Lack of association between leptin, leptin receptor, adiponectin gene polymorphisms and epicardial adipose tissue, abdominal visceral fat volume and atherosclerotic burden in psoriasis patients

Context: Identifying psoriasis patients who present a higher risk of developing cardiovascular co-morbidities is of upmost importance. Two key adipokines, leptin and adiponectin, may play a role connecting psoriasis and its major co-morbidities. Objective: To evaluate the potential contribution of LEPrs2167270(19 G/A), LEPRrs 1137100(326 A/G) and ADIPOQrs1501299(276 G/T) gene polymorphisms in psoriasis susceptibility and their influence in epicardial adipose tissue and abdominal visceral fat volume and subclinical atherosclerosis in severe psoriasis patients. Materials and methods: One hundred severe psoriasis patients underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation, DNA genotyping and multi-detector computed tomography scan for epicardial adipose tissue, abdominal visceral fat and coronary artery calcification assessment. DNA control group was obtained from a previously anonymized biobank of 206 adult subjects without psoriasis. Results: No association was observed between the studied gene polymorphisms and psoriasis susceptibility, CAC or increased EAT or AVF volume. Discussion and conclusion: The studied polymorphisms do not seem, at least in this cohort of patients, to be a genetic risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis or increased adiposity in psoriasis.