Ixekizumab treatment shows a neutral impact on cardiovascular parameters in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: Results from UNCOVER-1, UNCOVER-2, and UNCOVER-3

Epidemiology of lipid disturbances in psoriasis: An analysis of trends from 2006 to 2023

INTRODUCTION

A strong link has been established between psoriasis and lipid disturbances; however, no study has systematically examined their global epidemiology.

METHODS

We searched six databases from their inception up to October 1, 2023. Data analysis was conducted using Stata SE 15.1. We performed subgroup, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses to assess the heterogeneity of the pooled studies.

RESULTS

Our review included 239 studies comprising 15,519,570 participants. The pooled prevalence rate of dyslipidemia among individuals with psoriasis was 38 %.

CONCLUSION

Patients with severe psoriasis should undergo screening for lipid abnormalities. This can facilitate the early detection of lipid dysfunction and associated cardiovascular comorbidities.

Managing the Patient with Psoriasis and Metabolic Comorbidities

Epidemiological data demonstrate strong associations between psoriasis and metabolic comorbidities, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The presence of metabolic comorbidities significantly influences the selection and effectiveness of pharmacological treatments. Some drugs should be prescribed with caution in patients with metabolic comorbidities because of an increased risk of adverse events, while others could have a reduced effectiveness. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the challenges that healthcare professionals may face regarding the management of psoriasis in patients with metabolic comorbidities. In the first part of the article, the epidemiological association between psoriasis and metabolic comorbidities and their pathogenetic mechanisms is summarized. The second part describes the efficacy and safety profile of conventional and biologic drugs in patients with selected metabolic comorbidities including obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/hepatic steatosis, and diabetes. Finally, the role of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, such as diet, alcohol abstinence, physical activity, and smoking avoidance is discussed. In conclusion, the choice of the best approach to manage patients with psoriasis with metabolic comorbidities should encompass both tailored pharmacological and individualized non-pharmacological interventions.

The Intersection of the Pathogenic Processes Underlying Psoriasis and the Comorbid Condition of Obesity

In the past decade, our understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis has made significant steps forward, leading to the development of multiple game-changing therapies. While psoriasis primarily affects the skin, it is increasingly recognized as a systemic disease that can have effects beyond the skin. Obesity is associated with more severe forms of psoriasis and can potentially worsen the systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction seen in psoriatic patients. The exact mechanisms underlying the link between these two conditions are not fully understood, but it is believed that chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation play a role. In this review, we examine the existing body of knowledge regarding the intersection of pathogenic processes responsible for psoriasis and obesity. The ability of biological therapies to reduce systemic and obesity-related inflammation in patients with psoriasis will be also discussed.

Psoriasis and Molecular Target Therapies: Evidence of Efficacy in Preventing Cardiovascular Comorbidities

Psoriasis is now considered a systemic disease, and several comorbidities have been described such as cardiovascular diseases, neurologic and psychiatric disorders, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis, etc. Regarding cardiovascular comorbidities, major adverse cardiovascular events have been reported in psoriasis patients by multiple epidemiologic studies. Moreover, smoking, obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes and reduced physical activity are associated with psoriasis, increasing cardiovascular risk. Consequently, several aspects should be considered when making the treatment decision. The aim of this review manuscript was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of biologic drugs acting on molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis in preventing cardiovascular complications.

Effects of biological agents on glycogen metabolism in psoriasis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The effectiveness and safety of biological agents for treating psoriasis have been confirmed; however, their effects on glucose metabolism biomarkers in psoriasis patients remain unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The final analysis enrolled 12 studies, including eight randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n = 5628 patients) and four observational cohort studies (OBSs) (n = 393 patients). The meta-analysis comprising nine studies (six RCTs and three OBSs) revealed a slight reduction in the levels of HOMA-IR associated with the use of biological therapies in OBS (biological therapies vs. traditional therapies: WMD = -0.2, CI = -0.10 to 0.50, p = 0.02). Although a considerable number of studies were analysed, our review did not show a significant alteration in HOMA-IR levels among patients treated with biological therapies such as IL-17 inhibitors and IL-12/23 inhibitors at weeks 12-16 in RCTs. We also did not observe remarkable alterations in the fasting plasma glucose levels of patients in both OBS and RCT. Additional RCT on a larger scale and duration is required to provide more conclusive evidence regarding the effect of biological agents on glycogen metabolism in psoriasis.

