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Published on: April 8, 2016
Soluble Pityrosporum-derived chemoattractant for polymorphonuclear leukocytes of psoriatic patients
Abstract:
The chemoattraction of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from psoriatic patients, atopic patients and healthy control persons by Pityrosporum orbicularelovale was investigated using the Boyden chamber method. The chemotactical attraction of PMNs from psoriatic patients by Pityrosporum (stimulation index SI = 58 +/- 50) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to PMNs from atopic patients (SI = 20 +/- 17) and control persons (SI = 26 +/- 24). This effect seems to be specific for Pityrosporum, since the chemotactical response to Staphylococcus epidermidis was not increased in psoriasis. The chemotactical factor produced by Pityrosporum is hydrophilic and is destroyed by acid hydrolysis, indicating its protein nature. The yeast Pityrosporum may thus play a role in the koebnerization of psoriasis.
Insights
Pityrosporum yeast significantly attracts immune cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) from psoriasis patients more than from healthy individuals. This suggests Pityrosporum may contribute to psoriasis development, specifically koebnerization.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- The role of microbial factors in psoriasis pathogenesis is under investigation.
- Pityrosporum orbicularelovale is a yeast commonly found on human skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemoattraction of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) by Pityrosporum orbicularelovale in patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and healthy controls.
- To determine if the chemoattactic response is specific to Pityrosporum or a general response to skin microbes.
Main Methods:
- The Boyden chamber method was used to assess PMN chemotaxis.
- PMNs were isolated from psoriatic patients, atopic patients, and healthy control individuals.
- Chemotactic responses were measured using a stimulation index (SI).
Main Results:
- PMNs from psoriatic patients exhibited significantly increased chemoattraction to Pityrosporum (SI = 58 +/- 50) compared to atopic patients (SI = 20 +/- 17) and controls (SI = 26 +/- 24).
- The chemotactic response to Staphylococcus epidermidis was not elevated in psoriasis patients, indicating specificity for Pityrosporum.
- The chemoattractant factor from Pityrosporum is hydrophilic and protein in nature.
Conclusions:
- Pityrosporum orbicularelovale significantly chemoattracts PMNs from psoriatic patients.
- The yeast Pityrosporum may play a role in the koebnerization phenomenon observed in psoriasis.
- These findings suggest a potential link between Pityrosporum and psoriasis pathogenesis.
