Estimation of tissue and serum lipocalin-2 in psoriasis vulgaris and its relation to metabolic syndrome

Significance of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) for the Monitoring of Treatment Response to Cyclosporine in Patients with Psoriasis

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) may promote development of inflammation in psoriasis, whereas proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) may account for dyslipidemia in some psoriatic patients. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of cyclosporine therapy on serum levels of NGAL and PCSK9 in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

METHODS

Serum samples were obtained before and after three months cyclosporine therapy. Patients were grouped into responders and non-responders to cyclosporine depending on whether they achieved at least 50% reduction of Psoriatic Activity Score Index (PASI), or not. Serum levels of PCSK9 and NGAL were assayed using commercially available ELISA tests. Lipid levels were measured with an enzymatic method.

RESULTS

There were 40 patients enrolled. A significant decrease in serum NGAL level was seen in cyclosporine responders. No similar dependance was found for PCSK9. Serum PCSK9 concentration correlated with total cholesterol (TChol) and LDL at baseline and after three month treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclosporine therapy contributes to the reduction of the NGAL serum but not the PCSK9 concentration. Correlation between the PCSK9 serum level and TChol as well as LDL concentration may help to understand drug induced dyslipidemia after cyclosporine.

Banzhilian formula alleviates psoriasis-like lesions via the LCN2/MMP-9 axis based on transcriptome analysis

Introduction: Oral Banzhilian formula (BZLF) is effective in the clinical treatment of psoriasis. However, the effectiveness and mechanism of different drug delivery routes deserve further study. Methods: First, we established the mouse model of psoriasis using imiquimod (IMQ), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the quality control of BZLF. Secondly, Total RNA Sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were used to explore the regulatory mechanism of BZLF in improving psoriatic lesions. Finally, further verification was based on animal experiments. Results: we externally applied BZLF for skin lesions in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model and found that BZLF alleviated psoriasis-like skin lesions while inhibiting the expression of Ki67 and inflammatory factors (Il17a, Tnf-α, S100a7 and Cxcl1) in skin lesions. Transcriptome sequencing results suggested that BZLF inhibited signalling pathways closely related to psoriatic inflammation, such as the IL-17 signalling pathway, chemokine signalling pathway, TNF signalling pathway, and NF-kappa B signalling pathway, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network identified LCN2 as one of the core target genes and screened out its regulated downstream gene MMP9. Discussion: Our findings suggest that the anti-psoriatic mechanism of BZLF involved in downregulating the LCN2/MMP-9 axis.

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin as Potential Predictive Biomarker of Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers in Psoriatic Patients: A Pilot Study

Background: Studies have demonstrated a higher risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and a modestly increased melanoma risk in patients with psoriasis. To date, no biomarkers predictive of evolution have been identified yet. Methods: The aim of this prospective case-control study was to investigate the potential role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a predictive biomarker of skin cancers in psoriatic patients. Patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis were enrolled, as well as healthy subjects and patients with skin cancers as controls. Plasma protein expression of NGAL, metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 was performed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In all the patients who developed skin cancer at follow-up, NGAL, MMP-2, and MMP-9 serum levels were dosed again. Results: Plasma NGAL levels were significantly higher in psoriatic patients with NMSC than without (182.3 ± 36.6 ng/mL vs. 139.9 ± 39.3 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Plasma NGAL levels were significantly higher (p < 0.00001) in patients with psoriasis and NMSC than in patients with skin tumors without psoriasis (182.3 vs. 122.9). Patients with psoriasis who developed NMSC at follow-up showed increased plasma MMP-9 levels. Conclusion: NGAL seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of NMSC but not melanoma in patients with psoriasis.

Lipocalin 2 Participates in the Epidermal Differentiation and Inflammatory Processes of Psoriasis

As a multifunctional cytokine, lipocalin 2 is weakly expressed in skin and serum under normal conditions. However, it is over-expressed by neutrophils and keratinocytes in the skin lesions and sera in several skin diseases. Recent studies demonstrated that lipocalin 2 participates in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by exerting versatile effects on skin resident cells and infiltrating immune cells. Lipocalin 2 inhibits the synthesis of keratin, involucrin, and loricrin in keratinocytes, leading to epidermal parakeratosis via the Tcf7l1-lipocalin 2 signaling axis. It also recruits inflammatory cells such as T cells and neutrophils into skin lesions via the IL-23/IL17, p38-MAPK, and ERK-1/2 signaling pathways. Additionally, lipocalin 2 and other cytokines such as IL-17 have the synergetic effects on skin cells. The neutralization of lipocalin 2 or relevant cytokines can alleviate psoriasis, verifying that lipocalin 2 is an effective interfering target for psoriasis. In this review, we summarize the roles of lipocalin 2 in the processes of psoriatic inflammation and the promising therapeutic strategies based on lipocalin 2-related molecules.

