Cardiometabolic Risk in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Hidden Burden of Inflammation and Metabolic Dysregulation

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that extends beyond musculoskeletal and dermatologic involvement to elevate cardiometabolic risk. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of systemic inflammation in metabolic dysregulation, accelerating insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress, all of which contribute to the increased burden of cardiovascular disease in PsA. This review explores the intricate interplay between inflammatory mediators-such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-17 (IL-17),-adipokine imbalances, and lipid metabolism abnormalities, all of which foster endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The dysregulation of adipokines, including leptin, adiponectin, and resistin, further perpetuates inflammatory cascades, exacerbating cardiovascular risk. Additionally, the metabolic alterations seen in PsA, particularly insulin resistance and lipid dysfunction, not only contribute to cardiovascular comorbidities but also impact disease severity and therapeutic response. Understanding these mechanistic links is imperative for refining risk stratification strategies and tailoring interventions. By integrating targeted immunomodulatory therapies with metabolic and cardiovascular risk management, a more comprehensive approach to PsA treatment can be achieved. Future research must focus on elucidating shared inflammatory and metabolic pathways, enabling the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to mitigate both systemic inflammation and cardiometabolic complications in PsA.

Keywords: adipokines; cardiometabolic risk; dyslipidemia; insulin resistance; oxidative stress; psoriatic arthritis; systemic inflammation.

Figure 1

Interplay between inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and cardiovascular risk in psoriatic arthritis.