Association Between Early Severe Cardiovascular Events and the Initiation of Treatment With the Anti-Interleukin 12/23p40 Antibody Ustekinumab

Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality among patients with psoriatic disease treated with tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-12/23 inhibitors: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Korea

PURPOSE

Few studies have investigated the impact of biologics on the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) among Korean patients with psoriatic diseases. We compared the risk of MACEs and all-cause mortality among patients with psoriatic disease treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-12/23 inhibitors in Korea.

METHODS

Patients with psoriatic disease prescribed with TNF-α and IL-12/23 inhibitors since 2016 were selected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Database. Follow-up data for MACEs and all-cause mortality between 2016 and 2020 were collected. A total of 2886 individuals were included, including 1987 IL-12/23 inhibitor users and 899 TNF-α inhibitor users.

RESULTS

Compared with IL-12/23 inhibitor users, TNF-α inhibitor users had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia and a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality but not MACE. After controlling for age, female TNF-α inhibitor users had a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality. Meanwhile, after controlling for sex, TNF-α inhibitor users aged 60 years or older demonstrated a significantly elevated risk of all-cause mortality. In conclusion, No statistically significant difference in MACE risk was observed between patients who used TNF-α and IL-12/23 inhibitors. Nevertheless, the use of IL-12/23 inhibitors, especially among older and female patients, resulted in a lower overall mortality.

Treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in adults: An expert consensus statement using a Delphi method to produce a decision-making algorithm

BACKGROUND

New highly effective drugs for moderate-to-severe cutaneous psoriasis are regularly marketed, and the hierarchy of treatments thus requires frequent review.

OBJECTIVES

A Delphi method was used to enable a structured expert consensus on the use of systemic treatments and phototherapy among adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

METHODS

The Delphi method consists in achieving a convergence of opinions among a panel of experts using several rounds of questionnaires with controlled feedback between rounds. A two-part Delphi questionnaire was administered online to French psoriasis experts. In the first part, 180 items related to the prescription of systemic treatments and phototherapy for adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were grouped into 21 sections covering different lines of treatment and different forms of cutaneous psoriasis. The experts voted on each proposal using an ordinal 7-point Likert scale. The second part comprised 11 open-ended questions about special indications for each therapeutic class. These were converted into 101 questions for subsequent rounds. Consensus was deemed to have been reached if more than 80% of the experts agreed with a given proposal.

RESULTS

Three rounds of questionnaires were sequentially sent to 35 participants between November 2021 and March 2022. Thirty-three (94%) completed all three rounds. For plaque psoriasis, only methotrexate was recommended by the experts as first-line systemic treatment (89% of votes). Cyclosporin was advocated in pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis, and acitretin was suggested for hyperkeratotic and palmoplantar psoriasis. In the event of failure of or intolerance to non-biological systemic treatments, guselkumab, risankizumab, ixekizumab or secukinumab were recommended by more than 80% of the experts. Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitors remain useful for patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Special indications were provided for each therapeutic class (methotrexate/narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy, psoralen/ultraviolet A phototherapy, cyclosporin, acitretin, apremilast, TNF inhibitors, interleukin (IL)-12/23 inhibitors, IL-17(R)A inhibitors, and IL-23 inhibitors).

CONCLUSIONS

This expert consensus statement indicate that newly available IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors may be favored over TNF and IL-12/23 inhibitors as first-line biologics. The Centre of Evidence of the French Society of Dermatology has drawn up a decision-making algorithm to guide clinicians in the therapeutic management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Reducing cardiovascular risk in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors compared to conventional therapies-A systematic review and meta-analysis

Immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) patients including psoriasis, inflammatory arthritides and bowel diseases have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular (CV) diseases compared to the general population. The increased CV risk may be promoted by tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-mediated immunological processes, which are present both in the pathomechanism of IMIDs and atherosclerosis. Our objective was to comprehensively investigate the effect of TNF inhibitors (TNFi) on CV risk compared with conventional therapies in IMIDs. The systematic literature search was conducted in three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) on 14 November 2022. Randomized controlled trials, cohort and case-control studies were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes consisted of the incidence of CV events, with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as a main endpoint. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed by pooling fully adjusted multivariate hazard ratios (HR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) comparing TNFis with conventional systemic non-biologicals (CSNBs). Of a total of 8724 search results, 56 studies were included overall, of which 29 articles were eligible for the meta-analysis, and 27 were involved in the systematic review. Including all IMIDs, the TNFi group showed a significantly reduced risk of MACE compared with the CSNB group (HR = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.95, p = 0.025; IRR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.67-0.88, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of Pso, PsA patients by pooling IRRs also confirmed the significantly decreased risk of MACE in TNFi-treated patients compared with CSNB groups (IRR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.64-0.98). The observational nature of most included studies leading to high heterogeneity represents a limitation. Based on the results, TNFis may reduce the risk of CV events compared to CSNBs. Therefore, earlier use of TNFis compared to conventional systemic agents in the therapeutic sequence may benefit CV risk in IMID patients.

Generalized pustular psoriasis: A nationwide population-based study using the National Health Data System in France

BACKGROUND

GPP is a rare, chronic, neutrophilic skin disease, with limited real-world data characterizing patients with flares and the impact of flares on disease progression and morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

Describe the clinical characteristics of patients with GPP, comorbidities, disease epidemiology and frequency and severity of flares, and compare patients with GPP with a matched severe psoriasis population.

METHODS

In this population-based real-world cohort study an algorithm was developed to identify patients with GPP flares. Three cohorts were identified using the Système National des Données de Santé (SNDS) database covering almost the entire French population; a prevalent cohort (2010-2018), an incident cohort (2012-2015). A severe psoriasis cohort was compared with the GPP incident cohort using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

The prevalent and incident cohorts comprised 4195 and 1842 patients, respectively. In both cohorts, mean age was 58 years; 53% were male. Comorbidities were significantly more common in the incident cohort versus matched psoriasis cohort, respectively, including hypertension (44% vs. 26%), ischaemic heart disease (26% vs. 18%) and hyperlipidaemia (25% vs. 15%). In the incident cohort, the flare rate was 0.1 flares/person-year and 0.4 flares/person-year among the 569 out of 1842 patients hospitalized with flares. These patients had a mean (±SD) stay of 11.6 ± 10.4 days; 25% were admitted to the intensive care unit. In 2017, the cumulative incidence and cumulative GPP age-sex standardized prevalence were 7.1 and 45.2 per million, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with GPP had a distinct comorbidity profile compared to patients with severe psoriasis, and GPP flares were associated with long hospitalizations.

