Pathogenic mechanisms shared between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease.

Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, a hallmark of which is atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to review the pertinent literature and highlight pathogenic mechanisms shared between psoriasis and atherosclerosis in an effort to advocate early therapeutic or preventive measures. We conducted a review of the current literature available from several biomedical search databases focusing on the developmental processes common between psoriasis and atherosclerosis. Our results revealed that the pathogenic mechanisms shared between the two diseases converged onto "inflammation" phenomenon. Within the lymph nodes, antigen-presenting cells activate naive T-cells to increase expression of LFA-1 following which activated T-cells migrate to blood vessel and adhere to endothelium. Extravasation occurs mediated by LFA-1 and ICAM-1 (or CD2 and LFA-3) and activated T-cells interact with dendritic cells (and macrophages and keratinocytes in psoriasis or smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis). These cells further secrete chemokines and cytokines that contribute to the inflammatory environment, resulting in the formation of psoriatic plaque or atherosclerotic plaque. Additionally, some studies indicated clinical improvement in psoriasis condition with treatment of associated hyperlipidemia. In conclusion, therapeutic or preventive strategies that both reduce hyperlipidemia and suppress inflammation provide potentially useful approaches in the management of both diseases.

Introduction

Psoriasis is a hereditary, chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder of unknown etiology. The disease is estimated to affect 2-3% of the general population worldwide 1. Indeed, psoriasis has a complex genetic predisposition, but its development and/or exacerbation appear to involve an interaction between multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. Hereditary or genetic factors play a part in the development of the disease. In some patients, family members may also be affected by psoriasis. However, the exact pattern of inheritance remains to be clarified. With the advent of recent developments in understanding the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, it is now widely believed that psoriasis is not just a skin disease but a systemic inflammatory process 2, 3. On the other hand, cardiovascular disease frequently develops in individuals with persistent hyperlipidemia. Other risk factors such as hypertension, vascular endothelial cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, hyperhomocysteinemia, diabetes, smoking, high alcohol consumption, obesity, metabolic syndrome and intra-abdominal adipose visceral tissue and their adipokines, can also be involved 4-6. These factors contribute to the formation of atherosclerosis which is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease and in which inflammation plays a major role 7, 8. In addition, the same factors are also implicated in psoriasis patients 9, 10.Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with psoriasis. The risk factors for cardiovascular disease as well as myocardial infarction occur with higher incidence in patients with psoriasis and appear to be highest for those with more severe disease 11. Moreover, psoriasis was suggested as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease 12, however some recent studies have not supported this notion 13-15, therefore this issue remains to be controversial. Here, we review the pertinent literature to highlight pathogenic mechanisms shared between psoriasis and atherosclerosis in an effort to advocate early therapeutic or preventive measures.

Review of the Literature

We conducted a comprehensive search of the current literature on psoriasis and cardiovascular disease. The search method and data retrieval was mainly the same as reported previously 16. Briefly, the biomedical search databases of PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nml.nih.gov/sites/entrez), EMBASE (http://embase.com), SCOPUS (http://www.scopus.com/home.url) and Google Scholar (http://scholar.google.com) were searched by entering the terms 'psoriasis', 'cardiovascular disease', or 'atherosclerosis' individually or in combinations. We also carefully checked the reference list of each publication to retrieve additional citations. Data were extracted from full texts and/or abstracts. We collected data focusing on the pathogenic mechanisms of psoriasis and atherosclerosis which is a principal cause of cardiovascular disease. Further information of interest was also retrieved and included in our discretion.

Results and Discussion

Several lines of evidence indicated that psoriasis is associated with enhanced atherosclerosis and risk of cardiovascular disease, and inflammation is a pivotal link between psoriasis and atherosclerosis 17, 18. In fact, atherosclerosis has a number of common pathogenic features with psoriasis. For example, immunological activities and pro-inflammatory cytokines play a prominent role in both diseases. In addition, both conditions share T-helper 1 (Th1) cell mediated immune compromise 19-21 and same pattern of T cell activation and expression of adhesion molecules 22-24. It has been shown that CD4+ T cells are necessary for inducing and maintaining psoriasis. It is also envisaged that CD8+ T-cells are involved in the control of the Th1 polarization that is observed in psoriasis lesions, and that fluctuations in the severity of psoriasis, and even the spontaneous remissions that are common in guttate psoriasis, can be explained by changes in the balance between CD4+ and CD8+ effector and regulatory cell subsets 20. Although the mechanisms underlying the association between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease still remains poorly understood, it appears that inflammation which plays a principal role in both diseases provides a common pathogenic ground between the two conditions.

Intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) and vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1), as well as some of the integrins, induce firm adhesion of inflammatory cells at the vascular surface, whereas platelet endothelial cellular adhesion molecules (PECAM-1) are involved in extravasation of cells from the blood compartment into the vessel and underlying tissue. Also, inflammatory cells roll along the blood vessel wall by the interaction between selectins (E and P-selectin) expressed by endothelial cells and selectin ligands expressed by inflammatory cells 25. Several lines of evidence support a crucial role of adhesion molecules in the development of atherosclerosis and plaque instability 24. Expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and L-selectin has been consistently observed in atherosclerotic plaques. There is accumulating evidence from prospective studies for a predictive role of elevated circulating levels of sICAM-1 in initially healthy people, and of sVCAM-1 in patients at high risk or with overt cardiovascular disease. Likewise, it has been implied that several adhesion molecules including ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are upregulated in psoriasis 26, 27, implicating their involvement in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Histologically, psoriasis and atherosclerosis show common features of infiltrating T-cells, monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells (DCs) and mast cells 28, 29. The cytokine network in psoriasis and atherosclerosis is mainly characterized by Th1 type cytokines such as IFNγ, IL-2 and TNFα 20, 22, 30. In these lesions, the major cytokine producers are dendritic cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells as well as keratinocytes. IFNγ and TNFα induce keratinocytes to produce IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, IL-15, IL 18 and TNFα in addition to several other cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. IFNγ is an important mediator of inflammation in both psoriasis and atherosclerosis and can stimulate the expression of MHC class II molecules and ICAM-1 31, 32. IFNγ is elevated in the serum and suction blister fluid from psoriatic patients 33, 34 and may modify the keratinocyte biology by increasing keratinocyte proliferation and causing defective cornification leading to typical psoriatic lesion 35. Recent data also show that IFN-γ may be an essential component for growth stimulation of psoriatic keratinocyte stem cells, but it requires the presence of other growth factors as well 36. TNFα activates and increases keratinocyte proliferation. TNFα also stimulates T-cell and macrophage cytokine and chemokine productions, and the expression of adhesion molecules on vascular endothelial cells 28-30. IL-8 is a chemokine with main roles of neutrophil chemotaxis and stimulation of the activity of granulocytes in the inflammation process of psoriasis and atherosclerosis. In psoriasis, IL-8 from keratinocytes produces a chemotactic gradient for the migration of neutrophils into the epidermis 37 Furthermore, IL-8, IL-1 and TNF-α influence the adhesive properties of neutrophils due to an increase in the expression of surface adhesive molecules, thus improving the inter-cellular interactions with the endothelial cells, which in turn contributes to an increase in the passing of the neutrophils through the walls of the vessels. Therefore, IL-8 contributes to intensification of the reaction and to activation of the neutrophils in both conditions. IL-18 induces dendritic cells synergistically with IL-12, to increase the production of IFNγ. IL-7 and IL-15 have been reported to be important for the proliferation and homeostatic maintenance of the CD8+ T-cells 30. IL-6 is produced by endothelial cells, DCs, and Th17 cells in lesional psoriatic skin and is encountered by trafficking T lymphocytes enabling them to escape from regulatory T cell suppression and Th17 participation in inflammation 38. IL-6 mediates T cell activation and stimulates proliferation of keratinocytes 39, but also mediates the acute phase response. Indeed, C-reactive protein (CRP), a positive acute phase protein, is released in response to increased levels of cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and patients with elevated levels of CRP seem to exhibit an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcome 40. Furthermore, the levels of IL-6 and CRP have been reported to be raised in psoriatic patients and seem to correlate with psoriasis severity 41, 42.

Angiogenesis is a recognized feature common to psoriasis and atherosclerosis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent pro-angiogenic factor which has been reported to be upregulated in both conditions 43-45, thus may be a link between the two conditions. VEGF is also produced by human keratinocytes in response to stimulation with cytokines involved in psoriasis pathogenesis 43. Also, pro-angiogenic cytokines such as TNFα, IL-8 and IL-17 which stimulate angiogenesis are involved in psoriasis and atherosclerosis development.

Presently, psoriasis is considered a Th1/Th17 involved inflammatory disease in which the keratinocytes are activated mainly by mediators produced by Th1 cells, but over time the mediators of Th17 cells appear to become increasingly important 46. Likewise, Th17 cell response seems to have an important role in several cardiovascular diseases 47. The persistent Th17 activation in psoriatic skin is characterized by infiltration of IL-23-producing DCs and Th17 cells as well as epidermal overexpression of Th17 chemokines. IL-17 cells mediate IL-12 and IL-23 which have an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis 48. Also, the circulating IL-12 is thought to be the link between inflammation and Th1-type cytokine production in coronary atherosclerosis 32.

