Psoriasis vulgaris occurring in a known case of neurofibromatosis type I: A rare association

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominantly inherited neurocutaneous disorder due to mutations in the neurofibromin (NF) gene that encodes protein NF. NF regulates signal transduction by inactivating RAS proteins. Mutations in the NF-1 gene increases RAS activity causing increased transduction of many growth factors and kinase pathways leading to increased mitosis and occurrence of neoplasms and proliferative conditions such as psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory proliferative condition of the skin in which both genetic and environmental factors have a vital role. The underlying pathogenesis is epidermal proliferation, vascular changes, and inflammatory changes mediated by multiple growth factors of which in particular are epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha etc. We report a rare association of NF-1 with psoriasis occurring by chance or due to decreased NF protein.

Keywords

• Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1)
• neurofibromin (NF) gene
• psoriasis