Cardiovascular Considerations and Implications for Treatment in Psoriasis: An Updated Review

Psoriasis, a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting 2-3% of the global population, has transcended its dermatological confines, revealing a profound association with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This comprehensive review explores the intricate interplay between psoriasis and cardiovascular system, delving into genetic links, immune pathways, and adipose tissue dysfunction beyond conventional CVD risk factors. The pathophysiological connections unveil unique signatures, distinct from other inflammatory skin conditions, in particular psoriasis-specific genetic polymorphisms in IL-23 and TNF-α have consistently been linked to CVD. The review navigates the complex landscape of psoriasis treatments, addressing challenges and future directions in particular relevance to CVDs in psoriasis. Therapeutic interventions, including TNF inhibitors (TNFi), present promise in reducing cardiovascular risks, and methotrexate could constitute a favourable choice. Conversely, the relationship between IL-12/23 inhibitors and cardiovascular risk remains uncertain, while recent evidence indicates that Janus kinase inhibitors may not carry CVD risks. Emerging evidence supports the safety and efficacy of IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors in patients with CVDs, hinting at evolving therapeutic paradigms. Lifestyle modifications, statins, and emerging therapies offer preventive strategies. Dedicated screening guidelines for CVD risk assessment in psoriasis are however lacking. Further, the impact of different disease phenotypes and treatment hierarchies in cardiovascular outcomes remains elusive, demanding ongoing research at the intersection of dermatology, rheumatology, and cardiology. In conclusion, unraveling the intricate connections between psoriasis and CVD provides a foundation for a holistic approach to patient care. Collaboration between specialties, advancements in screening methodologies, and a nuanced understanding of treatment impacts are essential for comprehensive cardiovascular risk management in individuals with psoriasis.

Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disorders on Biologics and Small Molecules: Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent studies raise concern for increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors used to treat immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMIDs). We aimed to examine MACE risk with licensed biologics and small molecules used commonly between IMIDs: inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

METHODS

Data were obtained from systematic searches (from inception to May 31, 2022) in PubMed, Embase, Ovid Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Studies that assessed a predefined MACE (myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, unstable angina, cardiovascular death, or heart failure) risk in those ≥18 years of age with IMIDs treated with anti-interleukin (IL)-23 antibodies, anti-IL-12/23, anti-tumor necrosis factor α antibodies (anti-TNF-α), or JAK inhibitors were included in a network meta-analysis using a random-effects model with pooled odds ratios (ORs) reported with 95% credible intervals (CrIs) by drug class and disease state.

RESULTS

Among 3528 studies identified, 40 (36 randomized controlled trials and 4 cohort studies) were included in the systematic review, comprising 126,961 patients with IMIDs. Based on network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, regardless of disease state, anti-TNF-α (OR, 2.49; 95% CrI, 1.14-5.62), JAK inhibitors (OR, 2.64; 95% CrI, 1.26-5.99), and anti-IL-12/23 (OR, 3.15; 95% CrI, 1.01-13.35) were associated with increased MACE risk compared with placebo. There was no significant difference in the magnitude of the MACE risk between classes or based on IMID type.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-IL-12/23, JAK inhibitors, and anti-TNF-α were associated with higher risk of MACE compared with placebo. The magnitude of the increased MACE risk was not different by IMID type. These results require confirmation in larger prospective studies.

Real-world Evidence Comparing Tofacitinib and Vedolizumab in Anti-TNF-experienced Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) inhibitors are first-line treatment among patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). With time, patients tend to lose response or become intolerant, necessitating switching to small cell biologics such as tofacitinib or vedolizumab. In this real-world study of a large, geographically diverse US population of TNF-experienced patients with UC, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of newly initiating treatment with tofacitinib vs vedolizumab.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study using secondary data from a large US insurer (Anthem, Inc.). Our cohort included patients with UC newly initiating treatment with tofacitinib or vedolizumab. Patients were required to have evidence of treatment with anti-TNF inhibitors in the 6 months prior to cohort entry. The primary outcome was treatment persistence >52 weeks. Additionally, we evaluated the following secondary outcomes as additional measures of effectiveness and safety: (1) all-cause hospitalization; (2) total abdominal colectomy; (3) hospitalization for infection; (4) hospitalization for malignancy; (5) hospitalization for cardiac events; and (6) hospitalization for thromboembolic events. We used fine stratification by propensity scores to control for confounding by demographics, clinical factors, and treatment history at baseline.

RESULTS

Our primary cohort included 168 new users of tofacitinib and 568 new users of vedolizumab. Tofacitinib was associated with lower treatment persistence (adjusted risked ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60 -0.99). Differences in secondary measures of effectiveness or safety between tofacitinib initiators vs vedolizumab initiators were not statistically significant (all-cause hospitalization, adjusted hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.83-1.84; total abdominal colectomy, adjusted HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 0.93-3.44;and hospitalization for any infection, adjusted HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 0.83-4.52).

DISCUSSION

Ulcerative colitis patients with prior anti-TNF experience initiating tofacitinib demonstrated lower treatment persistence compared with those initiating vedolizumab. This finding is in contrast to other recent studies suggesting superior effectiveness of tofacitinib. Ultimately, head-to-head randomized, controlled trials that focus on directly measured end points may be needed to best inform clinical practice.

The management of cardiovascular risk in psoriatic disease: A bridge over troubled water

Evidence that psoriatic disease is burdened by an excess cardiovascular (CV) risk has accrued, however many questions remain unanswered. Although an interplay between traditional risk factors inflammation, disease activity and pharmacological therapies, as observed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), may account for this increased risk, metabolic comorbidities rather than inflammation seem to have a leading role in psoriatic disease. Therefore, specific approaches, risk factors targeting and the importance of traditional risk factors and inflammation management need to be considered. The purpose of this review article is to discuss current data on CV risk in psoriatic disease, and to outline similarities and differences with RA in the light of international recommendations. Arguments in favour of developing specific guidance for CV prevention in psoriatic disease are discussed.

Cardiovascular disease in spondyloarthritis: a narrative review of risk factors and the effect of treatments

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the recent evidence available regarding the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in spondyloarthritis (SpA), including the effect of disease modifying drugs on cardiovascular risk.

RECENT FINDINGS

People with SpA suffer from an increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to the general population. This elevated risk is explained by the high prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation from disease activity leading to endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis. Consequently, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European League Against Rheumatism recommend enhanced cardiovascular risk screening in SpA patients. There is evidence from observational studies that methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in SpA. Unlike what is observed in the general population, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs does not appear to increase cardiovascular disease risk in SpA.

SUMMARY

Cardiovascular diseases are increasingly recognized in patients suffering from SpA, especially axial SpA and psoriatic arthritis. Cardiovascular diseases can cause significant morbidity, mortality, and add to the overall disease burden. Disease modifying drugs may mitigate some of the cardiovascular risk; however, a multidisciplinary team is needed to monitor patients and improve cardiovascular health status.

Impact of NSAIDs on 8-year cumulative incidence of major cardiovascular events in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a nationwide study

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to describe the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in French patients newly benefiting from the French Long-term Illness scheme (LTI) for AS and to evaluate the effect of various treatments on the risk of MACE occurrence.

METHODS

This national cohort study was based on the French national medico-administrative database SNDS containing data on hospitalization, the LTI, and outpatient care consumption. All French patients newly receiving LTI benefits for AS from 2010 to 2013 were included. The final follow-up date was 31 December 2018. The occurrences of MACEs [stroke and myocardial infarction (MI)] and comorbidities were identified from algorithms previously described in the literature. Competitive risk analysis using propensity score and inverse weighting was performed to calculate cumulative incidence functions and to determine subhazard ratios (SHRs) for the various treatments of interest.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2013, 22 929 patients were included [mean age 43.0 (s.d. 13.9) years, 44.9% mal]. The 8-year cumulative incidences of MACE, stroke, and MI were 1.81% (1.61-2.05), 0.97% (0.83-1.14), and 0.85% (0.71-1.04), respectively. NSAIDs [SHR: 0.39 (0.32-0.50), P < 0.001] and anti-TNF [SHR 0.61 (0.46-0.80), P < 0.001], but not anti-IL17 [2.10 (0.79-5.57)] were associated with a lower risk of MACE occurrence.

CONCLUSION

MACE incidence rates at 8 years are low in patients newly benefiting from LTI for AS. Our results support the hypothesis of a protective role of NSAIDs and anti-TNF in cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Evaluating the use of methods to mitigate bias from non-transient medications in the case-crossover design: A systematic review

PURPOSE

The case-crossover design is a self-controlled study design used to compare exposure immediately preceding an event occurrence with exposure in earlier control periods. The design is most suitable for transient exposures in order to avoid biases that can be problematic when using the case-crossover design for non-transient (i.e., chronic) exposures. Our goal was to conduct a systematic review of case-crossover studies and its variants (case-time-control and case-case-time-control) in order to compare design and analysis choices by medication type.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search to identify recent case-crossover, case-time-control, and case-case-time-control studies focused on medication exposures. Articles indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE using these study designs that were published between January 2015 and December 2021 in the English language were identified. Reviews, methodological studies, commentaries, articles without medications as the exposure of interest, and articles with no available full text were excluded. Study characteristics including study design, outcome, risk window, control window, reporting of discordant pairs, and inclusion of sensitivity analyses were summarized overall and by medication type. We further evaluated the implementation of recommended methods to account for biases introduced by non-transient exposures among articles that used the case-crossover design on a non-transient exposure.

RESULTS

Of the 2036 articles initially identified, 114 articles were included. The case-crossover was the most common study design (88%), followed by the case-time-control (17%), and case-case-time-control (3%). Fifty-three percent of the articles included only transient medications, 35% included only non-transient medications, and 12% included both. Across years, the proportion of case-crossover articles evaluating a non-transient medication ranged from 30% in 2018 to 69% in 2017. We found that 41% of the articles that evaluated a non-transient medication did not apply any of the recommended methods to account for biases and more than half of which were conducted by authors with no previous publication history of case-crossover studies.

CONCLUSION

Using the case-crossover design to evaluate a non-transient medication remains common in pharmacoepidemiology. Researchers should apply appropriate design and analysis choices when opting to use a case-crossover design with non-transient medication exposures.

Safety and efficacy of mirikizumab versus secukinumab and placebo in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (OASIS-2): a phase 3, multicentre, randomised, double-blind study

BACKGROUND

Risankizumab and guselkumab, inhibitors of the interleukin (IL)-23 p19 subunit, are approved for treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and both have shown superiority over placebo in randomised clinical trials. Both agents have also shown superiority to the IL-17 inhibitor secukinumab at different timepoints. We investigated the efficacy and safety of the IL-23 p19 inhibitor mirikizumab versus placebo and secukinumab for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

METHODS

OASIS-2 was a phase 3, multicentre, randomised, double-blind trial. We recruited participants aged at least 18 years who had a confirmed diagnosis of chronic plaque psoriasis for at least 6 months before baseline that involved at least 10% of body surface area (BSA), an absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of at least 12, and a Static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) score of at least 3 at both the screening and baseline visits. We excluded patients who had an uncontrolled or unstable health condition at screening. We randomly assigned patients (4:4:4:1) to receive 250 mg mirikizumab every 4 weeks for 16 weeks (induction) then every 8 weeks from week 16 to week 52 (maintenance); 250 mg mirikizumab every 4 weeks for 16 weeks, then 125 mg mirikizumab every 8 weeks from week 16 to 52; 300 mg secukinumab once weekly up to week 4, then every 4 weeks thereafter; or placebo every 4 weeks for 16 weeks, followed by 250 mg mirikizumab every 4 weeks from week 16 to 32 and then every 8 weeks from week 32 to 52. The primary outcome was superiority of mirikizumab (250 mg induction dose) versus placebo at week 16, assessed as the proportion of patients with an sPGA score of 0 or 1 with an improvement from baseline of at least 2 points, and the proportion of patients with at least 90% improvement from baseline in PASI score (PASI 90), in the intention-to-treat-population. We assessed safety in all randomly assigned participants who received at least one dose of mirikizumab until week 16 (induction safety population) and all randomly assigned participants who received at least one dose of mirikizumab or secukinumab until week 52 (active treatment safety population). This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03535194, and is completed.

FINDINGS

Between June 26, 2018, and April 2, 2019, we screened 1738 participants, of whom 1465 (84·3%) were enrolled. The mean age of participants was 46·0 years (SD 13·8), 1000 (68·3%) were men, 465 (31·7%) were women, and 1195 (81·6%) were White. Participants were randomly assigned to receive mirikizumab 250 mg for induction and maintenance (n=454 [31·0%]), mirikizumab 250 mg for induction and 125 mg for maintenance (n=451 [30·8%]), secukinumab 300 mg (n=448 [30·6%]), or placebo followed by mirikizumab (n=112 [7·6%]). Baseline characteristics were similar across treatment groups. At week 16, 721 (79·7% [95% CI 77·0-82·3]) of 905 participants in the mirikizumab 250 mg induction groups had an sPGA score of 0 or 1 versus seven (6·3% [1·8-10·7]) of 112 participants in the placebo group (p<0·0001 for superiority). At week 16, 673 (74·4% [71·5-77·2]) of 905 participants in the mirikizumab groups had PASI 90 compared with seven (6·3% [1.8-10.7]) in the placebo group (p<0·0001 for superiority). Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported with similar frequency across treatment groups during weeks 0-52. Four major adverse cardiovascular events were reported in the mirikizumab groups versus none in the placebo and secukinumab groups up to week 16, with one fatal acute myocardial infarction in a patient treated with mirikizumab, which the investigator considered to be related to the study drug.

INTERPRETATION

This trial showed superiority of mirikizumab at a dose of 250 mg over placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, with a safety profile consistent with that of the IL-23 class. The study sponsor is not pursuing licensing of mirikizumab in this patient population because of a reprioritised development strategy with a focus on gastrointestinal-related indications.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company.

Biomarkers and biologics related with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Over the past half century, psoriasis is considered as an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease with the combined hallmarks of autoimmunity and autoinflammation, according to growing volumes of clinical and experimental findings. There is currently no cure for psoriasis, current treatment strategies focus on symptom control, disease minimization, and patient's quality of life enhancement. To meet these challenges, it keeps imperative to discover potential biomarkers, so that not only can they be used for the prediction and monitoring of psoriasis disease in clinic, but also can provide novel therapeutic targets or treatment strategies for psoriasis sufferers. This review systematically demonstrates the research progress of psoriasis-related biomarkers and elaborates their related mechanisms in the pathological development of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In addition, we summarize the development of biologic therapies for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in order to drive the broader discussion of psoriasis as an autoimmune-mediated inflammatory skin disease.

Impact of targeted therapies on the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review and aggregate data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the effect of targeted therapies on cardiovascular risk in psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) via a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for RCTs reporting targeted therapies in patients with PsO/PsA published until 28 October 2021. The primary and secondary outcomes included the relationship between targeted therapies and all cardiovascular events (CVEs), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, and stroke in PsO/PsA. The outcome risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effect method.

RESULTS

A total of 81 articles involving 88 RCTs were included. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the occurrence of all CVEs for all targeted therapies (RR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.74-1.43, P = .85) compared to placebo in PsO/PsA. No statistically significant difference existed between drugs and placebo in patients with PsA on all CVEs (RR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.48-1.36, P = .43). Surprisingly, the incidence of all CVEs was higher in the low dosage group compared to the high dosage group of all targeted therapies (RR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.19-3.27, P = .008) and prominently anti-interleukin-17 agent (RR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.05-4.58, P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Current targeted therapies are not associated with the risk of CVEs. Based on the existing evidence, we reported here that a dosage reduction of targeted therapies was not recommended.

Comorbidities in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common type of inflammatory arthritis. Patients with PsA present with certain extra-articular manifestations and comorbidities (often collectively called psoriatic disease). The purpose of the present review was to highlight the main comorbidities in the setting of PsA.

METHODS

A narrative review was performed using data from articles found in a search of PubMed and Scopus using the terms psoriatic arthritis and comorbidities.

FINDINGS

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as metabolic and mental health disorders, are the most common comorbidities in patients with PsA. In most cases, underlying inflammation seems to be involved in the increased risk for CVD in PsA, while a bidirectional relationship seems to operate between mental health disorders and psoriatic disease. The treatment of patients with PsA, especially with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, has been shown to lead to favorable outcomes regarding the CVD risk. However, it is debatable whether specific drug classes are more effective than others or should be avoided in patients with CVD risk factors. Comorbidity of mental health disorders is even more complex, given the difficulties in measuring and reporting these comorbidities in clinical trials and in clinical practice.

IMPLICATIONS

Future studies are needed for a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of, and the development of better protocols for the identification and treatment of patients with, comorbidities in patients with PsA. The education of clinicians, health care professionals in rheumatology, and patients could be useful in achieving this goal.

Influence of biologic therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Chronic immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), present an increased risk of developing early atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events (CVE) at early age.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the baseline and 1-year cardiovascular profile of patients with IBD according to the biologic treatment received, taking into account the inflammatory activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It is a retrospective, observational study that included 374 patients. Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and CVE were collected at the baseline visit and at one-year follow-up to describe the cardiovascular risk according to the biological treatment received, also assessing clinical and biological remission.

RESULTS

A total of 374 patients were included: 146 (38.73%) were treated with Infliximab, 128 (33.95%) with adalimumab, 61 (16.18%) with ustekinumab and 42 (11.14%) with vedolizumab. The changes in blood glucose levels are [86.31mg/dL (84.57-88.06) vs. 89.25mg/dL (87.54-90.96), P=.001] for those treated with antiTNFα and [86.52mg/dL (83.48-89.55) vs. 89.44mg/dL (85.77-93.11), P=.11] in the other group. In the group treated with antiTNFα total cholesterol values at baseline visit are [169.40mg/dL (164.97-173.83) vs. 177.40mg/dL (172.75-182.05) at one year of treatment, P=<.001], those of HDL [50.22mg/dL (48.39-52.04) vs. 54.26mg/dL (52.46-56.07), P=<.001] and those of triglycerides [114.77mg/dL (106.36-123.18) vs. 121.83mg/dL (112.11-131.54), P=.054]. Regarding weight, an increase was observed, both in those patients treated with antiTNFα [71.39kg (69.53-73.25) vs. 72.87kg (71.05-74.70), P<.001], and in the group treated with ustekinumab and vedolizumab [67.59kg (64.10-71.08) vs. 69.43kg (65.65-73.04), P=.003]. Concerning CVE, no significant differences were observed neither according to the drug used (p=0.36), nor according to personal history of CVE (P=.23) nor according to inflammatory activity (P=.46).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results on a real cohort of patients with IBD treated with biologic drugs show a better control of certain cardiovascular parameters such as CRP or HDL, but a worsening of others such as total cholesterol or triglycerides, regardless of the treatment. Therefore, it is possibly the disease control and not the therapeutic target used, the one that affect the cardiovascular risk of these patients.

Risk of parkinsonism and related movement disorders with gabapentinoids or tramadol: A case-crossover study

INTRODUCTION

A safety signal concerning parkinsonism and related movement disorders with gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) or tramadol was detected by reviewing individual case reports and data mining in spontaneous report databases. Well-designed pharmacoepidemiological studies are needed to assess the signal.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the association of exposure to gabapentinoids or tramadol with the risk of parkinsonism and related movement disorders.

METHODS

We conducted a case-crossover study using a Japanese electronic medical records database. Patients with newly diagnosed parkinsonism or related movement disorders between January 1, 2007, and April 14, 2019, were identified. The diagnosis date of outcomes was defined as the index date. We assessed the exposure of each patient to gabapentinoids or tramadol during a 90-day hazard period ending 1 day before the index date and in three 90-day reference periods. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To confirm the robustness of the primary findings, we also performed sensitivity analyses using a case-case-time-control design, a different time window for hazard and reference periods, a different definition of outcome, and different number of reference periods.

RESULTS

A total of 28,972 eligible cases were included in the primary analysis. Exposure to gabapentinoids (aOR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.73-2.61) and tramadol (aOR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.57-2.64) was associated with increased risk. Results were consistent across sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Our findings serve as a caution to physicians who prescribe gabapentinoids or tramadol in routine clinical practice.

The Impact of Treatment with IL-17/IL-23 Inhibitors on Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis and/or Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review

Accumulating evidence considers psoriasis a systemic inflammatory disorder that is associated with comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Although the precise pathogenetic links between psoriasis and atherosclerosis warrants further investigation, it is believed that chronic systemic inflammation along with the T helper (Th)-1 and Th17 polarization are associated with endothelial dysfunction and subsequent acceleration of atherosclerosis. Considering the above, several studies have evaluated if optimal control of the inflammation in psoriasis by inhibiting interleukins targeting the Interleukin (IL)-23/Th17 axis could subsequently reduce the atherosclerotic process during anti-psoriatic treatment by using a variety of surrogate markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. This systematic review summarizes current knowledge on the pathogenetic mechanisms and diagnostic evaluation of atherosclerosis in the context of psoriasis and provides a systematic review of the literature on the impact of treatment with biologics targeting the IL-23/Th17 axis on subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with plaque psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.

