Evaluation of ß2-microglobulin in the condition and prognosis of psoriasis patients.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have linked the inflammatory pathway in psoriasis and metabolic disease, while no specific marker defined it. It is worth exploring the association of ß2-microglobulin (ß2M) in psoriasis severity and comorbidities. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlation between blood ß2M level and psoriasis severity, to explore the inflammatory factors influencing the occurrence of psoriasis comorbidities such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension. METHODS: Ninety-seven psoriasis patients were analyzed in the cohort retrospective study during 12 weeks. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of blood ß2M and ESR were observed in the group that patients' PASI ≥10 than in the group that PASI <10. Blood ß2M level had strong significantly positive correlations with the PASI in Pearson's correlation analysis. In the model that systemic inflammatory factors to find psoriasis comorbidity risk factors, logistic regression analysis showed that blood ß2M level was the significant risk factor associated with diabetes and hypertension. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was the significant risk factor associated with arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a severer psoriasis tended to have higher blood ß2M levels and severer inflammatory state. In the systemic inflammation indexes, the level of blood ß2M affected the risk of hypertension and diabetes, and hsCRP affected the risk of arthritis in patients with psoriasis.

Bacterial Membrane Vesicles: Physiological Roles, Infection Immunology, and Applications.

Bacterial or fungal membrane vesicles, traditionally considered as microbial metabolic wastes, are secreted mainly from the outer membrane or cell membrane of microorganisms. However, recent studies have shown that these vesicles play essential roles in direct or indirect communications among microorganisms and between microorganisms and hosts. This review aims to provide an updated understanding of the physiological functions and emerging applications of bacterial membrane vesicles, with a focus on their biogenesis, mechanisms of adsorption and invasion into host cells, immune stimulatory effects, and roles in the much-concerned problem of bacterial resistance. Additionally, the potential applications of these vesicles as biomarkers, vaccine candidates, and drug delivery platforms are discussed.