Combined effects of HLA-Cw6, body mass index and waist–hip ratio on psoriasis vulgaris in Chinese Han population

The Link Between Weight-Adjusted-Waist Index and Psoriasis in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on 2009-2014 and 2003-2006 Data

Purpose

The weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) is a new indicator that may be used to assess obesity. However, there has never been any prior research indicating a link between psoriasis and WWI. Hence, the aim of this investigation is to search for the correlation between the two.

Patients and Methods

Cross-sectional analyses used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2003 to 2006 and 2019 to 2014. Through multivariate logistic regression, the connection between Psoriasis and WWI was explored, while subgroup analyses aimed to identify possible causes. Furthermore, Smoothed curve fitting was also performed to further understand the association. The non-linear connection was examined through the use of threshold effects.

Results

There were 21,916 participants over the age of 20 in the research. Psoriasis and WWI were revealed to be positively correlated [1.25 (1.14, 1.38)] using multivariate logistic regression analysis. This association was observed in both men [1.50(1.29,1.78)] and hypertensive patients [1.37(1.16,1.62)] in subgroup analysis. Furthermore, we noticed a curvilinear association between WWI and psoriasis, wherein the inflection point was identified as 10.15. To the left of the inflection point, there existed a negative correlation [0.12(0.02,0.91)] while to the right, a positive one [1.68(1.03,2.72)].

Conclusion

According to our findings, psoriasis and WWI are related, although more extensive prospective research is still required to support this conclusion.

Considerations of the Genetic Background of Obesity among Patients with Psoriasis

Psoriasis comorbidities may emerge from pleiotropic mechanisms, including common proinflammatory pathways, cellular mediators or genetic predisposition. Obesity is considered to be an independent risk factor of psoriasis, which may influence the severity of the disease and its early onset, decrease patients’ quality of life, alter response to psoriasis therapies and affect morbidity by reduced life expectancy due to cardiovascular events. Although novel approaches, including genetic techniques, have provided a wide range of new research, there are still scarce studies elaborating on the common genetic background of psoriasis and obesity. The aim of this study was to present and evaluate a possible common genetic background of psoriasis and concomitant increased body mass based on the review of the available literature.

Differences in Clinical Features and Comorbid Burden between HLA-C∗06:02 Carrier Groups in >9,000 People with Psoriasis

The identification of robust endotypes-disease subgroups of clinical relevance-is fundamental to stratified medicine. We hypothesized that HLA-C∗06:02 status, the major genetic determinant of psoriasis, defines a psoriasis endotype of clinical relevance. Using two United Kingdom-based cross-sectional datasets-an observational severe-psoriasis study (Biomarkers of Systemic Treatment Outcomes in Psoriasis; n = 3,767) and a large population-based bioresource (UK Biobank, including n = 5,519 individuals with psoriasis)-we compared demographic, environmental, and clinical variables of interest in HLA-C∗06:02-positive (one or two copies of the HLA-C∗06:02 allele) with those in HLA-C∗06:02‒negative (no copies) individuals of European ancestry. We used multivariable regression analyses to account for mediation effects established a priori. We confirm previous observations that HLA-C∗06:02-positive status is associated with earlier age of psoriasis onset and extend findings to reveal an association with disease expressivity in females (Biomarkers of Systemic Treatment Outcomes in Psoriasis: P = 2.7 × 10-14, UK Biobank: P = 1.0 × 10-8). We also show HLA-C∗06:02-negative status to be associated with characteristic clinical features (large plaque disease, OR for HLA-C∗06:02 = 0.73, P = 7.4 × 10-4; nail involvement, OR = 0.70, P = 2.4 × 10-6); higher central adiposity (Biomarkers of Systemic Treatment Outcomes in Psoriasis: waist circumference difference of 2.0 cm, P = 8.4 × 10-4; UK Biobank: waist circumference difference of 1.4 cm, P = 1.5 × 10-4), especially in women; and a higher prevalence of other cardiometabolic comorbidities. These findings extend the clinical phenotype delineated by HLA-C∗06:02 and highlight its potential as an important biomarker to consider in future multimarker stratified medicine approaches.

