The Important Role of Leptin in Modulating the Risk of Dermatological Diseases

Crosstalk between white adipose tissue and skin: Unraveling its role in psoriasis pathogenesis (Review)

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and significant immune dysregulation. Obesity is markedly associated with psoriasis, acting as an independent risk factor that exacerbates disease severity and treatment failure, while weight‑reduction interventions can improve psoriatic lesions. However, the mechanisms by which obesity promotes the onset and progression of psoriatic lesions still require further elucidation. The present comprehensive narrative review highlighted the critical role of the crosstalk between white adipose tissue (WAT) and skin in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The expansion of WAT contributes to inflammation, epidermal proliferation and angiogenesis in skin lesions through the release of adipokines, extracellular vesicles and free fatty acids. Conversely, psoriatic lesions induce dysregulation in the inflammation and function of WAT. These findings suggested that this bidirectional communication not only explains the high prevalence of obesity among patients with psoriasis, but also highlights the importance of addressing metabolic comorbidities in treatment strategies.

Inflammation-Related Markers in Pediatric Psoriasis: Resistin as a Potential Marker of Psoriasis Severity

Background/Objective: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Studies on adult population have confirmed that there is an association between psoriasis and metabolic as well as cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory potential and the association of psoriasis with metabolic and cardiovascular risk by analyzing serum concentrations of homocysteine, adiponectin, resistin, leptin, and pentraxin 3 in pediatric patients with psoriasis. Additionally, the study explored correlations between these biomarkers and psoriasis severity. Methods: The study included 75 pediatric patients (47 girls and 28 boys) aged 2-17 years with clinically confirmed psoriasis. In addition, 28 healthy children (15 girls and 13 boys) without psoriasis, metabolic or inflammatory diseases made up the control group. Psoriasis severity was evaluated using the scales psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and the body surface area (BSA). Serum concentrations of homocysteine, adiponectin, pentraxin 3, resistin, and leptin were measured in both groups. Results: Children with psoriasis exhibited higher serum levels of homocysteine, resistin, leptin, and pentraxin 3 and lower serum levels of adiponectin compared to the control group. A positive correlation was observed between resistin serum concentration and psoriasis severity. Elevated resistin levels were associated with higher PASI and BSA scores. Conclusions: Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that is potentially linked to metabolic disorders. Resistin may serve as a biomarker for psoriasis severity; however, this relationship requires further research.

Update on the Study of Angiogenesis in Surgical Wounds in Patients with Childhood Obesity

Background: Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, plays a pivotal role in wound healing, particularly in surgical contexts. Methods and results: However, this process can be significantly impaired in patients with childhood obesity, resulting in delayed healing and additional complications. The biological process of wound healing is complex, involving angiogenesis, cell proliferation, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. This review aims to explore recent advancements in research on angiogenesis in surgical wounds in patients with childhood obesity, with a focus on growth factors, inflammation, microcirculation, and innovative therapeutic strategies. Conclusions: It highlights therapeutic approaches such as the administration of growth factors and the application of biomaterials to enhance angiogenesis.

Diverse Cytokines Secreted by Adipocyte in Linking Cardio-Metabolic Disorder and SLE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-factorial autoimmune-mediated disease with hyper-stimulation of immune cells especially the T lymphocytes. By this method, it might facilitate the systematic damages in multiple tissues and organs. Otherwise, SLE is also correlated with diverse cardio-metabolic comorbidities, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension. It is worth-noting that the risk of cardio-metabolic disorders is significantly higher compared with the healthy patients which was reported as approximately one-third of SLE patients were proved as obesity. Notably, current focus is shifting to implementing cardio-metabolic protective strategies as well as elucidating underlying mechanisms of lupus-mediated obese status. On the other hand, adipocyte, as the most abundant endocrine cell in fat tissue, are dysfunctional in obese individuals with aberrant secretion of adipokines. It is proposing that the adipokine might link the pathology of cardio-metabolic disorders and SLE, whereas the related mechanism is complicated. In the current review, the functions of adipokine and the potential mechanisms by which the adipokine link cardio-metabolic disorders and SLE was well listed. Furthermore, the recommendations, which identify the adipokine as the potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cardio-metabolic disorders and SLE, were also summarized.

Influence of Type 2 Diabetes and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction on Breast Cancer and Potential Benefits from Nutraceuticals Inducible in Microalgae

Breast cancer (BC) represents the most prevalent cancer in women at any age after puberty. From a pathogenetic prospective, despite a wide array of risk factors being identified thus far, poor metabolic health is emerging as a putative risk factor for BC. In particular, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provides a perfect example bridging the gap between poor metabolic health and BC risk. Indeed, T2DM is preceded by a status of hyperinsulinemia and is characterised by hyperglycaemia, with both factors representing potential contributors to BC onset and progression. Additionally, the aberrant secretome of the dysfunctional, hypertrophic adipocytes, typical of obesity, characterised by pro-inflammatory mediators, is a shared pathogenetic factor between T2DM and BC. In this review, we provide an overview on the effects of hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia, hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus, on breast cancer risk, progression, treatment and prognosis. Furthermore, we dissect the role of the adipose-tissue-secreted adipokines as additional players in the pathogenesis of BC. Finally, we focus on microalgae as a novel superfood and a source of nutraceuticals able to mitigate BC risk by improving metabolic health and targeting cellular pathways, which are disrupted in the context of T2DM and obesity.

