Small molecules, big promises: Improvement of psoriasis severity and glucidic markers with apremilast: A case report

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition frequently associated with cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes. Indeed, the state of systemic inflammation typical of psoriasis leads to an increase in the level of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha which may cause a reduced sensitivity to insulin and, ultimately, can lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Particularly, the derangement of PDE4-cAMP signaling has a critical role in disordered glucose and lipid metabolism. Apremilast, as a selective inhibitor of PDE4-cAMP signalling, represents an innovative therapeutic strategy for psoriasis. Here, we report a case of a patient affected by psoriasis and diabetes, who – after using Apremilast – improved his glucose metabolism as well as his need of anti-diabetic drugs and his psoriasis. This suggests that, in addition to its role against psoriasis, Apremilast may even act as a metabolic modulator.