Comparison of various insulin sensitivity indices in psoriatic patients and their relationship with type of psoriasis

Traditional and Non-traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Disease in Women with Psoriasis

Women with cardiovascular disease are underdiagnos-ed, undertreated and under-represented in research. Even though the increased risk of cardiovascular disease among patients with psoriasis is well establi-shed, only a few studies have examined women with psoriasis. This study examined the prevalence of cardio-vascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease among women with psoriasis. Using the Copenhagen City Heart Study and the Copenhagen General Population Study, 66,420 women were included in a cross-sectional design. Of these, 374 (0.56%) women had hospital-diagnosed psoriasis. Women with vs with-out hospital-diagnosed psoriasis had higher odds ratios of having traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertriglyceridaemia, smoking, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and low physical activity, and of having non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including low level of education, high level of psycho-social stress, and low-grade inflammation. Compared with women from the general population, the multi-variable adjusted odds ratio of heart failure and ischaemic cerebrovascular disease in women with hospital-diagnosed psoriasis was 2.51 (95% confidence interval 1.33-4.73) and 2.06 (1.27-3.35). In conclusion, women with hospital-diagnosed psoriasis have a higher prevalence of traditional and non- traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and increased risk of heart failure and ischaemic cerebrovascular disease, even after adjusting for these cardiovascular risk factors.

Looking beyond the Skin: Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Psoriasis and the Protective Role of Biologics

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, especially in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. It has been estimated that severe psoriasis confers a 25% increase in relative risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of traditional risk factors. Although the underlying pathogenic mechanisms relating psoriasis to increased cardiovascular risk are not clear, atherosclerosis is emerging as a possible link between skin and vascular affection. The hypothesis that the inflammatory cascade activated in psoriasis contributes to the atherosclerotic process provides the underlying basis to suggest that an anti-inflammatory therapy that improved atherosclerosis would also reduce the risk of MACEs. In this sense, the introduction of biological drugs which specifically target cytokines implicated in the inflammatory cascade have increased the expectations of control over the cardiovascular comorbidity present in psoriasis patients, however, their role in vascular damage processes remains controversial. The aim of this paper is to review the mechanistic link between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease development, as well as analyzing which of the biological treatments could also reduce the cardiovascular risk in these patients, fueling a growing debate on the modification of the general algorithm of treatment.

Psoriasis and Cardiometabolic Diseases: The Impact of Inflammation on Vascular Health

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory condition associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Psoriasis confers a dose-dependent increase in risk for the metabolic syndrome and its components. The metabolic syndrome and its components have been associated with higher coronary atherosclerosis in psoriasis and cardiovascular events in the general population. In this review, we discuss the role of inflammation and psoriasis in cardiometabolic diseases with a focus on the metabolic syndrome and its components. We highlight the relationship between psoriasis and important cardiovascular risk factors encompassed by obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and hypertension. Furthermore, we briefly highlight literature on anti-inflammatory therapies and their impact on the components of the metabolic syndrome as well as directly quantified coronary atherosclerosis burden.

Psoriasis and Diabetes, a Dangerous Association: Evaluation of Insulin Resistance, Lipid Abnormalities, and Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers

Aims: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated dermatosis with cardio-metabolic comorbidities. The aim of this study was to assess insulin-resistance, lipid abnormalities, and cardiovascular risk biomarkers in psoriatic patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods and materials: We enrolled 425 patients: 86 psoriatics, 69 psoriatics with T2DM, 120 T2DM patients, and 150 healthy subjects. We measured the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), body mass index (BMI), insulin-resistance parameters [glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), and with homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA index)], lipidic panel, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), homocysteine, soluble adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinase, and adipocytokines.

Results: FPG, HbA_1c, and HOMA-IR were higher in diabetics with psoriasis (p < 0.0001) than in psoriatics. FPI levels were higher in diabetics with psoriasis than in diabetics and psoriatics (p < 0.0001), and higher in psoriatics than controls (p < 0.0001). Psoriatics and diabetics with psoriasis showed higher triglyceride and LDL-C levels (p < 0.0001) than diabetics. Homocysteine was higher in psoriatics and diabetics with psoriasis (p < 0.0001) than in diabetics. PAI-1 was higher in diabetics with psoriasis than diabetics (p < 0.01). sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were higher in diabetics with psoriasis than diabetics (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01) and psoriatics (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001). Visfatin and resistin were lower in psoriatics (p < 0.0001) and in diabetics with psoriasis (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) than diabetics.

Conclusions: A limitation of this study is that there is a significant difference in mean age between controls and other study groups: the lack of matching between case and control groups may interfere with the external validity of the study findings. Despite this, the study highlights a pathogenetic link between psoriasis, considered a pre-diabetic condition, and diabetes. Insulin-resistance seems to be the keystone of psoriasis comorbidities. Psoriasis reinforces diabetes, causing a greater cardiometabolic risk.

Psoriasis Exacerbates the State of Insulin Resistance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

Although psoriasis (PsO) is highly associated with insulin resistance (IR), the role of PsO on activity of insulin secretion or its action in diabetic patients has not been explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In-patient data on type 2 diabetes (T2D) with or without PsO from 2016-2019 in our hospital were analyzed. Data for 42 diabetic patients with PsO were compared with that of the control group (T2D only). Blood examinations with reference to the levels of fasting blood glucose, C-peptide, insulin, HbA1c, plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and kidney function were explored. HOMA-IR and HOMA-β models were established to explore IR and pancreatic β-cell function.

RESULTS

HOMA-IR level was significantly higher (P=0.0003<0.05) in patients with PsO compared with the controls. Although the durations of diabetes in patients with PsO were significantly shorter compared with that of patients with diabetes only (P=0.012<0.05), analysis of mean BMI, eGFR, plasma lipids, and lipoprotein showed no significant differences. Analysis of the level of fasting glucose and HOMA-β showed no statistical differences between the two groups. On the other hand, the levels of C-peptide of PsO group were significantly high in both fasting state (P=0.0182<0.05) and after glucose challenge (P=0.0011<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study show that under the same fasting conditions, patients with PsO may have relatively preserved pancreatic β-cell function, and PsO significantly increases IR.

Psoriatic skin inflammation induces a pre-diabetic phenotype via the endocrine actions of skin secretome

OBJECTIVE

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is thought to affect ∼2% of the global population. Psoriasis has been associated with ∼30% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), with numerous studies reporting that psoriasis is an independent risk-factor for T2D, separate from underlying obesity. Separately, studies of skin-specific transgenic mice have reported altered whole-body glucose homeostasis in these models. These studies imply a direct role for skin inflammation and dysfunction in mediating the onset of T2D in psoriasis patients, potentially via the endocrine effects of the skin secretome on key metabolic tissues. We used a combination of in vivo and ex vivo mouse models and ex vivo human imiquimod (IMQ) models to investigate the effects of psoriasis-mediated changes in the skin secretome on whole-body metabolic function.

METHODS

To induce psoriatic skin inflammation, mice were topically administered 75 mg of 5% IMQ cream (or Vaseline control) to a shaved dorsal region for 4 consecutive days. On day 5, mice were fasted for glucose and insulin tolerance testing, or sacrificed in the fed state with blood and tissues collected for analysis. To determine effects of the skin secretome, mouse skin was collected at day 5 from IMQ mice and cultured for 24 h. Conditioned media (CM) was collected and used 1:1 with fresh media to treat mouse explant subcutaneous adipose tissue (sAT) and isolated pancreatic islets. For human CM experiments, human skin was exposed to 5% IMQ cream for 20 min, ex vivo, to induce a psoriatic phenotype, then cultured for 24 h. CM was collected, combined 1:1 with fresh media and used to treat human sAT ex vivo. Markers of tissue inflammation and metabolic function were determined by qPCR. Beta cell function in isolated islets was measured by dynamic insulin secretion. Beta-cell proliferation was determined by measurement of Ki67 immunofluorescence histochemistry and BrDU uptake, whilst islet apoptosis was assessed by caspase 3/7 activity. All data is expressed as mean ± SEM.

RESULTS

Topical treatment with IMQ induced a psoriatic-like phenotype in mouse skin, evidenced by thickening, erythema and inflammation of the skin. Topical IMQ treatment induced inflammation and signs of metabolic dysfunction in sub-cutaneous and epidydimal adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle and gut tissue. However, consistent with islet compensation and a pre-diabetic phenotype, IMQ mice displayed improved glucose tolerance, increased insulin and c-peptide response to glucose, and increased beta cell proliferation. Treatment of sAT with psoriatic mouse or human skin-CM replicated the in vivo phenotype, leading to increased inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in mouse and human sAT. Treatment of pancreatic islets with psoriatic mouse skin-CM induced increases in beta-proliferation and apoptosis, thus partially replicating the in vivo phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Psoriasis-like skin inflammation induces a pre-diabetic phenotype, characterised by tissue inflammation and markers of metabolic dysfunction, together with islet compensation in mice. The in vivo phenotype is partially replicated by exposure of sAT and pancreatic islets to psoriatic-skin conditioned media. These results support the hypothesis that psoriatic skin inflammation, potentially via the endocrine actions of the skin secretome, may constitute a novel pathophysiological pathway mediating the development of T2D.

Risk of Psoriasis in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A National Population-Based Cohort Study

Both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and psoriasis are associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Nonetheless, the incidence of psoriasis in patients with PCOS is unclear. We used the Longitudinal Health Insurance Research Database (LHID) in Taiwan from 2000 to 2012 to perform a retrospective population-based cohort study to elucidate the occurrence of psoriasis in PCOS patients. Patients with PCOS without psoriasis in the index year (the year of PCOS diagnosis) were recruited as the PCOS group. Those without PCOS nor psoriasis (control group) were selected using propensity score matching at a ratio of 4:1. Hazard ratios (HRs) were obtained using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. In total, 4707 and 18,828 patients were included in the PCOS and control groups, respectively. The incidence rates of psoriasis in the control and PCOS groups were 0.34 and 0.70 per 1000 person-years, respectively. The risk of psoriasis was higher in the PCOS group by an HR of 2.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25–3.43) compared with the control group. In conclusion, the incidence of psoriasis in the PCOS group was higher than that in the control group. Further studies should be conducted to investigate the mechanism underlying the association, and to benefit the long-term management of patients with PCOS.

Level of inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor α, interleukins 12, 23 and 17 in patients with psoriasis in the context of metabolic syndrome

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with immunologic etiology.

Aim

To investigate the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 23 (IL-23) and IL-17 in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with concomitant metabolic syndrome.

Material and methods

This study included 60 patients with severe psoriasis.

Results

In patients with arterial hypertension concomitant with psoriasis, no statistically significant differences in cytokine levels were observed. On the other hand, in the group of patients diagnosed with diabetes, an increased level of IL-17 was observed. In patients with lipid disorders, the results were similar to the results of patients with diabetes.

Conclusions

It is very important to study immunologic mechanisms responsible for the presence and severity of psoriasis, in order to personalize the therapy in the future and optimize the effect of action on the basic disease and on concomitant disorders.

Subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis. Usefulness of femoral artery ultrasound for the diagnosis, and analysis of its relationship with insulin resistance

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at younger ages that is not identifiable by traditional risk factors. Screening for subclinical atherosclerosis with ultrasound has only been investigated in carotid arteries. Femoral artery ultrasound has never been considered for this purpose. The link between psoriasis and accelerated atherosclerosis has not yet been established.

