Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) is a biomarker of severity of joint involvement in psoriatic arthritis

Abstract

IntroductionPsoriasis is an inflammatory disease of a complex pathogenesis and arthritis is one of its most common complications. The biological role of chitinase-3-like protein 1 remains unknown. It is suggested that this protein takes part in processes such as proliferation, inflammation and tissue remodelling.AimTo determine whether YKL-40 can be a useful biomarker in psoriatic arthritis.Material and methodsThe study was performed on 42 patients with psoriatic arthritis: 28 men and 14 women, aged from 24 to 71 years. All patients met the diagnostic criteria (CASPAR) for psoriatic arthritis. The severity of psoriatic arthritis was assessed using 28-joint Disease Activity Score with CRP. The assessment of skin lesions was performed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and, additionally, the Body Surface Area (BSA) was calculated. Blood samples were taken to measure the serum concentration of YKL-40, as well as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count and neutrophil count.ResultsYKL-40 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with psoriatic arthritis, compared to the control group. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between the activity of psoriatic arthritis measured by DAS 28 and serum level of YKL-40 was found. There was a positive correlation between serum YKL-40 and BSA, as well as a distinct trend towards significance between YKL-40 and PASI score.ConclusionsYKL-40 can be a useful biomarker for both diagnosing and monitoring joint involvement in psoriatic patients.

Proteomic Analysis of Synovial Fibroblasts and Articular Chondrocytes Co-Cultures Reveals Valuable VIP-Modulated Inflammatory and Degradative Proteins in Osteoarthritis

“…In addition, CHI3L1 is positively associated with inflammation and cartilage destruction mediators in OA [ 42 ]. All in all, CHI3L1 represents a potential biomarker in several pathologies, including rheumatic diseases, such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, RA, and OA [ 43 , 44 ].…”

The role of YKL-40 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases: a comprehensive review

“…Psoriasis has high prevalence and demonstrates chronic progress without a definite cure, making it more challenging to deal with. Through PubMed search, a total of 11 studies were found to discuss the relationship between psoriasis and YKL-40 (chitinase-3-like protein 1, CHI3L1, human cartilage glycoprotein-39) (Table 2) [64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74]. Most of them showed a positive association between psoriasis and YKL-40 [64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72], while 2 studies reported negative or no association [73,74].…”

“…Ahmed S et al stated that sYKL-40 level might be used for evaluating disease activity and angiogenesis in patients with psoriasis [66]. YKL-40 could also be helpful for diagnosing and monitoring patients with psoriatic arthritis as an inflammatory marker [67,68]. Salomon et al stated that an increased YKL-40 level reflects the presence of systemic inflammation rather than cutaneous lesions [67] and found its correlation with the severity of psoriatic arthritis, which was scored with 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) in the study [68].…”

Chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (YKL‐40): novel biomarker of lichen planus

“…However, some studies report that YKL‐40 is integrated into both innate and adaptive type 2 immune mechanisms and suggest its role in inflammation, angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and cell proliferation . Since the role of this protein has already been evaluated in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and Behcet's disease, we have decided to explore similar issues in LP . According to our knowledge, no previous study was concerned with YKL‐40 in LP, and the current study is the first one to examine this issue.…”