Evaluation of serum survivin level and its prognostic value in pemphigus vulgaris patients

Background Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare chronic autoimmune blistering dermatosis. Keratinocyte apoptosis is known to be one of the mechanisms involved in PV pathogenesis. Survivin is a member of the apoptosis inhibitor protein family, which can inhibit apoptosis as well as regulate the division and proliferation of the cell. Objective To assess the serum survivin potential role in PV pathogenesis and to evaluate its possible prognostic value during treatment. Patients and methods Twenty-five active PV patients and 25 age, sex, and BMI-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The survivin serum level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the patient group at the baseline in comparison to the control group. This was repeated for the patient group after disease control. Results The baseline mean serum survivin level in PV patients (88.13 pg/ml) was significantly lower ( P <0.001) in comparison to healthy participants (154.5 pg/ml), and there was a significant increase in its level in the patient group following treatment (138.8 pg/ml) ( P <0.001). Survivin level was inversely correlated with disease severity and disease control duration. Conclusion Survivin may have a role in PV pathogenesis, and it can be of prognostic value for disease severity and control.