Biologic and Small-Molecule Therapies for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Focus on Psoriasis Comorbidities

Psoriasis is a systemic immune-mediated disease associated with an increased risk of comorbidities, such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, psychiatric disorders, and malignancy. In recent years, with the advent of biological agents, the efficacy and safety of psoriasis treatments have dramatically improved. Presently, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, interleukin-17 inhibitors, interleukin-12/23 inhibitors, and interleukin-23 inhibitors are approved to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Small-molecule inhibitors, such as apremilast and deucravacitinib, are also approved for the treatment of psoriasis. Although it is still unclear, systemic agents used to treat psoriasis also have a significant impact on its comorbidities by altering the systemic inflammatory state. Data from clinical trials and studies on the safety and efficacy of biologics and small-molecule inhibitors provide important information for the personalized care and treatment for patients with psoriasis. Notably, treatment with interleukin-17 inhibitors is associated with new-onset or exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, great caution needs to be taken when using tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors in patients with psoriasis with concomitant congestive heart failure, multiple sclerosis, and malignancy. Apremilast may induce weight loss as an adverse effect, presenting also with some beneficial metabolic actions. A better understanding of the characteristics of biologics and small-molecule inhibitors in the treatment of psoriasis comorbidities can provide more definitive guidance for patients with distinct comorbidities.

Dysregulated haemostasis in thrombo-inflammatory disease

Inflammatory disease is often associated with an increased incidence of venous thromboembolism in affected patients, although in most instances, the mechanistic basis for this increased thrombogenicity remains poorly understood. Acute infection, as exemplified by sepsis, malaria and most recently, COVID-19, drives 'immunothrombosis', where the immune defence response to capture and neutralise invading pathogens causes concurrent activation of deleterious prothrombotic cellular and biological responses. Moreover, dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, and neurodegenerative disorders, are now recognised to occur in parallel with activation of coagulation. In this review, we describe the detailed cellular and biochemical mechanisms that cause inflammation-driven haemostatic dysregulation, including aberrant contact pathway activation, increased tissue factor activity and release, innate immune cell activation and programmed cell death, and T cell-mediated changes in thrombus resolution. In addition, we consider how lifestyle changes increasingly associated with modern life, such as circadian rhythm disruption, chronic stress and old age, are increasingly implicated in unbalancing haemostasis. Finally, we describe the emergence of potential therapies with broad-ranging immunothrombotic functions, and how drug development in this area is challenged by our nascent understanding of the key molecular and cellular parameters that control the shared nodes of proinflammatory and procoagulant pathways. Despite the increasing recognition and understanding of the prothrombotic nature of inflammatory disease, significant challenges remain in effectively managing affected patients, and new therapeutic approaches to curtail the key pathogenic steps in immune response-driven thrombosis are urgently required.

Early intervention in psoriasis: Where do we go from here?

Patients with psoriasis often have comorbidities and are at increased risk of developing several complications compared with the general population. Knowledge on the role of immune mediators and systemic inflammation in psoriasis has led to the hypothesis that early intervention with systemic therapy has the potential to modify the course of the disease and reduce the risk of long-term adverse outcomes. In this article, we address some potential issues that need to be considered before early intervention can be implemented routinely. The first is determining what constitutes "early" intervention for psoriasis. A second point is whether the intervention should be considered for patients with early disease or for selected subsets based on risk stratification. A third important consideration is defining success for early intervention. Finally, adoption of early and effective intervention should be based on high-level evidence. Ideally, randomized trials would be the best strategy to compare early vs. late systemic treatment in patients with psoriasis, probably using the frequency of long-term outcomes as primary endpoint, with cutaneous and pharmacoeconomic outcomes assessed secondarily.

Real-World Evidence Comparing Vedolizumab and Ustekinumab in Antitumor Necrosis Factor-Experienced Patients With Crohn's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Many patients with Crohn's disease (CD) lose response or become intolerant to antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy and subsequently switch out of class. We compared the effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab to vedolizumab in a large, geographically diverse US population of TNF-experienced patients with CD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using longitudinal claims data from a large US insurer (Anthem, Inc.). We identified patients with CD initiating vedolizumab or ustekinumab with anti-TNF treatment in the prior 6 months. Our primary outcome was treatment persistence for >52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included (i) all-cause hospitalization, (ii) hospitalization for CD with surgery, (iii) hospitalization for CD without surgery, and (iv) hospitalization for infection. Propensity score fine stratification was used to control for demographic and baseline clinical characteristics and prior treatments.

RESULTS

Among 885 new users of ustekinumab and 490 new users of vedolizumab, we observed no difference in treatment persistence (adjusted risk ratio 1.09 [95% confidence interval 0.95-1.25]). Ustekinumab was associated with a lower rate of all-cause hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio 0.73 [0.59-0.91]), nonsurgical CD hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio 0.58 [0.40-0.83]), and hospitalization for infection (adjusted hazard ratio 0.56 [0.34-0.92]).

DISCUSSION

This real-world comparative effectiveness study of anti-TNF-experienced patients with CD initiating vedolizumab or ustekinumab showed similar treatment persistence rates beyond 52 weeks, although secondary outcomes such as all-cause hospitalizations, nonsurgical CD hospitalizations, and hospitalizations for infection favored ustekinumab initiation. We, therefore, advocate for individualized decision making in this medically refractory population, considering patient preference and other factors such as cost and route of administration.

Therapeutic Utility and Adverse Effects of Biologic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs in Inflammatory Arthritis

Targeting specific pathologic pro-inflammatory cytokines or related molecules leads to excellent therapeutic effects in inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Most of these agents, known as biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), are produced in live cell lines and are usually monoclonal antibodies. Several types of monoclonal antibodies target different pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-6, and IL-23/12. Some bDMARDs, such as rituximab and abatacept, target specific cell-surface molecules to control the inflammatory response. The therapeutic effects of these bDMARDs differ in different forms of inflammatory arthritis and are associated with different adverse events. In this article, we summarize the therapeutic utility and adverse effects of bDMARDs and suggest future research directions for developing bDMARDs.

Heart failure associated with ustekinumab therapy for treatment of Crohn's Disease

A man in his 60s with penetrating ileocolonic Crohn's disease (CD), recently started on ustekinumab therapy, presented with new onset dyspnoea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea and dependent oedema. He was diagnosed with heart failure (HF) 10 months after starting ustekinumab therapy. His symptoms resolved with discontinuation of ustekinumab and he had recovery of his cardiac function. Though initial studies that led to the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA)approval for ustekinumab did not detect a signal for HF, postmarketing surveillance has detected rare cases of HF after initiation of the medication. This is one of the few reported cases of HF associated with ustekinumab therapy for CD.

Cytokines associated with immune response in atherosclerosis

Inflammation is an essential mechanism of immune response that involves a large number of different immune cells. Atherosclerosis is essentially an inflammatory disease caused by inappropriate activities of immune cells. During this process, various cytokines activate immune cells, regulate and transmit immune cell signals, and stimulate a local inflammatory environment. In this study, we reviewed the cytokines associated with immune activity in atherosclerosis, including their roles in immune cell activation and mediating immune cell chemotaxis. The findings give important insights into inflammatory immune microenvironment, including basic mechanisms and interactions, providing new ideas and options for clinical detection and treatment of this disease.