A genome-wide cross-trait analysis identifies shared loci and causal relationships of obesity and lipidemic traits with psoriasis

Background

Obesity and dyslipidemia, major global health concerns, have been linked to psoriasis, but previous studies faced methodological limitations and their shared genetic basis remains unclear. This study examines various obesity-related and lipidemic traits as potential contributors to psoriasis development, aiming to clarify their genetic associations and potential causal links.

Methods

Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted for obesity-related traits (body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for the body mass index (WHRadjBMI)) and lipidemic traits (high-density lipoprotein (HDL), LDL, triglyceride (TG), total Cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), apolipoprotein B (apoB), and apolipoprotein E (apoE)) and psoriasis, all in populations of European ancestry, were used. We quantified genetic correlations, identified shared loci and explored causal relationship across traits.

Results

We found positive genetic correlation between BMI and psoriasis (rg=0.22, p=2.44×10-18), and between WHR and psoriasis (rg=0.19, p=1.41×10-12). We further found the positive genetic correlation between psoriasis and WHRadjBMI(rg=0.07, p=1.81×10-2) the genetic correlation, in while the effect of BMI was controlled for. We identified 14 shared loci underlying psoriasis and obesity-related traits and 43 shared loci between psoriasis and lipidemic traits via cross-trait meta-analysis. Mendelian randomization (MR) supported the causal roles of BMI (IVW OR=1.483, 95%CI=1.333-1.649), WHR (IVW OR=1.393, 95%CI=1.207-1.608) and WHRadjBMI (IVW OR=1.18, 95%CI=1.047-1.329) in psoriasis, but not observe any significant association between lipidemic traits and the risk of psoriasis. Genetic predisposition to psoriasis did not appear to affect the risk of obesity and lipidemic traits.

Conclusions

An intrinsic link between obesity-related traits and psoriasis has been demonstrated. The genetic correlation and causal role of obesity-related traits in psoriasis highlight the significance of weight management in both the prevention and treatment of this condition.

Insulin Stimulates IL-23 Expression in Human Adipocytes: A Possible Explanation for the Higher Prevalence of Psoriasis in Obesity

Purpose

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease involving the production of many pro-inflammatory cytokines derived from immune cells and interacting with different tissues leading to the typical skin lesions. Psoriasis shows a higher prevalence and a worse progression in obese than in lean subjects. The IL-23/IL-17 immune axis has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and anti-IL-23 monoclonal antibodies are highly effective in its treatment. Since obesity in frequently associated with elevated insulin plasma levels, we have investigated the ability of in vitro differentiated human adipocytes to produce IL-23 at basal conditions and after insulin stimulation.

Material and Methods

In vitro differentiated human adipocytes were incubated in the absence and presence of different insulin concentrations and the expression of IL-23 was analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting.

Results

The results of this study show that in vitro differentiated human adipocytes spontaneously express IL-23 mRNA and protein being stimulated by insulin in a dose-dependent manner. The stimulatory effects of insulin on IL-23 expression were specific since it did not stimulate the expression of other well-known cytokines involved in psoriasis pathogenesis such as Il-22 nor LL-37. Furthermore, lipopolysaccharide did not stimulate IL-23 expression in human adipocytes, thus highlightening the specific effects of insulin in the stimulation of IL-23 expression in human adipocytes.

Conclusion

Here we show that human adipocytes spontaneously express IL-23 and that insulin stimulates IL-23 production by these cells in a specific manner as other stimuli, known to be involved in psoriasis pathophysiology, are ineffective. These observations could explain the association between psoriasis and obesity, a condition frequently characterized by a state of insulin hypersecretion.

The Role of Adipokines in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic and immune-mediated skin condition characterized by pro-inflammatory cytokines and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, and keratinocytes represent the main cell subtypes involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, while the interleukin-23 (IL-23)/IL-17 pathway enhances the disease progression. Human adipose tissue is an endocrine organ, which secretes multiple proteins, known as adipokines, such as adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, or resistin. Current evidence highlights the immunomodulatory roles of adipokines, which may contribute to the progression or suppression of psoriasis. A better understanding of the complexity of psoriasis pathophysiology linked with adipokines could result in developing novel diagnostic or therapeutic strategies. This review aims to present the pathogenesis of psoriasis and the roles of adipokines in this process.

