Serum concentrations of interleukin 18 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 correlate with depression severity in men with psoriasis

Abstract

ObjectivePsoriasis and depression may have common mechanisms, such as systemic inflammation, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and vitamin D3 deficiency. Among men with psoriasis, this study examined whether depression severity was associated with serum concentrations of different metabolic and inflammatory markers.MethodsThe study included 85 men with psoriasis (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 47 ± 14 years) and 65 men without psoriasis (mean age ± SD, 44 ± 13 years). In both groups, we measured the body mass index; blood pressure; and serum concentrations of lipids, uric acid, lipase, interleukins 6 and 18, cortisol, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory. Other variables analyzed included psoriasis duration, the Psoriasis Area Severity Index, and the percentage of body surface area affected by psoriatic lesions.ResultsCompared with controls, patients with psoriasis had significantly greater depression severity, higher body mass indices, and higher serum concentrations of total cholesterol and interleukins 6 and 18; moreover, they had significantly lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations. In patients with psoriasis, depression severity correlated positively with psoriasis duration, the Psoriasis Area Severity Index, the percentage of body surface area affected by psoriatic lesions, and interleukin-18 concentration. In patients with psoriasis, depression severity correlated negatively with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration, but it did not correlate significantly with the serum concentrations of interleukin 6 and cortisol.ConclusionsHigh concentrations of interleukin 18 and low concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 may be associated with depression severity in men with psoriasis. Thus, further studies should examine whether effective anti-inflammatory treatments or vitamin D3 supplementation can improve depression outcomes in these patients.

Depression, GABA, and Age Correlate with Plasma Levels of Inflammatory Markers

“…However, MIP-1α (i.e., CCL3), CCL4, and CCL20, the macrophage-released pro-inflammatory molecules, were significantly elevated in the patients, consistent with previous MDD reports [51,52]. IL-18 was the only inflammatory marker that correlated with the MADRS-S score and is consistent with other studies of inflammatory markers and depression [53][54][55][56]. Many inflammatory markers correlated with age in both CBD and the patients in concordance with previous studies [57][58][59][60].…”

Association Between Psoriasis and Depression: A Traditional Review

“…Besides, their research includes genetic evidence to support the bidirectional relationship between psoriasis and depression. Pietrzak et al, in their study, described the mechanisms that are common between psoriasis and depression [27]. Their research includes dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and vitamin D3 deficiency as similarities between the two diseases, in addition to the inflammatory markers that were explained in the study by Tohid et al…”

“…Furthermore, vitamin D3 deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and depression [27]. Vitamin D3 metabolites have been shown to play a role in normal differentiation and growth of keratinocytes, and its supplementation has shown to improve the skin in some conditions, including psoriasis [28].…”

“…In psoriasis patients, low vitamin D3 concentration caused decreased counts of circulating T regulatory cells [29]. Thus, 25(OH)D3 has a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, it acts as an immunomodulator and prevents excessive Th1 and Th17 responses [27]. For this reason, skin-related diseases get benefit from vitamin D3-related analogs.…”

Treat-to-Target Approach for the Management of Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Consensus Recommendations

“…Chronic systemic inflammation associated with psoriasis can affect a number of tissues and organs leading to the development or worsening of comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease and depression (statement 3.1) [ 51 – 53 ]. Early recognition of psoriatic arthritis is crucial (statement 3.2), particularly given the prevalence of this comorbidity in patients with psoriasis [ 6 , 54 ].…”