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. 2024 Feb 1;39(1):54.
doi: 10.1007/s10103-024-04005-2.

Excimer light effect on neurogenic inflammation in active versus stable psoriasis lesions

Marwa S El-Mesidy  1 , Yomna A Metwally  2 , Zeinab A Nour  3 , Maha F Elmasry  2
Affiliations

Excimer light effect on neurogenic inflammation in active versus stable psoriasis lesions

Marwa S El-Mesidy et al. Lasers Med Sci. .

Abstract

Neurogenic inflammation, mediated by T helper 17 cell (Th17) and neurons that release neuropeptides such as substance P (SP), is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Excimer light is used in the treatment of psoriasis via induction of T cell apoptosis. The objective of this study is to study the effect of excimer light on active versus stable psoriasis and investigate the levels of substance P and its receptor in both groups. The study included 27 stable and 27 active psoriatic patients as well as 10 matched healthy controls. Clinical examination (in the form of local psoriasis severity index (PSI) and visual analogue scale (VAS)) was done to determine disease severity, level of itching, and quality of life. Tissue levels of SP and neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) were measured by ELISA before and after 9 excimer light sessions in 43 patients. A statistically significant lower levels of PSI and VAS were reached after therapy with no significant difference between the stable and active groups. The mean tissue levels of SP before therapy were significantly higher than the control group. Lower levels of SP and NK-1 receptor were found after treatment overall and in each group. Excimer therapy can be effective for both stable and active plaque psoriasis and this effect could be partly through its role on ameliorating the neurogenic inflammation.

Keywords: Excimer light; Neurogenic inflammation; Psoriasis; Substance P.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A A 34-year-old female with active psoriatic plaque on the right leg (progressively enlarging) before treatment (PSI 5). B One day after 9 sessions showing marked improvement apart from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PSI 1). C After 1 month showing less post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PSI 0). D After 3 months showing almost normal skin (PSI 0)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A A 45-year-old female with stable psoriatic plaque on the lower back before treatment (PSI 5). B One day after 9 sessions showing improvement and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PSI 2). C After 1 month showing less post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and new lesions around the treated area (PSI 2). D After 3 months showing similar presentation to that of 1 month (PSI 2)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Remaining annular edge. A Before treatment. B One day after 9 sessions showing annularity that persisted during the follow-up at 1 month (C) and 3 months (D)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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