High CRP levels in Psoriasis Patients Increase Coronary Plaque Risk: JAHA

A recent study published in Journal of the American Heart Association uncovered a significant link between psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory condition, and the risk of coronary artery disease. The investigation was focused on the lectin-like low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and its soluble extracellular domain (sLOX-1), that plays a major role in triggering inflammation associated with psoriasis.

The study which involved 327 psoriasis patients revealed that those with elevated levels of sLOX-1 were more prone to displaying vulnerable coronary plaque features. The research delved into the relationship between sLOX-1 and inflammatory markers, particularly high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).

The participants with sLOX-1 levels more than the median showed increased burdens of total, noncalcified, fibro-fatty, and necrotic coronary plaque features. The association between sLOX-1 and noncalcified and fibro-fatty burdens persisted despite the adjustments for various factors.

The correlation between high levels of sLOX-1 and increased coronary plaque burden in patients with elevated hs-CRP levels highlighted the interplay between inflammation and plaque progression. This study found that coronary plaque features continued to progress over one year, regardless of whether patients received biologic or systemic treatment.

These findings underscore the potential of sLOX-1 as an positive marker for estimating coronary artery disease risk in individuals with psoriasis. The research emphasizes the need for a more understanding of the complex relationship between psoriasis, inflammation, and cardiovascular health.

This study prompts a reevaluation of risk assessment strategies for individuals with psoriasis and future research avenues may explore targeted interventions and treatments to validate the heightened risk of coronary artery disease in this patient population.

Source:

Florida, E. M., Li, H., Hong, C. G., Ongstad, E. L., Gaddipati, R., Sitaula, S., Varma, V., Parel, P. M., O’Hagan, R., Chen, M. Y., Teague, H. L., Playford, M. P., Karathanasis, S. K., Collén, A., Mehta, N. N., Remaley, A. T., & Sorokin, A. V. (2023). Relationship of soluble lectin‐like low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (sLOX‐1) with inflammation and coronary plaque progression in psoriasis. Journal of the American Heart Association, 12(22). https://doi.org/10.1161/jaha.123.031227