Psoriasis is associated with increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Leptin, the adipose tissue hormone, could be used as a marker of metabolic dysregulation in psoriatic patients. The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate whether serum leptin could be related to the evolution and response to treatment in psoriasis patients.

Patients and Methods. A total of 50 patients were enrolled, 28 in the study group, (median age 57 years, 16 M/12F) with diagnosis of psoriasis and metabolic syndrome [MS], using IDF criteria and 22 in the control group, with psoriasis alone (median age 39 years, 9 M/13F). Serum leptin levels using ELISA assays and MS components (diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension obesity and dyslipidemia) in cases vs controls were compared.

Results. Significantly more obesity (OR = 18.2, p = 0.01) and hypertension (OR = 18, p = 0.03) were observed in patients with psoriasis and MS. Serum leptin levels were high in female subjects (p<0.001), obese patients (p = 0.002), and in patients with hypertension (p=0.02) or metabolic syndrome (p = 0.002).

Conclusions. In conclusion, hyperleptinemia is associated with psoriasis independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (such as obesity or metabolic syndrome) or female sex. High serum levels of leptin may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome in patients suffering from psoriasis.