[The role of bcl-2 family proteins in psoriasis].

Apoptosis is a physiological process of programmed cell death responsible for homeostasis in the body. In skin, apoptotic process regulates keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in that way maintaining homeostasis of epidermal compartment. The process of apoptosis is controlled by proteins of the Bcl-2 family, several proapoptotic (Bax, Bak, Bad) and antiapoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L)) proteins. Nowadays, it seems that dysfunctional apoptosis has an important role in the pathogenesis of several skin diseases. Psoriasis is a chronic hypeproliferative inflammatory skin disease characterized by abnormal keratinocyte hyperproliferation and differentiation as well as by decreased keratinocyte apoptosis. Based on recent studies, it is likely that apoptosis has an important role in epidermal hyperproliferation of psoriatic lesion. Having in mind the significance of Bcl-2 family proteins in apoptosis, it is important to elucidate their role in psoriasis pathogenesis. Observed upregulation of antiapoptotic and downregulation of proapoptotic Bcl-2 family molecules in psoriatic skin implies their significance in psoriasis development.