Platelet P-selectin reflects a state of cutaneous inflammation: possible application to monitor treatment efficacy in psoriasis

Exp Dermatol. 2010 Aug;19(8):736-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2010.01095.x.

Abstract

Haemostasis-maintaining platelets are also recognized as important modulators in the regulation of immune response. Activated platelets expressing P-selectin (CD62P) are involved in the extravasation of leucocytes. This study evaluated platelet P-selectin expression as a biomarker for cutaneous inflammation. P-selectin expression was assessed by flow cytometry in 147 successive patients suffering from an inflammatory or infectious skin condition at the day of admission for in-patient treatment as well as a day prior to demission. Forty-one patients admitted for allergy testing served as controls. A commercially available ELISA was used in 17 patients to determine soluble P-selectin in the plasma. In patients with psoriasis, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was documented as a measure for disease severity. We observed a significant increase in platelet P-selectin expression in patients with inflammatory or infectious disorders, when compared to the control group (3,01% vs. 1,46%; P < 0.000001). Successful treatment resulted in a significant decrease in P-selectin expression to the level of the control group. In the case of psoriasis (n = 47), we found highly significant correlation between P-selectin and PASI (r = 0.51; P < 0.000001), as well as between the change in the PASI and the change in P-selectin expression (r = 0.4; P = 0.006). Platelet P-selectin expression as determined by flow cytometry correlated well with the results of soluble P-selectin, determined by ELISA (r = 0.63; P < 0.01). Thus, platelet P-selectin expression may be used as an efficacy biomarker to monitor treatment success in psoriasis. As platelet P-selectin correlates with soluble P-selectin in patient plasma, which can be measured by ELISA, the latter is feasible also for routine use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Dermatitis / blood*
  • Humans
  • P-Selectin / blood*
  • Phototherapy
  • Psoriasis / blood*
  • Psoriasis / diagnosis
  • Psoriasis / therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • P-Selectin
  • C-Reactive Protein