The relationship between plasma IL-12 and IL-23 levels and endothelial dysfunction in patients with psoriatic arthritis

Introduction and Objective: The aim of our study was to compare the levels of plasma IL-12 and IL-23, endothelium-dependent (FMD) and endothelium-independent dilatation (NMD) measurements between psöriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and healthy control group; to evaluate the correlation of IL-12, IL-23, FMD, NMD, clinical characteristic of patient, laboratory parameters, disease activity scales. Materials and Methods: A total of 136 people, 49 PsA, 46 AS, 41 healthy, were included in the study. Participants were evaluated with detailed anamnesis and physical examination. The routine biochemical parameters of the participants and CRP, ESR and the scales used for other disease activation assessment were noted. IL-12 and IL-23 were measured using ELISA method Endothelial-dependent and independent dilatation was measured by Doppler USG from the brachial artery and evaluated in terms of endothelial dysfunction. Findings: Although IL-12 levels were higher in the PsA group than in the healthy group, this difference did not reach statistical significance. IL-23 level was significantly higher than the healthy control group. IL-12 and IL-23 levels were found to be significantly higher in the AS group compared to the healthy group. A statistically significant correlation was found between the mean of endothelial dependence according to the diagnosis groups. This difference was due to the difference between PSA and healthy participants. No statistically significant correlation was found between IL-12 and IL-23 levels and brachial artery basal diameter, FMD and NMD values in PsA patients. Fasting blood glucose and triglyceride mean were higher in PSA patients, while CRP and ESR were higher in AS patients. HDL levels of healthy participants were higher than those of PSA and AS patients. While there was no significant correlation between IL-12 and IL-23 and BASDAI, BASFI, DAPSA, DAS 28, PsAQoL, HAQ, HAD-A and VAS scores in PSA group; HAD depression scale and BASMI were positively correlated with IL-23. In the AS group, IL-23 was correlated with VAS and BASMI, and IL-12 was correlated with HAQ score at moderate level. Conclusion: In the PsA group, IL-23 levels and FMD values are higher than the healthy group. In these patients, the risk of metabolic syndrome and CVD increases due to the fact that glucose dysregulation, dyslipidemia and obesity are more common. PsA patients should be monitored for the development of these comorbidities and preventive measures should be taken. More studies are needed to examine the relationship between IL-12, IL-23 levels and endothelial dysfunction, which is an early indicator of CVD and atherosclerosis, in PsA patients.