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Ilaria Puxeddu, Fiorella Petrelli, Francesca Angelotti, Cristina Croia, Paola Migliorini Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa University, Pisa, ItalyCorrespondence: Ilaria PuxedduClinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa University, Via Roma 67, Pisa 56126, ItalyTel +39-50-558628Fax +39-50-558630Email ilaria.puxeddu@unipi.itAbstract: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a mast cell-driven disease characterized by the development of wheals, angioedema, or both for more than 6 weeks. The two major sub-types are chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and inducible urticaria. In the last decade different pathophysiological mechanisms, potentially responsible for the development of the disease, have been described. It is likely that the activation of mast cells and basophils in CSU can be the results of immune system dysregulation, activation of the inflammatory cascade, and of the extrinsic coagulation pathway. Some of the mediators involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of CSU have recently been identified as potential biomarkers useful for the diagnosis, follow-up, and management of the disease, even if they are not yet available in clinical practice. Thus, in this review we discuss new insights in the mediators involved in the pathogenesis of CSU, highlighting their potential role as biomarkers in the activity and progression of the disease and response to therapies.Keywords: chronic urticaria, inflammation, biomarkers, angiogenesis |
