Serum soluble endoglin, IL-13, and IL-23 in psoriatic patients in Basra, Iraq

Psoriasis (PsO) is a persistent inflammatory skin condition. PsO exhibits similar immunologic and genetic characteristics to other autoimmune inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Endoglin (ENG), a 180 kDa pr o tein is located on the cells ’ surface and acts as a co-receptor for the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β superfamily. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is known for its importance as a modulator of Th2 immune responses. It was discovered that Th17 cells express the IL-13 receptor, and it has been observed that IL-13 inhibits the production of IL-17 in these cells. IL-23 promotes survival and prolif e ration of Th17 cells, and thus serves as a key master cytokine regulator for these diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum level of ENG, IL-13, and IL-23 in PsO patients compared to the control group. We conducted a case control study in which 80 patients with Ps O and 80 age and sex-matched apparently healthy controls were recruited. The s erum level of the aforeme n tioned markers was measured by ELISA. All the measured markers showed significant difference in patients with PsO when co m pared to control group. A positive significant correlation was observed between IL-13 and IL-23. sENG showed significant diffe r ence with treatment type, IL-13 and IL-23 showed significant difference with PASI score and treatment type. IL-23 also showed significant difference with PsO duration. The study suggested that ENG may have a potential role in the pathophysiology of PsO. IL-13 and IL-23 have significant relation with PsO; however, they did not have a correlation with ENG.