Biologic Treatment Elevates Dual Specificity Phosphatase 22 in Psoriasis

A study published the Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis found that dual specificity phosphatase 22 (DUSP22) decreases and negatively correlates with disease activity in psoriasis. Additionally, its longitudinal elevation reflected satisfactory treatment response in patients with psoriasis over time.

The study authors aimed to find the correlation between DUSP22 and clinical features and treatment outcomes in patients with psoriasis. They noted while DUSP22 plays a major role in the regulation of immune and inflammation in psoriasis, this study was to investigate its longitudinal change over time in patients with psoriasis.

They recruited 120 patients with psoriasis, as well as 50 patients had other skin inflammations as disease controls (DCs) and another 50 patients as health controls (HCs). During baseline months (M) 1, 3, and 6, serum samples were collected from patients with psoriasis after initiation of etanercept-based treatment in addition to samples from DCs and HCs after enrollment to assess DUSP22 level by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Researchers found that patients with psoriasis showed lower DUSP22 compared with HCs and DCs. Additionally, DUSP22 was linked to lower Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and systemic biological treatment history; however, other demographics, disease characteristics, or treatment history were not included. Authors also noted that DUSP22 was increased with time in total patients.

They found that “DUSP22 at M3 (P=.004) and M6 (P<.001) was higher in response patients than in non-response patients evaluated by PASI 75. Additionally, DUSP22 at M3 (P<.001) and M6 (P=.003) was also increased in response patients compared with non-response patients evaluated by PASI 90.” They concluded that DUSP22 was decreased and negatively correlated with psoriasis disease activity, with long-term treatment showing elevation in patients with psoriasis who responded to therapy.

Reference
E C, Fang Y, Wu S, Meng Z, Qin G, Yang J. Dual specificity phosphatase 22 relates to skin lesion degree and biologics history, while its longitudinal elevation during treatment reflects better outcome in psoriasis patients. J Clin Lab Anal. Published online December 31, 2021. doi:10.1002/jcla.24199