An Overview of Growth Factors as the Potential Link between Psoriasis and Metabolic Syndrome

Psoriasis is a chronic, complex, and immunologically mediated systemic disease that not only affects the skin, but also the joints and nails. It may coexist with various other disorders, such as depression, psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. In particular, the potential link between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome is an issue worthy of attention. The dysregulation of growth factors could potentially contribute to the disturbances of keratinocyte proliferation, inflammation, and itch severity. However, the pathophysiology of psoriasis and its comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome, remains incompletely elucidated. Growth factors and their abnormal metabolism may be a potential link connecting these conditions. Overall, the objective of this review is to analyze the role of growth factor disturbances in both psoriasis and metabolic syndrome.

Molecular Background and Clinical Implications of Glucose Disorders in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease characterized by joint and entheses involvement. This condition is often associated with an increased prevalence of obesity, encompassing more than one-third of all patients. Given the presence of metabolic disorders, it becomes crucial to enhance clinical oversight of metabolic parameters. An early diagnosis of glucose irregularities in PsA allows for the assessment of an effective treatment strategy. The approach proves valuable in preventing the development of insulin resistance (IR) or diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMt2). Similar pathways characterize the pathomechanism of PsA and DMt2, offering an innovative perspective on treatment management. The cytokines and adipokines synthesized in the course of PsA significantly impact the development process of IR and DMt2 in different mechanisms of action. Conversely, glucose disorders influence the activity of PsA and therapy outcomes. Given the chronic inflammatory background shared by PsA, obesity, and DMt2, it is evident that inadequate management of any of the mentioned conditions can exacerbate the others. Thus, when PsA coincides with DMt2, a comprehensive multidimensional approach is necessary. This includes an effective immunosuppressive regimen complemented by appropriate anti-diabetic and insulin therapies. Moreover, often overlooked recommendations concerning overall well-being and lifestyle adjustments hold significance. This manuscript explores the connections and the relationship between the molecular background of PsA and glucose disorders. It provides a detailed exposition of specific therapeutic approaches for both conditions.

2022 Taiwanese Dermatological Association (TDA), Taiwanese Association for Psoriasis and Skin Immunology (TAPSI), and Taiwan Society of cardiology (TSOC) joint consensus recommendations for the management of psoriatic disease with attention to cardiovascular comorbidities

Psoriatic disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder with skin and joint manifestations. Due to the persistent inflammatory state exhibited by patients with psoriasis, multiple systemic comorbidities occur more frequently in patients with psoriasis than in the general population, and the risk of cardiovascular (CV) diseases is significantly increased. As the pathophysiology of psoriatic disease is becoming better understood, the sharing of underlying pathogenic mechanisms between psoriatic and CV diseases is becoming increasingly apparent. Consequently, careful attention to CV comorbidities that already exist or may potentially develop is needed in the management of patients with psoriasis, particularly in the screening and primary prevention of CV disease and in treatment selection due to potential drug-drug and drug-disease interactions. Furthermore, as the use of effective biologic therapy and more aggressive oral systemic treatment for psoriatic disease is increasing, consideration of the potential positive and negative effects of oral and biologic treatment on CV disease is warranted. To improve outcomes and quality of care for patients with psoriasis, the Taiwanese Dermatological Association, the Taiwanese Association for Psoriasis and Skin Immunology, and the Taiwan Society of Cardiology established a Task Force of 20 clinicians from the fields of dermatology, cardiology, and rheumatology to jointly develop consensus expert recommendations for the management of patients with psoriatic disease with attention to CV comorbidities.

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.

