Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
02:28
Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Research in practice: the systemic aspects of psoriasis
Wolf-Henning Boehncke1, Sandra Boehncke
1Center for Dermatology and Venerology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Clinic, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. boehncke@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Summary
Psoriasis, a chronic skin disease, is linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Systemic inflammation in psoriasis can lead to insulin resistance, contributing to heart disease and stroke.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Epidemiologic studies indicate heightened cardiovascular mortality in psoriasis patients.
- Endothelial cells play a dual role in inflammation, acting as mediators and targets of injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the systemic effects of cutaneous inflammation in psoriasis.
- To explore the link between psoriasis, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease.
- To emphasize the importance of managing cardiovascular risk factors in psoriasis patients.
Main Methods:
- Systemic effects of psoriasis-related inflammation were measured.
- Metabolic changes, including insulin resistance, were assessed.
- The role of endothelial cell dysfunction in cardiovascular complications was examined.
Main Results:
- Psoriasis is associated with a metabolic state resembling diabetes and insulin resistance.
- Insulin resistance is a key mechanism causing endothelial cell dysfunction.
- This dysfunction contributes to cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and stroke.
Conclusions:
- Co-morbidities in psoriasis patients are likely complications of systemic inflammation mediated by insulin resistance.
- Psoriasis management must address associated cardiovascular risk factors.
- Dermatologists should counsel psoriasis patients on smoking cessation and weight management to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
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