The Unknown Role of Periostin in Psoriatic Epidermal Hyperplasia

Abstract

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that affects 1–2% of the general population. The pathomechanism is based on type 1 immunological reactions. Hyperplasia of the epidermis in psoriasis is a result of disrupted epidermal architecture due to increased synthesis and expression of extracellular matrix proteins. In our study, we analyzed the involvement of periostin (POSTN) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, as one of the extracellular matrix proteins belonging to the fasciclin family. The study group consisted of 70 patients with psoriasis, while the control group comprised 30 healthy individuals. The serum concentrations of POSTN, Il-6, Il-17, Il-22, TNF-α and IFN-γ were measured in all participants. The severity of psoriasis was determined using the PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) score. The presence of POSTN in biopsy samples of 50 patients was assessed using the direct immunofluorescence method. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. The serum concentrations of POSTN, Il-6, Il-17, Il-22, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the study group are significantly higher than in the control group. Positive correlation has been demonstrated between the PASI score and the investigated cytokines, but not with POSTN. There was no statistically significant correlation between the POSTN level and the cytokines levels. POSTN deposits were localized in the epidermis in 66% of patients with psoriasis. The role of POSTN in the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains unclear. The mechanisms inducing the synthesis and expression of POSTN in psoriatic skin are not yet fully understood. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of the mechanism underlying epidermal hyperplasia in psoriasis.

High‐throughput proteomic analysis of chronic inflammatory skin diseases: Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

“…The latter finding is in agreement with previous results where only mild deposition of POSTN in the same dermal locations was reported in normal skin 44 . However, in two recent studies, POSTN was also found in the epidermis of PS patients, while the overall expression in relation to normal skin was reduced 45 or not evaluated 46 . Similarly to our findings, Wojciechowska et al.…”

“…44 However, in two recent studies, POSTN was also found in the epidermis of PS patients, while the overall expression in relation to normal skin was reduced 45 or not evaluated. 46 Similarly to our findings, Wojciechowska et al did not detect POSTN in the skin of a portion (34%) of the patients. 46 Due to these discrepancies, the role of POSTN in PS needs more attention as well as the herein reported differences with AD.…”

“…46 Similarly to our findings, Wojciechowska et al did not detect POSTN in the skin of a portion (34%) of the patients. 46 Due to these discrepancies, the role of POSTN in PS needs more attention as well as the herein reported differences with AD.…”