Goeckerman therapy (GT) of psoriasis is based on combined exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and UV radiation (UVA and UVB). In the longitudinal epidemiological study we evaluated the answer of the organism to that exposure.
We observed selected metabolic, genotoxic, mutagenic and immunological indicators in urine and blood of psoriasis patients (men, women, and children). In actual presentation we describe the changes of selected metabolic and genotoxic indicators.
We found significant increases in the levels of hydroxylated metabolites of PAHs in urine that indicated intensive absorption of PAHs through the skin and respiration tract. The changes confirmed mutagenic and genotoxic potential of combined (therapeutic) exposure to PAHs and UV radiation.