PRO-C22 - A Novel Serological Biomarker of Tissue Damage Is Associated with Disease Severity, Disease Activity, and Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Researchers developed and validated a novel serological biomarker, PRO-C22, derived from type XXII collagen, to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). In a study involving 430 patients, PRO-C22 levels were significantly higher in those with moderate-to-severe disease (Hurley stages II and III) compared to those with mild disease (Hurley stage I). PRO-C22 also showed weak to moderate correlations with disease activity and systemic inflammation markers such as HSS, ESR, NLR, and CRP. This biomarker could potentially facilitate earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of disease severity and treatment response in HS patients.