The importance of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)10 and ADAM17 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis

Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by inflammation, hyperproliferation and neoangiogenesis. The disease pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. The proteins, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)10 and ADAM17, are important proteases serving as regulators of inflammation. Aim To determine the role of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis through the comparison of their serum levels in patients with psoriasis and healthy controls (HCs). Methods In total, 179 participants (90 patients with psoriasis and 89 HCs) were enrolled in the study. Levels of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in serum were measured by ELISA for each participant from the patient and HC groups. The statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS (V19.0) and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean values for serum ADAM10 and ADAM17 were, respectively, 3.1 +/- 2.2 and 76.5 +/- 31.1 in the psoriasis group and 8.6 +/- 3.7 and 29.5 +/- 22.4 in the HC group. A statistically significant difference between the patient and HC groups was detected for both ADAM10 and ADAM17 levels (P = 0.001). Conclusion Considering the high levels of ADAM17 in the psoriasis group, ADAM17 protease might have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, while the low levels of ADAM10 might be attributable to its regulatory effect on keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation.