Serum levels of visfatin and omentin-1 in patients with psoriasis and their relation to disease severity

Molecular Background and Clinical Implications of Glucose Disorders in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease characterized by joint and entheses involvement. This condition is often associated with an increased prevalence of obesity, encompassing more than one-third of all patients. Given the presence of metabolic disorders, it becomes crucial to enhance clinical oversight of metabolic parameters. An early diagnosis of glucose irregularities in PsA allows for the assessment of an effective treatment strategy. The approach proves valuable in preventing the development of insulin resistance (IR) or diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMt2). Similar pathways characterize the pathomechanism of PsA and DMt2, offering an innovative perspective on treatment management. The cytokines and adipokines synthesized in the course of PsA significantly impact the development process of IR and DMt2 in different mechanisms of action. Conversely, glucose disorders influence the activity of PsA and therapy outcomes. Given the chronic inflammatory background shared by PsA, obesity, and DMt2, it is evident that inadequate management of any of the mentioned conditions can exacerbate the others. Thus, when PsA coincides with DMt2, a comprehensive multidimensional approach is necessary. This includes an effective immunosuppressive regimen complemented by appropriate anti-diabetic and insulin therapies. Moreover, often overlooked recommendations concerning overall well-being and lifestyle adjustments hold significance. This manuscript explores the connections and the relationship between the molecular background of PsA and glucose disorders. It provides a detailed exposition of specific therapeutic approaches for both conditions.

NAMPT and PARylation Are Involved in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of very high prevalence, especially in childhood, with no specific treatment or cure. As its pathogenesis is complex, multifactorial and not fully understood, further research is needed to increase knowledge and develop new targeted therapies. We have recently demonstrated the critical role of NAD⁺ and poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) metabolism in oxidative stress and skin inflammation. Specifically, we found that hyperactivation of PARP1 in response to DNA damage induced by reactive oxygen species, and fueled by NAMPT-derived NAD⁺, mediated inflammation through parthanatos cell death in zebrafish and human organotypic 3D skin models of psoriasis. Furthermore, the aberrant induction of NAMPT and PARP activity was observed in the lesional skin of psoriasis patients, supporting the role of these signaling pathways in psoriasis and pointing to NAMPT and PARP1 as potential novel therapeutic targets in treating skin inflammatory disorders. In the present work, we report, for the first time, altered NAD⁺ and PAR metabolism in the skin of AD patients and a strong correlation between NAMPT and PARP1 expression and the lesional status of AD. Furthermore, using a human 3D organotypic skin model of AD, we demonstrate that the pharmacological inhibition of NAMPT and PARP reduces pathology-associated biomarkers. These results help to understand the complexity of AD and reveal new potential treatments for AD patients.

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase as a biomarker for the diagnosis of infectious pleural effusions

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) has been reported to be involved in infectious diseases, but it is unknown whether it plays a role in infectious pleural effusions (IPEs). We observed the levels of NAMPT in pleural effusions of different etiologies and investigated the clinical value of NAMPT in the differential diagnosis of infectious pleural effusions. A total of 111 patients with pleural effusion were enrolled in the study, including 25 parapneumonic effusions (PPEs) (17 uncomplicated PPEs, 3 complicated PPEs, and 5 empyemas), 30 tuberculous pleural effusions (TPEs), 36 malignant pleural effusions (MPEs), and 20 transudative effusions. Pleural fluid NAMPT levels were highest in the patients with empyemas [575.4 (457.7, 649.3) ng/ml], followed by those with complicated PPEs [113.5 (103.5, 155.29) ng/ml], uncomplicated PPEs [24.9 (20.2, 46.7) ng/ml] and TPEs [88 (19.4, 182.6) ng/ml], and lower in patients with MPEs [11.5 (6.5, 18.4) ng/ml] and transudative effusions [4.3 (2.6, 5.1) ng/ml]. Pleural fluid NAMPT levels were significantly higher in PPEs (P < 0.001) or TPEs (P < 0.001) than in MPEs. Moreover, Pleural fluid NAMPT levels were positively correlated with the neutrophil percentage and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and inversely correlated with glucose levels in both PPEs and TPEs, indicating that NAMPT was implicated in the neutrophil-associated inflammatory response in infectious pleural effusion. Further, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed pleural fluid NAMPT was a significant predictor distinguishing PPEs from MPEs [odds ratio (OR) 1.180, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.052-1.324, P = 0.005]. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that NAMPT was a promising diagnostic factor for the diagnosis of infectious effusions, with the areas under the curve for pleural fluid NAMPT distinguishing PPEs from MPEs, TPEs from MPEs, and IPEs (PPEs and TPEs) from NIPEs were 0.92, 0.85, and 0.88, respectively. In conclusion, pleural fluid NAMPT could be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of infectious pleural effusions.

Chemerin activity in selected pathological states of human body - A systematic review

Recent studies have revealed that fatty tissue, so far considered an energy storage organ, is also the source of many substances called adipokines, including chemerin which plays many important functions in the body. Chemerin stimulates adipocytes maturation and differentiation, as well as acts as a chemoattractant, which stimulates innate and acquired immunity. This adipokine participates in the early stages of acute inflammation as well as its suppression by reacting with the CMKLR1 receptor. In various diseases associated with inflammatory processes, the level of chemerin in the serum increases. It is also considered a marker for benign and malignant tumors. Explanation of the pathomechanisms involving this adipokine is of a high importance and may contribute to the development of new possibilities in the treatment of many diseases. The article presents the latest information on the role of chemerin in various pathological states, particularly in psoriasis.

Association between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis and their correlation with disease severity: a meta-analysis

Objective

To determine the association between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis and to evaluate the correlation between serum visfatin levels and the severity of psoriasis.

Methods

The electronic databases PubMed®, Embase® and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published from inception to 1 May 2020. Data were extracted and then standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for pooled estimates.

Results

A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included (448 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 377 controls). This meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with psoriasis had significantly higher levels of visfatin than the controls (SMD = 0.90, 95% CI 0.52, 1.28). Subgroup analyses showed that differences in serum visfatin levels between the patient group and the control group were associated with ethnicity, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and body mass index. Additionally, a meta-analysis of correlations showed that visfatin levels in patients with psoriasis were positively correlated with PASI (r = 0.51, 95% CI 0.14, 0.75).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis showed that serum visfatin levels in patients with psoriasis were significantly higher than those in the controls and a positive correlation between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis severity was observed.

The complex role of adipokines in obesity, inflammation, and autoimmunity

The global obesity epidemic is a major contributor to chronic disease and disability in the world today. Since the discovery of leptin in 1994, a multitude of studies have characterized the pathological changes that occur within adipose tissue in the obese state. One significant change is the dysregulation of adipokine production. Adipokines are an indispensable link between metabolism and optimal immune system function; however, their dysregulation in obesity contributes to chronic low-grade inflammation and disease pathology. Herein, I will highlight current knowledge on adipokine structure and physiological function, and focus on the known roles of these factors in the modulation of the immune response. I will also discuss adipokines in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.

Effects of TNF inhibitors and an IL12/23 inhibitor on changes in body weight and adipokine levels in psoriasis patients: A 48-week comparative study

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Adipokines are thought to be a link between psoriasis and obesity. Leptin, adiponectin, and omentin are bioactive adipokines thought to play a role in both metabolic comorbidities and inflammation. Anti-tumour necrosis factor alfa (anti-TNF-α) agents are effective for psoriasis treatment, although significant weight gain has been reported during anti-TNF-α therapy. The interleukin 12/23 (IL 12/23) inhibitor ustekinumab is also effective for psoriasis treatment. We compared the effects of three anti-TNF-α drugs and an IL-12/23 inhibitor on adipokines and weight gain during treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 80 patients (37 women, 43 men) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis whose age and weight were matched. The patients were divided into four equal groups: etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, and ustekinumab treatment groups. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score, body weight (muscle and fat compartments), and leptin, adiponectin, and omentin levels were evaluated at baseline and weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment.

RESULTS

There were no differences between drug groups in terms of weight parameters or biochemical parameters at baseline. At the end of 48 weeks, there was significant weight gain in the adalimumab group. Patients who received infliximab showed significant weight gain by week 12, but in the following weeks they returned to their initial weight. Body weight reached a maximum level by week 12 in patients using etanercept, but they lost weight in the following weeks and finished the study below their initial weight. Patients using ustekinumab did not demonstrate significant weight change during the 48 weeks except at week 12. At the end of week 48, PASI75 (improvement in PASI ≥75%) response rates were approximately 85% for the ustekinumab group, 80% for the adalimumab group, 75% for the infliximab group, and 50% for the etanercept group. Leptin, adiponectin, and omentin levels were higher in the ustekinumab group at all weeks except baseline. The lowest levels were observed in the etanercept group. The treatment response rate was also lower in the etanercept group.

LIMITATIONS

We did not evaluate visfatin and resistin levels, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular risk that may be associated with weight gain and adipokine levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike TNF inhibitors, ustekinumab does not cause significant weight changes and it increases adipokine levels more than TNF inhibitors. Adipokine levels seem to be related to the treatment response.

Is nuclear sirtuin SIRT6 a master regulator of immune function?

The ability to ward off pathogens with minimal damage to the host determines the immune system's robustness. Multiple factors, including pathogen processing, identification, secretion of mediator and effector molecules, and immune cell proliferation and differentiation into various subsets, constitute the success of mounting an effective immune response. Cellular metabolism controls all of these intricate processes. Cells utilize diverse fuel sources and switch back and forth between different metabolic pathways depending on their energy needs. The three most critical metabolic pathways on which immune cells depend to meet their energy needs are oxidative metabolism, glycolysis, and glutaminolysis. Dynamic switching between these metabolic pathways is needed for optimal function of the immune cells. Moreover, switching between these metabolic pathways needs to be tightly regulated to achieve the best results. Immune cells depend on the Warburg effect for their growth, proliferation, secretory, and effector functions. Here, we hypothesize that the sirtuin, SIRT6, could be a negative regulator of the Warburg effect. We also postulate that SIRT6 could act as a master regulator of immune cell metabolism and function by regulating critical signaling pathways.

Insights into interplay of immunopathophysiological events and molecular mechanistic cascades in psoriasis and its associated comorbidities

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease with complex pathogenesis and multiple etiological factors. Besides the essential role of autoreactive T cells and constellation of cytokines, the discovery of IL-23/Th17 axis as a central signaling pathway has unraveled the mechanism of accelerated inflammation in psoriasis. This has provided insights into psoriasis pathogenesis and revolutionized the development of effective biological therapies. Moreover, genome-wide association studies have identified several candidate genes and susceptibility loci associated with this disease. Although involvement of cellular innate and adaptive immune responses and dysregulation of immune cells have been implicated in psoriasis initiation and maintenance, there is still a lack of unifying mechanism for understanding the pathogenesis of this disease. Emerging evidence suggests that psoriasis is a high-mortality disease with additional burden of comorbidities, which adversely affects the treatment response and overall quality of life of patients. Furthermore, changing trends of psoriasis-associated comorbidities and shared patterns of genetic susceptibility, risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms manifest psoriasis as a multifactorial systemic disease. This review highlights the recent progress in understanding the crucial role of different immune cells, proinflammatory cytokines and microRNAs in psoriasis pathogenesis. In addition, we comprehensively discuss the involvement of various complex signaling pathways and their interplay with immune cell markers to comprehend the underlying pathophysiological mechanism, which may lead to exploration of new therapeutic targets and development of novel treatment strategies to reduce the disastrous nature of psoriasis and associated comorbidities.

Non-canonical roles of NAMPT and PARP in inflammation

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is the most important hydrogen carrier in cell redox reactions. It is involved in mitochondrial function and metabolism, circadian rhythm, the immune response and inflammation, DNA repair, cell division, protein-protein signaling, chromatin remodeling and epigenetics. Recently, NAD⁺ has been recognized as the molecule of life, since, by increasing NAD⁺ levels in old or sick animals, it is possible to improve their health and lengthen their lifespan. In this review, we summarize the contribution of NAD⁺ metabolism to inflammation, with special emphasis in the major NAD⁺ biosynthetic enzyme, nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT), and the NAD⁺-consuming enzyme, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). The extracurricular roles of these enzymes, i.e. the proinflammatory role of NAMPT after its release, and the ability of PARP to promote a novel form of cell death, known as parthanatos, upon hyperactivation are revised and discussed in the context of several chronic inflammatory diseases.

Adipokines in the Skin and in Dermatological Diseases

Adipokines are the primary mediators of adipose tissue-induced and regulated systemic inflammatory diseases; however, recent findings revealed that serum levels of various adipokines correlate also with the onset and the severity of dermatological diseases. Importantly, further data confirmed that the skin serves not only as a target for adipokine signaling, but may serve as a source too. In this review, we aim to provide a complex overview on how adipokines may integrate into the (patho) physiological conditions of the skin by introducing the cell types, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and sebocytes, which are known to produce adipokines as well as the signals that target them. Moreover, we discuss data from in vivo and in vitro murine and human studies as well as genetic data on how adipokines may contribute to various aspects of the homeostasis of the skin, e.g., melanogenesis, hair growth, or wound healing, just as to the pathogenesis of dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, and melanoma.

Correlation of metabolic syndrome with serum omentin-1 and visfatin levels and disease severity in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been linked to metabolic syndrome (MS). The impact of adipokines on psoriasis, PsA, and MS pathogenesis has recently received investigative attention. A total of 80 subjects with psoriasis, 40 subjects with PsA, and 60 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum omentin and visfatin levels were measured, and MS presence was determined. PASI and DAS28 were used to measure disease severity for psoriasis and PsA, respectively. The prevalence of MS was determined to be 49% in psoriasis, 48% in PsA, and 28% in control groups. Rates were similar in psoriasis and PsA groups and was significantly greater when compared to control (P = .028). Diastolic blood pressure and waist circumference were significantly greater in the psoriasis group. Although the presence of MS positively correlated with age and disease duration in the psoriasis group, no significant relationships with PASI and DAS28 were found. Among all groups combined, there was no significant relationship with omentin and visfatin levels. In the psoriasis group, omentin and visfatin levels were greater in those with MS compared to those without MS. The relationships between omentin and visfatin levels with MS in patients with psoriasis and PsA has not yet been fully elucidated. These results suggest that elevated omentin and visfatin levels seen in psoriasis may be linked to MS rather than psoriasis itself. Additional research is needed to investigate the utility of these measurements as indicators of MS in patients with psoriasis.

Pathogenesis of psoriasis in the "omic" era. Part III. Metabolic disorders, metabolomics, nutrigenomics in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a systemic disease that is strictly connected with metabolic disorders (insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases). It occurs more often in patients with a more severe course of the disease. Obesity is specially an independent risk factor and it is associated with a worse treatment outcome because of the high inflammatory activity of visceral fatty tissue and the production of inflammatory mediators involved in the development of both psoriasis and metabolic disorders. However, in psoriasis the activation of the Th17/IL-17 and the abnormalities in the Th17/Treg balance axis are observed, but this pathomechanism does not fully explain the frequent occurrence of metabolic disorders. Therefore, there is a need to look for better biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of concomitant disorders and therapeutic effects in psoriasis. In addition, the education on the use of a proper diet as a prophylaxis for the development of the above disorders is an important element of holistic care for a patient with psoriasis. Diet may affect gene expression due to epigenetic modification which encompasses interactions of environment, nutrition and diseases. Patients with psoriasis should be advised to adopt proper diet and dietician support.

Psoriatic Arthritis and Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory spondyloarthropathy associated with psoriasis. PsA is frequently associated with metabolic disorders including, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Type 2 DM is among the most common metabolic disorders, with a prevalence ranging from 2.4 to 14.8% in the general population.

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review of the English-language studies from January 1989 to September 2019 investigating the risk of type 2 DM in patients with PsA, the pathogenic mechanism linking DM to PsA, and the effects on insulin sensitivity exerted by systemic therapies for PsA.

RESULTS

The prevalence of type 2 DM in patients with PsA ranges from 6.1 to 20.2%, generally higher when compared to the general population. The higher risk of DM is reported in women with more severe forms of PsA. Elevated serum levels of adipokines, including TNF-α, which inhibits the autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor and suppresses the expression of glucose transporter 4, favor insulin resistance and could partially explain the association between PsA and DM. Moreover, adiponectin and omentin, with insulin-sensitizing and anti-atherogenic properties, are decreased in patients with PsA. Some of the treatments for PsA could affect the glucose homeostasis. Systemic corticosteroids are known to impair insulin resistance, whereas apremilast (phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor) and TNF-α inhibitors could exert neutral effect or reduce the insulin-resistance. The role of IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors has been marginally investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients affected by PsA have a higher prevalence of type 2 DM compared with the general population. The mechanism linking PsA with DM has not been completely clarified, but some of the principal mediators could be TNF-α and adipokine, especially adiponectin and omentin. Apremilast and TNF-α inhibitor may have a favorable effect and could be safely used in patients with DM.

Study of visfatin expression in acne patients in tissue and serum

Background

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units, of multifactorial pathogenesis, one of which could be an adipokine such as visfatin.

Aim

The aim of this study was to study visfatin expression both in lesional skin and serum, of acne patients versus healthy controls. The secondary aim was to study the relationship of visfatin levels with dyslipidemia/metabolic syndrome.

Methods

This study included 30 patients with moderate and severe acne vulgaris and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum and tissue visfatin were estimated by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. Clinical and laboratory examinations were done to assess the anthropometric data and various criteria of metabolic syndrome.

Results

Tissue and serum visfatin levels were significantly higher in patients as compared to healthy controls. Tissue visfatin levels were significantly higher than its serum levels in both patients and controls. Serum visfatin was significantly higher in overweight individuals. No correlations were found between tissue and serum visfatin levels in both patients and controls. Moreover, serum and tissue visfatin levels did not correlate to any of the lipid profile parameters or criteria of metabolic syndrome in acne patients.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and did not localize the exact source of tissue visfatin. Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS was not evaluated.

Conclusion

Visfatin is an important proinflammatory adipokine, with significantly higher expression in acne patients. Tissue rather than serum visfatin might play a key role in acne.

NAMPT and NAPRT: Two Metabolic Enzymes With Key Roles in Inflammation

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRT) are two intracellular enzymes that catalyze the first step in the biosynthesis of NAD from nicotinamide and nicotinic acid, respectively. By fine tuning intracellular NAD levels, they are involved in the regulation/reprogramming of cellular metabolism and in the control of the activity of NAD-dependent enzymes, including sirtuins, PARPs, and NADases. However, during evolution they both acquired novel functions as extracellular endogenous mediators of inflammation. It is well-known that cellular stress and/or damage induce release in the extracellular milieu of endogenous molecules, called alarmins or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which modulate immune functions through binding pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and activate inflammatory responses. Increasing evidence suggests that extracellular (e)NAMPT and eNAPRT are novel soluble factors with cytokine/adipokine/DAMP-like actions. Elevated eNAMPT were reported in several metabolic and inflammatory disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer, while eNAPRT is emerging as a biomarker of sepsis and septic shock. This review will discuss available data concerning the dual role of this unique family of enzymes.

New insights into different adipokines in linking the pathophysiology of obesity and psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic, hyper-proliferative immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The results of epidemiological investigations have shown that psoriasis affects around 2% of the general population worldwide, and the total number of psoriasis patients is more than 6 million in China. Apart from the skin manifestations, psoriasis has been verified to associate with several metabolic comorbidities, such as insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity. However, the underlying mechanism is still not elucidated. Adipocytes, considered as the active endocrine cells, are dysfunctional in obesity which displays increased synthesis and secretion of adipokines with other modified metabolic properties. Currently, growing evidence has pointed to the central role of adipokines in adipose tissue and the immune system, providing new insights into the effect of adipokines in linking the pathophysiology of obesity and psoriasis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the pathological role of adipokines and the potential mechanisms whereby different adipokines link obesity and psoriasis. Furthermore, we also provide evidence which identifies a potential therapeutic target aiming at adipokines for the management of these two diseases.

Assessment of Metabolic Profile and Ischemia-modified Albumin Level in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Case-Control Study

Background:

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune-mediated hair follicle disorder. In the literature, there is no study evaluating metabolic syndrome and levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) which is proposed as an oxidative stress biomarker in patients with AA.

Aims:

The aim was to investigate the presence of metabolic syndrome and the levels of IMA, small dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL), and visfatin levels in AA patients.

Settings and Design:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among AA patients and controls.

Subjects and Methods:

Thirty-five patients with AA and 35 sex-, age-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory parameters of metabolic syndrome were examined in all participants. Furthermore, IMA, sd-LDL, and visfatin levels were assessed and analyzed with regard to disease pattern, severity and extent, severity of alopecia tool score, duration, and recurrence.

Results:

The median IMA and adjusted IMA levels were significantly increased compared with controls (P<0.05 and P=0.002, respectively). Patients with pull test positivity displayed higher levels of adjusted IMA levels (P<0.05). In AA group, there was a positive correlation between adjusted IMA and waist circumference (r=0.443, P=0.008), adjusted IMA and triglyceride levels (r=0.535, P=0.001), and adjusted IMA and sd-LDL levels (r=0.46, P<0.05). We observed no statistically significant difference in fasting blood glucose and lipid profile, sd-LDL, and visfatin levels of the patients and healthy controls.

Conclusions:

AA patients and controls have similar metabolic profile. Raised levels of adjusted IMA levels may be associated with antioxidant/oxidant imbalance and with risk of cardiovascular disease.

Circulating levels of Apelin-36 in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Affecting vascular function, immune regulation, adipocyte and glucose metabolism, adipokines are essential partecipants in the pathogenesis of psoriatic comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Aim of this study was to measure plasma levels of circulating Apelin-36, a newly discovered peptide hormone acting on glucose metabolism and other adipokines in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis and in a control group.

METHODS

Serum levels of Apelin-36, RBP4, Visfatin, HMW Adiponectin, CRP, fasting glucose and insulin were measured in 19 consecutive patients with mild to moderate psoriasis and 17 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA IR) Index was significantly increased in patients with psoriasis respect to a control group and positively correlated with BMI (P=0.009). Apelin-36 showed lower levels in the psoriatic population (P=0.016), while the remaining measured adipokines did not show any significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion we confirmed the propensity of psoriatic population to a prediabetic condition even in mild-moderate disease; psoriasis related Apelin-36 lower levels are suggestive of a low-grade inflammatory state. Further studies are needed, to better understand the Apelin related behaviors in different inflammatory settings.

Changes of Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase Expressions in Thyroid Glands of Patients with Different Thyroid Pathologies

Purpose

Our aim was to analyze NAMPT expression in thyroid tissue derived from patients with Graves' disease with (GD) and without (GO) orbitopathy, patients with toxic nodular goiters (TNG) and thyroid cancers (TC), and healthy controls.

Methods

153 thyroid tissue samples of consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy were collected. Previous therapy with steroids was an exclusion criterion. We collected clinicopathological data of all subjects and we assessed NAMPT expression using qPCR.

Results

We found the highest NAMPT expression in the thyroids of patients with GO (n = 20) and cancers (n = 40). Also, there was statistically significant NAMPT overexpression in patients with TNG (n = 30). Relatively low NAMPT expression was found in GD patients (n = 21) and in the control group (n = 39). In one-way ANCOVA, we confirmed that NAMPT expression differs between subgroups and that it is not influenced by age, BMI, or sex of patients.

Conclusions

Reported alteration of NAMPT expression might suggest its involvement in thyroid pathologies. Observed NAMPT overexpression in patients with GO and its relatively low levels in thyroids of patients with GD without eye changes do not confirm causal relationship between NAMPT level and orbitopathy, but this needs further investigation.

Omentin-A Novel Adipokine in Respiratory Diseases

Adipokines, secreted by the adipose tissue, are extensively involved in the regulation and maintenance of various physiological and pathological processes, including insulin sensitivity, energy expenditure, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammatory activity, neuroendocrine activity, immunity, cancer, homeostasis, angiogenesis, cardiovascular function, breeding and bone metabolism, and all functions of the endocrine-reproductive system axis. Omentin is a recently identified adipokine, which has become a research hotspot due to its pleiotropic effects on various diseases. However, the specific receptor for omentin has not been identified so far. In this study, we report that omentin levels fluctuate in various diseases. In addition, we have focused on the pleiotropic roles of omentin in pulmonary diseases, as it may act as a biomarker for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and is related to disease severity. Omentin may play significant roles in other pulmonary diseases, such as asthma, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review summarizes the advances in current knowledge and future trends, which may provide a concise and general view on omentin and its effects on pulmonary biology.

Circulating omentin-1 levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis

To investigate the association between circulating omentin-1 levels and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, a meta-analysis was performed. A systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science was carried out. Ten articles with 13 studies were included in this meta-analysis, which included a total of 1264 subjects (733 patients with PCOS and 531 controls). The pooled standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the association between omentin-1 levels and PCOS. Circulating omentin-1 levels were lower in PCOS with an SMD (95% CI) of -0.67 (-0.91, -0.43) and p = 0.000 (random-effects). However, significant heterogeneity was detected across studies (I²=73.6% and p = 0.000). The subgroup analysis suggested that omentin-1 levels in PCOS patients were associated with HOMA-IR ratio. Meta-regression analysis indicated region was the main source of heterogeneity (p = 0.048). The results of this meta-analysis suggested that circulating omentin-1 levels are significantly lower in women with PCOS compared with controls, which indicated that omentin-1 may play a role in the pathologic processes of PCOS.

Adipokines in psoriasis: An important link between skin inflammation and metabolic alterations

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease most common in Europe, North America, and Australia. The etiology and pathomechanisms underlying the evolution and persistence of the skin alterations are increasingly being understood and have led to the development of effective anti-psoriatic therapies. Apart from the skin manifestations, psoriasis is associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS), known to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorders. Research of the last years demonstrated a dysregulated adipokine balance as an important link between inflammation, MetS, and consequential disorders. This article describes selected adipokines and their potential role in both metabolic comorbidity and skin inflammation in psoriasis.

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase leukocyte overexpression in Graves' opthalmopathy

To investigate the role of NAMPT/visfatin in euthyroid patients with Graves' disease without (GD) and with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), we analyzed NAMPT leukocyte expression and its serum concentration. This was a single-center, cross-sectional study with consecutive enrollment. In total, 149 patients diagnosed with Graves' disease were enrolled in the study. We excluded subjects with hyper- or hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, other autoimmune disorders, active neoplastic disease, and infection. The control group was recruited among healthy volunteers adjusted for age, sex, and BMI with normal thyroid function and negative thyroid antibodies. Serum levels of visfatin, TSH, FT4, FT3, antibodies against TSH receptor (TRAb), antithyroperoxidase antibodies, antithyroglobulin antibodies, fasting glucose, and insulin were measured. NAMPT mRNA leukocyte expression was assessed using RT-qPCR. NAMPT/visfatin serum concentration was higher in GD (n = 44) and GO (n = 49) patients than in the control group (n = 40) (p = 0.0275). NAMPT leukocyte expression was higher in patients with GO (n = 30) than in GD patients (n = 27) and the control group (n = 29) (p < 0.0001). Simple linear regression analysis revealed that NAMPT/visfatin serum concentration was significantly associated with GD (β = 1.5723; p = 0.021). When NAMPT leukocyte expression was used as a dependent variable, simple regression analysis found association with TRAb, fasting insulin level, HOMA-IR, GD, and GO. In the stepwise multiple regression analysis, we confirmed the association between higher serum NAMPT/visfatin level and GD (coefficient = 1.5723; p = 0.0212), and between NAMPT leukocyte expression and GO (coefficient = 2.4619; p = 0.0001) and TRAb (coefficient = 0.08742; p = 0.006). Increased NAMPT leukocyte expression in patients with GO might suggest a presently undefined role in the pathogenesis of GO.

The triad psoriasis-obesity-adipokine profile

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, often associated with overweight/obesity. The adipose tissue is a complex organ that secretes several adipokines, involved in the regulation of some metabolic processes, such as lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, angiogenesis, blood pressure and inflammation. In obesity, the distribution and function of adipose tissue, and the adipokine profile are altered. The unbalanced production of pro- and anti-inflammatory adipokines in obesity, contributes to the development of a chronic low-grade inflammation state, which seems to favour worsening of psoriasis lesion and a poorer response to treatment. In this review, we will debate published data concerning the current knowledge about the triad psoriasis-obesity-adipokine profile.

Association of Adipokines, Insulin Resistance, Hypertension and Dyslipidemia in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

Background

Systemic inflammation in psoriasis causes insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. Adipokines are adipose-tissue-derived factors that are involved in metabolic processes. It is thought that these adipokines are associated with the development of psoriasis.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in adipokine levels, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia over a 12-week period.

Methods

The study comprised 35 psoriasis patients and 50 controls. Blood samples were obtained twice from the patients, one sample at the start and one at the end of a 12-week follow-up period. The following parameters were assessed in both groups: serum fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, serum lipids, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, chemerin, omentin, vaspin, visfatin, retinol-binding protein 4, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels; blood pressure; body mass index; and the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores.

Results

The patients showed an improvement in the PASI score and a significant decrease in serum hs-CRP, omentin, and chemerin values. Moreover, at the start of the follow-up, the psoriasis patients had significantly lower levels of adiponectin and visfatin and significantly higher levels of vaspin and resistin than those of the control group. Visfatin levels correlated negatively with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol, while vaspin and omentin levels correlated positively with diastolic blood pressure. Decreased adiponectin levels correlated negatively with diastolic blood pressure and LDL.

Conclusion

Plasma levels of adipokines might be useful for evaluating the disease activity of psoriasis and its comorbidities.

S100A7: A rAMPing up AMP molecule in psoriasis

S100A7 (psoriasin), an EF-hand type calcium binding protein localized in epithelial cells, regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. An S100A7 overexpression may occur in response to inflammatory stimuli, such in psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune-mediated skin disease. Increasing evidence suggests that S100A7 plays critical roles in amplifying the inflammatory process in psoriatic skin, perpetuating the disease phenotype. This review will discuss the interactions between S100A7 and cytokines in psoriatic skin. Furthermore, we will focus our discussion on regulation and functions of S100A7 in psoriasis. Finally, we will discuss the possible use of S100A7 as therapeutic target in psoriasis.

Circulating Visfatin in Hypothyroidism Is Associated with Free Thyroid Hormones and Antithyroperoxidase Antibodies

We hypothesized that regulation of visfatin in hypothyroidism might be altered by coexisting chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. This is a prospective case-control study of 118 subjects. The autoimmune study group (AIT) consisted of 39 patients newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism in a course of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. The nonautoimmune study group (TT) consisted of 40 patients thyroidectomized due to the differentiated thyroid cancer staged pT1. The control group comprised 39 healthy volunteers adjusted for age, sex, and BMI with normal thyroid function and negative thyroid antibodies. Exclusion criteria consisted of other autoimmune diseases, active neoplastic disease, diabetes mellitus, and infection, which were reported to alter visfatin level. Fasting blood samples were taken for visfatin, TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), antithyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb), antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), glucose, and insulin levels. The highest visfatin serum concentration was in AIT group, and healthy controls had visfatin level higher than TT (p = 0.0001). Simple linear regression analysis revealed that visfatin serum concentration was significantly associated with autoimmunity (β = 0.1014; p = 0.003), FT4 (β = 0.05412; p = 0.048), FT3 (β = 0.05242; p = 0.038), and TPOAb (β = 0.0002; p = 0.0025), and the relationships were further confirmed in the multivariate regression analysis.

Adipokines influence the inflammatory balance in autoimmunity

Over the past few decades, our understanding of the role of adipose tissue has changed dramatically. Far from simply being a site of energy storage or a modulator of the endocrine system, adipose tissue has emerged as an important regulator of multiple important processes including inflammation. Adipokines are a diverse family of soluble mediators with a range of specific actions on the immune response. Autoimmune diseases are perpetuated by chronic inflammatory responses but the exact etiology of these diseases remains elusive. While researchers continue to investigate these causes, millions of people continue to suffer from chronic diseases. To this end, an increased interest has developed in the connection between adipose tissue-secreted proteins that influence inflammation and the onset and perpetuation of autoimmunity. This review will focus on recent advances in adipokine research with specific attention on a subset of adipokines that have been associated with autoimmune diseases.

Serum omentin, resistin and tumour necrosis factor-α levels in Behcet patients with and without ocular involvement

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate serum omentin, resistin and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in Behcet disease (BD) patients with and without ocular involvement, as well as control subjects.

METHODS

Omentin, resistin and TNF-α levels were assessed in the plasma of 51 BD patients and compared with those of 24 control subjects.

RESULTS

The plasma resistin and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the BD patients than in the control group (p = 0.028 and p = 0.011, respectively), whereas the plasma omentin level was significantly lower in BD patients than in the control group (p = 0.035). In the ocular BD, non-ocular BD and control groups, the omentin levels were 8.9 ± 4.65, 8.6 ± 3.61, and 12.4 ± 6.24 ng/mL; resistin levels were 0.29 ± 0.21, 0.24 ± 0.2 and 0.15 ± 0.45 ng/mL; and TNF-α levels were 25.45 ± 3.65, 24.03 ± 2.49 and 21.93 ± 4.86 ng/mL, respectively. Omentin/resistin and TNF-α/omentin ratios were more significant parameters in the demonstration of the differences in the groups; the former was lower and the latter was higher in the patient groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that the plasma omentin level and omentin/resistin ratio were decreased, whereas the resistin and TNF-α levels and TNF-α/omentin ratio were increased in BD patients. These ratios may be used in the presentation of deviation in the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory balance in BD.

Insulin resistance and skin diseases

In medical practice, almost every clinician may encounter patients with skin disease. However, it is not always easy for physicians of all specialties to face the daily task of determining the nature and clinical implication of dermatologic manifestations. Are they confined to the skin, representing a pure dermatologic event? Or are they also markers of internal conditions relating to the patient's overall health? In this review, we will discuss the principal cutaneous conditions which have been linked to metabolic alterations. Particularly, since insulin has an important role in homeostasis and physiology of the skin, we will focus on the relationships between insulin resistance (IR) and skin diseases, analyzing strongly IR-associated conditions such as acanthosis nigricans, acne, and psoriasis, without neglecting emerging and potential scenarios as the ones represented by hidradenitis suppurativa, androgenetic alopecia, and hirsutism.

Serum Visfatin, Fetuin-A, and Pentraxin 3 Levels in Patients With Psoriasis and Their Relation to Disease Severity

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease associated with increase of some pro-inflammatory mediators. We wanted to investigate whether there is a relationship between psoriasis and visfatin, fetuin-A and pentraxin 3 (PTX3)-pro-inflammatory mediators implicated in the development of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Visfatin, fetuin-A, and PTX3 concentrations were measured in 45 patients with plaque-type psoriasis and 45 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Serum levels of visfatin, fetuin-A, and PTX3 in patients with psoriasis were found to be higher than in healthy controls (P = 0.002, P = 0.009, P < 0.001, respectively). Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score correlated significantly with visfatin and fetuin-A levels (P = 0.011, P = 0.040, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between visfatin and fetuin-A (P < 0.001). PTX3 levels were correlated positively with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), insulin, triglyceride (TG), and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL; P = 0.009, P = 0.007, P = 0.023, P = 0.024, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased serum visfatin, fetuin-A, and PTX3 levels, and the presence of positive correlation between visfatin, fetuin-A, and PASI score, probably reflect the inflammatory state and IR seen in psoriasis.

Serum levels of visfatin, resistin and adiponectin in patients with psoriatic arthritis and associations with disease severity

AIM

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory form of arthritis typically associated with psoriasis and/or psoriatic nail disease. Adipocytokines were once thought to influence development of (only) insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. However, it is now clear that adipocytokines play important roles in development of the inflammation associated with either autoimmune or auto-inflammatory disorders. In the present study, we measured changes in the serum levels of adiponectin, resistin and visfatin, and the associations of such changes with the extent of disease activity and insulin resistance in PsA patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 67 subjects (28 with PsA and 39 healthy controls) without hypertension or diabetes mellitus were enrolled. Adiponectin, resistin and visfatin levels, and the extent of insulin resistance (assayed using the homeostasis model [HOMA-IR]), were measured in all subjects. Assessment of PsA disease activity was done with the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA).

RESULTS

Psoriatic arthritis patients had considerably higher serum levels of adiponectin, resistin and visfatin than did healthy controls (all P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, the following variables may contribute to complex pathogenesis of PsA: adiponectin (P = 0.001, OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.6-6.0), resistin (P = 006, OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2-2.9) and visfatin (P = 0.031, OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.1-13.9). In contrast, we have not detected any correlation between DAPSA and adipocytokine serum levels (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There is no correlation between adipocytokines and disease activity. Although serum adiponectin, resistin and visfatin levels are higher in patients with PsA, pathophysiological significance of the result has to be evaluated with more extensive studies.

Relationships between Adipose Tissue and Psoriasis, with or without Arthritis

Psoriasis (Pso) is a common chronic cutaneous inflammatory disease involving the skin that is associated with serious comorbidities. Comorbidities in Pso include psoriatic arthritis (PsA), reduced quality of life, malignancy, depression, but also a constellation of associated conditions that enhance the cardiovascular (CV) risk. Indeed, obesity is common in patients with Pso or PsA and is considered to be a risk factor for the onset of these diseases. Patients with Pso and PsA share common obesity-related complications such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), dyslipidemia, diabetes or insulin resistance, and CV diseases. Chronic inflammation in Pso and PsA partially explains the development of atherosclerosis and CV diseases. In parallel, body composition is disturbed in patients with Pso or PsA, as suggested by anthropometric measurements, while an excess of abdominal adiposity is observed in PsA, enhancing the risk of MetS and CV diseases. Adipokines may link the adipose tissue to the obesity-related complications of Pso and PsA. Indeed, altered circulating levels of the adipokines leptin, adiponectin, visfatine, and resistin have been found in patients with Pso or PsA. In addition, an excess of adipose tissue may compromise the therapeutic response to traditional drugs or biological agents in Pso and PsA. This paper reviews the comorbidities that contribute to enhanced CV risk, the body composition results, and the potential role of adipokines in systemic inflammation and energetic balance in Pso and PsA.

Biomarkers of psoriasis severity and therapy monitoring

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory cutaneous disease. Psoriasis patients alternate between periods of remission and periods of exacerbation of the disease. Usually, psoriasis severity is clinically evaluated using tools like Psoriasis Area and Severity Index that present some limitations and subjectivity. Clinicians select the therapy according to psoriasis severity, aiming that patients achieve longer remission periods and improve their quality of life. Biological markers for diagnosis and prognosis of psoriasis help to establish its severity and to monitor the therapeutic response; moreover, biomarkers of psoriasis assist clinicians in their therapeutic decision to treat psoriasis and to choose earlier and more adequate therapeutic strategies, avoiding or minimising worsening of psoriasis. With these markers, they would be able to monitor therapeutics, avoiding unnecessary therapeutic surcharge or changes to a more aggressive therapy. As any attempt to identify these biomarkers should be encouraged, in this review, we will debate published data concerning the proposal of biomarkers to evaluate severity and response to treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.