miR-383 reduces keratinocyte proliferation and induces the apoptosis in psoriasis via disruption of LCN2-dependent JAK/STAT pathway activation

Psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing disorder with considerable negative effects on patients' quality of life. The finer details associated with the molecular mechanism of psoriasis and its pathogenesis remain somewhat elusive. Extensive studies have highlighted the crucial role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the development of psoriasis. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of miR-383 on a psoriasis rat model and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. The rat psoriasis model was established via imiquimod (IMQ) induction followed by verification of miR-383 and LCN2 expression in the skin tissues of the models. ELISA was conducted to determine the secretion of inflammatory factors. Keratinocyte proliferation and apoptosis was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometric analysis. Down-regulation of miR-383 and up-regulation of LCN2 were detected in the psoriasis rat model. Our data indicated that miR-383 targeted LCN2 by binding to its 3'UTR and inhibited JAK/STAT pathway activation. Notably, miR-383 overexpression or LCN2 knockdown attenuated psoriasis-like symptoms, suppressed inflammatory response, reduced the expression of JAK3 and STAT3, ceased keratinocyte proliferation, and promoted the apoptosis. The findings of our study suggest that miR-383 may inhibit LCN2 and inactivate the JAK/STAT pathway, suppressing the progression of psoriasis in a rat model. This study provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of psoriasis and offered potential targets for psoriasis treatment.

Antimicrobial peptides: bridging innate and adaptive immunity in the pathogenesis of psoriasis

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small molecules produced by a myriad of cells and play important roles not only in protecting against infections and sustaining skin barrier homeostasis but also in contributing to immune dysregulation under pathological conditions. Recently, increasing evidence has indicated that AMPs, including cathelicidin (LL-37), human β-defensins, S100 proteins, lipocalin 2, and RNase 7, are highly expressed in psoriatic skin lesions. These peptides broadly regulate immunity by interacting with various immune cells and linking innate and adaptive immune responses during the progression of psoriasis. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding AMPs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis with a main focus on their immunomodulatory abilities.

Adipocytokines: Are they the Theory of Everything?

INTRODUCTION

Adipose tissue secretes various bioactive peptides/proteins, immune molecules and inflammatory mediators which are known as adipokines or adipocytokines. Adipokines play important roles in the maintenance of energy homeostasis, appetite, glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, angiogenesis, immunity and inflammation. Enormous number of studies from all over the world proved that adipocytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of diseases affecting nearly all body systems, which raises the question whether we can always blame adipocytokines as the triggering factor of every disease that may hit the body.

OBJECTIVE

Our review targeted the role played by adipocytokines in the pathogenesis of different diseases affecting different body systems including diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, gynecological diseases, rheumatologic disorders, cancers, Alzheimer's, depression, muscle disorders, liver diseases, cardiovascular and lung diseases.

METHODOLOGY

We cited more than 33 recent literature reviews that discussed the role played by adipocytokines in the pathogenesis of different diseases affecting different body systems.

CONCLUSION

More evidence is being discovered to date about the role played by adipocytokines in more diseases and extra research is needed to explore hidden roles played by adipokine imbalance on disease pathogenesis.

Lipocalin-2 expression and function in pancreatic diseases

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is a secreted molecule, expressed in various cell types, that is involved in the progression of numerous diseases and disorders. The biological functions and expression levels of LCN2 in diseases including pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis (acute and chronic), and diabetes mellitus, suggest the potential role of LCN2 as a biomarker and/or therapeutic target. However, findings on the role of LCN2 in pancreatic diseases have been contradictory. In pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis, LCN2 has been identified as a potential biomarker; increased expression levels in various biological specimens correlate with the presence of the disease and may be able to differentiate cancer and chronic pancreatitis from healthy subjects. LCN2 is also known to be an adipokine; it is upregulated in obesity and is a common co-factor in the development of pancreatic diseases. Emerging research suggests LCN2 is elevated in type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the exact role of LCN2 in this disease is not clear. In this review, we summarize research on LCN2 as it relates to pancreatic diseases, highlighting the discrepancies in the literature. By explaining and clarifying the role of LCN2 in these disorders, we aim to promote research in developing novel diagnostic and treatment strategies to reduce the burden of pancreatic diseases.

