Serum Level of Total Tryptase and mRNA of α- and β-tryptase in Hemodialysis Patients with Pruritus
Journal of Pan-Arab League of Dermatologists
Vol. 19, No. 1, February 2008 Page 65-74
Serum Level of Total Tryptase and mRNA of α- and β-tryptase inHemodialysis Patients with Pruritus
Dalia Shaaban, Amal El-Bendary* and Osama Gheith**Departments of Dermatology &Venereology and Clinical Pathology*, Tanta University and Nephrologyand UrologyCenter, Mansoura University**
Abstract
Background: Pruritus is one of the most bothersome symptoms in patients on hemodialysis (HD). The mechanism of pruritus is poorly understood. Many investigators suggested the role of mast cell and its mediators in production of pruritus. Tryptase is considered a marker of mast cell activity. This work aimed at estimation of serum level of tryptase and its mRNA, in hemodialysis patients with pruritus in an attempt to elucidate its role in the pathogenesis of this condition.
Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 30 HD patients: 20 of them were suffering from pruritus of different degrees and 10 with no pruritus. Ten normal subjects were included as controls. Serum total tryptase level and mRNA of α- and β-tryptase were estimated for all of them.
Results: There was a statistically significant elevation of serum tryptase level in HD patients suffering from pruritus than other patients and controls. Serum tryptase level was mainly of β- tryptase type. Serum tryptase level was correlated with the severity of pruritus.
Conclusions:tryptase may have a role in the pathogenesis of pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Specific tryptase inhibitors could be tried in treatment of pruritus in these patients. Monitoring of tryptase level especially the β -tryptase could be used as an indicator of severity of pruritus in such patients.
Journal of Pan-Arab League of Dermatologists
Vol. 19, No. 1, February 2008 Page 65-74
Serum Level of Total Tryptase and mRNA of α- and β-tryptase inHemodialysis Patients with Pruritus
Dalia Shaaban, Amal El-Bendary* and Osama Gheith**Departments of Dermatology &Venereology and Clinical Pathology*, Tanta University and Nephrologyand UrologyCenter, Mansoura University**
Abstract
Background: Pruritus is one of the most bothersome symptoms in patients on hemodialysis (HD). The mechanism of pruritus is poorly understood. Many investigators suggested the role of mast cell and its mediators in production of pruritus. Tryptase is considered a marker of mast cell activity. This work aimed at estimation of serum level of tryptase and its mRNA, in hemodialysis patients with pruritus in an attempt to elucidate its role in the pathogenesis of this condition.
Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 30 HD patients: 20 of them were suffering from pruritus of different degrees and 10 with no pruritus. Ten normal subjects were included as controls. Serum total tryptase level and mRNA of α- and β-tryptase were estimated for all of them.
Results: There was a statistically significant elevation of serum tryptase level in HD patients suffering from pruritus than other patients and controls. Serum tryptase level was mainly of β- tryptase type. Serum tryptase level was correlated with the severity of pruritus.
Conclusions:tryptase may have a role in the pathogenesis of pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Specific tryptase inhibitors could be tried in treatment of pruritus in these patients. Monitoring of tryptase level especially the β -tryptase could be used as an indicator of severity of pruritus in such patients.