Angiotensin Converting Enzyme and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Psoriasis: Is There Any Association

Background: Recent studies show that patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Objective: In this prospective controlled study, we evaluated the correlation between serum level of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis.Methods: Sixty-one patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis and 61 healthy control subjects frequency-matched for age and sex were included in the study. Mean intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (MIMT-CCA) and serum ACE level of all subjects were measured. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed using high-resolution B-mode duplex ultrasonography and defined as having an MIMT-CCA ≥0.8 mm. Results: The serum concentration of ACE and MIMT were significantly higher in psoriatic patients than control group. The serum concentration of ACE and IMT were significantly higher in psoriasis patients than control group. Serum ACE level was positively correlated with MIMT-CCA (r = 0.637, P < 0.0001 in patients and r = 0.389, P < 0.0001 in controls). Conclusion: Our findings validate the results of previous studies regarding the increased level of serum ACE and MIMT-CCA in psoriasis. ACE level may be a good predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis.

Keywords:

Psoriasis , angiotensin converting enzyme , Subclinical atherosclerosis