Evaluation of serum lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels in psoriatic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies

Introduction

Psoriasis is a T cell-mediated inflammatory skin disease in which fatty acids may be a link between psoriasis and its comorbidity.

Aim

The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels in the psoriatic patients compared with the control subjects.

Material and methods

Four databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched until July 2017. All records analysed were case-control studies. The quality of the questionnaires was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects meta-analysis was done by Rev Man 5.3 using mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Out of 580 studies identified in four databases, 49 studies were included and analysed in this meta-analysis. The results showed that MD of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, HDL, Lp(a), Apo A1, and Apo B levels in the patients compared with the controls were (MD = 13.74 mg/dl; 95% CI: 7.72-19.75; p< 0.00001), (MD = 26.04 mg/dl; 95% CI: 20.77-31.31; p< 0.00001), (MD = 11.41 mg/dl; 95% CI: 6.26-16.57; p< 0.0001), (MD = 4.82 mg/dl; 95% CI: 3.63-6.00; p< 0.00001), (MD = -2.78 mg/dl; 95% CI: -4.53 - -1.03; p< 0.002), (MD = 8.51 mg/dl; 95% CI: 4.86-12.17; p< 0.0001), (MD = -6.60 mg/dl; 95% CI: -13.96 - 0.75; p< 0.08), and (MD = 9.70 mg/dl; 95% CI: 3.02-16.39; p< 0.004), respectively.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis identified abnormality of serum lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoproteinprofiles in psoriatic patients compared with the controls as well as possibly a greater risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular (CV) accidents in the patients.

New insights into different adipokines in linking the pathophysiology of obesity and psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic, hyper-proliferative immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The results of epidemiological investigations have shown that psoriasis affects around 2% of the general population worldwide, and the total number of psoriasis patients is more than 6 million in China. Apart from the skin manifestations, psoriasis has been verified to associate with several metabolic comorbidities, such as insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity. However, the underlying mechanism is still not elucidated. Adipocytes, considered as the active endocrine cells, are dysfunctional in obesity which displays increased synthesis and secretion of adipokines with other modified metabolic properties. Currently, growing evidence has pointed to the central role of adipokines in adipose tissue and the immune system, providing new insights into the effect of adipokines in linking the pathophysiology of obesity and psoriasis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the pathological role of adipokines and the potential mechanisms whereby different adipokines link obesity and psoriasis. Furthermore, we also provide evidence which identifies a potential therapeutic target aiming at adipokines for the management of these two diseases.

Association of Serum Lipocalin-2 Concentrations with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of serum lipocalin-2 concentrations with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

A systematic search of studies on the association of serum lipocalin-2 concentrations with psoriasis/PsA was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library. Eventually, 8 eligible studies were included. The strength of association between serum lipocalin-2 concentrations and psoriasis/PsA was assessed by pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with its 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 8 case-control studies, consisting of 349 psoriasis/PsA patients and 258 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed significant association between serum lipocalin-2 concentrations and psoriasis/PsA in overall population (SMD: 0.757, 95%CI = 0.588-0.926, and P _H = 0.114; P _H is the P value for the heterogeneity test). Similar results were found in subgroup analysis by ethnicity.

Conclusions

Serum lipocalin-2 concentrations are higher in psoriasis/PsA patients than controls. However, more large-scale studies are warranted to explore the association between serum lipocalin-2 and the pathogenetic mechanisms of psoriasis/PsA.

Tissue lipocalin-2 in psoriasis: is it a marker of metabolic disturbance or a possible marker of therapeutic efficacy after narrow band ultraviolet B?

Background: Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is an adipokine related to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in addition to its role in innate immunity and apoptosis.Objective: To estimate LCN2 tissue levels (lesional and non-lesional) in psoriasis. To assess the metabolic status of patients and to detect any possible associations between LCN2 and MetS. To evaluate the effect of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) on tissue LCN2 in psoriasis.Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 25 psoriatic patients and 25 healthy controls. Dyslipidemia and MetS have been evaluated. Tissue LCN2 was estimated using ELISA technique before and after treatment with NBUVB.Results: Tissue LCN2 was significantly higher in psoriasis, with no significant difference as regards dyslipidemia or metabolic disturbance in these patients. Both lesional and non-lesional LCN2 and PASI score dropped significantly after NBUVB. No significant correlations have been detected between tissue LCN2 and disease extent or PASI score. Significant positive correlations were detected regarding tissue LCN2 levels between lesional and non-lesional samples before and after treatment.Conclusions: Psoriatic patients were at higher risk of metabolic disorders. LCN2 was not related to metabolic disturbances in our patients. NBUVB might exert its therapeutic effect in psoriasis through reduction of tissue LCN2.

