The role of endothelin-1 and its autoantibodies in the pathogenesisof atopic dermatitis: a case-control study

Abstract

Background. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic multifactorial dermatosis with a complex pathophysiological basis. One of the poorly studied links in the pathogenesis of the disease is endothelin-1. Its main biological effects include pronounced vasoconstriction of blood vessels. Aim. To study the role of endothelin-1 and its autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Materials and methods. The study included 40 patients with common and limited forms of atopic dermatitis in the period of exacerbation and remission. The concentration of endothelin-1 and autoantibodies to it in the blood serum was determined by the ELISA method. Statistical processing of the obtained data was performed using Statistica 6.0. Statistical significance was determined at p 0.05. Results. High concentrations of endothelin-1 and autoantibodies to it were determined during the exacerbation of the disease. When the clinical picture was resolved; the concentration of endothelin-1 and autoantibodies to it significantly decreased; but remained higher than the control group. Based on the data obtained; it can be assumed that an increase in the concentration of endothelin-1 may be a marker of white dermographism and a regulator of the microcirculation process in the skin. Conclusions. A high level of endothelin-1 contributes to the development of inflammatory reactions in the skin; white dermographism and itching. Endothelin-1 receptors may be potential aim for targeted therapy of atopic dermatitis.

Keywords

• endothelin-1
• autoantibodies
• atopic dermatitis
• dermographism
• itch