The cardiometabolic conditions of psoriatic disease

Psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), together known as psoriatic disease (PsD), are immune-mediated diseases with a chronic and relapsing course that affect the skin, the joints or both. The pathophysiology of PsO is complex and involves abnormal expression of keratinocytes and infiltration of the skin with dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils and T lymphocytes. Around 30% of patients with PsO develop arthritis with axial and/or peripheral manifestations. Both PsO and PsA share similar Th1- and Th17-driven inflammation, with increased production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNFα, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23 in the skin and the synovial membrane. PsD is associated with a high burden of cardiometabolic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular (CV) complications as compared to the general population. These comorbidities share common immunopathogenic pathways linked to systemic inflammation, and are associated with the extent and severity of the disease. Morever, they can influence treatment outcomes in PsD. In this short review, we summarize the available evidence on the epidemiology, clinical aspects and mechanisms of cardiometabolic conditions in patients with PsD. We also discuss the impact of targeted treatments such as methotrexate and biological agents on these cardiometabolic conditions.

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.

Ustekinumab-Induced Fatal Acute Heart Failure in a Young Female: A Case Report

Data regarding short- and long-term cardiovascular complications of biological agents is lacking. Herein, the authors reported a case of abrupt onset of acute heart failure induced by ustekinumab treatment for resistant pityriasis rubra pilaris in a young healthy female with no past cardiac history. Although medical management was immediately initiated for cardiogenic shock, the patient passed away.

Lipidic Profile Changes in Exosomes and Microvesicles Derived From Plasma of Monoclonal Antibody-Treated Psoriatic Patients

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder affecting children and adults. To date no approved biomarkers for diagnosis of this disease and follow up of patients have been translated into clinical practice. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by all cells and present in almost all biological fluids are playing a crucial role in diagnosis and follow up of several diseases, including psoriasis. Since many psoriatic patients show altered plasma lipid profiles and since EVs have been involved in psoriasis pathogenesis, we studied the phospholipid profile of EVs, both microvesicles (MV) or exosomes (Exo), derived from plasma of psoriatic patients undergoing systemic biological treatment (secukinumab, ustekinumab, adalimumab), in comparison with EVs of untreated patients and healthy donors (HD). EVs were evaluated by immune electronmicroscopy for their morphology and by NanoSight for their amount and dimensions. EV phospholipid profiling was performed by High Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and statistical Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis. Our results demonstrated that psoriatic patients showed a higher concentration of both MV and Exo in comparison to EVs from HD. The phospholipid profile of Exo from psoriatic patients showed increased levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol and lysoPC compared to Exo from HD. Sphingomyelin (SM) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) are the only phospholipid classes whose levels changed in MV. Moreover, the therapy with ustekinumab seemed to revert the PE and PC lipid composition of circulating Exo towards that of HD and it is the only one of the three biological drugs that did not alter SM expression in MV. Therefore, the determination of lipid alterations of circulating EVs could harbor useful information for the diagnosis and drug response in psoriatic patients.

Psoriasis and metabolic syndrome: implications for the management and treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder associated with several comorbidities in addition to the characteristic skin lesions. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the most frequent comorbidity in psoriasis and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a major cause of death among patients with psoriasis. Although the exact causal relationship between these two disorders is not fully established, the underlying pathophysiology linking psoriasis and MetS seems to involve overlapping genetic predispositions and inflammatory pathways. Dysregulation of the IL‐23/Th‐17 immune signalling pathway is central to both pathologies and may be key to promoting susceptibility to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in individuals with and without psoriasis. Thus, biological treatments for psoriasis that interrupt these signals could both reduce the psoriatic inflammatory burden and also lessen the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic diseases. In support of this hypothesis, improvement of skin lesions was associated with improvement in vascular inflammation in recent imaging studies, demonstrating that the beneficial effect of biological agents goes beyond the skin and could help to prevent cardiovascular disease. This review will summarize current knowledge on underlying inflammatory mechanisms shared between psoriasis and MetS and discuss the most recent clinical evidence for the potential for psoriasis treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Cardiovascular Disease-Associated Skin Conditions

According to data from the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most frequent cause of premature death. Several inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin diseases have been associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk (CVR). Here, we classified these conditions into traditionally CVR-associated and those that have been linked to a lesser degree. Psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa are commonly associated with CVD, sharing common inflammatory pathways and a higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Many other diseases could be associated indirectly – with no common pathogenic features with the atheromatous disease – but share a higher prevalence of standard cardiovascular risk and chronic inflammatory state. This review aims to highlight the associated cardiovascular risk that exists for some dermatologic diseases and sensitize cardiologists, dermatologists, and first care providers to implement risk factor control promptly.

Non-immune functions of inflammatory cytokines targeted by anti-psoriatic biologics: a review

PURPOSE

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease characterized by skin thickening with silvery white desquamation due to dysregulated inflammatory pathways and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines. Biologic agents targeting these inflammatory cytokines have brought about significant improvement in clearing psoriatic lesions in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Moreover, biologics exert both beneficial and detrimental effects on comorbidities in psoriasis, which include increased risk of cardiovascular events, metabolic syndrome, among other conditions. However, non-immune functions of cytokines targeted by biologics, and, hence, the potential risks and benefits of biologics for psoriasis to different organs/systems and comorbidities, have not been well elucidated.

RESULTS

This review summarizes current understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis-related comorbidities and emerging discoveries of roles of cytokines targeted in psoriasis treatment, including tumor necrosis factor α and interleukins 12, 23, and 17, aiming to complete the safety profile of each biologics and provide therapeutic implications on psoriasis-related comorbidities, and on diseases involving other organs or systems.

Biologics in Psoriasis: Updated Perspectives on Long-Term Safety and Risk Management

Biologics targeting Th1/Th17 cytokines have revolutionised psoriasis treatment. In addition to treatment effectiveness, it is important to define and understand the long-term risks of biologic therapy in order to guide therapy selection and minimise these risks for patients where possible. This review article summarises available evidence from trial data, observational studies and pharmacovigilance registries to explore key long-term risks of biologic treatment, and how these risks might be managed in clinical practice.

Immune cell profiling in atherosclerosis: role in research and precision medicine

Inflammation is intimately involved at all stages of atherosclerosis and remains a substantial residual cardiovascular risk factor in optimally treated patients. The proof of concept that targeting inflammation reduces cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction has highlighted the urgent need to identify new immunotherapies to treat patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Importantly, emerging data from new clinical trials show that successful immunotherapies for atherosclerosis need to be tailored to the specific immune alterations in distinct groups of patients. In this Review, we discuss how single-cell technologies - such as single-cell mass cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing and cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing - are ideal for mapping the cellular and molecular composition of human atherosclerotic plaques and how these data can aid in the discovery of new precise immunotherapies. We also argue that single-cell data from studies in humans need to be rigorously validated in relevant experimental models, including rapidly emerging single-cell CRISPR screening technologies and mouse models of atherosclerosis. Finally, we discuss the importance of implementing single-cell immune monitoring tools in early phases of drug development to aid in the precise selection of the target patient population for data-driven translation into randomized clinical trials and the successful translation of new immunotherapies into the clinic.

Cardiovascular comorbidities in psoriasis (Review)

Long considered a skin-limited condition, psoriasis is currently defined as a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease, presenting, besides the skin changes, important systemic manifestations, the most common being: psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. It is a disease with a strong psycho-emotional and social impact, both through skin changes such as pruritic, scaly erythematous plaques, and through the association of comorbidities that influence morbidity and mortality. It has been shown that psoriasis is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, with patients developing ischemic heart disease/acute coronary syndrome, hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, or stroke. The chronic inflammatory status of psoriasis and the production of specific cytokines may be the etiopathogenic link to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Biological therapy may affect atherosclerosis, leading to the arrest of the evolution or even regressing the changes in the atheromatous plaque. The aim of this review was to re-evaluate the current knowledge regarding the cardiovascular comorbidities associated with psoriasis for optimal management of the patients.

