Interleukin 38 as a bio marker for metabolic syndrome in psoriatic patients
Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is more common comorbidity in psoriasis and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Interleukin 38 (IL-38) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that has a vital role in MetS.
Aim
This research aimed to identify the possible relationship between plasma IL-38 levels in psoriatic cases and MetS development.
Methods
This case-control study included 88 adults aged greater than 18 years, divided into four groups of 22: group (1) cases with psoriasis vulgaris only, group (2) cases with psoriasis vulgaris and MetS, group (3) cases with MetS only, and group (4) healthy control subjects. All participants were subjected to full history taking, clinical assessment, laboratory investigation (fasting blood sugar, fasting triglyceride level, high-density lipoprotein), and plasma levels of IL-38 using ELISA kits.
Results
IL-38 levels were significantly decreased in each of the diseased patients (psoriasis, MetS, or both) than in controls. patients with psoriasis and MetS had the lowest level of IL-38 than those with psoriasis only or MetS only. There was a highly significant difference in the IL-38 levels among the groups (
Conclusion
The decreased serum level of IL-38 among psoriatic patients with MetS is more than patients with either disease alone due to its role in the pathogenesis of both conditions. Much decrease in its level in psoriatic patients can be an indicator of development of metabolic abnormalities. This opens a new scope in the treatment of both conditions using IL-38.
