Plasma Levels of Interleukins 36α, 36ß, and 37 in Patients with Psoriasis and Their Correlation with Disease Activity Parameters.

ABSTRACT

Psoriasis is a chronic, proliferative, inflammatory skin disease characterised by skin lesions and systemic symptoms. Numerous cytokines are produced in psoriasis as a result of inflammation. The aim of this study was to examine the plasma concentrations of IL-36α, IL-36ß, and IL-37 in psoriasis and their correlations with disease activity parameters. This study recruited 84 individuals, 53 with plaque-type psoriasis and 31 healthy controls. The plaque type of psoriasis is the most common type and is typically characterized by circular-to-oval red plaques distributed over body surfaces of the extremities and scalp. In patients with psoriasis, we observed statistically significantly decreased plasma concentrations of IL-36ß and IL-37. The concentrations of IL-36α were increased in comparison with control group. The plasma concentrations of IL-36α and IL-36ß were statistically significantly correlated with all tested parameters of disease activity the Psoriasis Activity Severity Index, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and Body Surface Area Index. There were no statistically significant correlations between plasma levels of IL-37 and the tested parameters of disease activity. These results indicate a role of IL36α, IL-36ß, and IL-37 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.