Evaluation of Cathelicidin (LL-37) Serum Levels Among Iraqi Psoriatic Patients and Its Association with Disease Severity and Complications

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition distinguished by inflammation and the rapid proliferation of skin cells, leading to scaly, red patches. Methods: A case-control study was executed on 110 individuals, the patient’s group, which included 60 psoriatic patients with a mean age of (37.23 ± 8.26) years old, and 50 volunteers without psoriasis were control group, with a mean age of (35.32 ± 7.53) years old. Study was implemented at Merjan Teaching Hospital in Hilla City, Babylon Province. The data were collected from October 2024 to January 2025.Blood specimens were obtained from all research participants after acquiring verbal permission. ELISA measured the concentration of LL-37 in serum from (Bioassay Technology Laboratory Co/ China). Results: the mean levels of LL-37 were significantly elevated in psoriasis individuals compared to that of control subjects (p=0.001). Also, the mean levels of LL-37 were significantly associated with psoriatic severity (p=0.026). In contrast, the mean levels of LL-37 were non-significantly associated with complications. Conclusion: Serum level of LL-37 was significantly elevated in psoriasis patients and significantly associated with the severity; therefore, it could be used as a predictor of psoriasis progression and severity.