Relationship between the Degrees of Itch and Serum Lipocalin-2 Levels in Patients with Psoriasis

Background

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), a protein secreted mainly by activated neutrophils, has been associated with neurodegeneration, obesity, and inflammatory responses. Serum LCN2 concentration has been reported elevated in patients with psoriasis, but lower in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Spinal astrocyte-derived LCN2 was found to be involved in enhancement of itch in a mouse model of AD. However, the relationship between LCN2 and itch in patients with psoriasis has not been determined. Objective. This study examined the correlation between serum LCN2 levels and the degrees of itch in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

Serum LCN2 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in patients with psoriasis and AD and in healthy controls. The degree of itch was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and disease severity was determined by measuring psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD). Correlations among serum LCN2 level, VAS, PASI, and SCORAD were analyzed statistically. We further examined the serum LCN levels in psoriasis patients before and after biological treatment.

Results

Serum LCN2 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis and AD than those in healthy controls. In patients with psoriasis, serum LCN2 concentrations were significantly correlated with VAS, but not with PASI. In contrast, serum LCN2 concentrations did not correlate with VAS or SCORAD in patients with AD. Serum LCN2 levels in psoriasis patients significantly decreased after the biological treatment along with improvement of VAS.

Conclusion

Serum LCN2 concentration is associated with the degree of itch in patients with psoriasis, suggesting that serum LCN2 may be a useful clinical marker for itch in psoriasis.

Increased levels of lipocalin 2 in palmoplantar pustular psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (PPP) is a recalcitrant chronic skin disease affecting the palms and soles.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and characterize pathogenetic players in PPP.

METHODS

Clinical and anamnestic data as well as skin and blood samples of 60 PPP patients were collected. Healthy participants served as controls. Analysis of patient samples and cultured primary skin cells was performed by ELISA, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Upon screening of blood mediators in PPP patients, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) emerged as being significantly upregulated compared to healthy participants. LCN2 blood levels were independent of age, sex, or concomitant psoriasis vulgaris. Keratinocytes in PPP skin lesions were important LCN2 producers. In vitro, LCN2 production of these cells was upregulated by IL-1β and further enhanced by IL-17 and TNF-α, while IL-22 had no effect. Accordingly, a positive relationship between blood IL-1β and LCN2 levels was evident in PPP. LCN2 blood levels also showed a positive correlation with PPP pustule score, Dermatology Quality of Life Index and blood levels of the pro-atherogenic molecule resistin.

CONCLUSIONS

In PPP, increased blood levels of LCN2 indicate an important activity of IL-1β in the epidermis, may contribute to skin neutrophil infiltration, and may point to an increased pro- atherosclerosis risk.

Serum levels of adipokines and cytokines in psoriasis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To evaluate the association of serum levels of adipokines and cytokines with psoriasis.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science for the available relevant studies published before December 1, 2016. Differences in serum marker levels between patients and controls were pooled as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence interval to combine the effect estimations. We also conducted stratified analysis, meta-regression analysis and sensitivity analysis.

Results

Sixty-three studies containing 2876 psoriasis patients and 2237 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, IL-22, chemerin, lipocalin-2, resistin, sE-selectin, fibrinogen and C3 were higher in psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls (all P < 0.05). In contrast, adiponectin levels were lower. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, visfatin and omentin were not significantly different between psoriasis patients and controls (all P > 0.05). However, increased serum levels of IL-17 correlated with psoriasis in men. For other biomarkers, age, gender and psoriasis area and severity index did not explain the differences in effect size between the studies.

Conclusions

Serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, IL-22, chemerin, lipocalin-2, resistin, sE-selectin, fibrinogen, complement 3, and adiponectin correlate with psoriasis and can be used as potential biomarkers for psoriasis and response to the treatment. Future studies are needed to identify additional players involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and to fully decipher the underlying mechanism.

