Evaluation of tissue and serum lipocalin 2 in psoriasis vulgaris and its implications on subclinical atherosclerosis

Abstract

Lipocalin‐2 (LCN2) has been identified as an adipokine but its role in psoriasis has not been fully elucidated. The study aimed to evaluate serum and tissue levels of LCN2 in patients with plaque‐type psoriasis and its correlation with C‐reactive protein (CRP), disease duration, severity, and subclinical atherosclerosis. Thirty patients with psoriasis and another 15 healthy age and sex matching controls were included and LCN2 was assessed in serum and tissue from patients and controls. Total lipid profile and high‐sensitivity CRP were also measured. Carotid artery intima media thickness was determined by using high‐resolution mode ultrasound in both patients and controls. Results showed statistically higher serum and tissue levels of LCN2 in patients than controls (p = .009 and p = .025, respectively). A significant difference in the right and left IMT was noted between patients and controls (p = .02 and p = .04). In conclusion, patients with psoriasis are found to be at increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Impact of Chronic Inflammation in Psoriasis on Bone Metabolism

“…S100A9 stimulates directly the differentiation of monocytes to osteoclasts as well as indirectly by induction of IL-6 and RANKL production via engagement with RAGE and TLR4 signaling in osteocytes (53,54) Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) is an antimicrobial protein as well as adipokine associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Serum Lcn2 levels and tissue Lcn2 expression are elevated in psoriatic patients and correlate with the severity of itching (55,56). Lcn2 is highly expressed in psoriatic skin by neutrophils and keratinocytes driving the infiltration of neutrophils and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET).…”

“…Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) is an antimicrobial protein as well as adipokine associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Serum Lcn2 levels and tissue Lcn2 expression are elevated in psoriatic patients and correlate with the severity of itching ( 55 , 56 ). Lcn2 is highly expressed in psoriatic skin by neutrophils and keratinocytes driving the infiltration of neutrophils and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET).…”