Expression of P38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Pemphigus Patients and Its Correlation with Disease Subtypes and Activity

Objective: In contrast to healthy controls, we examined P38 MAPK levels in pemphigus patients with various subtypes in this study. Furthermore, this marker's association with disease activity and severity was studied. Methodology: Western blotting analysis was used to detect the P38 MAPK expression level in keratinocytes in 50 samples, 25 of which were from patients with pemphigus disease and 25 of which seemed to be healthy controls. The severity of the disease was assessed using the Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) score. Results: The mean age in the pemphigus group was 44.72±12.69 years. Most patients (60%) were female, and female-to-male ratio was 1.5:1. Of the subtypes of pemphigus, P. vulgaris was the most prevalent (76%). Although the extent and activity indices of the P. vulgaris subtype were somewhat higher than those of the P. foliaceus subtype, the differences were not statistically significant. According to the research, P38 MAPK levels were lower in pemphigus patients than in the control group. No significant associations were found between this marker and other disease subtypes or clinical indicators. Conclusion: P38 MAPK is downregulated in those who have pemphigus. It is neither significantly involved in the classification of pemphigus disease nor in the severity of the disease. Still, it may be implicated in the pathophysiology of pemphigus subtypes and may be a predictive marker of disease progression.