Interleukin-17A influences the vulnerability rather than the size of established atherosclerotic plaques in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Interleukin (IL)-17A plays a role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques; however, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^–/–) mice were fed a high-fat diet to induce atherosclerosis, followed by the treatment with exogenous recombinant IL-17A or the neutralizing antibody to confirm the impact of IL-17A on the established atherosclerotic plaques. We found that both the stimulation of IL-17A and blockage of endogenous IL-17 via antibody did not affect the size of the established plaques. However, IL-17A significantly increased the vulnerability of plaques characterized by the accumulation of lipids and T cells with a concurrent decrease in the number of smooth muscle cells. In addition, the blockage by IL-17 neutralizing antibody attenuated plaque vulnerability. Furthermore, we found that although IL-17A did not affect the efferocytosis of macrophages to apoptotic cells, it promoted the apoptosis of macrophages in the presence of oxidized low-density lipoprotein in vitro. Also, IL-17A upregulated chemokines MCP-1 and CXCL-10 expression in the plaques. Our data indicated that IL-17A controlled both SMC and macrophage accumulation and the apoptosis within the plaque, which may further weaken the aorta wall. This study suggests that IL-17A may be a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases.

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.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Psoriasis Treatments in Patients with Concomitant Metabolic Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is well recognized as a frequent comorbidity of psoriasis with important implications for efficacy and safety of psoriasis treatment. The presence of concomitant MetS is associated with decreased efficacy response to biologic treatment for psoriasis in observational studies. In post hoc analyses of clinical trial data, the anti–IL-23p19 antibody tildrakizumab appears to maintain efficacy in patients compared to those without MetS; no published subgroup analyses by MetS status are yet available for other biologics. However, there is some evidence that obese patients have decreased psoriasis treatment efficacy with biologics with certain mechanisms of action relative to overweight patients. This confounds interpretation of the effect of MetS due to the association between MetS and body weight. Because of the association between MetS and cardiovascular risk, treatment of psoriasis in patients with concomitant MetS requires special consideration for cardiovascular safety and attention to potential for exacerbation of MetS and related conditions, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Additional studies are needed to clarify the risks for treatment failure and cardiovascular safety concerns in patients with psoriasis and concomitant MetS.

Safety of Ixekizumab in Adult Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Data from 17 Clinical Trials with Over 18,000 Patient-Years of Exposure

INTRODUCTION

We report a comprehensive summary of the safety outcomes in adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis with up to 5 years of exposure to ixekizumab.

METHODS

Long-term safety of the IL-17A antagonist ixekizumab was assessed from 17 randomized trials. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs)-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) per 100 patient-years (PY) within 1-year time periods through 19 March 2021 were calculated for all patients treated with at least one dose of ixekizumab. Reported cases of major adverse cerebro-cardiovascular events (MACE) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were adjudicated.

RESULTS

A total of 6892 adult patients with a cumulative exposure of 18,025.7 PY were included. The IRs per 100 PY for any TEAE and serious adverse events (AEs) were 32.5 and 5.4. IR of discontinuation because of AE was 2.9. A total of 36 deaths were reported. IR of serious infections was low (1.3). There were no confirmed cases of reactivation of tuberculosis (TB). IR of Candida infections (IR 1.9) was low; most cases of Candida were localized, and no systemic cases were reported. IRs of injection site reactions and allergic/hypersensitivity were 5.9 and 5.6, respectively. No confirmed cases of anaphylaxis were observed. IRs were low for malignancies, depression, cytopenia, and MACE (all ≤ 1.2). IBD events were uncommon, although a total of 31 patients (IR 0.2) had confirmed IBD (ulcerative colitis, n = 18; Crohn disease, n = 13). Across safety topics, IRs decreased or remained constant over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term safety profile for ixekizumab is consistent with that previously reported in patients with psoriasis. No new or unexpected safety events were detected.

Pharmacological management of severe plaque psoriasis in patients with cardiovascular disease

INTRODUCTION

There is compelling evidence about the independent association between psoriasis and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, in particular myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure and cardiac arrythmia. This is due to both the higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and smoking) and an independent contribution of chronic systemic inflammation associated with psoriasis. Inflammation is not only important in atherosclerosis, but also is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to heart failure and arrythmia through microvascular dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis. When treating a patient with severe psoriasis, it is recommended to take into consideration this enhanced cardiovascular risk. Moreover, the use of a systemic treatment in a patient with already existing cardiovascular comorbidities should always be considered with caution, assessing the pro and cons of these drugs.

AREAS COVERED

Herein, the authors review the pharmacological management of severe plaque psoriasis in patients with cardiovascular disease, providing their expert opinion and future perspectives on the subject.

EXPERT OPINION

Theoretically, anti-inflammatory drugs may not only dampen the systemic burden associated with psoriasis, but also potentially contribute to prevent long-term cardiovascular events in psoriasis. On the other hand, some treatments may also induce negative effects on the cardiovascular system.

Whether findings from observational studies or ones evaluating surrogates of cardiovascular risk translate into reductions in cardiovascular events needs to be investigated by long-term clinical trials with clinically meaningful endpoints.

Choosing the Appropriate Target for the Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis: TNFα, IL-17, IL-23 or JAK Inhibitors?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a highly heterogenous disease. Apart from arthritis and psoriasis, other manifestations can also occur, including enthesitis, dactylitis, axial-, nail-, eye- and bowel- involvement. Comorbidities are also frequent in the setting of PsA, with cardiovascular disease and mental-health disorders being the most frequent. The Rheumatologist's arsenal has many different treatment options for treating PsA. Despite their effectiveness, there are some differences in terms of efficacy and safety that might affect clinician's decision for one or the other drug. Comparing biologic DMARDs and JAK-inhibitors, one could say that they have similar effectiveness in terms of musculoskeletal manifestations. However, anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 drugs seem to be more effective for skin manifestations. In contrast, JAK-inhibitors and etanercept might be less effective for these manifestations. Inflammatory bowel disease and uveitis are non-responsive to etanercept and anti-IL-17 drugs. As regards to comorbidities, data are scarce, but future studies will shed light on possible differential effect of bDMARDs or JAK-inhibitors. Safety is always an important drive for choosing the appropriate treatment. Infections are the most common adverse event of these drugs. Etanercept and anti-IL-17 drugs are safer for patients having latent tuberculosis, while herpes zoster is more common in individuals receiving JAK-inhibitors. Finally, venous thromboembolism risk, should be taken into account when JAK-inhibitors are used. In this review, we comparatively present, as outlined above, the various aspects that could affect the choice of the appropriate bDMARD or JAK-inhibitor for the treatment of a PsA patient.

Psoriatic Arthritis: The Influence of Co-morbidities on Drug Choice

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with a higher burden of co-morbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammatory eye disease, inflammatory bowel disease, skin cancer and depression compared to the general population. In the last 20 years, the therapeutic options for PsA have increased exponentially with the availability of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) inhibitors, interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors and Janus kinases/signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (JAK/STAT) inhibitors. The articular and extra-articular manifestations of PsA usually dictate the treatment choice but important consideration must be given to the corresponding co-morbidities while deciding the drug therapy due to associated safety profile, effect on disease activity, etc. This review provides a comprehensive review of common co-morbidities in PsA and how they can influence treatment choices.

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.

Body Mass Index Influence for the Personalization of the Monoclonal Antibodies Therapy for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune-mediated disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Advances in treatment with biological agents represented by monoclonal antibodies, such as TNF-α inhibitors (TNFI), IL-17A and IL-12/23 antagonists have not only benefited from outstanding clinical efficacy with lower side effects compared to conventional systemic therapy, but also raised the standards towards therapeutic success, fact reflected in the greater Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) response rates. However, due to their relatively recent introduction in clinical practice, and despite their proven superior efficacy, further research is needed for monitoring the eventual changes in treatment-induced parameters, especially of metabolic origin. In this respect, initial reports stress on one particular comorbidity associated with psoriasis-obesity-which seems to be not only a risk and result of the disease, but also an adverse effect of long-term therapy with some biologics. The consequent drug-induced increase in body mass index (BMI) of patients suffering from psoriasis undergoing biological treatment appears to contribute to the progression of the disease, promote drug discontinuation and reduce overall clinical efficacy of monoclonal antibodies. Therefore, we review herein the impact of body weight (BMI) increase on the biological treatment of psoriasis, to further investigate on its relationship with the disease and aid on the management of treatment schemes that take into account individual characteristics of patients, such as body mass, for a more efficient and personalized therapy approach.

Impact of Body Mass Index on the Efficacy of Biological Therapies in Patients with Psoriasis: A Real-World Study

Background

The efficacy of biological therapies used for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis can be influenced by numerous variables including  body mass index (BMI).

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of BMI on the short-term and long-term efficacy of biological therapies in clinical practice and to identify the best therapeutic options in obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²).

