Serum neopterin, procalcitonin, ASO and CRP levels in chronic plaque psoriasis patients

Psoriasis has been characterized by T-cell mediated hyper proliferation of keratinocytes initiated by antigen-presenting cells on the skin. The antigen, causing the initiation of immunologic reactions has not been known. Recent have been supported the relationship between streptococcus infections and chronic plaque psoriasisOur study was performed on total of 40 patients with make an application with chronic plaque psoriasis to Abant, Izzet Baysal University, Medical School Dermatology Polyclinic and a group of 40 healthy individuals between December 2007 - April 2008. ASO, CRP, PCT and neopterin levels were measured in patients diagnosed with psoriasis and a control group. Constant variables were compared using t test, and categorical variables were compared using chi square test. Relationship between neopterin, ASO, CRP and PCT was evaluated with Pearson correlation testWhen serum ASO, CRP, PCT and neopterin levels of the patient-group were compared with those of the control group, significant difference was found statistically in PCT and neopterin levels; on the other hand, no significant difference was found in ASO and CRP levels. As a result of Pearson correlation test conducted with PASI scores, statistical significance was determined between PASI-neopterin and between PASI-CRPSignificant rise in PCT in acute aggravation of chronic plaque psoriasis in patients points to the presence of an antigenic stimulus of bacterial origin. A rise in neopterin points to the activity of cellular immune system following this antigenic stimulus. However, lack of a rise in ASO value indicates to the absence of a streptococcal infection and that patients need to be studied in detail for possible infectious agents by using cultures.