Neuropeptides and their role in the pathogenesis of adult prurigo

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A brief analysis of the results of domestic and foreign studies is presented, focusing on neuropeptides’ role in the pathogenesis of chronic dermatoses, particularly prurigo. Neuropeptides have a very complex spectrum of biological activity, mainly the interaction of the nervous and immune systems. Neuropeptides also act as mediators of itching, the most important symptom of many dermatoses, negatively affecting patients’ quality of life, leading to psychological distress and sleep disturbance. About 50 neuropeptides have been identified in human skin; the most common are substance P and a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) involved in signaling between nerve cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, Langerhans cells and keratinocytes. According to the authors’ clinical experience, the increased levels of CGRP and substance P are typical features of prurigo. Other neuropeptides, neurokinins A and B, are anti-inflammatory, contributing to vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. The data presented indicate the high relevance and prospects of research in this field.

Keywords:

review

pruritus

prurigo

neuropeptides

Authors:

Krasil’nikova E.S.

Bashkir State Medical University

ORCID: 0000-0001-6660-3865

Zainullina O.N.

Bashkir State Medical University

ORCID: 0000-0002-6366-3595

Khismatullina Z.R.

Bashkir State Medical University, Russia

ORCID: 0000-0001-8674-2803

Received:

03.09.2022

Accepted:

27.03.2023

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