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

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. 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. 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 ( = 0.02) and methotrexate groups ( = 0.008), while E-selectin levels decreased in the methotrexate group ( = 0.004). 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.