OBJECTIVE

To study the usefulness of femoral artery ultrasound for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis. We also investigated its possible relationship with changes in insulin resistance.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 140 participants, 70 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and 70 healthy controls, matched 1:1 for age, sex, and BMI. Femoral and carotid atherosclerotic plaques were evaluated by ultrasonography. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment method (HOMA-IR).

RESULTS

Femoral atherosclerotic plaque prevalence was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis (44.64%) than in controls (19.07%) (p<0.005), but no significant difference was found in carotid plaque prevalence (p<0.3). Femoral plaques were significantly more prevalent than carotid plaques (21.42%) among patients with psoriasis (p<0.001). In the regression analysis, insulin resistance was the most influential determinant of atherosclerosis in psoriasis and C-reactive protein the most significant predictor of insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound screening for femoral atherosclerotic plaques improves the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis, whereas the study of carotid arteries is not sufficiently accurate. Insulin resistance appears to play a greater role in the development of atherosclerosis in these patients in comparison to other classical CVD risk factors.

Type 2 diabetes and psoriasis: links and risks

Psoriasis (PsO) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases with a world prevalence of 2%-4%. The increasing knowledge of the mechanisms driving PsO has raised focus on existing links to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We reviewed the existing literature of the prevalence and risk of T2D in patients with PsO. The studies reviewed were mainly large retrospective cohort and case-control studies, showing an increased prevalence of T2D in PsO patients compared to controls, particularly in late onset (type 2) PsO. T2D prevalence did not correlate to patient age or severity of PsO in the reviewed studies. Conclusively, T2D was found to be more prevalent in patients with PsO compared to the background population. Several mechanisms involved in lipid transportation seem to be upregulated in PsO patients. Physicians play a key role concerning information about known comorbidity and promotion of early prophylaxis in patients with PsO.

Cardiovascular Risk Markers and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy that affects 14%- 30% of patients with skin and/or nail psoriasis, leading to severe physical limitations and disability. It has been included in the group of spondyloarthropathy with which it shares clinical, radiologic, and serologic features in addition to familial and genetic relationship. Beyond skin and joint involvement, psoriatic arthritis is characterized by a high prevalence of extra-articular manifestation and comorbidities, such as autoimmune, infectious and neoplastic diseases. In particular, an increased risk of cardiovascular comorbidity has been observed in psoriatic arthritis patients.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in the electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE) up until January 2017. Studies were included if they contained data on CV disease and/or risk factors in PsA and each article was then reviewed for quality and clinical relevance. After completing the literature search all screened literature was summarized and discussed in our study group (CaRDDs study group). All literature and comments were included in the systematic review.

RESULTS

The initial search produced 278 abstracts, which were narrowed to 83 potentially relevant articles by preliminary review of the titles and by excluding review articles and case report (n = 195). Thirty articles were deemed ineligible after examining the abstracts. Full texts of the remaining 53 articles were retrieved. The majority of articles excluded were due to only providing data on patients with psoriasis or due to being not relevant to the CV risk in PsA. In the end, 32 articles were deemed eligible for this review.

CONCLUSION

Psoriatic arthritis appeared significantly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction and, in turn, with an increased cardiovascular risk. Thus, patients with psoriatic arthritis may benefit from a periodic assessment of surrogate markers of cardiovascular risk. This could help to establish more specific cardiovascular prevention strategies for these patients.

Glucose metabolism in patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies strongly suggest that psoriasis predisposes to type 2 diabetes. Several theories have been proposed to explain how these disease entities might be pathophysiologically connected.

OBJECTIVES

Our primary objective was to elucidate whether clinical data support the notion of common pathophysiological denominators in patients with psoriasis and type 2 diabetes, and thus to delineate the association between the two conditions that has arisen on the basis of epidemiological studies.

METHODS

We reviewed clinical studies investigating parameters of glucose metabolism in patients with psoriasis. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for studies investigating glucose metabolism in adult patients with psoriasis as a primary or secondary end point. Studies had to include a relevant control group.

RESULTS

Twenty-six clinical studies reporting on insulin resistance, glucose tolerance or insulin secretion were eligible for review. The results were widely conflicting, with less than half of the studies showing results suggestive of defective glucose metabolism in patients with psoriasis. In general, the studies suffered from a lack of information regarding possible confounders and patient characteristics. Furthermore, the research methods varied, and in all but one study they might not have been appropriate to detect early and subtle defects in glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

The available literature does not unequivocally support common pathophysiological denominators in psoriasis and type 2 diabetes. Well-designed clinical studies are needed to expose potential diabetogenic defects in the glucose metabolism in patients with psoriasis.

Circulating levels of Apelin-36 in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Affecting vascular function, immune regulation, adipocyte and glucose metabolism, adipokines are essential partecipants in the pathogenesis of psoriatic comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Aim of this study was to measure plasma levels of circulating Apelin-36, a newly discovered peptide hormone acting on glucose metabolism and other adipokines in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis and in a control group.

METHODS

Serum levels of Apelin-36, RBP4, Visfatin, HMW Adiponectin, CRP, fasting glucose and insulin were measured in 19 consecutive patients with mild to moderate psoriasis and 17 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA IR) Index was significantly increased in patients with psoriasis respect to a control group and positively correlated with BMI (P=0.009). Apelin-36 showed lower levels in the psoriatic population (P=0.016), while the remaining measured adipokines did not show any significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion we confirmed the propensity of psoriatic population to a prediabetic condition even in mild-moderate disease; psoriasis related Apelin-36 lower levels are suggestive of a low-grade inflammatory state. Further studies are needed, to better understand the Apelin related behaviors in different inflammatory settings.

Systemic Inflammation and Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Psoriasis Patients: Causes and Consequences

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by the appearance of red scaly plaques that can affect any part of the body. High prevalence, chronicity, disfiguration, disability, and associated comorbidity make it a challenge for clinicians of multiple specialties. Likewise, its complex pathogenesis, comprising inflammation, hyperproliferation, and angioneogenesis, intrigues numerous scientific disciplines, namely, immunology. From a clinical perspective, the severity of psoriasis is highlighted by its increased mortality, with cardiovascular diseases contributing the highest excess risk. From a scientific point of view, psoriasis has to be considered a systemic inflammatory condition, as blood biomarkers of inflammation are elevated and imaging techniques document sites of inflammation beyond the skin. While the association of psoriasis with cardiovascular diseases is now widely accepted, causes and consequences of this association are controversially discussed. This review comments on epidemiologic, genetic, and mechanistic studies that analyzed the relation between psoriasis and cardiovascular comorbidity. The hypothesis of psoriasis potentially being an independent cardiovascular risk factor, driving atherosclerosis via inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction, will be discussed. Finally, consequences for the management of psoriasis with the objective to reduce the patients’ excess cardiovascular risk will be pointed out.

Digestive system in psoriasis: an update

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disorder associated and often coexisting with many other immune-related clinical conditions including those affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Data obtained from the reviewed literature suggest an association between psoriasis and pathologies of the oral cavity, both psoriasis-specific lesions, as well as non-specific, such as geographic tongue or fissured tongue. These findings show the importance of thorough examination of oral mucosa in psoriatic patients. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are also linked with psoriasis. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis share a common genetic background, inflammatory pathways and have an evident iatrogenic anti-TNF treatment link, necessitating dermatological or gastroenterological care in patients with IBD or psoriasis, respectively, as well as treatment adjusted to manifestations. The presence of celiac disease-specific antibodies in psoriatic patients and their correlation with the severity of the disease show the association between these disorders. The linking pathogenesis comprises vitamin D deficiency, immune pathway, genetic background and increase in the intestinal permeability, which suggests a potential benefit from gluten-free diet among psoriatic patients. The link between psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease implies screening patients for components of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle changes necessity. Some studies indicate increased prevalence of cancer in patients with psoriasis, probably due to negative influence of skin lesion impact on lifestyle rather than the role of psoriasis in carcinogenesis. However, there are no sufficient data to exclude such an oncogenic hit, which is yet to be confirmed. Therefore, all psoriasis-associated comorbidities establish the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of these patients.

Characterization of Lipoprotein Composition and Function in Pediatric Psoriasis Reveals a More Atherogenic Profile

Psoriasis is associated with increased cardiovascular disease in adults, but the risk profile of children with psoriasis remains to be fully characterized. We measured lipoprotein composition and function in 44 patients with pediatric psoriasis and 44 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a validated ex vivo assay of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol efflux capacity. The mean age of the patients was 13 years and the population was ethnically diverse. Children with psoriasis had higher waist-to-hip ratios (0.85 vs. 0.80; P < 0.002) and insulin resistance measures (log-transformed homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance 0.65 vs. 0.41; P = 0.07). Despite comparable traditional lipid values, having psoriasis was associated with higher apolipoprotein B concentrations (72.4 vs. 64.6; P = 0.02), decreased large high-density lipoprotein particles (5.3 vs. 6.7; P < 0.01), and reduced cholesterol efflux capacity after adjusting for age, sex, fasting glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, apolipoprotein A-1, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (β -0.22; P = 0.02). Patients with pediatric psoriasis have a more atherogenic cardiometabolic risk profile, with evidence of insulin resistance and lipoprotein dysfunction by particle size, number, and functional assessment. These findings may provide a basis for the observed link later in life between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, and support the need to screen and educate young patients to minimize later complications.

Relationship between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Psoriasis: A Novel Hepato-Dermal Axis?

Over the past 10 years, it has become increasingly evident that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multisystem disease that affects multiple extra-hepatic organ systems and interacts with the regulation of several metabolic and immunological pathways. In this review we discuss the rapidly expanding body of clinical and epidemiological evidence supporting a strong association between NAFLD and chronic plaque psoriasis. We also briefly discuss the possible biological mechanisms underlying this association, and discuss treatment options for psoriasis that may influence NAFLD development and progression. Recent observational studies have shown that the prevalence of NAFLD (as diagnosed either by imaging or by histology) is remarkably higher in psoriatic patients (occurring in up to 50% of these patients) than in matched control subjects. Notably, psoriasis is associated with NAFLD even after adjusting for metabolic syndrome traits and other potential confounding factors. Some studies have also suggested that psoriatic patients are more likely to have the more advanced forms of NAFLD than non-psoriatic controls, and that psoriatic patients with NAFLD have more severe psoriasis than those without NAFLD. In conclusion, the published evidence argues for more careful evaluation and surveillance of NAFLD among patients with psoriasis.

Association of Adipokines, Insulin Resistance, Hypertension and Dyslipidemia in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

Background

Systemic inflammation in psoriasis causes insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. Adipokines are adipose-tissue-derived factors that are involved in metabolic processes. It is thought that these adipokines are associated with the development of psoriasis.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in adipokine levels, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia over a 12-week period.

Methods

The study comprised 35 psoriasis patients and 50 controls. Blood samples were obtained twice from the patients, one sample at the start and one at the end of a 12-week follow-up period. The following parameters were assessed in both groups: serum fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, serum lipids, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, chemerin, omentin, vaspin, visfatin, retinol-binding protein 4, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels; blood pressure; body mass index; and the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores.

Results

The patients showed an improvement in the PASI score and a significant decrease in serum hs-CRP, omentin, and chemerin values. Moreover, at the start of the follow-up, the psoriasis patients had significantly lower levels of adiponectin and visfatin and significantly higher levels of vaspin and resistin than those of the control group. Visfatin levels correlated negatively with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol, while vaspin and omentin levels correlated positively with diastolic blood pressure. Decreased adiponectin levels correlated negatively with diastolic blood pressure and LDL.

Conclusion

Plasma levels of adipokines might be useful for evaluating the disease activity of psoriasis and its comorbidities.

A multileveled approach in psoriasis assessment and follow-up: A proposal for a tailored guide for the dermatological practice

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a complex and heterogeneous disease resulting from interactions between genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. To make the most optimal treatment decision, the dermatologist must therefore have a detailed overview of the patient's history and lifestyle.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to offer an overview of the various relevant aspects in clinical dermatological assessment of psoriasis patients, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary and integrated clinical approach.

METHODS

We gathered information on psoriasis management and developed a tailored checklist covering all health-related aspects associated with psoriasis.

RESULTS

Demographics, personal and family history were elaborately described as well as drug history to discuss how they affect psoriasis management. Relevant patient information such as the vaccination status or cardiovascular profile were included in the checklist as well and treatment recommendations were adapted and updated in accordance with evidence-based literature. This checklist also emphasizes the importance of drug surveillance, proper follow-up and specialist referral, and why the dermatologist needs to address these health-related aspects when assessing psoriasis patients, going beyond optimal skin care.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensive overview can be used as a consultation checklist for good clinical practice in psoriasis patient management and aid in treatment decision.

Impaired incretin effect is an early sign of glucose dysmetabolism in nondiabetic patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The gastrointestinal system plays a major role in normal glucose metabolism, and in healthy individuals, postprandial insulin secretion is largely mediated by the gut incretin hormones. This potentiation is termed the incretin effect and is reduced in type 2 diabetes. The impact of psoriasis on gastrointestinal factors involved in glucose metabolism has not previously been examined.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the incretin effect, gastrointestinal-mediated glucose disposal (GIGD) and/or secretion of glucagon and gut incretin hormones are impaired in normal glucose-tolerant patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

Oral glucose tolerance tests and intravenous isoglycaemic glucose infusions were performed in 12 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and 12 healthy matched control subjects.

RESULTS

In patients with psoriasis, the incretin effect (39% vs. 57%, P = 0.02) and GIGD (53% vs. 61%, P = 0.04) were significantly reduced compared to control subjects. In addition, patients were glucose intolerant and showed exaggerated glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide responses.

CONCLUSION

These novel findings support the notion that psoriasis is a prediabetic condition and suggest that gastrointestinal-related mechanisms are involved in the increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis and polycystic ovary syndrome: a new link in different phenotypes

OBJECTIVE

Women affected by PCOS and psoriasis are more likely to have insulin-resistance, hyperinsulinemia, reduced HDL cholesterol levels and a more severe degree of skin disease than those with psoriasis alone. The mechanism underlying this association between PCOS and psoriasis is currently unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the features of psoriasis and the psoriasis severity scores in the different PCOS phenotypes and in age and body mass index (BMI)-matched psoriatic control patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was performed on 150 psoriatic patients: 94 PCOS and 56 age- and BMI-matched controls. PCOS patients were diagnosed and divided into four phenotypes according to Rotterdam criteria: A - patients with complete phenotype with hyperandrogenism (H) plus oligoamenorrhea (O) plus polycystic ovary (PCO) on ultrasound examination; B - patients with H plus O (without PCO); C - patients with H plus PCO (ovulatory phenotype); D - patients with O plus PCO (without H). The patient's Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) as well as the Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) were calculated. A PASI score ≥10 was correlated with common indicator of severe disease. A PGA ≥4 was considered as a condition of moderate to severe disease.

RESULTS

Among the four phenotypes investigated, the group with complete phenotype (H plus O plus PCO) had a higher prevalence of patients with patient's PASI ≥10 compared to controls (Odds Ratio (OR) 4.71, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.59-13.95). The group with O plus PCO had a higher prevalence of patients with PGA ≥4 compared to controls (OR 26.79, 95% CI 3.40-211.02) while the ovulatory group had a lower prevalence of patients with PGA ≥4 (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.51).

CONCLUSIONS

The ovulatory phenotype displays a milder psoriasis form than other phenotypes while the phenotypes with oligoamenorrhea presented higher severity scores of disease than other phenotypes and control group.

Serum Visfatin, Fetuin-A, and Pentraxin 3 Levels in Patients With Psoriasis and Their Relation to Disease Severity

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease associated with increase of some pro-inflammatory mediators. We wanted to investigate whether there is a relationship between psoriasis and visfatin, fetuin-A and pentraxin 3 (PTX3)-pro-inflammatory mediators implicated in the development of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Visfatin, fetuin-A, and PTX3 concentrations were measured in 45 patients with plaque-type psoriasis and 45 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Serum levels of visfatin, fetuin-A, and PTX3 in patients with psoriasis were found to be higher than in healthy controls (P = 0.002, P = 0.009, P < 0.001, respectively). Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score correlated significantly with visfatin and fetuin-A levels (P = 0.011, P = 0.040, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between visfatin and fetuin-A (P < 0.001). PTX3 levels were correlated positively with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), insulin, triglyceride (TG), and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL; P = 0.009, P = 0.007, P = 0.023, P = 0.024, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased serum visfatin, fetuin-A, and PTX3 levels, and the presence of positive correlation between visfatin, fetuin-A, and PASI score, probably reflect the inflammatory state and IR seen in psoriasis.

Metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin which affects 1-3% of the population. A higher association of metabolic syndrome (MS) has been described amongst sufferers. The objective of this study was to assess the association of MS and its components amongst subjects suffering psoriasis and compare it with that found for the control group. The secondary objective was to study the relationship between the duration and severity of the psoriasis and the MS. This was a case–control study: 102 subjects with psoriasis and 102 control subjects paired by sex, age and body mass index. Anamnesis: history of diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia and psoriasis. Lifestyle. Physical examination: weight, height, blood pressure, waist circumference. Tests: lipid profile, oral glucose tolerance test and insulinemia (HOMA calculation). MS classified according to the 2009 consensus. The prevalence of MS amongst psoriasis patients was 52.9%, as compared to 34.31% in the control group. MS independent factors: age (OR 1.085), body mass index (OR 1.346), sex (OR 2.69 for men) and psoriasis (OR 3.634). A comparative study of patients with psoriasis with or without MS, revealed no relationship to the severity, age at time of diagnosis or time of evolution of the psoriasis. In conclusion, the association of MS amongst psoriasis sufferers is very high and the disease is considered as an independent risk factor for MS. Our results show no relationship between the different characteristics of psoriasis and the presence of MS. The main limitation of this study is that it does not enable to conclude whether psoriasis is a risk factor for MS or the opposite.

Increased prevalence of psoriasis in patients with coronary artery disease: results from a case-control study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of myocardial events has been reported to be increased in patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether psoriasis is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

We compared the prevalence of psoriasis between case patients with a diagnosis of CAD based on coronary angiography findings and control patients with no CAD referred to the emergency surgery department for an acute noncardiovascular condition. Case and control patients were examined for the presence of psoriasis by two dermatologists. The prevalence of psoriasis was compared among patients with CAD according to CAD severity. Five-hundred cases and 500 age- and sex-matched controls were included.

RESULTS

Using matched univariate analysis, the prevalence of psoriasis was about twofold higher in CAD case patients than in control patients [8·0% vs. 3·4%, odds ratio (OR) 2·64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·42-4·88]. Using unconditional multivariate analysis, the association of psoriasis with CAD appeared to be borderline significant (OR 1·84; 95% CI 0·99-3·40). Psoriasis in patients with CAD was significantly associated with three-vessel involvement relative to one-or two-vessel involvement (13·1% vs. 6·1%; OR 3·07; 95% CI 1·50-6·25).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of psoriasis is twofold higher in patients with CAD than in control patients without CAD. It is associated with a more severe coronary artery involvement.

Effect of treatment with methotrexate and coal tar on adipokine levels and indices of insulin resistance and sensitivity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Recent studies have implicated adipokines in the pathogenesis of the immune-mediated inflammatory disease, psoriasis and its associated comorbidities. Hence, we undertook to study adipokine levels and indices of insulin resistance and sensitivity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris, in comparison with controls and their association with disease severity and response to therapy.

METHODS

Sixty cases of psoriasis vulgaris and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Severity grading according to psoriasis area severity index scoring was done in all psoriatics. Serum levels of adipokines [leptin, adiponectin, resistin and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] and insulin were estimated in all psoriatics at baseline and at 12 weeks on follow-up and in controls.

RESULTS

Baseline levels of the inflammatory adipokines (leptin, resistin and IL-6) and insulin resistance indices were significantly higher in psoriatics, as compared to controls, while that of the anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin and insulin sensitivity indices were significantly lower in psoriatics, as compared with controls. Baseline inflammatory adipokines, serum insulin level and insulin resistance indices demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the severity of psoriasis, while the anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin and insulin sensitivity indices demonstrated a significant negative correlation with the disease severity. After 12 weeks of therapy (both topical and systemic), there was a significant reduction in the levels of inflammatory adipokines and a significant increase in the levels of anti-inflammatory adipokine-adiponectin. However, a significant decrease in insulin levels and insulin resistance indices were observed only with systemic therapy with methotrexate.

CONCLUSION

The present results implicate that adipokines are significantly associated with pathogenesis of psoriasis and hence adequate and early control of psoriasis may contribute to the decreased development of metabolic syndrome, including the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Increased risk of diabetes mellitus and likelihood of receiving diabetes mellitus treatment in patients with psoriasis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk of incident diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with psoriasis and to evaluate DM treatment patterns among patients with psoriasis and incident DM.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING

United Kingdom-based electronic medical records.

PATIENTS

We matched 108 132 patients with psoriasis aged 18 to 90 years with 430 716 unexposed patients based on practice and time of visit. For our nested study, only patients who developed incident DM during our study time were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incident DM and adjusted risk of pharmacotherapy among those with incident DM.

RESULTS

The fully adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for incident DM were 1.14 (95% CI, 1.10-1.18), 1.11 (95% CI, 1.07-1.15), and 1.46 (95% CI, 1.30-1.65) in the overall, mild, and severe psoriasis groups, respectively. Among those with incident DM and severe psoriasis, the adjusted risk for receiving DM pharmacotherapy was 1.55 (95% CI, 1.15-2.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that psoriasis is an independent risk factor for the development of type 2 DM in a dose-dependent manner, and that patients with severe psoriasis who develop DM are more likely to receive systemic diabetic therapies in comparison with patients with DM but without psoriasis.

Cardiovascular mortality in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: epidemiology, pathomechanisms, therapeutic implications, and perspectives

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality. Although the underlying pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, it is clear that these seemingly organ-specific disorders cause a systemic inflammatory burden as mirrored by elevated biomarkers in the patients' blood. Emerging evidence points toward insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction as direct consequences; these in turn drive the process of atherosclerosis. As psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis therefore represent cardiovascular risk factors, they must be taken into account by primary care physicians when defining treatment goals for the comorbidities of the respective patients (e.g., arterial hypertension or dyslipidemia). Secondary and tertiary care physicians need to consider a more comprehensive treatment approach, including aspects of lifestyle intervention. Finally, effective long-term anti-inflammatory, disease-modifying therapy may contribute to reducing patients' cardiovascular risk.

