Modulation of endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis: UVA1-mediated skin improvement in systemic sclerosis

Arch Dermatol Res. 2004 Oct;296(5):235-9. doi: 10.1007/s00403-004-0513-0. Epub 2004 Sep 28.

Abstract

UVA1-mediated effects regarding vascular dysregulation as a primary pathogenetic factor of systemic sclerosis skin lesions have so far not been investigated. Pre- and posttherapy skin biopsies of four patients were evaluated immunohistochemically for angiostatic, angiogenic and angioapoptotic features. Immunohistochemistry revealed a partial pretherapy loss of endothelial CD31 and CD34 expression accompanied by a posttherapy increase of CD34(+) cells. Simultaneously, VEGF and M30 CytoDEATH immunolabeling demonstrated UVA1-induced neovascularization and decreased endothelial apoptosis. Our results suggest that UVA1 irradiation exerts its positive effects by a modulation of endothelial regulation/transformation beside the proposed induction of T cell apoptosis and collagenases.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / metabolism
  • Antigens, CD34 / metabolism
  • Apoptosis*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / metabolism
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / pathology
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / physiopathology*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / radiotherapy*
  • Skin / blood supply
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin / pathology
  • Ultraviolet Therapy*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD34
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A