Serum SERPINB3/4 in Moderate-to-Severe Prurigo Nodularis: A Potential Biomarker for Disease Severity and Eosinophil-Related Parameters

Background

The available evidence increasingly indicates that SERPINB3/4 plays a pivotal role in the progression of inflammatory diseases and may serve as a valuable biomarker for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, the expression of SERPINB3/4 in the serum of patients with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis (PN) remains poorly understood.

Objective

To find a promising biomarker for monitoring the severity and activity of moderate-to-severe PN patients.

Methods

A total of 41 patients with moderate-to-severe PN and 20 healthy subjects were included in the study. Enzyme­linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine serum SERPINB3/4 expression. Cutaneous SERPINB3/4 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Serum SERPINB3/4 levels were correlated with PN disease severity and activity scores, hematological parameters, and systemic inflammatory markers.

Results

SERPINB3/4 expression was found to be significantly increased in the serum and lesions of PN in comparison to healthy subjects. In patients with PN, the expression of serum SERPINB3/4 was significantly elevated in subjects with higher investigator global assessment (IGA) scores, while exhibiting a notable decline in patients with higher pruritus numeric rating scale (P-NRS) scores. Positive correlations were observed between serum SERPINB3/4 levels and peripheral eosinophil count, eosinophil ratio, and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) in patients with PN.

Conclusion

SERPINB3/4 expression was increased in PN sera and lesions. Serum SERPINB3/4 expression was positively correlated with PN severity and peripheral eosinophil-related parameters, suggesting its potential as a promising biomarker for PN.