Inflammation-Related Markers in Pediatric Psoriasis: Resistin as a Potential Marker of Psoriasis Severity

Background/Objective: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Studies on adult population have confirmed that there is an association between psoriasis and metabolic as well as cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory potential and the association of psoriasis with metabolic and cardiovascular risk by analyzing serum concentrations of homocysteine, adiponectin, resistin, leptin, and pentraxin 3 in pediatric patients with psoriasis. Additionally, the study explored correlations between these biomarkers and psoriasis severity. Methods: The study included 75 pediatric patients (47 girls and 28 boys) aged 2-17 years with clinically confirmed psoriasis. In addition, 28 healthy children (15 girls and 13 boys) without psoriasis, metabolic or inflammatory diseases made up the control group. Psoriasis severity was evaluated using the scales psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and the body surface area (BSA). Serum concentrations of homocysteine, adiponectin, pentraxin 3, resistin, and leptin were measured in both groups. Results: Children with psoriasis exhibited higher serum levels of homocysteine, resistin, leptin, and pentraxin 3 and lower serum levels of adiponectin compared to the control group. A positive correlation was observed between resistin serum concentration and psoriasis severity. Elevated resistin levels were associated with higher PASI and BSA scores. Conclusions: Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that is potentially linked to metabolic disorders. Resistin may serve as a biomarker for psoriasis severity; however, this relationship requires further research.