People with psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease, appear to have a higher level of leptin, according to a new study. Leptin plays a role in both obesity and inflammation and may help explain why those with psoriasis are more prone to overweight and related problems.

Summary

Higher levels of the hormone leptin have been found among patients with psoriasis. This may explain why psoriasis is linked to metabolic syndrome, obesity and heart disease. The findings also raise the possibility of lowering leptin levels as a treatment for psoriasis.

Introduction

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by a red scaly rash. And that's not all, because people with psoriasis tend to have a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome - all of which are probably linked to obesity.

What was done

Researchers in Taiwan measured levels of leptin, a hormone that helps control food intake, body weight and fat stores, in 77 patients with psoriasis and 81 matched individuals who did not have the disease. Other clinical characteristics were also measured.

What was found

Those with psoriasis were more likely to have high blood pressure, high blood glucose or even diabetes, to be obese and to have high leptin levels. Analysis showed that high leptin levels were linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

What this study means

The findings confirm a link between the inflammation of psoriasis and metabolic disturbances evidenced by high leptin levels. These might occur as a result of inflammation in psoriasis and contribute to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Weight loss is already known to decrease leptin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, decreasing the risk of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the authors suggest that weight loss might be considered as part of the general treatment strategy for those with psoriasis.

Source

Psoriasis independently associated with hyperleptinemia contributing to metabolic syndrome Y-J. Chen, C-Y. Wu,  et al., Archives of Dermatology, December 2008, vol. ,, pp. 1571--1575