Abstract

The activity of three lysosomal enzymes - acid phosphatase, arylsulphatase and cathepsin D was determined in blood serum of 22 patients with psoriasis and in 22 healthy subjects. Patients' age ranged between 15 and 61 years. Patients received treatment according to conventional methods. The activity of acid phosphatase in blood serum of patients with psoriasis did not differ from that observed in control group, and it was 7.6×10-3 nM, while the activity of cathepsin D was 18% higher in relation to control group and it was 80 × 10-3 nM. Differences in the activity of arylsulphatase and cathepsin D were statistically significant. The treatment applied resulted in the return of enzyme activity to the values observed in healthy people. It is presumed that lysosomal hydrolases may play some role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Keywords: Psoriasis, Cathepsin D, arylsulphatase, Acid Phosphatase, Lysosomal enzymes