Serum concentration of endocan, fetuin-A, and endothelin in plaque psoriasis – coincidence or fate? A preliminary study

Introduction
Psoriasis vulgaris is one of the most common dermatoses. Increased prevalence of metabolic abnormalities coexisting with psoriasis vulgaris is caused by systemic inflammation. One feature of inflammation is endothelial dysfunction, which appears to be responsible for these comorbidities. In recent years several markers of endothelial dysfunction have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris, from which endocan, fetuin-A, and endothelin-1 seem most reliable. Objective. To determine whether endocan, fetuin-A, and endothelin-1 could serve as biomarkers of psoriasis vulgaris, and their relationship with the disease severity and metabolic abnormalities observed in psoriasis vulgaris.

Material and methods
The study group consisted of 60 patients with psoriasis and 28 patients with non-psoriatic skin diseases, who served as controls. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and Body Surface Area were assessed. Waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose, lipid profile and serum endothelin-1, fetuin-A, and endocan levels were determined in both groups.

Results
There were no significant differences in blood pressure, waist circumference, concentration of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density-lipoprotein, and endothelin-1 between the groups. The body mass index, endocan, triglycerides, and fasting glucose were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis compared to the control group, while the concentration of fetuin-A was significantly higher in the control group.

Conclusions
The results obtained in the study indicate a possible role of fetuin-A and endocan in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its metabolic comorbidities.