How GLP-1A (Wegovy, Ozempic etc.) can positively impact skin and heart health.
Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, often comes with unwelcome companions: cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks. This link has led researchers on a quest to find treatments that can tackle both psoriasis and its cardiovascular risks. One promising contender has emerged from an unexpected corner—the world of diabetes medications.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), a class of drugs used to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity, are now being investigated for their potential benefits in psoriasis and cardiovascular health. These medications work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, but studies suggest they might have even broader applications.
GLP-1RAs and Psoriasis: A Potential Game-Changer?
While the exact mechanisms behind GLP-1RAs’ effects on psoriasis aren’t fully understood, research suggests they might work by reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing. Several studies have provided intriguing evidence:
- Individual Success Stories: Case reports have documented remarkable improvements in psoriasis patients after treatment with GLP-1RAs. For example, a 73-year-old man with severe psoriasis saw his skin clear up dramatically after starting semaglutide.
- Promising Group Studies: A study involving a small group of patients with both psoriasis and type 2 diabetes showed that GLP-1RAs led to significant improvements in their skin condition.
- Larger Trials with Mixed Results: Two larger trials that compared GLP-1RAs to a placebo yielded less clear-cut results. One showed improvement, while the other didn’t find a significant effect. This highlights the need for more research to determine the true potential of these medications for psoriasis.
GLP-1RAs: A Heart-Healthy Bonus?
Beyond psoriasis, GLP-1RAs appear to offer a range of benefits for cardiovascular health:
- Blood Pressure Control: Studies have shown that GLP-1RAs can help lower blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Lowering Stroke Risk: Several studies have indicated that GLP-1RAs can significantly decrease the risk of strokes.
- Boosting Heart Function: Research suggests that GLP-1RAs can improve heart function and reduce the chances of heart-related complications.
Table: Summary of Key Studies on GLP-1RAs in Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Health
| Study Type | Study Details | Findings |
| Case Reports and Case Series | Individual cases of psoriasis patients treated with GLP-1RAs. | Improvement in psoriasis symptoms, reduced disease severity, and enhanced quality of life. |
| Prospective Cohort Study | Study of seven patients with type 2 diabetes and psoriasis treated with GLP-1RAs. | Improvement in psoriasis through inflammation reduction, blood sugar control, and weight loss. |
| Randomized Controlled Trials | Two trials comparing GLP-1RAs to placebo in psoriasis patients. | Mixed results: one trial showed improvement, while the other did not find a significant effect. |
| Meta-analyses on Hypertension | Two studies analyzing the effects of GLP-1RAs on blood pressure. | Significant reduction in blood pressure, particularly systolic blood pressure. |
| Studies on Myocardial Infarction | Studies investigating the impact of GLP-1RAs on heart attacks and cardiovascular events. | Reduced risk of heart attacks, improved heart function, and decreased cardiovascular mortality. |
| Meta-analyses on Stroke | Several studies analyzing the effects of GLP-1RAs on stroke risk. | Significant reduction in stroke risk, particularly total and non-fatal strokes. |
Psoriasis Studies
- Buysschaert et al (2012): This case report described a 61-year-old male with psoriasis and type 2 diabetes who experienced a significant improvement in his psoriasis after treatment with exenatide. This case suggests that GLP-1RAs may have a beneficial effect on psoriasis, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Costanzo et al (2021): This case report documented a 73-year-old male with severe psoriasis, obesity, and type 2 diabetes who experienced rapid resolution of psoriasis with improved glycemic control and reduced body weight after treatment with semaglutide. This case highlights the potential of GLP-1RAs to improve psoriasis in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Malavazos et al (2023): This case report described a 50-year-old female patient with obesity and type 2 diabetes who experienced improvement in her psoriasis and a reduction in obesity-related markers, lipids, inflammation, and glycemic control after treatment with semaglutide. This case further supports the potential of GLP-1RAs to improve psoriasis in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Ahern et al (2013): This prospective cohort study of seven patients with type 2 diabetes and psoriasis demonstrated improvement in psoriasis treated with GLP-1 agonists through the reduction of inflammation, blood sugar improvement, and weight loss. This study provides further evidence for the beneficial effects of GLP-1RAs on psoriasis.
- Lin et al (2022): This randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared liraglutide to a control group in psoriasis patients with type 2 diabetes. The liraglutide group showed superior improvement in psoriasis symptoms and quality of life compared to the control group. This RCT provides stronger evidence for the efficacy of GLP-1RAs in psoriasis.
- Faurschou et al (2015): This RCT compared liraglutide to placebo in glucose-tolerant psoriasis patients. The study did not find a significant difference in improvement between the two groups. This conflicting result highlights the need for further research to fully understand the role of GLP-1RAs in psoriasis.
Cardiovascular Studies
- Zhao et al (2019): This meta-analysis investigated the effect of liraglutide on blood pressure. The study found that liraglutide significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) but had no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
- Sun et al (2015): This meta-analysis compared different GLP-1RAs to placebo and other diabetes therapies. The study found that GLP-1RAs significantly reduced SBP, and exenatide also significantly reduced DBP.
- Malhotra et al (2020): This meta-analysis investigated the impact of GLP-1RAs on stroke risk. The study found that GLP-1RAs significantly reduced the risk of total stroke, major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality.
- Sinha et al (2019): This meta-analysis compared the effects of different diabetes medications on cardiovascular outcomes. The study found that GLP-1RAs significantly reduced cardiovascular death, stroke, and the combined risk of stroke and myocardial infarction.
The Future of GLP-1RAs in Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Care
The potential of GLP-1RAs to manage both psoriasis and cardiovascular health is exciting, but more research is needed to confirm their long-term effectiveness and safety in people with skin conditions. If future studies continue to show positive results, GLP-1RAs could become a valuable tool for improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with psoriasis, especially those at risk for heart problems.
A summary of the following review:
Haran K, Johnson CE, Smith P, Venable Z, Kranyak A, Bhutani T, Jeon C, Liao W. Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Comorbidities: A Narrative Review. Psoriasis (Auckl). 2024;14:143-152
Zehn Skin and Health 
Leave a comment