Tumour necrosis factor like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) in serum and tissue of patient with psoriasis vulgaris

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that varies in severity; it affects 2–3% of the population. Tumour necrosis factor like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is an important regulator of multiple proinflammatory cytokines through engagement with its sole receptor, fibroblast growth factor inducible 14 (Fn14) receptor. TWEAK/Fn14 signals are important in regulating cell function and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Inflammatory responses and tissue injuries can enhance TWEAK and Fn14 expression and activation which induces cytokine production, recruits inflammatory cells and regulates cell fate, whether proliferation or apoptosis. TWEAK/Fn14 signals assumed to be participated in the progression of psoriasis vulgaris.
Objectives: to estimate the level of TWEAK in serum and tissue of psoriasis vulgaris .
Patients and methods: This case-control study was done on 50 subjects (25 psoriasis vulgaris patients and 25 apparently healthy subjects as controls). Serum and tissue TWEAK levels were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. All patients were subjected to detailed medical history general and local clinical examination and calculation of PASI score for each patient.
Results: tissue and serum TWEAK was significantly higher in patients than controls. Tissue TWEAK was significantly higher than serum TWEAK in patient group. No correlation was detected between tissue and serum TWEAK levels with any of the demographic data, clinical data, PASI score or severity of the disease.
Conclusion: TWEAK plays an important role in pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris