Biomarker discovery in psoriatic disease.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, characterized by scaly erythematous plaques, is prevalent in around 2% of the population. Around 25% of psoriasis patients have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease that often leads to progressive joint damage and disability. Psoriatic diseases (PsD) encompassing psoriasis and PsA, are often associated with pathophysiologically related conditions like uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease as well as comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. Due to the heterogeneous nature of PsD, diagnosis and treatment is a challenge. Biomarkers can objectively measure variables, such as disease state, disease progress, and treatment outcomes, thus offering the possibility for better management of disease. This review focuses on some of the biomarker research that was carried out in PsD in the past year.

Recent findings: Diverse biomarker types ranging from SNPs, mRNA, proteins, metabolites and immune cell profiles have been categorized as per the Biomarkers, EndpointS and other Tools (BEST) resource developed by the FDA/NIH. Some of the latest research has focused on multiomic assays and these along with advanced bioinformatic tools can help in better disease management.

Summary: Recent developments in PsA biomarker research show promise in identifying markers that can help in diagnosis, assess disease activity and predict treatment response. However, most studies are in the early discovery and verification state. Large-scale studies to replicate findings and develop and validate predictive algorithms are required.