Psoriasis and comorbidities

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic cutaneous inflammatory disease that is characterized byerythematous plaques with grayish scales on their surface.Nowadays, it is considered a systemic inflammatory disease with metaboliccomorbidities (obesity, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia) and a highcardiovascular risk in contrast with non-psoriatic subjects. The activation of Th1 andTh17 cells with the secretion of inflammatory cytokines has been involved in thephysiopathological basis of psoriasis. The angyogenesis and epidermic hyperproliferationare secondary to the action of these cytokines. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha),interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-23 (IL-23)and interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) are several of these inflammatory cytokines withatherogenic action.Other associated comorbidities are psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease,non-alcoholic fatty liver and psychological disorders. Some malignancies, such as skincancer and lymphomas, have shown a high prevalence in patients with psoriasis.. Severalstudies have associated unhealthy lifestyles (smoking and alcohol consumption) withpsoriasis patients. An integrated therapy may consider psoriasis systemic comorbidities toprovide appropriate management. So an early diagnosis of these concomitant diseases isnecessary and psoriasis patients should be encouraged to change unhealthy habits toprevent them. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.