Increased Expression of the Wnt Signalling Inhibitor Dkk-1 in Non-lesional Skin and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Plaque Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease characterised by abnormal keratinocyte proliferation, increased dermal angiogenesis and systemic inflammation. The cell signalling cascades provoked by Wnt proteins and their inhibitors, such as Dickkopf-1, play crucial roles to maintain homeostasis of a variety of tissues, including skin, and are also involved in angiogenesis and innate immunity. This study was designed to investigate the distribution of Dickkopf-1, in lesional and non-lesional skin, in serum and in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) of patients with psoriasis compared with healthy controls. Our results showed significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of Dickkopf-1 in non-lesional compared with lesional skin and healthy control skin. No significant differences of Dickkopf-1 serum levels were observed, but Dickkopf-1 protein expression was significantly increased in patients’ PBMC. Increased levels of Dickkopf-1 in PBMC, suggest a possible role of Dickkopf-1 in the chronic systemic inflammation of psoriasis. Increased levels of Dickkopf-1 in non-lesional psoriasis skin offers new insights in the local inflammatory processes in psoriasis skin since Wnt signalling regulates angiogenesis. In conclusion, Dickkopf-1 may be a possible target for future treatment options.