Objective: To detect the expression level of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1) alpha, MIP-1 beta and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in with psoriasis vulgaris and explore the role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris. Methods: The level of MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta and MCP-1 in peripheral blood from 50 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 50 normal controls were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation with psoriasis area and severity index (PAS) was analyzed. The level of MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta and MCP-1 was compared between psoriasis vulgaris patients at active. stage and resting stage. And the change in MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta and MCP-1 before and after therapy was also observed. Results: The content of MIP-1 alpha, MIP 1 beta and MCP-1 in patients with psoriasis vulgaris was (1342.78 +/- 210.30), (175.28 +/- 28.18) and (266.86 +/- 32.75) ng/L, respectively, significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The expression level of MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta and MCP-1 in peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis vulgaris was positively correlated with PAST (P<0.01). After acitretin therapy, expression level of MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta and MCP-1 in peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis vulgaris was significantly decreased. Conclusions: Chemokine factor MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta and MCP-1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris.