Effects of treatment for psoriasis on circulating levels of leptin, adiponectin and resistin: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Metabolic syndrome, a risk factor of cardiovascular disease, is more common in psoriatic patients compared to general population. Circulating adipokine concentrations are altered in psoriatic patients and are suggested to represent the pathophysiologic link between psoriatic lesions and metabolic alterations.

Objectives

To systematically review the literature for studies that investigated possible differences in the circulating levels of leptin, adiponectin or resistin in psoriatic patients before and after any treatment intervention and meta-analyze the best evidence available.

Methods

Search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Central, EMBASE). Eligible for the review were studies that have assessed leptin, adiponectin or resistin concentrations in patients with psoriasis before and after any topical or systemic treatment.

Result

After treatment, blood concentrations of leptin were similar to the relevant ones before treatment (SMD: 0.06, 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.20), with no heterogeneity among studies (I²: 0%, p = 0.875). After treatment, blood concentrations of adiponectin were similar to the relevant ones before treatment (SMD: -0.14, 95% CI: -0.34 to 0.05), with significant heterogeneity among studies (I²: 36.8%, p = 0.032). After treatment, blood concentrations of resistin were significantly lower as compared to the relevant ones before treatment (SMD: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.79), with significant heterogeneity among studies (I²: 61.4%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

There is no evidence that treatment for psoriasis modifies leptin and adiponectin concentrations. In the opposite way, treatment intervention reduces resistin concentrations, a finding that is expected to be of clinical importance.

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