Serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 as a potential biomarker in psoriasis.

To discover novel biomarkers of psoriasis, a target-specific antibody array screening of serum samples from psoriasis patients was initially performed. The results revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) was significantly elevated in the sera of psoriasis patients, compared to healthy controls. Next, ELISA validation studies in a larger cohort of psoriasis patients (N = 73) were conducted, which confirmed that serum VEGFR-3 was indeed significantly increased in patients with psoriasis compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that serum VEGFR-3 exhibited potential in distinguishing healthy controls from psoriasis patients: area under the curve = 0.85, P < 0.001. In addition, serum levels of VEGFR-3 were correlated with Psoriasis Area Severity Index scores (R = 0.32, P = 0.008) in psoriasis patients. Interestingly, serum VEGFR-3 levels were significantly elevated in psoriatic arthritis compared to non-psoriatic arthritis (P = 0.026). A pilot longitudinal study demonstrated that serum levels of VEGFR-3 could reflect disease progression in psoriasis. Collectively, serum VEGFR-3 may have a clinical value in monitoring disease activity of psoriasis.

Majocchi granuloma presenting as a verrucous nodule of the lip.

We present a case of Majocchi granuloma, a deep folliculitis, on the lip of a healthy 41-year-old man. The patient was successfully treated with systemic and topical antifungal medications. Correct diagnosis of this rare condition is needed, since misdiagnosis as an inflammatory dermatitis and treatment using topical corticosteroids can lead to dissemination of the infection.