppress psoriatic dermatitis by inhibiting suprabasal cell proliferation and macrophage infiltration.
- Significantly elevated CTGF levels were found in the plasma of psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- CTGF may play a beneficial role in the healing of psoriasis skin lesions.
- Findings suggest CTGF could be a potential therapeutic target for psoriasis treatment.
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