Estimation of the tissue level of angiogenin in plaque-stage mycosis fungoides versus chronic plaque psoriasis

Background Angiogenin (ANG) is a member of the angiogenic process which is a contributory factor in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In mycosis fungoides (MF), the interaction between tumour cells and their microvasculature is likely to occur during the progression of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Objective To estimate the tissue level of ANG in MF and psoriasis. Patients and methods This comparative study included 20 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, 20 patients with plaque stage MF, and 10 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Punch skin biopsies were taken and sent for quantitative PCR examination of ANG. Results The ANG level in psoriasis was significantly lower than that in controls, while in MF, it was significantly higher than controls, with positive correlation with disease staging. ANG was significantly higher in lesional skin of MF patients than psoriasis patients. Conclusion ANG might have a role in disease progression in cases of MF; however, it is not the main angiogenic factor in psoriasis.