AI Article Synopsis
- - The study explored how genetic variations in the MAPK4 gene influence how well patients with psoriasis respond to methotrexate (MTX) treatment, classifying them as effective or ineffective based on their PASI scores after 12 weeks.
- - Among the 310 patients analyzed, the rs9949644 variant was notably linked to better treatment responses, with those having the AG or GG genotype showing improved outcomes compared to those with the AA genotype.
- - The findings suggest that MAPK4 not only plays a role in psoriasis severity but could also serve as a predictor for how well patients will respond to MTX therapy, highlighting its potential significance in managing the disease.
Article Abstract
Background: The study aimed to investigate the relationship of MAPK4 genetic variants with the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) in psoriasis patients.
Methods: Patients treated with MTX were classified as responders or nonresponders if the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) at week 12 was reduced to greater than 75% or lower than 75%, respectively. The genotypes of 14 MAPK4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 310 patients were analyzed. The expression levels of MAPK4 protein were detected by Western blot.
Results: Only rs9949644 polymorphisms were associated with the efficacy after adjusting for the confounding factors. Patients with the rs9949644 AG or GG genotype had a better clinical response compared to patients with the AA genotype. Rs9949644 polymorphisms were significantly associated with the PASI improvement rate. Besides, the protein level of MAPK4, positively associated with the psoriasis severity, was higher in patients. There were no significant differences of MAPK4 protein levels among the three groups. While after treatment, MAPK4 levels in the AG or GG group showed a significantly down-regulated trend.
Conclusion: By demonstrating the significant association of MAPK4 with the efficacy of MTX, this study indicates that MAPK4 may be involved in the psoriasis progression and act as a predictor of therapeutic response.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000533260 | DOI Listing |
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