ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disorder characterized by hyperproliferation of the epidermis, inflammatory cell accumulation and increased tortuosity and dilatation of dermal papillary blood vessels. Angiogenesis plays a major role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, however the mechanism responsible is largely unknown. Recently, some studies have identified several angiogenic factors from psoriatic epidermis, including interleukin (IL)-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to elucidate the roles of VEGF and bFGF in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for VEGF and bFGF was carried out on skin samples of 15 psoriatic patients, plus 5 normal skin samples as a control. The psoriatic skins were divided into early and fully-developed stages, and differences in their expression between the stages were examined. RESULTS: The expressions of VEGF and bFGF on both epidermis and dermal structures were significantly higher in psoriatic lesional skin than in normal control skin. There was no significant differences between early and fully- developed psoriatic skin lesions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that VEGF and bFGF may play significant roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.