Methods

A multicentric retrospective study was conducted in patients who initiated a biological therapy during the period January 2006–December 2019. The proportion of patients achieving a 90% improvement of baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index at weeks 12 and 24 was calculated also recording the 12- and 24-month drug survival as a measure of long-term efficacy, performing multivariate analyses to assess the impact of different variables.

Results

Five hundred and four patients with psoriasis were included. After 12 and 24 weeks, the proportion of patients achieving a 90% improvement of baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index response was higher in patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m² compared with those with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² [54.90% vs 43.45% (p = 0.014) at week 12 and 66.84% vs 56.55% (p = 0.021) at week 24]. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed how obese patients had a higher probability of discontinuation due to a lack or loss of efficacy (p = 0.0192) compared with non-obese patients. The drug survival analysis also showed that BMI negatively affected the drug survival of secukinumab (odds ratio 1.27, p < 0.001) and ustekinumab (odds ratio 1.06, p = 0.050), while the long-term efficacy of adalimumab, etanercept, and ixekizumab was not influenced by BMI.

Conclusions

Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) negatively affects the clinical response of biological drugs in psoriatic patients, with anti-interleukin drugs being more affected by BMI than anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40261-021-01080-z.

Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disease that affects 2% of the world's population. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that psoriasis confers a 25% increase in relative risk of cardiovascular disease, independent of factors such as hyperlipidemia, smoking, and obesity. The objective of this review was to analyze and describe the association between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we describe the epidemiological association of psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, pathophysiology, mechanisms, and its association with the well-known cardiovascular risk calculators. In addition, we describe diagnostic tools, such as imaging techniques and novel biomarkers, that are useful in the evaluation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Finally, we present different systemic therapies that are used in patients with psoriasis and their effect on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This article provides an overview of the current literature on psoriasis and cardiovascular risk, which can be useful for primary care physicians in their daily clinical practice.

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.

From Messengers to Receptors in Psoriasis: The Role of IL-17RA in Disease and Treatment

The paradigm of psoriasis as a Th17-driven disease has evolved in the last years towards a much deeper knowledge of the complex pathways, mechanisms, cells, and messengers involved, highlighting the crucial role played by the IL-17 family of cytokines. All IL-17 isoforms signal through IL-17R. Five subunits of IL-17R have been described to date, which couple to form a homo- or hetero-receptor complex. Characteristically, IL-17RA is a common subunit in all hetero-receptors. IL-17RA has unique structural—containing a SEFIR/TILL domain—and functional—requiring ACT-1 for signaling—properties, enabling Th17 cells to act as a bridge between innate and adaptive immune cells. In psoriasis, IL-17RA plays a key role in pathogenesis based on: (a) IL-17A, IL-17F, and other IL-17 isoforms are involved in disease development; and (b) IL-17RA is essential for signaling of all IL-17 cytokines but IL-17D, whose receptor has not been identified to date. This article reviews current evidence on the biology and role of the IL-17 family of cytokines and receptors, with focus on IL-17RA, in psoriasis and some related comorbidities, and puts them in context with current and upcoming treatments.

Aberrations in Lipid Expression and Metabolism in Psoriasis

Psoriasis (PSO) is a common skin disease that affects about 1%-3% of the general population. It is a great medical, social and economic burden since PSO is associated with many comorbidities, of which the most common are cardiometabolic disorders. Psoriatic patients suffer more frequently from obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Research shows that lipid expression and metabolism disorders are present more often in such patients. This review focuses on a variety of aberrations in lipids in the skin, blood, and adipose tissue in psoriatic patients and their multifactorial impact on the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Anti-Interleukin-17 Therapy of Severe Psoriatic Patients Results in an Improvement of Serum Lipid and Inflammatory Parameters' Levels, but Has No Effect on Body Composition Parameters

