Claudin‐3 – a new intestinal integrity marker in patients with psoriasis: association with disease severity

Background Gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability play a significant role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its comorbidities. Claudin‐3 is a key component of tight junctions, which may serve as marker of gut barrier integrity. Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate circulating plasma claudin‐3 in patients with psoriasis and to evaluate clinical and metabolic factors, which determine its concentration. Methods This cross‐sectional study included 60 patients with psoriasis (39 men and 21 women, mean age: 45.6 ± 12.1 years) and 30 healthy controls (18 men and 12 women, mean age: 46.3 ± 15.5 years) age, sex and body mass index‐matched. Plasma claudin‐3 concentration was measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results Plasma claudin‐3 concentration was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis in comparison with healthy control [median (interquartile range), 50.7 ng/mL (47.3–54.2) vs. 43.3 ng/mL (42.3–44.2), P