A study of the prevalence of diabetes, insulin resistance, lipid abnormalities, and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis

Background:

The association between psoriasis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease remains largely unelucidated in the Indian population.

Aims:

To study the prevalence of diabetes, insulin resistance, lipid abnormalities, and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-seven patients of chronic plaque psoriasis and ninety two age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study over a period of one year. Clinical and biometric data were noted and fasting venous blood samples were collected. Nondiabetic patients were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose and postprandial venous blood samples collected at 120 mins. The fasting glucose, insulin, lipid levels, postprandial glucose and postprandial insulin levels were measured in samples from nondiabetic patients whereas fasting lipid levels only were measured in diabetic patients.

Results:

The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes mellitus in psoriatics was 5.2%, 9.1%, and 32.5%, respectively, as compared to 6.5%, 3.3%, and 15.2%, respectively, in the controls. The difference was statistically significant. The odds ratio of having an abnormal glucose metabolism in psoriasis was 2.63. Smoking had a positive association with insulin resistance in psoriatic cases. The serum cholesterol levels were elevated in 29 (37.7%) cases with a mean of 186.27 ± 43.18 and 34 (37%) controls with a mean of 194.38 ± 57.20. The serum HDL-cholesterol levels were reduced in 50 (64.9%) cases with a mean of 53.29 ± 15.90 as compared to 71 (74.7%) in controls with a mean of 48.76 ± 12.85. The serum LDL-cholesterol levels were elevated in 38 (49.4%) cases with a mean of 102.56 ± 44.02 and 36 controls with a mean of 115.62 ± 54.37. The serum triglyceride levels were elevated in 25 (32.5%) cases with a mean of 129.99 ± 61.32 and 38 (41.3%) controls with a mean of 141.04 ± 80.10. The differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. The two groups did not differ with respect to other cardiovascular risk factors such as increased body mass index, increased waist size, increased waist-to-hip ratio, and hypertension.

Conclusion:

There is a positive association between insulin resistance and psoriasis. No association between psoriasis and dyslipidemia has been found in this study.

Epidemiology and Potential Pathomechanisms of Cardiovascular Comorbidities in Psoriasis: A Report from the GRAPPA 2010 Annual Meeting

There is increasing awareness that psoriasis is more than “skin deep.” Several recent reviews focused on biomarkers have indicated the systemic dimension of psoriasis and the comorbidity that psoriasis shares with other chronic inflammatory diseases. Of emerging significance is the relationship to cardiovascular disease, which contributes substantially to patients’ increased mortality. This article examines currently available evidence favoring the concept of a causal link between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, and summarizes a report represented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis).

Medical comorbidity associated with psoriasis in adults: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Most publications to date on comorbidities associated with psoriasis have focused on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Few comprehensive investigations of medical comorbidities in a cohort of patients with psoriasis appear in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the prevalence of comorbidities in adult patients with psoriasis, including a comparison of comorbid prevalence vs. that in controls without psoriasis, in a nationally representative dataset in Taiwan.

METHODS

There were 1685 adult patients with psoriasis in the study group and 5055 randomly selected subjects in the comparison group. We used conditional logistic regression analyses to examine the risk of 29 comorbidities for these two groups after adjusting for monthly income, geographical region of residence and the level of urbanization of each patient's community of residence.

RESULTS

After adjusting for several potential confounders, patients with psoriasis had higher odds of comorbid congestive heart failure [odds ratio (OR) 1·63], ischaemic heart disease (OR 1·51), renal failure (OR 1·45), uncomplicated diabetes (OR 1·37), liver diseases (OR 1·34), hepatitis B or C (OR 1·34), complicated diabetes (OR 1·32), hyperlipidaemia (OR 1·28), hypertension (OR 1·24) and peptic ulcer (OR 1·22) than did patients without psoriasis. However, patients with mild psoriasis had higher odds of comorbidity only with uncomplicated diabetes (OR 1·55), asthma (OR 1·30), liver diseases (OR 1·30) and peptic ulcer (OR 1·26) than patients without psoriasis.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that psoriasis is associated with a variety of medical comorbidities including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, renal failure, liver diseases, viral hepatitis B or C, asthma and peptic ulcers.

Psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Several recent studies have found an increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease within psoriasis patients. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms behind these observations are unclear, but are likely related to the high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome within this patient population. Chronic inflammation, mediated by either proinflammatory adipokines or skin-derived cytokines, may contribute to fatty liver disease development by increasing insulin resistance which in turn promotes hepatic lipid accumulation. These same adipokines in addition to hepatic cytokines may act on the skin to influence psoriasis disease severity.

Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors in Patients with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Objective.

Patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome compared to the normal population. Patients with psoriasis and PsA may also have increased risk from nonconventional risk factors such as raised levels of homocysteine and excessive alcohol consumption. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on CVD and all cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis and PsA.

Methods.

Data sources: All studies identified from a Medline (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) search pertaining to CVD, individual risk factors in psoriasis, and PsA were included. Study selection: Studies included a healthy reference population, were published between 1975 and 2009, and were written in English.

Results.

Our search yielded 14 studies that documented rates of CVD in patients with psoriasis and PsA compared to controls. Substantial evidence points to elevated risk of CVD in patients with psoriasis and PsA.

Conclusion.

It remains difficult to conclude if risk factors are caused by psoriasis or share a common pathogenesis. Physicians treating patients with psoriasis and PsA must be aware of all potential cardiovascular risk factors in their patients.

