PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) Mediating Mitophagy and its Correlation to Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

Background Subclinical atherosclerosis is linked to elevated risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as systemic inflammation in psoriatic arthritis patients (PsA). Objectives This study aimed to measure protein kinase 1 (PINK1) in PsA patients as well as to determine its association with subclinical atherosclerosis and disease activity (DA). Methods The current case-control study involved 40 PsA patients, in addition to 40 matched control subjects. DA was evaluated via the DAPSA score, and laboratory investigations included ESR, CRP, uric acid, total lipid profile, and PINK1 levels. Ultrasound was utilized to evaluate the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as well as flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery (BA). Results PsA patients exhibited a marked reduction in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) compared to controls. A marked positive correlation was detected between PINK1 and DAPSA score, Total cholesterol (TC), and CIMT, while a negative correlation was observed between PINK1 and FMD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the DAPSA score, TC, CIMT, and PINK1 as potential predictive factors for subclinical atherosclerosis in PsA individuals. Conclusion Subclinical atherosclerosis was evident in PsA cases. Serum PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) may serve as a useful marker of PsA activity and could be considered a promising biomarker for detecting subclinical atherosclerosis in PsA cases.