Expression of vascular adhesion protein-1 in atopic eczema.
BACKGROUND
Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is an adhesion molecule with an enzymatic activity which partakes in the migration process of lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate VAP-1 expression in atopic eczema (AE) in comparison with healthy controls and psoriatic individuals.


METHODS
Forty adult patients suffering from AE aged between 18 and 56 years were included in the study. The control group consisted of 35 healthy volunteers aged between 19 and 49 years and of 71 psoriatic patients aged between 23 and 89 years. The serum concentration of soluble VAP-1 (sVAP-1) was evaluated by ELISA and VAP-1 expression in the skin by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Serum level of sVAP-1 in AE patients before treatment was significantly higher compared with healthy volunteers. Similarly, a higher mean number of VAP-1-positive vessels was found in both lesional and nonlesional atopic skin compared with healthy skin. Treatment of AE resulted in a significant reduction in the serum level of sVAP-1. On the other hand, both the serum level of sVAP-1 and the number of dermal vessels with expression of VAP-1 were significantly lower in AE patients compared with psoriatic individuals.


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates the important role of VAP-1 in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorders, including AE.
Madej
Aneta
A
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University of Medicine, Wroclaw, Poland.
Reich
Adam
A
Orda
Alina
A
Szepietowski
Jacek C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006631:Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing) / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; C076668:AOC3 protein, human; D006631:Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)