Abstract | BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Pruritus is the most frequent chronic dermal complication of sulfur mustard (SM), which negatively influences the quality of life. Exact pathophysiology of SM-induced itching is unknown. The current study aimed at evaluating the possible association between SM-induced itching and the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and their endogenous inhibitors, and serum levels of soluble forms of selectins (sL-, sP-, and sE- selectins) as adhesion molecules involved in the development of different inflammatory reactions. METHODS: RESULTS: Serum levels of MMP-9 were significantly higher in the SM exposed group with itching, compared with that of the group without itching (medians: 894 and 624 pg/mL respectively; P-value =0.034). There was no relationship between the serum levels of MMP-9/TIMP-1, MMP-9/TIMP-2, MMP-9/TIMP-4, and itching in the patients exposed to SM. Median serum levels of sE- and sL- selectins in the exposed group with itching were higher than those of the exposed group without itching. These differences were statistically insignificant (P-values =0.084 and 0.095, respectively). CONCLUSION: According to the results of the current study, the increased serum levels of MMP-9 and selectins 20 years after exposure may play role in the pathogenesis and persistence of SM-induced itching in the exposed individuals.
|
Authors | Nayere Askari, Tooba Ghazanfari, Mohammad Mehdi Naghizadeh, Athar Moin, Ali Khamesipour, Shahryar Pourfarzam, Zuhair Mohammad Hassan |
Journal | Iranian journal of pathology
(Iran J Pathol)
Vol. 12
Issue 3
Pg. 257-264
( 2017)
ISSN: 1735-5303 [Print] Iran |
PMID | 29531551
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|