Impact Of Acute Antioxidant Supplementation On Neural Cardiovascular Control In Psoriatic Subjects

Recent studies indicate psoriasis not only affects the skin and joints, but, as a systemic inflammatory disorder, is also associated with increased risk of vascular complications leading to myocardial infarction and stroke. Systemic inflammation is a contributor to heightened cardiovascular disease risk. Individuals with psoriasis have been shown to have altered cardiovascular regulation; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Cellular oxidative stress, if not managed by antioxidants, can destabilize the cell and lead to cellular damage causing chronic inflammation. Heightened oxidative stress and inflammation can lead to heightened muscle sympathetic nerve activity and vascular dysfunction - most notably decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, along with hypertension, COPD, and heart failure. Oxidative stress and inflammation, like that seen in psoriasis, is suspected of causing impaired vascular function. These two factors may be causing exaggerated muscle sympathetic nerve activity, increases in blood pressure, vascular dysfunction, and decreased exercise tolerance. These factors can ultimately contribute to cardiovascular disease development in psoriatic subjects. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine vascular function and muscle sympathetic nerve activity at rest and during exercise, prior to and following an acute antioxidant supplementation designed to dampen systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and MSNA in diagnosed subjects with psoriasis.