Psoriasis is linked with a higher risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, according to a new finding that will be important to note when prescribing treatments for the skin condition, researchers say. 

Doctors managing psoriasis patients need to be aware that some antipsoriatic agents, like interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17 and TNF-alpha, can damage the liver, the research team advise in JAMA Dermatology.

“Elevated TNF-alpha levels can also exacerbate insulin resistance among patients with psoriasis, which contributes to the generation and release of free fatty acids and enhances the deposition of free fatty acids in the liver,” said the authors from The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Guangdong.

“[IL]-23 is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.”