**Methotrexate and Adalimumab Decrease the Serum Levels of Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers (VCAM-1 and E-Selectin) in Plaque Psoriasis**

**Natalia Zdanowska 1,\*, Agnieszka Owczarczyk-Saczonek 1, Joanna Czerwi ´nska 1, Jacek J. Nowakowski 2, Anna Kozera-Zywczyk ˙ 3, Witold Owczarek 3, Wojciech Zdanowski <sup>4</sup> and Waldemar Placek <sup>1</sup>**


Received: 1 August 2020; Accepted: 14 September 2020; Published: 15 September 2020

**Abstract:** *Background and objectives:* The shared pathogenesis of psoriasis and atherosclerosis may be determined by assaying the levels of endothelial activation molecules. This study aimed at evaluating vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin serum concentrations, and atherosclerosis severity in patients with plaque psoriasis. It also aimed to determine the effects of methotrexate/adalimumab treatment for 12 weeks on the plasma levels of the aforementioned molecules. *Materials and Methods:* The study included 34 psoriasis patients (17 treated with methotrexate and 17 treated with adalimumab) and eight controls. The 10-year risk of a fatal cardiovascular disease, body mass index, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and body surface area were calculated for each subject. VCAM-1 and E-selectin levels were determined via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and after 12 weeks. *Results:* Baseline E-selectin and VCAM-1 levels were higher in the adalimumab group than in the methotrexate and control groups. VCAM-1 levels decreased in the adalimumab (*p* = 0.02) and methotrexate groups (*p* = 0.008), while E-selectin levels decreased in the methotrexate group (*p* = 0.004). *Conclusions:* The results indicate a correlation between systemic psoriasis treatment and E-selectin and VCAM-1 plasma concentrations, which may be associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease development.

**Keywords:** VCAM-1; E-selectin; psoriasis; methotrexate; adalimumab
