Effects of Interleukin 17A Inhibition on Myocardial Deformation and Vascular Function in Psoriasis

Background Interleukin (IL)-17A activity is implicated in psoriasis. We investigated the effects of IL-17A inhibition on vascular and left ventricular (LV) function in patients with psoriasis. Methods A total of 150 patients with psoriasis received either an anti-IL-17A agent (secukinumab, n = 50), cyclosporine (n = 50), or methotrexate treatment (n = 50). At baseline and after 4 and 12 months of treatment, we measured (1) LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), GLS rate (GLSR), GLSR at early diastole, LV twisting, and untwisting; (2) coronary flow reserve (CFR); (3) pulse wave velocity (PWV); and (4) malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl as markers of oxidative stress. Results Compared with cyclosporine and methotrexate, anti-IL-17A treatment resulted in a greater increase in GLS at 4 and 12 months after treatment (10% and 14% with anti-IL-17A vs 2% and 2% with cyclosporine vs 4% and 4% with methotrexate, respectively), GLSR, GLSR at early diastole (45% and 41% vs 5% and 4% vs 7% and 9%, respectively), and LV twisting (32% and 28% vs 6% and 8% vs 7% and 6%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Anti-IL-17A treatment resulted in greater improvement of CFR and PWV than cyclosporine or methotrexate (P < 0.05). PWV increased after cyclosporine treatment (+11% at 4 and +14% and 12 months) (P < 0.05). Markers of oxidative stress were reduced only after anti-IL-17A treatment (P < 0.05). Changes of myocardial deformation markers and CFR after anti-IL-17A treatment correlated with a concomitant reduction of oxidative stress. Conclusions In psoriasis, inhibition of IL-17A results in a greater improvement of vascular and myocardial function compared with cyclosporine or methotrexate treatment, indicating a beneficial effect on overall cardiovascular function.