Effect of diet and weight loss on the severity of psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, constituting a significant health and socioeconomic problem. Despite numerous therapeutic options, the results of treatment often remain insufficient. This may be due to the lack of compliance with medical prescriptions and patients’ limited knowledge of their disease. Psoriatic patient's skin well-being is affected by many factors, including lifestyle. The course of the disease is affected by obesity, improper diet, and stimulants. Often these factors coexist. Excessive weight gain in psoriasis can be caused by a decrease in physical activity, caused by feelings of social stigma, coexistence of psoriatic arthritis, depression, and increased alcohol consumption. Several studies have confirmed that the average fat, protein, and calorie content in the diet of a patient with psoriasis are above the recommended norms. On the other hand, adhering to a low calorie, reducing diet results in a clinically significant improvement in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and patients’ quality of life (i.e., reduction of Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]). Weight reduction caused by diet and exercise reduces the severity of skin lesions, even in people who have not achieved improvement after general treatment. Therefore, it is important to educate the patient about the nature of the disease at the very beginning of treatment. Patients with moderate to severe forms of the disease are predisposed to the development of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and anxiety. That is why plaque psoriasis requires a comprehensive treatment and a holistic approach to the patient.

Analysis of the Potential Genetic Links between Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Cardiovascular risk factors are one of the most common comorbidities in psoriasis. A higher prevalence of hypertension, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, depression, as well as cardiovascular disease was confirmed in psoriatic patients in comparison to the general population. Data suggest that psoriasis and systemic inflammatory disorders may originate from the pleiotropic interactions with many genetic pathways. In this review, the authors present the current state of knowledge on the potential genetic links between psoriasis and cardiovascular risk factors. The understanding of the processes linking psoriasis with cardiovascular risk factors can lead to improvement of psoriasis management in the future.

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.

[The effect of obesity on disease activity of inflammatory rheumatic diseases]

One of the most recent scientific fields is the interaction between the immune system and metabolic processes. These interactions increasingly involve intracellular and extracellular signaling molecules and their receptors as well as molecular mechanisms that are used by both systems. The result of these intensive interactions is characterized by the term "metaflammation" and involves in particular, the ubiquitous adipose tissue present throughout the body. The links identified to date between the immune system and metabolism play a greater role in inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases than previously thought. In general, a markedly high body mass index (BMI) in particular, is associated with increased inflammatory activity and this is independent of the underlying disease entity. A higher BMI at the beginning of an immunomodulatory therapy also causes a more difficult response to the medication. Thus, the current scientific objective is to identify the individual "immuno-metabolic" pathways in order to apply the medications specifically to the site of action. Furthermore, all newer therapeutic agents, especially those specifically acting against individual immunological molecules, should be systematically analyzed with respect to their metabolic concomitant effects and their influence on metabolic comorbidities.

HLA-Cw6 status and treatment responses between psoriasis patients

Background

The number of treatment options in psoriasis has increased considerably, so biomarkers should be searched to assist in the selection of the optimal treatment agent. The most common of these biomarkers is HLA-Cw6.

Objective:

The aim was to determine whether there is a relationship between HLA-Cw6-positivity (HLA-Cw6-POS) and the response of treatment agents in psoriasis.

Methods:

Blood samples of 124 patients were subjected to genetic study for HLA-Cw6.

Results:

Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score of more than 75% (PASI75) response was received in 34 (73.9%) of the HLA-Cw6-POS methotrexate-treated patients, 30 (78.9%) of the HLA-Cw6-POS cyclosporine-treated patients, and 8 (37.5%) of the HLA-Cw6-POS acitretin-treated patients. The differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.634-0.071-0.409). PASI75 response was received in 73 (68.2%) of the HLA-Cw6-POS patients in patients treated with conventional agents. In adalimumab-treated patients, PASI75 response was received in 8 (53.3%) of the HLA-Cw6-POS patients, 6 (75%) of the HLA-Cw6-POS infliximab-treated patients, and 4 (57.1%) of the HLA-Cw6-POS ustekinumab-treated patients. The differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.245-1.00-0.322). PASI75 response was received in 24 (64.9%) of the HLA-Cw6-POS and 33 (84.6%) of HLA-Cw6 negative (HLA-Cw6-NEG) patients with biological agents. The biological agent response was statistically significantly lower in HLA-Cw6-POS.

