AbstractPsoriasis is a multifactorial autoimmune chronic relapsing skin disorder whose pathogenesis is not exactly known. It is caused by complex interaction between genetic, immunological, psychological and environmental factors. Interleukin-17 (IL-17, also known as IL-17A) is a cytokine that has been recognized in promoting a variety of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. IL-17 is a 155-amino acid protein that is a disulfide linked, homodimeric, secreted glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 35 KD. IL-17 is suggested to be involved in neutrophil accumulation followed by the formation of epidermal microabcesses in psoriasis. Together with other Th 17 cytokines, IL-17 also upregulates the production of several cytokines that are implicated in psoriasis pathogenesis. An association of increased cardiovascular comorbidity with psoriasis has been postulated. Psoriatic patients are more likely to have an increased body mass index, dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus which are well known risk factors for cardiovascular comorbidities. Even though, studies support the existence of an independent relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases. Some reports indicated that IL-17 may represent one of the main links between cardiovascular disease manifestation and psoriatic inflammation. IL-17 has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of cardiovascular comorbidity that may be associated with psoriasis. Biologic anti-IL-17 therapy may be recommended not only to improve skin manifestations of psoriasis, but also to help minimize the potential risk of developing cardiovascular accidents.
