Relationships between adipose tissue and psoriasis, with or without arthritis

Abstract

Psoriasis (Pso) is a common chronic cutaneous inflammatory disease involving the skin that is associated with serious comorbidities. Comorbidities in Pso include psoriatic arthritis (Ps A), reduced quality of life, malignancy, depression, but also a constellation of associated conditions that enhance the cardiovascular (CV) risk. Indeed, obesity is common in patients with Pso or Ps A and is considered to be a risk factor for the onset of these diseases. Patients with Pso and Ps A share common obesity-related complications such as metabolic syndrome (Met S), dyslipidemia, diabetes or insulin resistance, and CV diseases. Chronic inflammation in Pso and Ps A partially explains the development of atherosclerosis and CV diseases. In parallel, body composition is disturbed in patients with Pso or Ps A, as suggested by anthropometric measurements, while an excess of abdominal adiposity is observed in Ps A, enhancing the risk of Met S and CV diseases. Adipokines may link the adipose tissue to the obesity-related complications of Pso and Ps A. Indeed, altered circulating levels of the adipokines leptin, adiponectin, visfatine, and resistin have been found in patients with Pso or Ps A. In addition, an excess of adipose tissue may compromise the therapeutic response to traditional drugs or biological agents in Pso and Ps A.This paper reviews the comorbidities that contribute to enhanced CV risk, the body composition results, and the potential role of adipokines in systemic inflammation and energetic balance in Pso and Ps A. © 2014 Toussirot, Aubin and Dumoulin.