LAUSR

The effects of laser irradiation on the expression of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells and their related cytokines, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), respectively, in the peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis vulgaris were investigated. 38 patients with psoriasis vulgaris in the stable state were selected as the treatment group that was treated twice a week for eight weeks. Another 38 healthy persons were chosen as the control group. Before and after treatment, the percentages of Th17 cells and Treg cells in the patients' peripheral blood were detected using flow cytometry, the content of TGF-β1 and IL-6 in the patients' sera were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the extent and severity of lesions were determined by weighing the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). After laser treatment, the percentage of Th17 cells, the Th17/Treg cell ratio and the level of IL-6 in the peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis in the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the same patients before the treatment (P < 0.01), while the percentage of Treg and the content of TGF-β1 in the patients' sera were significantly higher than before the treatment (P < 0.01). The effective rate for laser irradiation of psoriasis vulgaris was 84.21%, and the PASI score was significantly lower (P < 0.01). Excimer laser irradiation can positively affect the Th17/Treg cell ratio and the expression of related cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis vulgaris.