Higher Levels of Autoantibodies Targeting Mutated Citrullinated Vimentin in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis Than in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

Abstract

Antibodies against citrullinated proteins/peptides (ACPAs), and especially antibodies targeting mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCVs), are novel biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Whereas ACPAs are specific and sensitive markers for RA, there have hardly been any reports relating to ACPAs in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or in psoriasis without joint symptoms (PsO). The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of anti-MCVs in PsA and PsO. Serum anti-MCV titers were measured in 46 PsA and 42 PsO patients and in 40 healthy controls by means of a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The potential correlations of the serum autoantibody levels with several clinical and laboratory parameters were examined. The anti-MCV levels in the PsA patients were significantly higher than those in the PsO group. Among the clinical variables, the presence of tender knee joints and nail psoriasis was significantly associated with anti-MCV positivity in the PsA patients. Higher anti-MCV titers in the PsO patients were associated with a more severe disease course and with the early onset of psoriatic skin symptoms. Our results suggest that anti-MCVs can be used as novel markers in the diagnosis of PsA and in a subset of PsO patients.

Increased circulating anti‐α6‐integrin autoantibodies in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis but not in rheumatoid arthritis

“…This observation is well in line with the study of Dalm ady et al where similar inverse correlation between the level of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin and the age of Ps onset was detected, while this correlation was not seen in the PsA group. 24 Our study provides evidence for the presence of anti-a6integrin antibodies in psoriasis. Whether the observed autoantibody production is exclusively a result of the pathomechanism or it excites the development of the disease still remains unclear, and requires further elucidation.…”

“…This observation is well in line with the study of Dalmády et al . where similar inverse correlation between the level of anti‐mutated citrullinated vimentin and the age of Ps onset was detected, while this correlation was not seen in the PsA group …”

“…Recent studies have shown the presence of antibodies against the protease inhibitor calpastatin, anti‐stratum corneum antibodies, antithyroid microsomal antibodies, antinuclear antibodies and anti‐dsDNA antibodies in Ps patients, and concluded that latent autoimmune disease may develop in Ps patients, without any clinical symptoms resulting from the formation of these antibodies . The presence of the anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody has also been demonstrated in patients with Ps and PsA . However, no specific autoantibody was identified to be characteristic of all patients with psoriasis.…”

“…[7][8][9]22,23 The presence of the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody has also been demonstrated in patients with Ps and PsA. 10,24 However, no specific autoantibody was identified to be characteristic of all patients with psoriasis. It is also unclear whether the autoantibodies present in psoriasis are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.…”

Autoantibodies in inflammatory arthritis

“…Carbamylation may thus be relevant in inducing autoimmunity in PsA, and given its systemic effects, it may represent a trigger for metabolic pathways such as anaerobic cysteine metabolism and oxidative stress in PsA [183]. Authors investigated the prevalence of anti-MCV in PsA patients and reported that anti-MCV levels were significantly higher in PsA patients than those in patients with psoriasis [184]. Moreover, the presence of tender knee joints and nail psoriasis resulted significantly associated with anti-MCV positivity in the PsA group [184].…”