Evaluation of the expression of the stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (CXCL 12) in psoriatic patients after treatment with Methotrexate.

Background: CXCL12 has an important role in skin homeostasis and inflammation.

Objective: In this work, the expression of CXCL12 was evaluated in psoriasis vulgaris, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients in relation to disease activity and methotrexate (MTX) therapy.

Methods: Skin biopsies were obtained from 10 psoriasis vulgaris patients, 10 PsA patients, and 20 controls.

Cathelicidin (LL-37) level in the scalp hair of patients with tinea capitis.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered an important first line of defense against pathogens. Cathelicidin LL-37 was upregulated in response to fungal infection. In this work we aimed to evaluate cathelicidin LL-37 in the hair of tinea capitis and compare it to normal controls.