Abstract
Psoriasis, an immune-mediated chronic papulosquamous skin disease, has a complex pathogenesis involving various inflammatory cells, keratinocytes, and vascular endothelial cells. These cells interact with each other through secondary messengers such as cytokines and growth factors. Syndecans (SDCs) are cell membrane proteoglycans that act as receptors or coreceptors that mediate interactions between the cell and the extracellular environment. These molecules may play a role in cytokine-mediated signaling in psoriasis pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate serum SDC1, SDC4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, and IL-17A levels in patients with psoriasis. Forty patients with psoriasis and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. Disease severity was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The patients’ medical history, comorbidities, and laboratory findings were documented. Serum SDC1, SDC4, TNF-α, and IL-17A levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The psoriasis group showed higher serum levels of SDC1 and SDC4 compared with controls. Serum SDC1 was positively correlated with disease severity and C-reactive protein. Serum TNF-α and IL-17A were higher in the psoriasis group than in the controls, and a positive correlation was found between serum IL-17A and SDC4 in the psoriasis group. Elevated serum SDC1 and SDC4 in patients and their correlation with disease severity and other inflammatory markers suggest that these molecules may be involved in psoriasis pathogenesis.