Prolactin levels in patients with pemphigus

Background and Design: It has been demonstrated that prolactin has an important role in autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of prolactin (PRL) in pemphigus patients and its relation with the disease and disease activity. Materials and Methods: Serum PRL levels were determined by immunoassay methods in 44 patients with pemphigus and in control group of 44 individuals. Results: Hyperprolactinemia was 10.2% for pemphigus patients versus 0% for healthy controls (p= 0.058). Serum PRL levels of the male patients was not significantly enhanced compared with that found in controls (p>0.05) while the female patients' was statistically significantly increased (p<0.05). Serum PRL levels of male and female patients were significantly increased in active disease compared to control group (p<0.05, p<0.01). Also no significant difference was detected between serum PRL levels of both sexes in inactive disease compared to control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that PRL may play a role in the pathogenesis of patients with pemphigus and there may be a correlation between serum PRL levels and disease activity.