Genotoxic Hazard and Cellular Stress in Pediatric Patients Treated for Psoriasis with the Goeckerman Regimen

The Goeckerman regimen (GR) represents a local treatment of psoriasis and includes topical dermal application of crude coal tar (containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and exposure to UV-irradiation. The aim of the study was to evaluate contribution of GR to genotoxic risk and cellular stress in pediatric patients who represent a sensitive population subgroup. Genotoxic risk (42 patients) was evaluated by using chromosomal aberrations (CA) in peripheral lymphocytes. Cellular stress (26 patients) was assessed by using heat shock proteins (Hsp70). All indicators were determined in blood samples collected before GR and immediately after GR. Decreasing of psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score indicated higher likelihood of GR (p < 0.001). Significantly increased CA (p < 0.001) and Hsp70 (p < 0.05) indicated higher genotoxic risk and cellular stress in sensitive pediatric patients, immediately after GR.