Correlation Between Vaspin Gene Polymorphism and Serum Vaspin Levels in Psoriasis Vulgaris and Its Relation to Pathogenesis and Risk of the Disease

Psoriasis can present at any age. However, the disease onset appears to follow a bimodal distribution, peaking around 20-30 years of age and again around 50-60 years of age.

Psoriasis is a common skin disease characterized clinically by formation of erythematous and scaly plaques at different sites affecting mainly the extensor prominences, scalp, the lumbosacral area and the sites of trauma. It is a lifelong disease with spontaneous remissions and exacerbations.

The exact etiology is unknown, but it is considered to be an autoimmune disease mediated by T lymphocytes. It is considered the most prevalent T-cell-mediated inflammatory disease in human beings, in which, keratinocytes in focal skin regions are stimulated to proliferate with activation of the immune system mediated by primed T-lymphocytes.

There is an association of HLA antigens seen in many psoriatic patients, particularly in various racial and ethnic groups. Familial occurrence suggests its genetic predisposition .

The pathophysiology of psoriasis involves infiltration of the skin by activated T cells which stimulate the proliferation of keratinocytes. This dysregulation in keratinocyte turnover results in the formation of thick plaques. Other associated features include epidermal hyperplasia and parakeratosis. There are several treatment options available for mild psoriasis, including topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, calcineurin inhibitors, keratolytics, and targeted phototherapy.