The level of proinflammatory cytokines: interleukins 12, 23, 17 and tumor necrosis factor  in patients with metabolic syndrome accompanying severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Introduction
The incidence of metabolic syndrome is estimated at 15–24% in the general population and at 30–50% in patients with psoriasis. A probable cause of the described correlation is a constant release in chronic dermatosis of proinflammatory cytokines and their influence on individual systems and organs.

Aim
Assessment of the concentration of the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12, IL-23, IL-17 and TNF-α) in blood serum and their correlation with the intensity of skin lesions, the presence of psoriatic arthritis and the risk of development of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Material and methods
The concentrations of subunit p70 IL-12, IL-17 and IL-23, and TNF-α in subjects with psoriasis and metabolic syndrome were determined.

Results
The level of the studied cytokines, IL-17, IL-23 and TNF-α was higher in patients diagnosed with psoriasis. Higher levels of IL-17, IL-23 and TNF-α were observed in patients with metabolic syndrome accompanying psoriasis. A higher level of IL-17 and IL-23 was found in sera of patients with psoriatic arthritis in comparison to normal psoriasis.

Conclusions
In the study, a higher level of IL-17 and IL-23 was also shown in patients with psoriatic arthritis in comparison to patients with normal psoriasis. The effectiveness of anti-IL12/23 drugs in psoriatic arthritis is a confirmation of the obtained results of the studies. Additionally, the increased level of IL-17, both in patients with metabolic syndrome and with psoriasis, could indirectly indicate an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with affected joints in comparison to psoriasis affecting only the skin.