Background:

Being one of the antibodies against citrullinated proteins/peptides (ACPA), anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) is specific for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Additionally, high anti-MCV levels were detected in some arthritis related diseases. There are limited reported data about ACPAs in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). To our knowledge, only one study has examined anti-MCV antibodies in psoriasis which shares common etiopathogenesis with PsA. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of anti-MCV antibodies in psoriasis and PsA pathogenesis.

Material and Methods:

Serum anti-MCV levels were measured in 28 patients with psoriasis; 21 patients with PsA and 28 healty contols by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We correlated anti-MCV levels with disease duration, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), clinical variables, treatment courses and smoking habits.

Results:

The median titers of anti-MCV antibodies were 36.16 U / ml (0.99- 136.62 U / mL) in psoriasis group, 89.54 U / mL (5.39 - 907.44) in PsA group and 39.07 U / mL (2.41 - 391.08) in the control group. The Anti-MCV levels were significantly higher in patients with PsA than patients with psoriasis (p = 0.003). Although it was not statistically significant, anti-MCV levels were higher in patients with PsA than those in control group (p = 0.065). There were no significant correlation of anti-MCV levels with disease durations, disease activity variables, nail involvement, and treatment courses.

Conclusion:

Anti-MCV antibodies are not related with the disease duration, severity or treatment modalities. Our results show that anti-MCV antibodies has not a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Anti- MCV antibodies might have a role in the development of arthritis in psoriasis as the anti-MCV levels were significantly higher in patients with PsA than patients with psoriasis. Future researchs are needed to show the definite role of anti-MCV in pathogenesis of psoriasis and PsA and clinical importance of this marker.

Keywords: Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Anti Modified Citrullinated Vimentin