Cardiovascular involvement in psoriatic arthritis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2-3% of Caucasians.
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common complication, associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Mechanisms for premature vascular damage in PsA include inflammation, oxidative stress, and genetic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate endothelial dysfunction in PsA patients without overt CVD.
• To assess plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in PsA patients.
• To explore the relationship between ADMA, CFR, and subclinical CVD in PsA.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 22 PsA patients without clinical signs of CVD.
• Measurement of plasma ADMA concentrations.
• Assessment of coronary flow reserve (CFR) using [specific method not detailed in abstract].

Main Results:

• PsA patients exhibited significantly elevated plasma ADMA levels.
• A significant reduction in CFR was observed in the PsA group.
• A significant negative correlation was found between CFR and plasma ADMA levels.

Conclusions:

• PsA patients experience endothelial dysfunction and impaired coronary microcirculation, similar to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
• Elevated ADMA and reduced CFR suggest subclinical CVD in PsA.
• Active PsA is a CVD risk factor, necessitating screening and early intervention.