Related Experiment Videos
The influence of treatment on fibrin microclot generation in psoriasis
Abstract:
The in vitro formation of fibrin microclots in blood from patients with psoriasis was studied before, during and after treatment. When a bacterial lipopolysaccharide was added to the blood, the microclot test was positive in 0% of controls, in 17% of the patients with untreated slight psoriasis and in 100% of those with severe psoriasis. A positive test without added lipopolysaccharide indicates the presence of circulating endotoxins. It was negative in all patients with slight psoriasis but positive in 75% of those with a severe form. During treatment the microclots decreased concurrently with clinical improvement in 79% of the patients. After treatment, eleven patients still had a positive test and nine of these patients showed a relapse within 1-2 months. Warfarin treatment rapidly inhibited microclot formation but this had little or no effect on the psoriatic lesions. High doses of potent corticosteroids under occlusion inhibited microclot formation for some hours. It seems likely that there may be a release of endotoxins in severe psoriasis which is decreased during successful treatment.
Insights
Psoriasis patients, especially those with severe disease, show increased fibrin microclots, potentially linked to endotoxins. Successful treatment reduced microclots and improved symptoms, with persistent microclots predicting relapse.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Fibrin microclot formation has been implicated in various inflammatory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate in vitro fibrin microclot formation in patients with psoriasis.
- To assess the correlation between microclot formation, disease severity, and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Microclot formation was assessed in blood samples from psoriasis patients and controls.
- Bacterial lipopolysaccharide was used to stimulate microclot formation.
- Circulating endotoxins were detected by a positive microclot test without stimulation.
Main Results:
- Microclot formation was significantly higher in patients with severe psoriasis compared to controls and mild psoriasis.
- A positive microclot test (indicating endotoxins) was more frequent in severe psoriasis.
- Successful treatment led to a decrease in microclots in 79% of patients, correlating with clinical improvement.
- Persistent positive microclot tests post-treatment were associated with a higher relapse rate.
Conclusions:
- Severe psoriasis may involve endotoxin release, contributing to increased fibrin microclot formation.
- Reduced microclot formation during treatment is linked to clinical improvement.
- The microclot test may serve as a potential biomarker for disease activity and relapse risk in psoriasis.