Adiponectin levels in patients with psoriasis: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Metabolic Research
• Immunology

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with complex pathophysiology.
• Adiponectin, an adipokine, plays a role in inflammation and metabolic processes.
• Previous studies on adiponectin levels in psoriasis patients have yielded conflicting results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis to resolve conflicting findings on adiponectin and high-molecular weight adiponectin levels in psoriasis.
• To determine if adiponectin or HMW adiponectin levels are significantly different in individuals with psoriasis compared to healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.
• Meta-analysis of nine studies (389 cases, 360 controls) for adiponectin and three studies (132 cases, 132 controls) for HMW adiponectin.
• Pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using random and fixed effects models; heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I² statistics.

Main Results:

• No significant difference was found in adiponectin levels between psoriasis patients and controls (SMD: -0.151 [95% CI: -0.616 to 0.315], P = 0.526).
• Similarly, no significant difference was observed for high-molecular weight adiponectin (SMD: 0.999 [95% CI: -2.626 to 4.624], P = 0.589).
• A borderline significant association was noted in patients under 40 years old (SMD: -0.516 [95% CI: -1.032 to 0], P = 0.050).
• Sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments did not alter the main findings.

Conclusions:

• Adiponectin and HMW adiponectin levels do not appear to be significantly associated with psoriasis.
• The relationship between psoriasis and adipokines requires further investigation with larger, well-designed studies.