Conclusion:

None of the agents were affected by HLA-Cw6. When biological agents were evaluated collectively, the treatment response of HLA-Cw6-POS patients was lower.

Pathogenesis of psoriasis in the "omic" era. Part III. Metabolic disorders, metabolomics, nutrigenomics in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a systemic disease that is strictly connected with metabolic disorders (insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases). It occurs more often in patients with a more severe course of the disease. Obesity is specially an independent risk factor and it is associated with a worse treatment outcome because of the high inflammatory activity of visceral fatty tissue and the production of inflammatory mediators involved in the development of both psoriasis and metabolic disorders. However, in psoriasis the activation of the Th17/IL-17 and the abnormalities in the Th17/Treg balance axis are observed, but this pathomechanism does not fully explain the frequent occurrence of metabolic disorders. Therefore, there is a need to look for better biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of concomitant disorders and therapeutic effects in psoriasis. In addition, the education on the use of a proper diet as a prophylaxis for the development of the above disorders is an important element of holistic care for a patient with psoriasis. Diet may affect gene expression due to epigenetic modification which encompasses interactions of environment, nutrition and diseases. Patients with psoriasis should be advised to adopt proper diet and dietician support.

Body mass index in psoriatic patients with or without familial psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The occurrence of psoriasis in family members indicates a genetic predisposition, while obesity is also a major contributor to psoriasis. We examined whether patients with versus without familial psoriasis were obese at the onset of psoriasis. Clinical information, including age at onset, age at first visit and body mass index (BMI) at first visit, was extracted from the Fukuoka University Psoriasis Registry. To compare BMI, patients aged 10 years or older who visited the clinic within 3 years of onset were selected. Familial psoriasis was observed in 27 patients (15 male, 12 female) out of 428 individuals (264 male, 164 female) with psoriasis, accounting for 6.3% of cases. Age at onset was younger for both men and women with familial psoriasis (34 ± 17 and 40 ± 15 years, respectively) relative to those with non-familial psoriasis (48 ± 19 and 53 ± 19 years, respectively). We examined age- and sex-adjusted average values of BMI at initial presentation after onset of psoriasis, finding that patients with familial psoriasis had lower BMI (22.0 kg/m² [95% confidence interval, 21.8-22.4]) than those with non-familial psoriasis (23.2 [23.1-23.3], P < 0.001). Individuals with a family history of psoriasis should be considered to be at risk for developing the disease even if obesity is not present.

IL-17A in Psoriasis and Beyond: Cardiovascular and Metabolic Implications

Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) is one of the currently known six members of the IL-17 cytokine family and is implicated in immune responses to infectious pathogens and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. Psoriatic skin is characterized by high expression of IL-17A and IL-17F, which act on immune and non-immune cell types and strongly contribute to tissue inflammation. In psoriatic lesions, IL-17A, IL-17E, and IL-17F are involved in neutrophil accumulation, followed by the formation of epidermal micro abscesses. IL-17A together with other Th17 cytokines also upregulates the production of several chemokines that are implicated in psoriasis pathogenesis. IL17A-targeting antibodies show an impressive clinical efficacy in patients with psoriasis. Studies have reported an improvement of at least 75% as measured by the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) in >80% of patients treated with anti-IL-17A therapy. Psoriasis skin manifestations, cardiovascular as well as metabolic disease in psoriasis appear to share pathogenic mechanisms evolving around IL-17A and its proinflammatory role. Thus, anti-IL-17A therapy not only improves skin manifestations of psoriasis, but also cardiovascular inflammation as well as metabolic factors and different domains of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) including peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, and axial involvement. This review summarizes the biological role of IL-17A, before reviewing currently available data on its role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the skin, as well as the cardiovascular and the metabolic system. In conclusion, clinical recommendations for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis based on the current available data are given.