International consensus on the prevention of venous and arterial thrombotic events in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of thrombotic events. Therapies for IBD have the potential to modulate this risk. The aims of this Evidence-Based Guideline were to summarize available evidence and to provide practical recommendations regarding epidemiological aspects, prevention and drug-related risks of venous and arterial thrombotic events in patients with IBD. A virtual meeting took place in May 2020 involving 14 international IBD experts and 3 thrombosis experts from 12 countries. Proposed statements were voted upon in an anonymous manner. Agreement was defined as at least 75% of participants voting as 'fully agree' or 'mostly agree' with each statement. For each statement, the level of evidence was graded according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) grading system. Consensus was reached for 19 statements. Patients with IBD harbour an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombotic events. Thromboprophylaxis is indicated during hospitalization of any cause in patients with IBD. Disease activity is a modifiable risk factor in patients with IBD, and physicians should aim to achieve deep remission to reduce the risk. Exposure to steroids should be limited. Antitumour necrosis factor agents might be associated with a reduced risk of thrombotic events.

Cardiometabolic Comorbidities in Patients With Psoriasis: Focusing on Risk, Biological Therapy, and Pathogenesis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by erythematous scaly plaques, accompanied by systemic damage that leads to the development of multiple comorbidities. In particular, the association between psoriasis and cardiometabolic comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome, has been verified in a considerable number of clinical trials. Moreover, the increased risk of cardiometabolic comorbidities positively correlates with psoriasis severity. Biologic therapy targeting inflammatory pathways or cytokines substantially improves the life quality of psoriasis patients and may affect cardiometabolic comorbidities by reducing their incidences. In this review, we focus on exploring the association between cardiometabolic comorbidities and psoriasis, and emphasize the benefits and precautions of biologic therapy in the management of psoriasis with cardiometabolic comorbidities. The pathogenic mechanisms of cardiometabolic comorbidities in psoriasis patients involve common genetic factors, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and shared inflammatory pathways such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-23/Th-17 pathways.

Long-term safety of risankizumab from 17 clinical trials in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

Background

Risankizumab has demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in randomized clinical trials.

Objectives

To evaluate safety data from risankizumab psoriasis phase I–III clinical trials.

Methods

Short‐term safety (through week 16) was analysed using integrated data from five phase II and III clinical trials. Long‐term safety was evaluated using integrated data from 17 phase I–III completed and ongoing trials.

Results

Short‐term safety analyses included 1306 patients receiving risankizumab 150 mg and 300 patients receiving placebo [402·2 and 92·0 patient‐years (PY) of exposure, respectively]. Long‐term analyses included 3072 risankizumab‐treated patients (exposure: 7927 PY). The median (excluding four outliers) treatment duration was 2·9 years (range 2 days to 5·9 years). Exposure‐adjusted adverse event rates did not increase with long‐term treatment (318 vs. 171 events per 100 PY for short‐ and long‐term analyses). With long‐term risankizumab treatment, rates of serious adverse events were 7·8 per 100 PY, serious infections 1·2 per 100 PY, nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) 0·7 per 100 PY, malignant tumours excluding NMSC 0·5 per 100 PY, and adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events 0·3 per 100 PY, with no important identified risks. Limitations include that the study inclusion and exclusion criteria varied and that three studies enrolled ≤ 50 patients.

Conclusions

Risankizumab demonstrated a favourable safety profile over short‐ and long‐term treatment in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Whatis already known about this topic?

In clinical trials of patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, risankizumab, a selective interleukin‐23 inhibitor, was well tolerated and efficacious.

Whatdoes this study add?

In this comprehensive evaluation of risankizumab safety in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis, adverse event rates were comparable between risankizumab (n = 1306, 402 patient‐years) and placebo (n = 300, 92 patient‐years) in the short‐term (16‐week) analysis set, and were consistent with those in the long‐term analysis (n = 3072, 7927 patient‐years of risankizumab exposure).

These findings are consistent with the known safety profile of risankizumab and support its long‐term use in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Linked Comment: S. Mirali et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:394–395.

Plain language summary available online

Targeting cytokines and immune checkpoints in atherosclerosis with monoclonal antibodies

Over the past fifteen years, treatments using monoclonal antibodies specifically targeting cytokines have been developed to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, both associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The cardiovascular impact of these therapies allows us to validate the clinical relevance of the knowledge acquired from experimental studies about the role of cytokines in atherosclerosis. Several clinical studies have confirmed the protective effects of anti-TNFα and anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibodies against athero-thrombotic cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. Yet, caution is needed since anti-TNFα treatment can aggravate chronic heart failure. More recently, the CANTOS study showed for the first time that an anti-inflammatory treatment using anti-IL-1β monoclonal antibody in coronary artery disease patients significantly reduced cardiovascular events. The effects of IL-23/IL-17 axis blockade on cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis or arthritis remain controversial. Several monoclonal antibodies targeting costimulatory molecules have also been developed, a direct way to confirm their involvement in atherothrombotic cardiovascular diseases. Blocking the CD28^-CD80/86 axis with Abatacept has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. In contrast, the treatment of cancer patients with antibodies blocking immune checkpoint inhibitory receptors, such as CTLA-4, PD1, or PDL1, could worsen the risk of atherothrombotic events. In the future, cardiologists will be increasingly solicited to assess the cardiovascular risk of patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases or cancer and participate in choosing the most appropriate treatment. At the same time, immunomodulatory approaches directly targeting cardiovascular diseases will be developed as a complement to the usual treatment strategies.

Cardiovascular Safety of Biologics Targeting Interleukin (IL)-12 and/or IL-23: What Does the Evidence Say?

There is substantial evidence regarding the association between psoriasis and the elevated risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Many patients with psoriasis may also be concerned that their treatments may be associated with a further increase in the risk of CV disease. In this article, we summarize the data regarding the biological role of interleukin (IL)-12/23 in atherogenesis. We performed a literature search for currently known CV safety data from trials and observational studies of treatments targeting IL-12/23 in psoriasis, i.e. the p40 inhibitors ustekinumab and briakinumab, and the p19 inhibitors guselkumab, risankizumab, and tildrakizumab. On balance, extensive evidence supports the CV safety of ustekinumab, with over 14 years of follow-up data in multiple cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). One self-controlled study concluded ustekinumab may precipitate short-term raised CV risk, but the study had limitations hindering interpretation. The safety evidence from RCTs on the p19 inhibitors are reassuring thus far, but these studies may not detect rare CV events in real-world patients. We concluded that the overall evidence does not show that ustekinumab is associated with an increase in the risk of CV disease in patients with psoriasis, but further data are awaited to assess the CV safety of p19 inhibitors for the treatment of psoriasis.

Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients initiating biologics/apremilast for psoriatic arthritis: a nationwide cohort study

Objective

Several biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in PsA. However, their comparative cardiovascular safety profiles remain unknown. We evaluated the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in PsA patients on therapy with different classes of bDMARDs and apremilast.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study involved the administrative healthcare database of the French health insurance scheme linked to the hospital discharge database. All adults with PsA who were new users of bDMARDs/apremilast (neither in the year before the index date) during 2015–19 were included. Patients with previous cardiovascular diseases were excluded. End of follow-up was 31 December 2019. The primary endpoint was an occurrence of MACEs in a time-to-event analysis with propensity score-weighted Cox and Fine–Gray models.

Results

Between 2015 and 2019, we included 9510 bDMARD new users [mean age 48.5 (s.d. 12.7) years; 42% men], including 7289 starting a TNF inhibitor, 1058 an IL-12/23 inhibitor and 1163 an IL-17 inhibitor, with 1885 apremilast new users [mean age 54.0 (s.d. 12.5) years; 44% men]. MACEs occurred in 51 (0.4%) patients. After propensity score weighting, the risk of MACEs was significantly greater with IL-12/23 (weighted hazard ratio 2.0, 95% CI 1.3, 3.0) and IL-17 (weighted hazard ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.2, 3.0) inhibitors than TNF inhibitors, with no significant increased risk with apremilast (weighted hazard ratio 1.3, 95% CI 0.8, 2.2). Similar results were observed with the Fine–Gray competing risks survival model.

Conclusion

Analysis of a large database revealed a small overall number of MACEs, and the risk of MACEs was greater for PsA new users of IL-12/23 and IL-17 vs TNF inhibitors.

Psoriasis in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Treatment Challenges

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 2-3% of the population worldwide. It is associated with plaques, psoriatic arthritis, and metabolic syndrome and its components, including obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we highlight the shared pathogenic pathways leading to the comorbid existence of both diseases and the impact of drugs used for psoriasis on metabolic syndrome and vice versa. Persistent inflammation is common to both diseases. They share increased inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-6. Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of plaque psoriasis and also have a positive impact on metabolic syndrome. There is some evidence that TNFα inhibitors decrease insulin resistance and improve glycemic indices. Some psoriasis treatments may result in decreased body weight. Lifestyle measures used in the management of metabolic syndrome, such as weight loss, exercise, and healthy diet, are beneficial in patients with psoriasis. Considering the association between metabolic syndrome and psoriasis, we recommend screening patients with psoriasis for metabolic syndrome with clinical examinations and laboratory tests. Patients with a co-diagnosis of these diseases deserve special attention for optimal treatment.

Biological anti-psoriatic therapy profoundly affects high-density lipoprotein function

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Functional impairment of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) may contribute to excessive cardiovascular mortality in psoriasis patients. Anti-cytokine therapies with biologics have been efficiently used for the management of psoriasis, however little data is available on the effects of biologic anti-psoriatic therapies on the composition and functionality of HDL. Blood samples were taken from 17 healthy volunteers and from 27 real-world psoriasis patients at baseline (no therapy with biologics) and after short-term (3 to 6 months) and intermediate-term (1 to 2 years) therapy. The biologics used included anti-interleukin (IL)-12/23p40 (ustekinumab), anti-IL17A (secukinumab) or anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (etanercept or adalimumab) antibodies. We observed that in psoriasis patients at baseline, metrics of HDL function including cholesterol efflux capacity of apolipoprotein B-depleted serum (p = 0.021), paraoxonase (p < 0.001) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (p < 0.001) activities were impaired, when compared to controls. Unexpectedly, we observed that short- and especially intermediate-term therapy with biologics markedly reduced HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (p < 0.001) and rendered HDL pro-inflammatory (p < 0.001), but increased paraoxonase (p = 0.009) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (p = 0.019) activities. All biologics caused similar changes in HDL composition, subclass distribution and cholesterol efflux capacity. Our results provide evidence that anti-psoriatic therapy with biologic agents is associated with changes in HDL functionality, particle composition and subclass distribution.

The metabolism-modulating activity of IL-17 signaling in health and disease

IL-17 was discovered nearly 30 yr ago, but it has only been recently appreciated that a key function of this cytokine is to orchestrate cellular and organismal metabolism. Indeed, metabolic regulation is integrated into both the physiological and the pathogenic aspects of IL-17 responses. Thus, understanding the interplay between IL-17 and downstream metabolic processes could ultimately inform therapeutic opportunities for diseases involving IL-17, including some not traditionally linked to this cytokine pathway. Here, we discuss the emerging pathophysiological roles of IL-17 related to cellular and organismal metabolism, including metabolic regulation of IL-17 signal transduction.

Regulatory T Cell-Enhancing Therapies to Treat Atherosclerosis

Experimental studies have provided strong evidence that chronic inflammation triggered by the sub-endothelial accumulation of cholesterol-rich lipoproteins in arteries is essential in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Recent clinical trials highlighting the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapies in coronary patients have confirmed that this is also true in humans Monocytes/macrophages are central cells in the atherosclerotic process, but adaptive immunity, through B and T lymphocytes, as well as dendritic cells, also modulates the progression of the disease. Analysis of the role of different T cell subpopulations in murine models of atherosclerosis identified effector Th1 cells as proatherogenic, whereas regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to protect against atherosclerosis. For these reasons, better understanding of how Tregs influence the atherosclerotic process is believed to provide novel Treg-targeted therapies to combat atherosclerosis. This review article summarizes current knowledge about the role of Tregs in atherosclerosis and discusses ways to enhance their function as novel immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches against cardiovascular disease.

The cardiovascular safety of oral alitretinoin: a population-based cohort study involving 19 513 patients exposed to oral alitretinoin

BACKGROUND

Oral alitretinoin is a retinoid used for severe chronic hand eczema. Although caution is recommended for patients with uncontrolled dyslipidaemia or cardiovascular risk factors, the actual atherothrombotic risk has not been investigated thus far.

OBJECTIVES

To detect any excess of atherothrombotic events among patients exposed to alitretinoin, during treatment or in the 2 years following initiation.

METHODS

Using the French Health Insurance database, we compared the number of patients who had an atherothrombotic event (coronary artery disease, ischaemic stroke or peripheral artery disease requiring revascularization) in the population exposed to oral alitretinoin vs. the general population of the same age, sex and baseline cardiovascular risk, using standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs).

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2017, 19 513 patients were exposed to oral alitretinoin in France. Sixty-four (0·3%) patients had an atherothrombotic event while on alitretinoin. Patients receiving alitretinoin experienced no more atherothrombotic events than the general population: patients without cardiovascular risk factors or previous atherothrombotic events had a SMR of 0·65 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·26-1·34] during alitretinoin treatment, and 1·21 (95% CI 0·90-1·59) in the 2 years following initiation; patients with cardiovascular risk factors or previous atherothrombotic events had a SMR of 0·82 (95% CI 0·60-1·08) during alitretinoin treatment and 0·95 (95% CI 0·82-1·09) in the 2 years following initiation. Taken separately, SMRs for each outcome did not increase either.

CONCLUSIONS

These data from an exhaustive nationwide population-based study do not support an increase in the incidence of atherothrombotic events with alitretinoin use, regardless of the baseline cardiovascular risk of the patient.