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is frequently accompanied by metabolic syndrome. Effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies on increases in body weight is well-known. Data on the effects of interleukin-17 inhibitors are limited. Authors determined the effect of anti-interleukin-17 therapies on the body composition and serum lipid and inflammatory parameters among severe psoriatic patients. METHODS: Thirty-five severe psoriatic patients were enrolled. Twenty-two received secukinumab and 13 received ixekizumab as their 2nd-or 3rd-line biological treatment. Before treatment initiation and 6 months later, laboratory examinations measuring metabolic and inflammatory panels and body composition analyses were performed. RESULTS: After 6 months, a significant reduction was observed in psoriasis area severity index (p < 0.001) from 18 to 0, in c-reactive protein (p < 0.001) from 6.6 to 4.00 mg/L, in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = 0.004) from 3.69 to 3.19 mmol/L, and an improvement in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = 0.022) from 1.31 to 1.40 mmol/L. Median baseline body mass index was 32.80 kg/m². The body composition parameters did not show any significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-interleukin-17 therapy of severe psoriatic patients does not cause significant changes in body composition parameters. Improvements in the lipid and inflammatory parameters might have a beneficial effect on patients’ cardiometabolic status. This effect might be detectable in high-risk obese psoriatic patients.

Ixekizumab for the treatment of pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Introduction: Ixekizumab (IXE), a high affinity humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A, is approved in the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) for pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This review summarizes ixekizumab use in the phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and provides some clinical pearls we have learned after using the drug in the pediatric population for the past 3 years.Areas covered: Review of IXORA-PEDS trial data, general literature review pertaining to the systemic treatment of pediatric psoriasis as well as our clinical experience with IXEExpert opinion: IXE is the only IL17 antagonist for pediatric psoriasis and is a welcome addition to our armamentarium.

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.

Anti- and non-tumor necrosis factor-α-targeted therapies effects on insulin resistance in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

In addition to β-cell failure with inadequate insulin secretion, the crucial mechanism leading to establishment of diabetes mellitus (DM) is the resistance of target cells to insulin, i.e. insulin resistance (IR), indicating a requirement of beyond-normal insulin concentrations to maintain euglycemic status and an ineffective strength of transduction signaling from the receptor, downstream to the substrates of insulin action. IR is a common feature of most metabolic disorders, particularly type II DM as well as some cases of type I DM. A variety of human inflammatory disorders with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, have been reported to be associated with an increased risk of IR. Autoimmune-mediated arthritis conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), with the involvement of proinflammatory cytokines as their central pathogenesis, have been demonstrated to be associated with IR, especially during the active disease state. There is an increasing trend towards using biologic agents and small molecule-targeted drugs to treat such disorders. In this review, we focus on the effects of anti-TNF-α- and non-TNF-α-targeted therapies on IR in patients with RA, PsA and AS. Anti-TNF-α therapy, IL-1 blockade, IL-6 antagonist, Janus kinase inhibitor and phospho-diesterase type 4 blocker can reduce IR and improve diabetic hyper-glycemia in autoimmune-mediated arthritis.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in Allergy and Skin Diseases: Focus on Immunomodulating Functions

From an evolutionary perspective, lipoproteins are not only lipid transporters, but they also have important functions in many aspects of immunity. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles are the most abundant lipoproteins and the most heterogeneous in terms of their composition, structure, and biological functions. Despite strong evidence that HDL potently influences the activity of several immune cells, the role of HDL in allergies and skin diseases is poorly understood. Alterations in HDL-cholesterol levels have been observed in allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, urticaria, and angioedema. HDL-associated apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apoA-IV, and apoC-III, and lyso-phosphatidylcholines potently suppress immune cell effector responses. Interestingly, recent studies provided evidence that allergies and skin diseases significantly affect HDL composition, metabolism, and function, which, in turn, could have a significant impact on disease progression, but may also affect the risk of cardiovascular disease and infections. Interestingly, not only a loss in function, but also, sometimes, a gain in function of certain HDL properties is observed. The objective of this review article is to summarize the newly identified changes in the metabolism, composition, and function of HDL in allergies and skin diseases. We aim to highlight the possible pathophysiological consequences with a focus on HDL-mediated immunomodulatory activities.

Ixekizumab in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogeneous chronic rheumatic disorder with numerous phenotypic facets. A better in deep understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to psoriasis and PsA has contributed to the introduction of novel therapeutic agents. IL-17 is at the heart and a critical factor in the onset of PsA. Ixekizumab, a high-affinity monoclonal antibody against IL-17 A, has been approved by the US FDA in March 2016 for baseline psoriasis and Dec 2017 for PsA; by the EMA in April 2016 and January 2018, respectively. This article reviews the published data relating to ixekizumab efficacy and safety in the PsA treatment.

