Evaluation of lipid profile parameters in patients diagnosed with psoriasis using biologic agents

Objective: Psoriasis is a chronic disease associated with systemic inflammation, extending beyond skin lesions. Elevated proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17, IL-23) may predispose patients to metabolic disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of biologic therapies on metabolic parameters in psoriasis patients by assessing the potential reduction in systemic inflammation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 200 psoriasis patients aged over 18 who started biologic therapy at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty between July 2024 and February 2025. Levels of AST, ALT, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL were compared at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Results: Of the patients, 55.5% were male (n=111) and 44.5% were female (n=89), with a mean age of 44.1±13.1 years. The most frequently used biologics were risankizumab (27.5%) and ixekizumab (21.5%). No statistically significant changes were observed in AST (27.1±12.5 vs. 26.8±11.9 U/L; p=0.61), ALT (29.4±13.7 vs. 28.9±13.2 U/L; p=0.49), total cholesterol (195.3±41.2 vs. 196.5±42.1 mg/dL; p=0.72), triglycerides (151.8±77.6 vs. 155.4±79.1 mg/dL; p=0.33), or LDL (118.6±35.9 vs. 119.8±36.2 mg/dL; p=0.65). However, in female patients, triglyceride levels significantly increased (148.2±68.5 to 162.9±71.4 mg/dL; p=0.009). No significant differences were observed based on gender or biologic agent used. A slight increase in BMI (0.64%) was noted at 6 months, but this was not statistically significant (p=0.28). Conclusion: Liver enzymes and lipid profiles remained generally stable over six months of biologic treatment. The observed triglyceride increase in female patients highlights the need for further long-term studies with larger cohorts.