Relationship between environmental factors, age of onset and familial history in Japanese patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that often involves the skin and joints. Psoriasis develops at any age and the distribution of age of onset of psoriasis is bimodal in Japan. Also, male predominance is distinct in Japanese psoriatic patients. To clarify the relationship between sex difference and habitual/environmental status, age and incidence of familial psoriasis, we analyzed data from the Fukuoka University Psoriasis Registry. A total of 1120 Japanese patients (751 men, 369 women) were analyzed. The male/female ratio was 2.03:1. Smoking and drinking habit, known as risk factors of psoriasis, were significantly more prevalent in men. Age-specific psoriasis-onset rate standardized by population showed bimodal distribution in both men and women; the younger peak was in their 30s for men and 10s in women; the second peak was in the 50s for both sexes. A familial history of psoriasis was seen in 6.3% of patients overall; however, female patients showed a significantly higher rate (8.7%) compared with men (5.1%, P = 0.024). When stratified by age of onset, the frequency of familial history was much higher among women with onset at less than 30 years (15.4%), compared with 30 years or more (5.3%, P = 0.0026). Our data suggest that genetic factors have a stronger influence in young women who experience fewer environmental factors such as smoking and drinking. This is the first study to show that there is a difference in the incidence of familial psoriasis depending on age of onset of psoriasis in Japan.

HLA-Cw6 and psoriasis

Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease with a strong genetic background. HLA-Cw6 is one of the most strongly associated psoriasis susceptibility alleles. It is repeatedly observed to affect disease course, phenotypic features, severity, comorbidities and treatment outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, the roles of HLA-Cw6 in psoriasis have not yet been thoroughly reviewed. The worldwide frequency of the HLA-Cw6 allele varies greatly, with it being generally higher in white people than in Asians. The allele is associated with type I early-onset psoriasis. Stress, obesity and streptococcal pharyngitis are commonly observed in HLA-Cw6-positive patients. Phenotypically, HLA-Cw6 has been found to be associated with guttate psoriasis. In addition, patients carrying the allele are more likely to have arm, leg and trunk involvement, and the Koebner phenomenon. Patients with psoriatic arthritis with HLA-Cw6 more often have early onset and tend to show cutaneous symptoms before musculoskeletal symptoms. HLA-Cw6-positive patients have been shown in several studies to be more responsive to methotrexate and ustekinumab. However, this difference in ustekinumab efficacy was only moderate in a post-hoc analysis of a pivotal phase III study. HLA-Cw6 positivity also tends to be less frequent in high-need patients who fail conventional therapy. Small studies have also investigated the role of HLA-Cw6 in remission of psoriasis during pregnancy, and with the comorbidities of photosensitivity and atherosclerosis. Given the diverse nature of psoriasis pathogenesis, as well as the difference of HLA-Cw6 positivity in different ethnic groups, more studies are needed to confirm the role of HLA-Cw6 in psoriasis.

The association between smoking and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with psoriasis aged 30 to 49 years

Introduction

Cigarette smoking may exacerbate and cause psoriasis. Moreover, smokers are more likely to develop insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (MS).

Aim

To assess the prevalence of MS and its components in patients with psoriasis, who smoke, compared with the general Polish population of smokers.

Material and methods

We studied 29 patients with psoriasis (female = 9, male = 20), smokers, aged 30 to 49 years. Metabolic syndrome and its components were assessed using the IDF definition and compared to the results obtained in a representative sample of adult Poles in the NATPOL 2011 study in the same age group, including smokers.

Results

The results have shown that patients with psoriasis are more likely to be smokers (p < 0.0034) and the frequency of smoking in men is approximately 25% higher than in males of the control group (p < 0.0017). The prevalence of MS in patients with psoriasis who smoke was 27.58% and in the control group 25.2% (p > 0.05). Mean body mass index was 26.07 kg/m² in psoriasis patients and 25.59 kg/m² in the control group (p > 0.05), and abdominal obesity was 88.82 cm and 90.02 cm (p > 0.05), respectively. There were no differences in hypertension (34.48% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.05) and mean HOMA-IR (1.80 vs. 1.77, p > 0.05). In lipid parameters, the differences were observed only in women with psoriasis – higher levels of HDL, triglycerides and ApoB/ApoA1 index compared with addicted women in the control group.

