https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2886-1035
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Abstract
Background
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory, often severely itching skin disorder. It may worsen due to stress, depression, or anxiety. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) may be involved in inflammation signaling. CGRP has also been suggested in relation to stress, depression, and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the expression of CGRP in the skin of patients with AD.
Methods
Twenty-seven adult patients with AD, characterized with clinical and psychodemographic parameters, were investigated regarding CGRP expression in skin biopsies, using an immunohistochemical technique.
Results
The total number of CGRP-positive nerve-like fibers was found to be higher in lesional skin than in non-lesional skin. Moreover, more inflammatory cells of dendritic shape intruded into the epidermis in lesional skin compared to non-lesional skin. Keratinocytes showing expression of CGRP were also found in lesional skin. Interestingly, the number of CGRP-positive nerve-like fibers in lesional skin correlated with depressive and anxiety scores. Correlation with depressive score was also found for round CGRP-positive inflammatory cells in the epidermis.
Conclusions
CGRP may have a role in both the inflammatory process and distress, in AD.
Author contributions
LL, KN, MH and BJ were active in the design of the study as well as contributed with scientific guidance during the process. KN, LL and SA performed the study as well as summary and analysis of results. ET performed the analysis of cortisol tests. All authors contributed to the manuscript writing and revision of the final manuscript.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability statement
Data supporting the conclusions are presented in the manuscript. Additional information will be made available by the corresponding author upon reasonable request.