Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha 238 G/A polymorphism and its relation to severity and cardiovascular risk in psoriasis

Abstract

Pso is a chronic inflammatory relapsing disease of the skin which affects about 2% to 3% of the global adult population. Pso can occur at any age, but its onset is usually between the ages of 18 and 35 years. A bimodal onset has been observed in Pso with an initial peak at ages 16 to 22 years and a second peak at age 57 to 60 years. The most common type of Pso is Pso vulgaris, which accounts for 90% of cases, and is characterized by the presence of papulosquamous plaques of various size and number. The plaque severity and degree of affected body surface area vary throughout the individual’s life. Pso is associated with significant morbidity that extends beyond the skin. People with Pso have impaired quality of life and psychologic burden. In addition, Pso has been associated with other comorbid conditions, including DM, MS, CV disease, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and malignancy. Pso has been associated with an increased incidence of traditional CV risk factors example smoking, DM, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. A multifactorial origin has been described in Pso where certain environmental factors acting on individuals with specific genetic predisposition leads to an immune dysregulation and aberrant keratinization resulting in the appearance of typical cutaneous lesions.