Role of interleukin-23/interleukin-17 axis in T-cell-mediated actions in hypertension

Current knowledge suggests that hypertension is in part mediated by immune mechanisms. Both interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-17 are up-regulated in several experimental hypertensive rodent models, as well as in hypertensive humans in observational studies. Recent preclinical studies have shown that either IL-23 or IL-17A treatment induce blood pressure elevation. However, the IL-23/IL-17 axis has not been a major therapeutic target in hypertension, unlike in other autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the role of these cytokines in immune mechanisms contributing to hypertension, and discuss the potential of IL-23/IL-17-targeted therapy for treatment of hypertension.

Infectious Complications of Biological and Small Molecule Targeted Immunomodulatory Therapies

The past 2 decades have seen a revolution in our approach to therapeutic immunosuppression. We have moved from relying on broadly active traditional medications, such as prednisolone or methotrexate, toward more specific agents that often target a single receptor, cytokine, or cell type, using monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, or targeted small molecules. This change has transformed the treatment of many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease, but along with the benefits have come risks. Contrary to the hope that these more specific agents would have minimal and predictable infectious sequelae, infectious complications have emerged as a major stumbling block for many of these agents. Furthermore, the growing number and complexity of available biologic agents makes it difficult for clinicians to maintain current knowledge, and most review articles focus on a particular target disease or class of agent. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge about infectious complications of biologic and small molecule immunomodulatory agents, aiming to create a single resource relevant to a broad range of clinicians and researchers. For each of 19 classes of agent, we discuss the mechanism of action, the risk and types of infectious complications, and recommendations for prevention of infection.

Psoriatic Arthritis and Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory spondyloarthropathy associated with psoriasis. PsA is frequently associated with metabolic disorders including, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Type 2 DM is among the most common metabolic disorders, with a prevalence ranging from 2.4 to 14.8% in the general population.

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review of the English-language studies from January 1989 to September 2019 investigating the risk of type 2 DM in patients with PsA, the pathogenic mechanism linking DM to PsA, and the effects on insulin sensitivity exerted by systemic therapies for PsA.

RESULTS

The prevalence of type 2 DM in patients with PsA ranges from 6.1 to 20.2%, generally higher when compared to the general population. The higher risk of DM is reported in women with more severe forms of PsA. Elevated serum levels of adipokines, including TNF-α, which inhibits the autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor and suppresses the expression of glucose transporter 4, favor insulin resistance and could partially explain the association between PsA and DM. Moreover, adiponectin and omentin, with insulin-sensitizing and anti-atherogenic properties, are decreased in patients with PsA. Some of the treatments for PsA could affect the glucose homeostasis. Systemic corticosteroids are known to impair insulin resistance, whereas apremilast (phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor) and TNF-α inhibitors could exert neutral effect or reduce the insulin-resistance. The role of IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors has been marginally investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients affected by PsA have a higher prevalence of type 2 DM compared with the general population. The mechanism linking PsA with DM has not been completely clarified, but some of the principal mediators could be TNF-α and adipokine, especially adiponectin and omentin. Apremilast and TNF-α inhibitor may have a favorable effect and could be safely used in patients with DM.

The influence of body weight of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis on biological treatment response

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. The new era of biological therapies initiated a shift in the definition of the disease therapeutic success, however, recent reports in the literature draw attention to the treatment-induced weight gain in psoriatic patients. Therefore, it is worth considering the body mass index influence on the biological treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis, seeing that it has manifold associations with the disease and may play an important role in clinical practice management.

Effects of secukinumab on metabolic and liver parameters in plaque psoriasis patients

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is associated with metabolic, liver and cardiovascular comorbidity. Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes interleukin-17A, has shown significant and sustained efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

This was an exploratory post hoc analysis of pooled data from three phase 3 studies in plaque psoriasis patient populations. The objective was to show the course of metabolic and liver parameters under secukinumab, etanercept or placebo treatment over time. A further objective was to assess the impact of selected comorbidities and metabolic characteristics on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as a surrogate marker of systemic inflammation.

