Atherosclerosis, some serum inflammatory markers in psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Inflammatory Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease linked to heightened inflammatory markers and atherosclerosis.
• Subclinical atherosclerosis represents early vascular changes often preceding clinical events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between specific inflammatory markers and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients.
• To determine if inflammatory markers correlate with the severity of psoriasis and vascular elasticity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 60 psoriasis patients and 50 healthy controls were analyzed.
• Measurements included demographic data, biochemical parameters (C3, C4, d-dimer, CRP, fibrinogen, YKL-40), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and aortic elasticity (strain, stiffness index, compliance).

Main Results:

• Psoriasis patients showed significantly higher diastolic blood pressure, CRP, fibrinogen, C3, uric acid, β-stiffness index, and cIMT compared to controls.
• cIMT correlated with CRP, YKL-40, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score.
• Aortic elasticity parameters (strain, compliance, stiffness index) were significantly correlated with C3 and fibrinogen levels.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum C3, CRP, fibrinogen, and YKL-40 levels are observed in psoriasis patients, alongside increased cIMT and reduced aortic elasticity.
• Inflammatory markers CRP and YKL-40, along with PASI score, are associated with cIMT.
• Increased C3 and fibrinogen levels correlate with impaired aortic strain and compliance, and increased aortic stiffness.