Psoriasis and systemic inflammatory diseases: potential mechanistic links between skin disease and co-morbid conditions

Psoriasis is now classified as an immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) of the skin. It is being recognized that patients with various IMIDs, including psoriasis, are at higher risk of developing "systemic" co-morbidities, e.g., cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndrome, and overt diabetes. In non-psoriatic individuals, the pathophysiology of obesity, aberrant adipocyte metabolism, diabetes, and CVDs involves immune-mediated or inflammatory pathways. IMIDs may impact these co-morbid conditions through shared genetic risks, common environmental factors, or common inflammatory pathways that are co-expressed in IMIDs and target organs. Given that pathogenic immune pathways in psoriasis are now well worked out and a large number of inflammatory mediators have been identified in skin lesions, in this review we will consider possible mechanistic links between skin inflammation and increased risks of (1) obesity or metabolic alterations and (2) CVD. In particular, we will discuss how well-established risk factors for CVD can originate from inflammation in other tissues.

Comorbidities in patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with serious comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, reduced quality of life, depression, malignancy, and cardiovascular comorbidities. Patients with psoriasis have been shown to have an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease compared with the general population. The chronic inflammatory nature of psoriasis has been suggested to be a contributing and potentially independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular comorbidities. Understanding the interrelationship between these conditions is important for the management of psoriasis and the associated comorbidities. This review will focus on the range of comorbidities associated with psoriasis, with emphasis on cardiometabolic conditions and the aim of encouraging primary care physicians to screen psoriatic patients for cardiometabolic disorders and risk factors.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic plaque psoriasis are both associated with metabolic syndrome and increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease. We assessed the frequency and characteristics of NAFLD in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty consecutive patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 260 apparently healthy controls matched for age, sex and body mass index were enrolled. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound after excluding other secondary causes of chronic liver disease.

RESULTS

The frequency of NAFLD was remarkably greater in psoriasis patients than in controls (47% vs. 28%; p<0.0001). Patients with psoriasis and NAFLD (n=61) were more likely to have metabolic syndrome and had higher serum C-reactive protein concentrations and greater severity of psoriasis according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (14.2+/-12.6 vs. 9.6+/-7.4; p<0.01) than those with psoriasis alone (n=69). In a subgroup of psoriasis patients (n=43), those with NAFLD (n=21) also had significantly higher serum interleukin-6 and lower serum adiponectin levels. Notably, in multivariate regression analysis, NAFLD was associated with higher PASI score independently of age, gender, body mass index, psoriasis duration, and alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is frequent in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis - affecting up to nearly half of these patients - and is strongly associated with psoriasis severity. Early recognition of NAFLD by radiological imaging tests in this group of patients is warranted.

Psoriasis Comorbidities

Psoriasis has been associated with a number of behavioral and systemic comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, anxiety, depression, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, smoking, cardiovascular disease, alcoholism, Crohn's disease, lymphoma, and multiple sclerosis. Many of these conditions have a similar immunologic pathogeneses. Canadian and international studies have not only confirmed the presence of these comorbidities but also have demonstrated that patients with psoriasis have a significantly reduced life span. Given that patients with psoriasis are often unaware of their comorbidities, they should be screened for these conditions and treated if required by their dermatologist and/or primary care physician. It is important to keep in mind that the comorbidities and drugs used to treat them have an impact on the choice of anti-psoriatic treatment. In addition, comorbidities often preclude the use of traditional systemic agents. Recent studies have demonstrated that patients with preexisting comorbidities can be safely and effectively treated with biologic therapy. Furthermore, literature is evolving to suggest that better control of psoriasis might decrease cardiovascular mortality and prolong life.

Lipoprotein (a) in patients with psoriasis: associations with lipid profiles and disease severity

BACKGROUND

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined molecule whose role has been implied in cardiovascular pathology, and whose levels have been reported to be elevated in patients with psoriasis. Aim To assess the serum levels of Lp(a) in patients with psoriasis, and to investigate the associations of Lp(a) with other lipids and with psoriasis severity.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with psoriasis and 26 healthy control subjects took part in the study. Serum levels of Lp(a) and total, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol fractions were measured in all participants. The levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol were measured using enzymatic colorimetric tests; HDL and LDL cholesterol concentrations were determined by precipitation methods; the VLDL concentration was calculated according to the formula: VLDL cholesterol = triglycerides/5.

RESULTS

Patients with psoriasis showed significantly higher serum levels of Lp(a) relative to controls. Even when controlling for normolipidemic vs. hyperlipidemic status, abnormal levels of Lp(a) (> 30 mg/dL) were observed significantly more often in patients than in controls. In both patients and controls, Lp(a) levels correlated positively with total and HDL cholesterol levels. In patients, Lp(a) levels correlated positively with psoriasis severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Lp(a) may be a factor contributing to an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis. A pathogenetic link may exist between this lipoprotein and psoriatic pathophysiology.

[Psoriasis, metabolic syndrome and its components]

The psoriasis is a chronic dermatosis which is characterized by strong inflammation. Recent studies showed that the chronic inflammation plays an important part in the pathogenesis of many metabolic and vascular diseases. Moreover, the diseases mediated by lymphocytes TH1 were related to the myocardial infarction. Epidemiologic investigations showed that psoriasis is associated at the increased risk of Comorbidities and mortality per comparison to the general population. Thus, the psoriatic patients have a high prevalence of metabolic pathologies such as the diabetes, hypertension, obesity and hyperlipidemy. These concomitant affections can complicate the treatment of psoriasis. It is important that the dermatologist systematically seeks these concomitant pathologies among psoriatic patients. These data also suggest that the treatments of these patients improve not only the skin lesions, but also control the inflammation associated with the psoriasis.