Adiponectin, Leptin and Resistin in Patients with Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterised by keratinocyte hyperproliferation, parakeratosis, and T-cell infiltration. Adipose tissue has an endocrine function, producing an abundance of cytokines and adipokines. It has also been described that the major adipokines, leptin, resistin, and adiponectin, may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of the study was to examine the plasma levels of adiponectin, leptin, and resistin in patients with psoriasis and their correlations with disease activity parameters: Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Body Surface Area (BSA) index, as well as selected clinical parameters. The study included 53 patients with the plaque type and 31 healthy controls. The plasma concentrations of adiponectin were significantly lower in patients with psoriasis (p < 0.001) than in the control group. The plasma concentrations of leptin were higher in patients with psoriasis, however, due to high intra-patient variability of leptin plasma concentrations these differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.2). The plasma concentrations of resistin were significantly increased in patients with psoriasis compared to healthy controls (p = 0.02). There were no statistically significant correlations between adiponectin and leptin plasma concentrations and values of PASI, DLQI, and BSA. The resistin plasma concentrations correlated significantly with DLQI values. Additionally, we examined the correlations between adiponectin, leptin, and resistin plasma concentrations, and selected clinical parameters. Plasma concentrations of adiponectin correlated significantly with CRP values and ALT values. Leptin plasma concentrations correlated significantly with creatinine values. The results of our study confirm the role of adiponectin, leptin, and resistin in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Exploring the Links between Obesity and Psoriasis: A Comprehensive Review

Obesity is a major public health issue worldwide since it is associated with the development of chronic comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemias, atherosclerosis, some cancer forms and skin diseases, including psoriasis. Scientific evidence has indicated that the possible link between obesity and psoriasis may be multifactorial, highlighting dietary habits, lifestyle, certain genetic factors and the microbiome as leading factors in the progress of both pathologies because they are associated with a chronic pro-inflammatory state. Thus, inflammation management in obesity is a plausible target for psoriasis, not only because of the sick adipose tissue secretome profile but also due to the relationship of obesity with the rest of the immune derangements associated with psoriasis initiation and maintenance. Hence, this review will provide a general and molecular overview of the relationship between both pathologies and present recent therapeutic advances in treating this problem.

Chronic systemic low-grade inflammation and modern lifestyle: the dark role of gut microbiota on related diseases with a focus on pandemic COVID-19

Inflammation is a physiological, beneficial and auto-limiting response of the host to alarming stimuli. Conversely, a chronic systemic low-grade inflammation (CSLGI), known as a long-time persisting condition, causes organs and host tissues' damage, representing a major risk for chronic diseases. Currently, a worldwide a high incidence of inflammatory chronic diseases is observed, often linked to the lifestyle-related changes occurred in the last decade's society. The mains lifestyle-related factors are a proinflammatory diet, psychological stress, tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse, physical inactivity, and finally indoor living and working with its related consequences such as indoor pollution, artificial light exposure and low vitamin D production. Recent scientific evidences found that gut microbiota (GM) has a main role in shaping the host's health, particularly as CSLGI mediator. As a matter of facts, based on the last discoveries regarding the remarkable GM activity, in this manuscript we focused on the elements of actual lifestyle that influence the composition and function of intestinal microbial community, in order to elicit the CSLGI and its correlated pathologies. In this scenario, we provide a broad review of the interplay between modern lifestyle, GM and CSLGI with a special focus on the COVID symptoms and emerging long-COVID syndrome.

Active Tumor-Targeting Nano-formulations Containing Simvastatin and Doxorubicin Inhibit Melanoma Growth and Angiogenesis

Primary melanoma aggressiveness is determined by rapid selection and growth of cellular clones resistant to conventional treatments, resulting in metastasis and recurrence. In addition, a reprogrammed tumor-immune microenvironment supports melanoma progression and response to therapy. There is an urgent need to develop selective and specific drug delivery strategies for modulating the interaction between cancer cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. This study proposes a novel combination therapy consisting of sequential administration of simvastatin incorporated in IL-13-functionalized long-circulating liposomes (IL-13-LCL-SIM) and doxorubicin encapsulated into PEG-coated extracellular vesicles (PEG-EV-DOX) to selectively target both tumor-associated macrophages and melanoma cells. To this end, IL-13 was conjugated to LCL-SIM which was obtained via the lipid film hydration method. EVs enriched from melanoma cells were passively loaded with doxorubicin. The cellular uptake of rhodamine-tagged nano-particles and the antiproliferative potential of the treatments by using the ELISA BrdU-colorimetric immunoassay were investigated in vitro. Subsequently, the therapeutic agents were administered i.v in B16.F10 melanoma-bearing mice, and tumor size was monitored during treatment. The molecular mechanisms of antitumor activity were investigated using angiogenic and inflammatory protein arrays and western blot analysis of invasion (HIF-1) and apoptosis markers (Bcl-xL and Bax). Quantification of oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by HPLC. Immunohistochemical staining of angiogenic markers CD31 and VEGF and of pan-macrophage marker F4/80 was performed to validate our findings. The in vitro data showed that IL-13-functionalized LCL were preferentially taken up by tumor-associated macrophages and indicated that sequential administration of IL-13-LCL-SIM and PEG-EV-DOX had the strongest antiproliferative effect on tumor cells co-cultured with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Accordingly, strong inhibition of tumor growth in the group treated with the sequential combination therapy was reported in vivo. Our data suggested that the antitumor action of the combined treatment was exerted through strong inhibition of several pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF, bFGF, and CD31) and oxidative stress-induced upregulation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax. This novel drug delivery strategy based on combined active targeting of both cancer cells and immune cells was able to induce a potent antitumor effect by disruption of the reciprocal interactions between TAMs and melanoma cells.