Association between circulating prolactin levels and psoriasis and its correlation with disease severity: a meta-analysis

Abstract

SummaryBackground. Studies that have compared circulating prolactin (PRL) levels in patients with psoriasis and healthy controls (HCs) and determined the relation between PRL levels and psoriasis severity have shown mixed results. Aim. To evaluate the association between circulating PRL levels and psoriasis, and between serum/plasma PRL levels and psoriasis severity. Methods. We performed a meta-analysis comparing serum/plasma PRL levels in patients with psoriasis with those of HCs, and examined the correlation coefficients for circulating PRL levels and psoriasis severity based on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Results. In total, 12 studies assessing 446 patients with psoriasis and 401 HCs were included. PRL levels were significantly higher in the psoriasis group than in the HC group [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.54; 95% CI = 0.18-090; P < 0.01). Stratification by age and sex revealed a significantly higher PRL level in the psoriasis group (SMD = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.15-0.91; P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis by sample size showed a significantly higher PRL level with larger sample sizes (n ≥ 80) (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.07-0.95, P = 0.02), but not with smaller sample sizes (n < 80) in the psoriasis group. Stratification by sample type revealed a significantly higher level of PRL in the sera, but not plasma of the psoriasis group. Metaanalysis of the correlation coefficients showed a positive, although not statistically significant, correlation between circulating PRL levels and PASI (correlation coefficient = 0.48, 95% CI = À0.05 to 0.80, P = 0.08). Conclusion. Circulating PRL levels are higher in patients with psoriasis, and PRL levels may correlate with psoriasis severity.

Psoriasis: What Is New in Markers of Disease Severity?

“…The meta-analysis included 12 studies with a total of 446 psoriasis patients and 401 healthy subjects. Circulating prolactin levels were significantly higher among psoriasis patients, and a positive correlation with disease severity was identified [73]. Keen et al suggest that it would be useful to perform controlled therapeutic trials of bromocriptine (a dopamine receptor agonist used in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia) in the case of patients with psoriasis, especially in the case of those with severe forms, even if the prolactin level is normal [84].…”

Differential Expression of Estrogen-Responsive Genes in Women with Psoriasis

“…Moreover, prolactin (PRL) released by the pituitary gland of the brain stimulates immunity [ 8 ]. Respectively, patients with hyperprolactinemia present with many different clinical manifestations, including psoriasis [ 9 ]. In addition, there is a correlation of the PRL level and disease severity [ 9 ].…”