CD13/APN expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions in patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris

ObjectiveTo observe the expression of CD13/APN in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions of patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris, and discuss its effect on the pathogenesis of psoriasis.MethodsCD13 expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions was detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical technique, respectively. Results were compared with those of healthy controls.ResultsCD13 expression was significantly higher in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris than in that of healthy controls, and in skin lesions than in healthy skin tissues. The expression was mainly in the suprabasal layers of skin lesions, and positively correlated to PASI (R=0.78029).ConclusionThe significantly higher expression of CD13 in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions of the patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris probably is related to immunological abnormality, blood vessel abnormality and proliferation of keratinocyte in the pathogenic course of psoriasis. It may be a novel and effective way to treat psoriasis with specific CD13 inhibitors.