Methotrexate and Adalimumab Decrease the Serum Levels of Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers (VCAM-1 and E-Selectin) in Plaque Psoriasis

• Main Authors: Natalia Zdanowska, Agnieszka Owczarczyk-Saczonek, Joanna Czerwińska, Jacek J. Nowakowski, Anna Kozera-Żywczyk, Witold Owczarek, Wojciech Zdanowski, Waldemar Placek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-09-01
• Series: Medicina
• Subjects: VCAM-1; E-selectin; psoriasis; methotrexate; adalimumab
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1010-660X/56/9/473

<i>Background and objectives:</i> The shared pathogenesis of psoriasis and atherosclerosis may be determined by assaying the levels of endothelial activation molecules. This study aimed at evaluating vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin serum concentrations, and atherosclerosis severity in patients with plaque psoriasis. It also aimed to determine the effects of methotrexate/adalimumab treatment for 12 weeks on the plasma levels of the aforementioned molecules. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> The study included 34 psoriasis patients (17 treated with methotrexate and 17 treated with adalimumab) and eight controls. The 10-year risk of a fatal cardiovascular disease, body mass index, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and body surface area were calculated for each subject. VCAM-1 and E-selectin levels were determined via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and after 12 weeks. <i>Results:</i> Baseline E-selectin and VCAM-1 levels were higher in the adalimumab group than in the methotrexate and control groups. VCAM-1 levels decreased in the adalimumab (<i>p</i> = 0.02) and methotrexate groups (<i>p</i> = 0.008), while E-selectin levels decreased in the methotrexate group (<i>p</i> = 0.004). <i>Conclusions:</i> The results indicate a correlation between systemic psoriasis treatment and E-selectin and VCAM-1 plasma concentrations, which may be associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease development.