Finally, IL-17 which is produced by activated CD4+ T-cells acts synergistically to elicit further production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by the keratinocytes. In this fashion, the cytokine network in psoriasis can become a self-sustaining process. Thus, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines together with the activation of inflammatory cells could contribute to the development of both psoriatic and atherosclerotic lesions.

In brief, the pathogenic mechanisms shared between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease i.e. atherosclerosis may be explained stepwise as depicted in Figure 1 49: 1. Within the lymph node, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) activate naive T-cells to increase expression of leukocyte-function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1); 2. Activated T-cells migrate to blood vessel; 3. Activated T-cells adhere to endothelium (plus macrophages in atherosclerosis); 4. Extravasation occurs mediated by LFA-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1); 5. Activated T-cell interacts with dendritic cells (plus macrophages and keratinocytes in psoriasis but smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis); 6. Re-activated T-cells and macrophages secrete chemokines and cytokines that contribute to the inflammatory environment, resulting in the formation of psoriatic plaque or atherosclerotic plaque. In addition to the critical role of interaction between LFA-1 and its ligand, ICAM-1, the interaction of CD2 and its ligand, LFA-3 is also important in facilitation of antigen-recognition in the molecular pathways of lymphocyte adhesion 50.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of stepwise developmental process shared between psoriatic and atherosclerotic lesions. In the lymph node, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) activate naive T-cells to increase expression of leukocyte-function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1). Activated T-cells migrate to blood vessel and adhere to endothelium (and macrophages in case of atherosclerosis). After extravasation mediated by LFA-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) or CD2 and LFA-3, they interact with dendritic cells and macrophages and keratinocytes in psoriasis but smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis. These re-activated T-cells and macrophages secrete chemokines and cytokines that contribute to the inflammatory environment, resulting in the formation of psoriatic plaque or atherosclerotic plaque.

It is noteworthy to elaborate on some studies that have indicated clinical improvement in psoriasis condition with treatment of associated hyperlipidemia. A pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of simvastatin which is a cholesterol lowering statin on serum lipoprotein levels and dermatitis in patients with severe psoriasis 51. The authors found elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and diminished PASI during the therapy. It was concluded that statins can correct lipid metabolism and reduce cutaneous lesion in psoriasis. Also, Wolkenstein P, et al. 52 reported a survey-based, case-control study of 10,000 subjects aged 15 years or more of which 356 cases were identified to have psoriasis. Of these, 71 (19.9%) received treatment for hypercholestrolemia (37 had statins and 32 other drugs). Their study confirmed the association of overweight, smoking habits and beta-blocker intake with psoriasis and reported a decreased risk of psoriasis associated with statin intake. Other drugs with potential benefits may include thiazolidindiones (TZD) family that has positive effects on both cardiovascular risk factors and psoriasis. Shafiq et al. 53 studied the effect of rosiglitazone, a commercially available TZD in psoriasis. In 70 patients with moderate to severe disease, the PASI scores improved significantly in treated vs. placebo patients with greater benefit being noted in those receiving higher doses of pioglitazone. No serious adverse effects were noted. Psoriasis cleared or almost cleared in 40% of treated patients compared to 12.5% of patients receiving placebo. It was suggested that two-thirds of patients with plaque psoriasis will improve with pioglitazone therapy.

Traditional systemic therapies for psoriasis using methotrexate and cyclosporine may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing inflammation however these treatments are limited by the potential for adverse effects such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, and renal and hepatic toxicity. Thus preventive measures may be required during therapy. Targeted biological therapies with efalizumab, a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody against CD11a, the a-subunit of leukocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) 54, 55 and infliximab, a TNF-α blocking agents 56, 57 have provided a major advance in the treatment of the disease. Using these agents an integrated approach targeting at inflammation underlying both psoriasis and atherosclerosis may be useful in reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, considering the common mechanisms underlying the development of psoriasis and atherosclerosis, it is reasonable to postulate that early therapeutic strategies targeting such shared mechanisms would have considerable effects on both conditions. To this end, pharmaceutical drugs that both reduce hyperlipidemia and suppress inflammation such as statins could provide important candidates for further clinical studies. It is intriguing to determine whether treatment of hyperlipidemia associated with psoriasis would result in clinical improvement in psoriasis or alternatively treatment of psoriasis could improve cardiovascular disease. Indeed, several studies reported that treatment of psoriasis contributes to the reduction of some risk factors of cardiovasculsr disease such as oxidative stress and inflammation, which may diminish the probability of cardiovascular events. However, an atherogenic profile, at least an atherogenic lipidic profile and a residual inflammation seems to persist after treatment of psoriasis as reported in few studies. Taken together, it is important not only to be aware of the associations between psoriasis and other cardiovascular risk factors besides hyperlipidemia, but also to be able to identify all potentially treatable conditions which seem to favor the response to therapy in psoriasis patients, contributing to a better clearing of the lesions.