Correlation of NRF2 and Selenoprotein-P with psoriasis severity, nail, and joint involvement

Aim: Psoriasis is a chronic disease and its pathophysiology involves inflammation, abnormal keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal hyperproliferation. Oxidative stress and accumulation of reactive oxygen species also contribute to the pathogenesis. Selenoprotein-P, which has antioxidant properties, is a glycoprotein that transports selenium from the liver to tissues and Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2 Related Factor-2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that regulates cellular defense against oxidative stresses. We aim to examine the relationship between the levels of these antioxidant proteins and disease severity, nail and joint involvement in psoriasis patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 50 patients with psoriasis and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Patients were asked about family history and disease duration, and patients with an additional diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis were recorded. Patients were evaluated using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index and the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index. Serum Selenoprotein-P and NRF2 levels were measured and these parameters were compared between the patient and control groups and in the patient group according to severity. Results: Serum NRF2 levels in the patient group were significantly lower than in the control group (p=0.026) and no significant correlation was observed with joint involvement, nail involvement, disease duration, nail psoriasis severity index ((p=0.587), (p=0.197), (p=0.110, rho=-0.229), (p=0.120, rho=-0.223)). No significant difference was observed in serum Selenoprotein-P levels between the patient and control groups (p=0.788). No significant correlation was found between Selenoprotein-P and joint involvement, nail involvement and Psoriasis Area Severity Index ((p=0.506), (p=0.121), (p=0.062, rho=-0.266)). Conclusion: Serum NRF2 levels were found to be lower in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls, and no significant association was found with Selenoprotein-P. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of NRF2 suggest that deficiency of this protein may be effective in the development of the disease. However, more studies are needed due to the limited number of patients and lack of sufficient studies. These studies may contribute to diagnosis and treatment by elucidating the roles of NRF2 and Selenoprotein-P in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Keywords: İnflammation, NRF2, oxidation, psoriasis, Selenoprotein-P