Serum Leptin and Adiponectin: Indicators of Cardiovascular Disease Secondary to Psoriasis

To explore the role and clinical significance of serum adiponectin and leptin levels in patients with psoriasis accompanied by atherosclerosis.

Eighty patients diagnosed with psoriasis in our dermatology department and 40 healthy people in our physical examination centre were included as the study group and control group, respectively. All the included patients underwent fasting blood and serum tests. Levels of adiponectin, leptin, and the blood lipid content; colour Doppler ultrasonography of both common carotid arteries, internal carotid and external carotid arteries; and intimal-medial thickness (IMT) and carotid plaque were evaluated.

In the study group, the leptin level increased, and the serum adiponectin level decreased; these levels were statistically significantly different compared with those in the control group (t = 6.774, P < 0.001 and t = -3.511, P < 0.05, respectively). IMT was negatively correlated with adiponectin levels (r = -0.378, P < 0.001) and positively correlated with leptin levels (r = 0.581, P < 0.001).

The imbalanced expression of serum and adiponectin levels will aggravate psoriasis and promote the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Serum levels can be used to assess the disease severity, detect vascular lesions early, and prevent the development of psoriasis to cardiovascular disease.