Serum Fatty Acid Binding protein 5 (FABP5) as a Potential Biomarker of Inflammation in Psoriasis.

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease with cardiometabolic comorbidities. Fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) is elevated in human psoriatic keratinocytes and could be potentially involved in systemic metabolic disturbances. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum FABP5 in psoriatic patients, to assess the relationship between FABP5 and the duration, severity of the disease, inflammatory and metabolic markers and influence of treatment with narrowband - ultraviolet B (NB-UVB). Methods: Seventy four patients with active plaque-type psoriasis and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Thirty patients were treated with NB-UVB. Patients were divided into subgroups based on their disease severity measured by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Body Mass Index (BMI). The serum concentrations of FABP5 were measured using commercially available Human FABP5 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Total serum fatty acids content and composition was measured by gas–liquid chromatography. Results: Serum FABP5 levels in psoriatic patients (both obese and non-obese) were higher versus control group (P <0.001). FABP5 in patients with PASI >20 was higher compared to the mild group (PASI <10) (P <0.001) and serum FABP5 correlated positively with PASI score (r=0.41, P <0.001). There was also positive correlation between FABP5 and basic inflammation indices: C-reactive protein, white blood cell count and the platelet count. Decrease of PASI after NB-UVB treatment (P <0.001) was observed and accompanied by decrease of the serum FABP5 (P=0.007). Conclusion: FABP5 is a potential marker of psoriasis, its severity and clinical outcome after therapy with NB-UVB. FABP5 may reflect metabolic disturbances and might be the missing link between psoriasis and metabolic disturbances.