Serum neuroinflammatory markers’ levels and evaluation of peripheral large nerve fibre function in patients with psoriasis

Objective: Currently, tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are widely used all over the world, especially in the treatment of severe psoriasis. However, multiple sclerosis (MS) and peripheral neuropathy occurrence associated with TNF-α inhibitors have been reported in the treatment of patients with psoriasis. It is not known whether TNF-α inhibitors reveal underlying neurological disorders in patients with psoriasis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between psoriasis and MS or peripheral neuropathy. Methods: In this study, 50 psoriasis patients and 25 healthy controls were enrolled. Neurological examination and needle electromyography test were performed. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), S-100 calcium-binding protein (S100B) and neuron specific enolase (NSE), which are involved in neuroinflammatory process, were measured. Results: Serum MMP-9 levels were higher in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls. Serum MMP-2 and NSE levels were decreased in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls. There was no significant difference in S100B levels between two groups. All neurophysiological parameters in each individual patient and control were found to be within normal limits and there was no difference between groups. Conclusion: NSE and MMP-9 might play role in the occurrence of MS in psoriasis patients. Especially, we are in the opinion that it might be useful to measure the serum levels of these markers before the administration of TNF-α inhibitors in psoriasis patients with family history of MS.