Conclusions

Men with psoriasis are more often addicted to smoking. Women with psoriasis who smoke have often disturbances of the lipid profile.

Prevalence of Obesity in Patients with Psoriasis: Results of the National Study PsoHealth3

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is frequently associated with obesity which possibly contributes to reduced treatment response.

OBJECTIVES

Assessment of the prevalence of obesity in patients with psoriasis in Germany 2013/2014.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The frequency of overweight and obesity was assessed by the body mass index (BMI) and evaluated according to the severity of psoriasis [Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)].

RESULTS

This national, cross-sectional survey involved 83 dermatological practices and outpatient clinics, including 1,265 patients (mean age 52 years; 43.4% female). The BMI of patients with psoriasis in 2013/2014 was found to be 28.0 and therefore was significantly higher compared to that of patients with psoriasis in 2007 with a BMI of 26.9 as well as compared to the normal population in 2013 with an overall BMI of 25.9.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of obesity in patients with psoriasis is higher than in the normal population. The trend towards a higher BMI in patients with psoriasis continues over time.

Platelet activation: a link between psoriasis per se and subclinical atherosclerosis--a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Pathomechanisms of both psoriasis and atherosclerosis may involve platelet activation. Activated platelets show increased P-selectin; CD62 expression, and mean platelet volume (MPV). Impaired brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is related to atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis (without overt cardiovascular complications or traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors), compared with controls.

METHODS

In this case-control study, 25 patients with psoriasis and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals were subjected to assessment of MPV, CD62 expression using flow cytometry, and brachial artery FMD and transthoracic echocardiography by cardiac ultrasound scanner.

RESULTS

A statistically highly significant increased CD62 expression, but not MPV, was found in cases compared with controls, and in patients with moderate/severe psoriasis compared with either mild cases or controls (P < 0.001). CD62 expression was statistically significantly positively correlated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (P < 0.001), baseline brachial artery diameter (P = 0.03) but not FMD and aortic root diameter (ARD; P = 0.03). ARD was statistically significantly higher in patients with moderate/severe psoriasis compared with controls (P = 0.017). Stepwise simple linear regression analysis revealed that PASI score was the most important factor affecting CD62 expression (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed increased atherosclerosis risk in patients with psoriasis, particularly those with moderate/severe disease, as evidenced by increased expression of platelet CD62 compared with healthy controls. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between CD62 expression and ARD (another possible marker of atherosclerosis), with positive correlation to the PASI score; the most important factor influencing CD62 expression. However, our data on MPV and FMD do not support the use of either value for diagnosing subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis in further studies.

Circulating levels of lipocalin-2 and retinol-binding protein-4 are increased in psoriatic patients and correlated with baseline PASI

Psoriasis has been related to metabolic syndrome (MS). Adipocytokines produced by white adipose tissue may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its association with MS. Our objectives were to characterize the profile of a number of different inflammatory and atherogenic markers, vitamins, adipokines and cytokines and their potential involvement in MS in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis without joint involvement compared to anthropometrically matched controls, and to evaluate correlation with severity of the skin disease and changes after narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy. We designed a prospective cross-sectional study. Baseline waist circumference, body fat composition, lipid, carbohydrate and calcium metabolism profile, inflammation markers, homocysteine and vitamins D, B6, B12 and folic acid, leptin, resistin, omentin, lipocalin-2, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4), interleukin-6, soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1) and interleukin-17 of 50 psoriasis patients and 50 gender, age and body mass index-matched controls were recorded, then evaluated after NB-UVB in the patients. The patients had higher baseline serum concentrations of leptin, RBP-4, lipocalin-2 and sTNFR1. Baseline psoriasis area and severity index correlated with serum concentrations of RBP-4 and lipocalin-2 only. Principal components analysis disclosed a component including vitamins B12, B6, folic acid, calcidiol and HDL-cholesterol that was only present in healthy controls and opposed to a cluster of variables which promote MS. This component was absent in the patients. Our results point to lipocalin-2 and RBP-4 as relevant mediators of the trend towards MS in psoriatic patients.

