Oxidized mtDNA Associated With Measures of Coronary Plaque Formation in Psoriasis

A recent study published in JID Innovations delved into the connection between psoriasis (PsO) and atherosclerosis, particularly examining immune and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with PsO. The study focused on oxidized mitochondrial DNA (ox-mtDNA), a byproduct of pyroptosis observed in various cells, including keratinocytes. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the researchers quantified ox-mtDNA levels in patients with PsO and individuals without PsO.

The findings reveal that patients with PsO exhibited significantly higher levels of ox-mtDNA compared to healthy subjects. Importantly, ox-mtDNA showed positive associations with IL-17a and low-density granulocytes, and a negative association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the study established an association between ox-mtDNA and noncalcified coronary burden measured through coronary computed tomography angiography.

Furthermore, biologic-naïve patients with PsO treated with anti-IL-17a therapy demonstrated a notable 14% decrease in ox-mtDNA levels and a 10% reduction in noncalcified coronary artery burden over 1 year. This suggests a potential link between ox-mtDNA and early autoimmune-driven atherosclerotic features. The study implies that monitoring ox-mtDNA levels could serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing cardiovascular risk in patients with PsO. These findings not only contribute to our understanding of the intricate relationship between autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular health but also suggest the therapeutic potential of anti-IL-17a therapy in mitigating both PsO-related inflammation and atherosclerotic burden.

“In summary, levels of ox-mtDNA in PsO are associated with measures of coronary plaque formation, indicating that this biomarker may be an autoimmune-driven early atherosclerotic feature,” the authors concluded.

Reference
Lateef SS, Ward GA, Li H, et al. Circulating oxidized mtDNA is associated broadly with cardiovascular disease in a longitudinal cohort study of psoriasis. JID Innov. Published online November 3, 2023. doi:10.1016/j.xjidi.2023.100243