Background The association of the novel adipokines visfatin and omentin-1 with
psoriasis is still obscure. Data concerning other inflammatory diseases suggest a
possible role of these adipokines in the pathophysiology of psoriasis.
Objectives To investigate serum levels of visfatin and omentin-1 in patients with
psoriasis compared with healthy controls, and to consider their relation to disease
duration, disease severity and obesity markers.
Methods Visfatin and omentin-1 concentrations were measured in 46 patients with
plaque-type psoriasis and 42 healthy controls by using specific enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assays.
Results Patients with psoriasis showed considerably higher serum levels of visfatin
than healthy controls with significant positive correlation with disease severity
and duration. They also showed lower levels of ominten-1 compared with
healthy controls with significant inverse correlation with body mass index and
waist circumference.
Conclusions Coordinated roles for visfatin and omentin-1 are suggested in the modulation
of the inflammatory environment in patients with psoriasis. Given the
significant relations of omentin-1 with obesity markers, the health consequences
of excessive weight should be better communicated to patients with psoriasis.