Association between the leptin gene 2548G/A polymorphism, the plasma leptin and the metabolic syndrome with psoriasis
Experimental Dermatology, 06/02/2011  Exclusive author commentary

Rania M. Abdel Hay (06/02/2011) comments:
Leptin (LEP) has been implicated as a marker for cardiovascular comorbidity in psoriasis patients. This is the first study highlighting the possible role of LEP G-2548A polymorphism as a predictor for psoriasis and metabolic syndromwe (MS) among a sample of Egyptian population. Our findings may support the hypothesis that chronic inflammatory changes may be responsible for the development of MS particularly in patients with severe longstanding psoriasis through induction of insulin resisitance (IR). The management of psoriasis should be shifted towards comprehensive disease management. Several systemic drugs (such as retinoid and cyclosporine) for psoriasis may increase a patient’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Also treating comorbidities by ? blockers or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors may worsen psoriasis.