Correlation of expression of STAT3, VEGF and differentiation of Th17 cells in psoriasis vulgaris of guinea pig

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role of T help 17 cells (Th17) and STAT3-VEGF pathway in pathogenesis of psoriasis.@*METHODS@#A total of 50 cases of psoriasis guinea pigs and 20 normal guinea pigs were selected. The ratio of Th17/ IL-17 cell in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometric analysis; STAT3 and VEGF concentrations were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#The expression of Th17 in peripheral blood were significantly increased in psoriasis [(1.76±0.88)%] compared with controls [(0.48±0.27)%] (P<0.05). Th17 related cytokine STAT3 and VEGF were significantly increased in psoriasis compared with controls (P<0.05), and were positively correlated the expression of Th17.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The expressions of Th17, STAT3 and VEGF are elevated in psoriasis, which suggests Th17 cells have a potential role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by STAT3-VEGF pathway.