Characterization of intestinal microbiota in patients with psoriasis combined with metabolic syndrome

The co-morbidity of psoriasis (PsO) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is prevalent. While the mechanisms causing PsO in MetS remain unknown, it is understood that gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining immune and metabolic balance. However, the specific mechanisms and whether biomarkers are involved in the pathophysiological process of PSO in MetS patients have yet to be elucidated. This study involved 29 patients with PSO and MetS (PM) and 29 with MetS (M). It analyzed their clinical parameters, microbial composition, function, diagnostic, and predictive performance. The results unveiled significant differences between the two groups concerning microbial diversity and community composition. Most of the differential microbiota in the PM group exhibited a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and a positive correlation with serum uric acid (SUA). In contrast, the opposite was observed in the M group. Sixteen MetaCyc pathways showed significance in the PM group, encompassing peptidoglycan biosynthesis II (staphylococci), the super pathway of L-arginine and L-ornithine degradation, teichoic acid (poly-glycerol) biosynthesis, and palmitic biosynthesis II (bacteria and plants). Six KEGG pathways were enriched in the M group, such as flavone, flavonol biosynthesis, and carotenoid biosynthesis. Most importantly, we determined that eight biomarkers, represented by Akkermansia, demonstrated robust diagnostic predictive power. This study elucidates the potential mechanism through which metabolic disorders impact the onset and progression of psoriasis via intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, it offers novel strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and treating PsO in MetS.