Epidemiology and Immunopathogenesis of Psoriasis and Its Comorbidities

Abstract

Purpose of Review

While psoriasis has traditionally been considered primarily a skin and joint disorder, there is a new appreciation that psoriasis affects multiple organs. In fact, psoriasis is associated with several comorbidities that also affect the vasculature, guts, lung, kidney, and other tissues. This review aims to summarize the epidemiology and immunopathogenesis of psoriasis and its comorbidities.

Recent Findings

We reviewed the current literature characterizing the epidemiology and immune pathways of psoriasis and its comorbidities and report common inflammatory and immune pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its comorbidities.

Summary

A variety of diseases are associated with psoriasis, including psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These comorbidities share similar inflammatory and immune pathways with those that are classically implicated in psoriasis: especially the adipokines, TH17, and TNF-α.