Platelet-derived microparticles and soluble P-selectin as platelet activation markers in patients with atopic dermatitis

Plasma levels of platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs) and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) were investigated as markers of platelet activation in 46 atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, 20 non-atopic urticaria patients and 22 healthy controls. The relationships between these markers and the scoring AD (SCORAD) index, blood eosinophil number, serum IgE, and serum lactate dehydrogenase were also investigated in AD patients. Plasma PDMPs and sP-selectin levels were significantly higher in AD patients compared with the other two groups. In multiple regression analysis, the SCORAD index was the most significant factor associated with the platelet activation markers. Among the SCORAD index components, excoriations were most closely related to the markers. The elevated levels of PDMPs and sP-selectin were significantly reduced following skin lesion improvement by drug treatment. Our results show that blood platelets are activated in AD patients upon aggravation of eruption, suggesting that activated platelets may be involved in the pathomechanism of AD. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.