Gasdermin B and Interleukin-17 Gene Expression in Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Case–Control Study

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic immune-mediated skin disorder characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and T-cell-driven inflammation. Recent evidence suggests a potential role of gasdermin family proteins, particularly Gasdermin B (GSDMB), and the proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in its pathogenesis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the gene expression levels of GSDMB and Interleukin-17A in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and explore their relationship with disease severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control study included 150 subjects: 75 patients with plaque psoriasis and 75 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Disease severity was assessed using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed on peripheral blood samples to measure GSDMB and IL-17A mRNA expression. RESULTS: The expression levels of both GSDMB and IL-17A were significantly elevated in psoriasis patients compared with controls ( P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively). Higher gene expression levels were observed in cases with severe psoriasis, with significant correlations between GSDMB and PASI (r = 0.336, P = 0.003), and IL-17A and PASI (r = 0.260, P = 0.024). A strong positive association was also noted between GSDMB and IL-17A expression (r = 0.327, P = 0.004). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and estimation of gene expression in blood, not in skin lesions. CONCLUSION: Psoriasis vulgaris is associated with significant upregulation of GSDMB and IL-17A gene expression. These markers may serve as reliable indicators of disease presence and severity, supporting their potential role as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in psoriasis.