Obesity and psoriasis: inflammatory nature of obesity, relationship between psoriasis and obesity, and therapeutic implications

Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is currently considered a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition that plays an active role in the development of the pathophysiologic phenomena responsible for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease through the secretion of proinflammatory adipokines and cytokines. In recent years clear genetic, pathogenic, and epidemiologic links have been established between psoriasis and obesity, with important implications for health. The relationship between the 2 conditions is probably bidirectional, with obesity predisposing to psoriasis and psoriasis favoring obesity. Obesity also has important implications in the treatment of psoriasis, such as a greater risk of adverse effects with conventional systemic drugs and reduced efficacy and/or increased cost with biologic agents, for which dosage should be adjusted to the patient's weight.

Effect of narrowband ultraviolet B therapy on inflammatory markers and body fat composition in moderate to severe psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the anthropometric and metabolic profile of Spanish patients with moderate to severe psoriasis compared with controls without psoriasis matched for gender, age and body mass index (BMI), and to evaluate the impact of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy on patient profiles.

METHODS

Baseline waist circumference, body fat composition, lipid, carbohydrate and calcium metabolism profile, inflammation markers, homocysteine, vitamins D, B(6) and B(12) and folic acid of 50 patients with psoriasis and 50 matched controls were recorded then evaluated after NB-UVB in patients with psoriasis and correlated with clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Despite very similar BMIs, 54% of patients met International Diabetes Foundation criteria for metabolic syndrome compared with 42% of controls (P = 0·01); body fat was 29·9% in patients and 28·0% in controls (P = 0·037), correlating with waist circumference; while patient atherogenic profiles were less favourable, with higher apolipoprotein B and low density lipoprotein cholesterol than controls, and both patients and controls showed insufficient vitamin D serum levels (< 20 ng mL(-1)). Mean improvement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) after NB-UVB was 78·2%. Ferritin, B(12) and C-reactive protein decreased significantly after NB-UVB therapy. Vitamin D levels reached adequate levels after phototherapy; however, no relationship with PASI improvement was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We characterized inflammatory and atherogenic profiles of Spanish patients with psoriasis compared with matched controls. After NB-UVB therapy we demonstrated improvement in psoriasis and some systemic inflammation markers, which were not mediated by enhancement of vitamin D synthesis.

Leptin, adiponectin, visfatin and retinol-binding protein-4 - mediators of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis?

White adipose tissue is known to be involved in numerous physiological processes such as insulin-mediated functions, lipid and glucose metabolism, vascular changes and coagulation. These processes are mainly mediated by adipokines that are secreted either from adipocytes or cells of the stromal-vascular fraction of adipose tissue. In obesity, a shift in the production of adipokines can mediate the development of associated diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, and vascular complications, such as artherosclerosis, myocardial infarction or stroke, which are known comorbidities of psoriasis too. As obesity is a frequently seen comorbidity in psoriasis patients, adipokines could be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and/or its comorbidities either dependently or independently from obesity. Therefore, this study investigates the levels of four major adipokines in psoriasis patients compared with a control group of healthy volunteers without chronic inflammatory diseases in relation to body composition. Leptin, adiponectin (high molecular weight (HMW) and total adiponectin), visfatin and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) have been analysed in 79 psoriasis patients and in 80 healthy volunteers. It was shown that HMW adiponectin (OR 1.3755; P = 0.0094) and visfatin (OR 1.1267; P = 0.0472) are independently increased, and RBP4 (OR 0.9884; P < 0.0001) is independently decreased in psoriasis. In conclusion, increased levels of HMW adiponectin and decreased levels of RBP4 could be a mechanism in a chronic inflammatory state that helps to protect against vascular and metabolic disorders, whereas the increase of the pro-inflammatory adipokine visfatin could lead to atherosclerosis and vascular disorders found in psoriasis.

