Intestinal barrier integrity in patients with plaque psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease.
• Gut microbiota dysbiosis and impaired gut barrier function are implicated in chronic inflammatory conditions.
• Maintaining gut homeostasis is crucial for overall health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate non-invasive markers of intestinal barrier integrity in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
• To compare levels of claudin-3 and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) between psoriasis patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to measure serum concentrations of claudin-3 and I-FABP.
• Blood samples were collected from 20 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 20 healthy individuals.
• Claudin-3 and I-FABP levels were analyzed as indicators of intestinal epithelial tight junction structure and enterocyte damage, respectively.

Main Results:

• Patients with psoriasis exhibited significantly higher concentrations of claudin-3 compared to healthy controls (median, 54.07 vs 42.36 ng/mL; P < 0.001).
• Elevated plasma I-FABP levels were observed in psoriasis patients (median, 708.8 vs 147.1 pg/mL; P < 0.05), indicating increased enterocyte damage.
• These findings support a link between psoriasis and compromised intestinal barrier function.

Conclusions:

• Intestinal barrier dysfunction, characterized by increased claudin-3 and I-FABP, is associated with psoriasis.
• These alterations may disrupt the balance between gut microbiota and the immune system, contributing to psoriasis pathogenesis.
• Further research into modulating intestinal permeability could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for psoriasis.