Relationships between serotoninergic system and skin fibrotic.

Cutaneous fibrosis seen in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a generalized connective tissue disorder, characterized by a wide spectrum of microvascular and immunological abnormalities. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is a neurotransmitter and immune modulator, is also an important mediator of bidirectional interactions between the vasoactive amines and the skin.5-HT, a commonly secreted amine, is a known inducer of fibrosis, although the mechanistic basis for it and growth factors regulating fibrosis and proliferation in the microenvironment are unclear. We review that as serotonin has powerful vasodilator, immunomodulator, and growth factor actions, this pathway could be involved in skin fibrotic. Since serotoninergic system play a role in skin fibrotic, and 5-HTs drugs, an usual treatment for this type of patients. These provides a future perspective for research and drug development.

Measurement of serum monoamine oxidase in lichen planus patients and its clinical significance.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of serum Monoamine oxidase (MAO) in Lichen planus(LP). METHODS: 82 cases of Lichen planus patients and 35 healthy controls were selected in the investigation. The total serum MAO levels were measured. RESULTS: The levels of serum MAO in Lichen planus patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (P<0.01). The severity of Lichen planus was not correlated with serum MAO levels (r =0.4873, t=0.73, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the findings, there might be a coincidence of MAO and lichen planus. However, further studies are required to clarify the immunological mechanisms which are responsible for MAO synthesis during immunoreaction.