Serum elafin as a potential inflammatory marker in psoriasis

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a distressing chronic skin disease. Its exact pathogenesis is still unclear, as many factors interplay in its occurrence. AIM: The aim of the study is to estimate elafin levels in the serum of both cases and controls and to correlate the levels with psoriasis severity and other markers of inflammation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six psoriatic cases along with 26 healthy controls were assigned in this case-control study. Psoriasis severity was determined by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Elafin levels were measured by ELISA in serum of both cases and controls. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured in the cases. RESULTS: Elafin levels show highly statistical significance difference (P < 0.001) between cases and controls. There is a statistical significant correlation between elafin levels and both psoriasis severity and inflammation markers as CRP and ESR. CONCLUSION: Elafin represents a mirror for psoriasis severity and inflammatory state.