Change of TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum of patients during systemic treatment of severe psoriasis

TGF-β1 is a growth factor with multiple actions, responsible for many pathological and physiological processes. Radiation of the skin with a narrowband 311 nm UVB light source is the most often used method of therapy in psoriasis treatment. The aim of the study was to compare different therapy methods on the change of TGF-β1 serum concentration during two weeks of treatment. The TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum of patients with psoriasis was statistically significantly lower than in the control group. For psoriasis treatment, narrow band 311 nm UVB phototherapy was applied to 37 patients and systemic pharmacological treatment with metothrexate, to a group of 18 patients. After two weeks, there was a significant reduction of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and increase of TGF-β1 serum concentration. Narrowband UVB caused a lower PASI, and higher TGF-β1 serum concentration than did pharmacological systemically treatment. Growth factor TGF-β1 had an effect on both of these processes. Lack of TGF-β1 in psoriatic skin is responsible for TH1-induced immune reactions and intensive proliferation of keratinocytes, which are typical of psoriasis. UVB radiation results in a higher TGF-β1 tissue concentration. Elevation of TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum and skin after UVB may present a possible mechanism for the positive effect of UVB in psoriasis treatment.