HDL cholesterol composition and function have also been studied in psoriasis patients. In one trial, HDL cholesterol was isolated from 15 psoriasis patients at baseline and after effective topical and/or systemic psoriasis therapy, and from 15 healthy controls matched for age and sex (J. Invest. Dermatol. 2014;134[3]:635-42). The researchers found that HDL cholesterol from psoriasis patients showed a significantly impaired capability to mobilize cholesterol from macrophages. However, psoriasis therapy recovered HDL cholesterol composition and function, but had no effect on serum HDL cholesterol levels.
A better understanding of the cardiovascular effects of biologic therapy should be gleaned from the Vascular Inflammation in Psoriasis Trial, which includes $3.8 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health, to prospectively study the effect of therapy on biomarkers and on positron emission tomography with 18fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET)/CT scan. The 1-year study just completed enrolling patients into one of three treatment groups: adalimumab, UVB phototherapy, or placebo. Biomarkers such as CRP, lipids, and imaging will be assessed at baseline, weeks 4, 8, 12, and then every 12 weeks. “The theory is that adalimumab, but not UVB phototherapy, will improve biomarkers and reduce vascular inflammation as measured by FDG-PET/CT scan,” Dr. Wu said. “Aggressive systemic therapy may alter the natural history of cardiovascular disease.”
Current recommendations from the National Psoriasis Foundation call for an assessment of blood pressure, pulse, and body mass index every 2 years, and an assessment of fasting blood glucose and lipid levels every 5 years, or every 2 years if the patient has additional risk factors.
Dr. Wu reported that he has received research and consulting fees from numerous pharmaceutical companies, including AbbVie and Amgen. These go to his employer.