Psoriasis and vascular disease-risk factors and outcomes: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis afflicts 2-3% of the world's population. Affected patients commonly have risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition, psoriasis is independently associated with CVD and mortality.

PURPOSE

To determine which CVD risk factors are associated with psoriasis independent of confounders, whether psoriasis is associated with CVD independent of CVD risk factors, and whether there is increased mortality among patients with psoriasis.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Collaborations from inception through October 2009. We reviewed bibliographies of retrieved articles for additional references.

STUDY SELECTION

Cross-sectional, cohort-based, case-control, and randomized controlled trials which involved patients with psoriasis.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two investigators independently reviewed studies and resolved any discrepancies by consensus.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of the 2,303 articles identified by literature search, 90 studies met inclusion criteria for this review; 15 were cohort-based studies, 45 were case-control, and 30 were cross-sectional.

LIMITATIONS

The quality of evidence was limited by study heterogeneity and lack of large scale prospective studies with long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with psoriasis demonstrate a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and appear to be at increased risk for ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. This increase in vascular disease may be independent of shared risk factors and may contribute to the increase in all-cause mortality. Future research should aim to more confidently distinguish between a true causal relationship or merely an association resulting from multiple shared risk factors. Physicians should screen for and aggressively treat modifiable risk factors for CVD in patients with psoriasis.

Adipokines and psoriasis

Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ contributing to the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways via self-produced bioactive products called adipokines. These adipokines are key players in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Co-occurrence of obesity and psoriasis could lead to interactions of both diseases in which adipokines, at least in part, are involved and may contribute to associated comorbidities of psoriasis. Until today numerous adipokines have been identified of which the most important ones are discussed in the following within the context of obesity, chronic inflammation and their possible role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Adipokines could serve as a missing link in the causal relationship between psoriasis and comorbidities and may provide a biomarker for disease severity, risk of comorbidities and treatment success.

Genetic variations associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis found by genome-wide association

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are immune disorders with a complex polygenic basis. HLA-Cw6, which lies in the major histocompatibility region on chromosome 6, is considered the major genetic determinant of psoriasis. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified new variants outside of the MHC with relevance to the immunology of psoriasis. Variants in or near genes that encode subunits of cytokines (IL12B, IL23A) or cytokine receptors (IL23R) are interesting given that the gene product of IL12B, p40, is the target of a recently approved monoclonal antibody therapy for psoriasis (ustekinumab). Association with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has been found in TNFAIP3 and TNFIP1, ubiquitin ligases in the NF-kappaB pathway, and IL13, a Th2 cytokine. Copy number variation of human beta-defensin and late cornified envelope genes also associate with psoriasis. Many of these genetic variations also associate with immune disorders considered psoriatic co-morbidities, including Crohn's disease and diabetes.

Incidence of psoriasis in children: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Although psoriasis is considered to have a dual peak in age of onset, currently no studies exist regarding the incidence of psoriasis in children.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of psoriasis in childhood.

METHODS

A population-based incidence cohort of patients aged younger than 18 years first given the diagnosis of psoriasis between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1999, was assembled. The complete medical record of each child was reviewed and psoriasis diagnosis was validated by a confirmatory diagnosis in the medical record by a dermatologist or medical record review by a dermatologist. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated and were age and sex adjusted to 2000 US white population.

RESULTS

The overall age- and sex-adjusted annual incidence of pediatric psoriasis was 40.8 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 36.6-45.1). When psoriasis diagnosis was restricted to dermatologist-confirmed subjects in the medical record, the incidence was 33.2 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 29.3-37.0). Incidence of psoriasis in children increased significantly over time from 29.6 per 100,000 in 1970 through 1974 to 62.7 per 100,000 in 1995 through 1999 (P < .001). Chronic plaque psoriasis was the most common type (73.7%), and the most commonly involved sites were the extremities (59.9%) and the scalp (46.8%).

LIMITATIONS

The population studied was a mostly white population in the upper Midwest.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of pediatric psoriasis increases with increasing age. There is no apparent dual peak in incidence. The incidence of pediatric psoriasis increased in recent years in both boys and girls.