Liver fibrosis is associated with cutaneous inflammation in the imiquimod‐induced murine model of psoriasiform dermatitis. (14th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vasseur, P.; Pohin, M.; Jégou, J.F.; Favot, L.; Venisse, N.; Mcheik, J.; Morel, F.; Lecron, J.C.; Silvain, C.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 179:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2018-04-14
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.16137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

Summary: Background: Psoriasis exhibits several extracutaneous manifestations. Little is known about hepatic parameters specifically associated with psoriasis. Objectives: To study whether psoriasiform dermatitis is associated with liver injury. Methods: We studied liver parameters of inflammation and fibrosis in a murine model of psoriasiform dermatitis induced by topical application of imiquimod for 9 weeks. Results: Topical treatment with imiquimod induced a form of psoriasiform dermatitis reminiscent of the human disorder, characterized by thickened and scaly skin, psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia, altered keratinocyte differentiation and cutaneous overexpression of interleukin‐17A. Mice with dermatitis displayed hepatitis, as shown by elevation of plasma transaminase levels, as well as portal and periportal hepatitis, characterized by T‐lymphocyte (CD3ε + ) and polymorphonuclear cell (Gr1 + ) infiltrates. The hepatitis progressed towards liver fibrogenesis, as shown by excessive Sirius red staining, which is consistent with the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin by hepatic stellate cells. Conclusions: These results indicate that liver inflammation and fibrosis are associated with experimental psoriasiform dermatitis. Our results suggest that psoriatic inflammation may be associated with specific liver injury. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? Psoriasis is a systemic disease. Severe liver fibrosis is more frequent in patients with psoriasis. What does this study add? Long‐term maintenance of the imiquimod‐induced murine model of psoriasiform dermatitis recapitulates the main features of psoriasis. Mice with psoriasiform dermatitis display portal hepatitis characterized by T‐cell, monocyte and polymorphonuclear cell infiltrates. Hepatitis observed in imiquimod‐treated mice evolves towards liver fibrosis. What is the translational message? Psoriasis may be a cofactor of liver fibrosis. Linked Comment: Maybury et al. Br J Dermatol 2018;179 :9–10 . Respond to this article