Lipocalin 2: An Emerging Player in Iron Homeostasis and Inflammation

Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), an innate immune protein, has emerged as a critical iron regulatory protein during physiological and inflammatory conditions. As a bacteriostatic factor, Lcn2 obstructs the siderophore iron-acquiring strategy of bacteria and thus inhibits bacterial growth. As part of host nutritional immunity, Lcn2 facilitates systemic, cellular, and mucosal hypoferremia during inflammation, in addition to stabilizing the siderophore-bound labile iron pool. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the interaction between Lcn2 and iron, and its effects in various inflammatory diseases. Lcn2 exerts mostly a protective role in infectious and inflammatory bowel diseases, whereas both beneficial and detrimental functions have been documented in neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, renal disorders, skin disorders, and cancer. Further animal and clinical studies are necessary to unveil the multifaceted roles of Lcn2 in iron dysregulation during inflammation and to explore its therapeutic potential for treating inflammatory diseases.

The triad psoriasis-obesity-adipokine profile

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, often associated with overweight/obesity. The adipose tissue is a complex organ that secretes several adipokines, involved in the regulation of some metabolic processes, such as lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, angiogenesis, blood pressure and inflammation. In obesity, the distribution and function of adipose tissue, and the adipokine profile are altered. The unbalanced production of pro- and anti-inflammatory adipokines in obesity, contributes to the development of a chronic low-grade inflammation state, which seems to favour worsening of psoriasis lesion and a poorer response to treatment. In this review, we will debate published data concerning the current knowledge about the triad psoriasis-obesity-adipokine profile.

Effect of psoriasis activity and topical treatment on serum lipocalin-2 levels

OBJECTIVE

Psoriasis has been considered as systemic disorder. Lipocalin-2 might be a link between psoriasis and its comorbidities. Aim of the study was to investigate the associations between serum lipocalin-2 levels and the disease activity, markers of inflammation or metabolic disturbances and changes after topical treatment in psoriatic patients.

METHODS

Thirty-seven individuals with active plaque-type psoriasis and 15 healthy controls were recruited. Blood samples were collected before and after 14 days of therapy. Serum lipocalin-2 concentrations were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were correlated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), body mass index (BMI), inflammatory and biochemical markers, lipid profile and with effectiveness of topical treatment.

RESULTS

Lipocalin-2 serum levels were significantly increased in psoriatic patients in comparison to the controls (p = 0.023). No significant correlations with indicators of inflammation, nor BMI or PASI were noted. A statistical association between lipocalin-2 and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was shown. After topical treatment serum lipocalin-2 level did not significantly change (p = 0.9), still remaining higher than in the controls, despite clinical improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Lipocalin-2 might be a marker of psoriasis and convey cardiovascular or metabolic risk in psoriatic patients, but may not be a reliable indicator of inflammation, severity of psoriasis nor efficacy of antipsoriatic treatment.

Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome: Biochemical Background and Clinical Significance

Biomarkers of the metabolic syndrome are divided into four subgroups. Although dividing them in groups has some limitations, it can be used to draw some conclusions. In a first part, the dyslipidemias and markers of oxidative stress are discussed, while inflammatory markers and cardiometabolic biomarkers are reviewed in a second part. For most of them, the biochemical background and clinical significance are discussed, although here also a well-cut separation cannot always be made. Altered levels cannot always be claimed as the cause, risk, or consequence of the syndrome. Several factors are interrelated to each other and act in a concerted, antagonistic, synergistic, or modulating way. Most important conclusions are summarized at the end of every reviewed subgroup. Genetic biomarkers or influences of various food components on concentration levels are not included in this review article.

Assessment of lipocalin 2, clusterin, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1, interleukin-6, homocysteine, and uric acid levels in patients with psoriasis

Background. Chronic inflammation may play a role in psoriasis pathogenesis. Lipocalin 2, clusterin, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (sTNFR-1), interleukin-6, homocysteine, and uric acid are inflammatory and/or biochemical markers. However, both the roles of these markers and the pathogenesis of psoriasis are unknown. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of lipocalin 2, clusterin, sTNFR-1, interleukin-6, homocysteine, and uric acid in patients and controls groups. Methods. Fifty-six patients with psoriasis and 33 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum concentrations of the markers were evaluated by ELISA. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was evaluated in all psoriasis patients. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing weight (kg) by height (m) squared. Results. The serum value of lipocalin and sTNFR-1 were significantly higher in psoriasis patients than in controls (resp., P < 0.001, P < 0.05). The others showed no significant differences between psoriasis and the control groups (all of them P > 0.05). The mean PASI score in the patient group was 8.3 ± 6.5. Conclusions. These findings suggest that lipocalin 2 and sTNFR-1 might play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and can be used as markers of the disease.