Life (Feb 2023)

The Essential Role of IL-17 as the Pathogenetic Link between Psoriasis and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

  • Antonio Olveira,
  • Salvador Augustin,
  • Salvador Benlloch,
  • Javier Ampuero,
  • Jorge Alonso Suárez-Pérez,
  • Susana Armesto,
  • Eva Vilarrasa,
  • Isabel Belinchón-Romero,
  • Pedro Herranz,
  • Javier Crespo,
  • Francisco Guimerá,
  • Lara Gómez-Labrador,
  • Víctor Martín,
  • José Manuel Carrascosa

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020419
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 2
p. 419

Abstract

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Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is an effector cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a condition that is more prevalent and severe in patients with psoriasis. In liver inflammation, IL-17 is mainly produced by CD4+ T (TH17) and CD8+ T cells (Tc17), although numerous other cells (macrophages, natural killer cells, neutrophils and Tγδ cells) also contribute to the production of IL-17. In hepatocytes, IL-17 mediates systemic inflammation and the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the liver, and it is also implicated in the development of fibrosis and insulin resistance. IL-17 levels have been correlated with progression from MAFLD to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical trials have shown that inhibiting IL-17A in patients with psoriasis could potentially contribute to the improvement of metabolic and liver parameters. A better understanding of the key factors involved in the pathogenesis of these chronic inflammatory processes could potentially lead to more efficient treatment for both psoriasis and MAFLD, and help to develop holistic strategies to improve the management of these patients.

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