METHODS

Data from the phase 3 randomized controlled trials [FIXTURE (NCT01358578), ERASURE (NCT01365455) and SCULPTURE (NCT01406938); n = 3010] were included in this analysis. Patients were treated with secukinumab 150 mg or 300 mg, placebo or etanercept 50 mg (FIXTURE only) as active comparator. A set of metabolic and liver parameters was longitudinally assessed over 52 weeks. Multivariate regression analyses assessed the impact of selected comorbidities and metabolic characteristics on hs-CRP levels at baseline and under treatment.

RESULTS

Secukinumab treatment reduced hs-CRP levels. Body weight and uric acid levels tended to decrease over 52 weeks with secukinumab. Secukinumab showed a neutral effect on fasting plasma glucose, lipid parameters and liver enzymes. Psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome, obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, and hyperuricemia were each associated with increased hs-CRP levels at baseline. Concomitant obesity attenuated the decline in hs-CRP under treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These analyses suggest neutral to favourable long-term trends in metabolic and liver parameters under secukinumab treatment. Metabolic comorbidities were associated with increased hs-CRP levels, reflecting the role of systemic inflammatory processes in their pathophysiology.

Anti-inflammatory Therapies for Cardiovascular Disease: Signaling Pathways and Mechanisms

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease promoted by several risk factors such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking. Acute CVD events are the result of an unresolved inflammatory chronic state that promotes the rupture of unstable plaque lesions. Of note, the existing intensive therapies modify risk factors but do not prevent life-threatening recurrent ischemic events in high-risk patients, who have a residual inflammatory risk displayed by increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Better understanding of the role of innate and adaptive immunity in plaque development and rupture has led to intensive investigation of anti-inflammatory strategies for CVD. Some of them are being tested in specific clinical trials and use lower doses of existing medications originally developed for other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, which have high CVD risk. Other investigations are retrospective and meta-analyses of existing clinical trials that evaluate the incidence of CVD in these inflammatory diseases. Others are based on preclinical testing such as vaccines. In this article, we summarize the main anti-inflammatory strategies and associated molecular mechanisms that are being evaluated in preclinical or clinical CVD studies.

Ixekizumab for the treatment of psoriasis: an update on new data since first approval

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease with a multifactorial etiology. Studies have shown that the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a key mediator in the pathogenesis. Targeted biologics have changed the outcome for patients in a variety of diseases including psoriasis. Ixekizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against IL-17A and it has been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and recently also psoriatic arthritis. Areas covered: In this review, we summarize the latest clinical study results on ixekizumab. Long-term Phase III study data on efficacy and safety are now available for both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Additionally, new indications for ixekizumab are under investigation. Expert commentary: Overall, the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab are promising. In plaque psoriasis, the efficacy of ixekizumab was superior to etanercept and ustekinumab, while the efficacy was comparable to adalimumab in psoriatic arthritis. The safety profile has also been found very tolerable and similar to other biologics; however, vigilance regarding non-invasive Candida infections is necessary. Also, caution is advised when treating patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease, since ixekizumab could cause exacerbations. Long-term studies in real-life treatment settings are needed to decide the actual potential and safety of ixekizumab.

The pleiotropic role of interleukin-17 in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which considers the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition of arterials' wall in which the development and the destabilization of plaque occur. Both innate and adaptive immunity play a significant role in modifying lipoproteins in arterials' wall. Recent investigations have demonstrated the opposing roles of CD4⁺ T cells subtypes in atherosclerosis. T helper-1 (Th1) response and pro-inflammatory cytokines possess proatherogenic effects, whereas T regulatory (Treg) cells have an atheroprotective role. Th17 cells have emerged as a new CD4⁺ T-cell subtype, which produce IL-17 that plays a crucial role in numerous inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Recently, several studies have investigated the potential role of IL-17 in atherosclerosis. Some investigations have suggested a proatherogenic effect, however the others proposed an atheroprotective role. Hence, the exact role of IL-17 in the disease development and plaque stability is still debatable. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on both atherogenesis and atheroprotective roles of IL-17. In addition, the synergistic and antagonistic effects of IL-17 with other cytokines in atherosclerosis will be discussed. On the basis of the current understanding of these roles, the possibility of developing novel therapeutic strategies against atherosclerosis may be evolved.