Psoriasis vulgaris and new biomarkers: Tumor necrosis factor- like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and Interleukin 17(IL17)

Abstract

Background and objectives:Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 17 (IL-17) and
tumor necrosis factor like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) were implicated in
pathogenesis of many immune mediated systemic inflammation, the current study designed
for evaluating the serum level of both marker in patients with psoriasis. Another secondary
objective was finding any possible correlation between IL-17 and TWEAK with disease
severity and duration.
Methods: 30 patients with psoriasis had enrolled in the study, and classified as regarding the
disease severity by psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) in to mild, moderate and severe.
Another 10 control subjects were involved after ethical approval. The level of IL-17,
TWEAK and CRP in serum had been measured, as well as ESR level in patients and control
group.
Results: The mean TWEAK, IL-17 levels were significantly higher in psoriasis patients than
in control subjects, P < 0.001 for both. TWEAK and IL-17 were significantly correlated with
disease severity and duration in direct way, r = 0.34 and 0.66; P = 0.03 and < 0.001, r = 0.47
and 0.39; P = 0.001 and 0.01 respectively. The performance of TWEAK and IL-17 in
predicting psoriasis were excellent, the AUC were 97% and 95% respectively.
Conclusion: The level of both TWEAK and IL-17 were higher in psoriases and had direct
correlation with disease severity and duration.