Effects of narrow band UVB irradiation on imbalance of Th17/Treg cells in psoriasis vulgaris patients

doi:10.11786/sypfbxzz.1674-1293.20180504

Abstract：Objective To explore the effects and significance of narrow band ultraviolet B(NB-UVB) on the expression of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood of the patients with psoriasis vulgaris(PV). Methods A total of 67 PV patients given NB-UVB therapy and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. The levels of Thl7 cells and Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) before and after NB-UVB therapy were evaluated by flow cytometry. The levels of serum IL-17 and TGF-β1 were detected by ELISA. Results To be compared with healthy controls, the percentages of Th17 cells, the level of IL-17 and Th17/Treg of the PV patients increased(P<0.01), and the percentages of Treg cells and the level of TGF-β1 of the PV patients decreased(P<0.01). The percentage of Th17 cells, the level of Th17/Treg and IL-17 in peripheral blood of PV patients after NB-UVB treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.01), but the percentage of Treg cells and the level of TGF-β1 of the PV patients after NB-UVB treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.01). There was no significant difference in Th17, Treg cell ratio, Th17/Treg, IL-17 and TGF-β1 levels between the PV patients after NB-UVB treatment and healthy controls(P>0.05). The percentages of Th17 cell, the level of Th17/Treg and IL-17 were positively correlated with PASI scores(P<0.01), and the proportion of Treg cells and the level of TGF-β1 were negatively correlated with the PASI score(P<0.01). Conclusion The abnormal expression of Thl7 and Treg cells may play a critical role in pathogenesis and progression of psoriasis. NB-UVB therapy may be used to treat psoriasis vulgaris by regulating the expression of Th17, Treg cells and their cytokines.