Claudin‐3 – a new intestinal integrity marker in patients with psoriasis: association with disease severity

Abstract

Background Gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability play a significant role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its comorbidities. Claudin-3 is a key component of tight junctions, which may serve as marker of gut barrier integrity.Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate circulating plasma claudin-3 in patients with psoriasis and to evaluate clinical and metabolic factors, which determine its concentration.Methods This cross-sectional study included 60 patients with psoriasis (39 men and 21 women, mean age: 45.6 AE 12.1 years) and 30 healthy controls (18 men and 12 women, mean age: 46.3 AE 15.5 years) age, sex and body mass index-matched. Plasma claudin-3 concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Plasma claudin-3 concentration was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis in comparison with healthy control [median (interquartile range), 50.7 ng/mL (47.3-54.2) vs. 43.3 ng/mL (42.3-44.2), P < 0.001]. Patients who achieved DPASI90 response after 16 weeks of treatment showed tendency to decrease in circulating claudin-3 plasma concentration. Positive correlations between claudin-3 concentration and the PASI score (r = 0.828; P < 0.001) as well as claudin-3 and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.847; P < 0.001) were found. A multivariable linear regression analysis confirmed association of claudin-3 with the PASI score (P < 0.001), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.01) and active smoking (P < 0.05).Conclusion Claudin-3, a biomarker for gut permeability, is increased in psoriasis and correlates with disease severity and smoking. Further investigations are needed to determine whether reinforcing intestinal barrier may be a new therapeutic target in psoriasis.

Trimethylamine N-Oxide, a Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolite, Is Associated with Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

“…Our previous study confirmed altered intestinal barrier integrity in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis [16][17][18]. The disrupted gut barrier may promote translocation of bacterial metabolites into the systemic circulation.…”

Gut Microbiome in Psoriasis: An Updated Review

“…In complex interactions in the gut-skin axis, psoriasis severity should also be considered in addition to the microbiome and intestinal barrier. It has been shown that Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index (PASI) positively correlates with the blood concentration of intestinal barrier damage biomarkers [46,47]. Much less is known about the potential relationship between the composition of gut microbiome and the severity of psoriasis.…”

Assessment of Serum Level of Claudin‐3 and Its Association with Disease Severity in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

“…In addition, claudin-3 level increased gradually with increased severity grades. A multivariate linear regression analysis conducted by Sikora et al (35) confirmed association of claudin-3 with the PASI score (P < 0.001) and active smoking (P < 0.05). Interestingly, no significant associations were found by us regarding Claudin-3 level according to gender, nutritional status, family history, in our psoriasis group.…”

“…In the current study, claudin-3 level showed significant positive correlation with PASI score but not with age, BMI, BP, lipid profile, onset, duration. Similarly, Sikora et al (35) found positive correlation between claudin-3 concentration and the PASI score (r = 0.828; P < 0.001) also no association with BMI was found (r = 0.099; P = 0.45).…”

“…A multivariate linear regression analysis was carried out by Sikora et al (35) . They introduced all variables into the analysis, the PASI score (β coefficient: 0.608; P < 0.001) and smoking (β coefficient: 0.165; P < 0.05) were independently associated with higher claudin-3 concentration in patients with psoriasis.…”