Nail Psoriasis Association With IL-17

According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, nail psoriasis could be associated with an elevation of IL-17.

Researchers aimed to evaluate serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, specifically tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-17, in patients with nail psoriasis compared to those without nail involvement and non-psoriatic healthy controls.

The study included adult patients with psoriasis and nail involvement (Group I, n = 30), adult patients without nail involvement (Group II, n = 30), and non-psoriatic healthy controls (Group III, n = 20). Severity of nail disease was assessed using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) score, while cutaneous disease severity was measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-17, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody were evaluated for all groups.

Results indicated that Group I patients (with nail involvement) were older on average (41 ± 12.6 years) compared to Group II (30 ± 12.4 years, P = 0.017) and had higher median PASI scores, although not statistically significant (10 ± 11.41 vs 6.50 ± 5.46, P = 0.275). Serum IL-17 levels were significantly elevated in Group I (113.39 ± 251.30 pg/mL) compared to Group II (27.91 ± 18.22 pg/mL, P = 0.002) and Group III (25.67 ± 12.08 pg/mL, P = 0.005). A weak positive correlation was observed between NAPSI and serum IL-17 levels (Spearman's Rho = 0.355, P = 0.054), whereas a poor correlation was found between serum IL-17 and PASI in Group I (Spearman's Rho = 0.13, P = 0.944). Group II showed a significant negative correlation between IL-17 and PASI (Spearman's Rho = -0.368, P = 0.045). TNF-α levels were below detection thresholds, preventing meaningful comparison.

“This can help choose appropriate drugs and estimate drug response in patients with nail psoriasis,” the authors concluded.

Reference
Bhoi AK, Grover C, Singal A, Kashyap B, Dibyashree. Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in patients with nail psoriasis: a cross-sectional study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. Published online May 4, 2024. doi:10.25259/IJDVL_367_2023