Plasma Levels of Interleukins 36α, 36β, 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-36β, 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-36β and IL-37. The concentrations of IL-36α were increased in comparison with control group. The plasma concentrations of IL-36α and IL-36β 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-36β, and IL-37 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.