Autoantibody induction and adipokine levels in patients with psoriasis treated with infliximab. Immunol Res. 2013;56:382-389. [PMID: 23572429 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-013-8410-2]

This study was aimed to analyse the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies in patients with psoriasis after treatment with infliximab and correlates the development of antibodies with both response to treatment and adipokines levels. Serum levels of ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-histone, anti-nucleosome and anti-ENA antibodies at baseline after 2 and 12 months of treatment with infliximab were measured in 27 patients with psoriasis, as well as in 27 matched controls. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), chemerin, visfatin and resistin were also assessed. The prevalence of ANA increased from 22 to 37% and 63% (p < 0.01) during treatment with infliximab, with a gradual progressive increase both in ANA titre and in percentage of ANA pattern. The prevalence of other antibodies also increased from 7 to 30% and 48% (p < 0.01) for anti-ds-DNA and from 7 to 26% and 37% for anti-nucleosome antibodies (p < 0.05), whereas the prevalence of anti-histone and anti-ENA antibodies was unchanged throughout the study period. Basal chemerin, resistin and CRP levels were higher in patients than in controls, and their levels progressively normalized during treatment (p < 0.01). Conversely, visfatin levels gradually increased (p < 0.01). ANA+ patients tended to show a faster decrease in PASI score, CRP and chemerin levels after 2 months, but the PASI score did not differ between ANA+ and ANA- patients at 12 months. A higher increase of visfatin was also found in ANA+ patients at 2 and 12 months. The antinuclear antibody response induced by infliximab was restricted to ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-nucleosome antibodies. Patients who developed ANA positivity showed a faster clinical, inflammatory and immunological response to infliximab therapy.

Omentin serum levels and omentin gene Val109Asp polymorphism in patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of uncertain pathogenesis. Omentin is a new adipokine with anti-inflammatory properties; however, the relationship between psoriasis and omentin has not been fully established yet.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between psoriasis and omentin serum levels and Val109Asp polymorphism in exon 4 of the omentin gene.

METHODS

Forty-nine patients with plaque-type psoriasis and 39 healthy subjects were included in the study. Omentin concentrations were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Val109Asp polymorphism in exon 4 of the omentin gene was assessed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Genotypes were determined according to the bands formed in agarose electrophoresis gels. In the statistical analysis, the level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

The serum omentin levels of the patients with psoriasis (354.2 ± 152.0) were found to be significantly lower than those in the control group (488.7 ± 190.3) (P = 0.001). A moderate level negative correlation was determined between serum omentin level and body mass index and waist circumference. No significant differences were observed between the patient and control groups in terms of the genotype and allele frequency of Val109Asp polymorphism in exon 4 of the omentin gene (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Omentin serum levels were determined to be low in patients with psoriasis. No significant difference was found regarding Val109Asp polymorphism of the omentin gene. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first clinical study to examine the relationship between psoriasis and omentin in terms of serum and genomic levels.

Adipocytokines and psoriasis: Insights into mechanisms linking obesity and inflammation to psoriasis

Psoriasis has been lately seen as a potential systemic inflammatory disease associated with a range of co-morbidities exhibiting an overlapping pathology and presenting a great social health impact such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic diseases, including obesity. Adipose tissue is considered a genuine endocrine organ producing a variety of bioactive adipocytokines, like leptin, adiponectin, resistin and visfatin, participating in physiological and pathological processes, such as energy balance, insulin sensitivity and resistance, immunity, inflammation, hematopoiesis and angiogenesis. Adipocytokines could serve as a missing link in the association between psoriasis, obesity and metabolic co-morbidities. In chronic inflammatory disease states such as psoriasis, adipocytokines may be implicated in psoriasis onset, progression, severity as well as in the pathogenesis of co-morbidities. Measuring serum adipocytokine levels in the future may be useful in predicting psoriasis severity, progression, treatment outcome and risk of any co-morbidities. Interventions to decrease pro-inflammatory adipocytokine levels could offer preventive and therapeutic options for improving psoriasis severity and protecting against its co-morbidities. Candidate strategic interventions incorporate increased physical activity, weight control and pharmacologic approaches such as metformin. However, the mechanisms underlying the actions of adipocytokines in psoriasis as well as their potential diagnostic, prognostic and/or therapeutic utility require further investigation with larger prospective, longitudinal and mechanistic studies.

Visfatin enhances the production of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, human β-defensin-2, human β-defensin-3, and S100A7 in human keratinocytes and their orthologs in murine imiquimod-induced psoriatic skin

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, is frequently associated with metabolic disorders, suggesting that adipokines are involved in its pathogenesis. We recently reported that the adipokine visfatin activates NF-κB and STAT3 in keratinocytes. Antimicrobial peptide expression is enhanced in psoriatic lesions and may promote disease development. Here, we investigated the effects of visfatin on antimicrobial peptide expression. In vitro, visfatin enhanced basal and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced mRNA expression and secretion of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP), and enhanced TNF-α-induced human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2), hBD-3, and S100A7 mRNA expression and secretion in human keratinocytes. siRNAs targeting CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα) suppressed visfatin-induced and visfatin plus TNF-α-induced CAMP production. siRNAs targeting NF-κB p65 and STAT3 suppressed visfatin plus TNF-α-induced hBD-2 and S100A7 production. siRNAs targeting c-Jun and STAT3 suppressed visfatin plus TNF-α-induced hBD-3 production. Visfatin and/or TNF-α enhanced C/EBP transcriptional activity and C/EBPα phosphorylation, which were suppressed by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition. Visfatin and/or TNF-α induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Visfatin increased mRNA and protein expression of CAMP, hBD-2, hBD-3, and S100A7 orthologs in murine imiquimod-treated skin, mimicking psoriasis. In conclusion, visfatin enhances CAMP, hBD-2, hBD-3, and S100A7 production in human keratinocytes and their orthologs in murine imiquimod-treated psoriatic skin. Visfatin may potentiate the development of psoriasis via antimicrobial peptides.

Sirtuin deacylases: a molecular link between metabolism and immunity

Lysine deacetylation by the NAD(+)-dependent family of sirtuins has been recognized as an important post-translational modification regulating a wide range of cellular processes. These lysine deacetylases have attracted much interest based on their ability to promote survival in response to stress. Sirtuins require NAD(+) for their enzymatic activity, suggesting that these enzymes may represent molecular links between cell metabolism and several human disorders, including diabetes and cancer. Inflammation represents a pathological situation with clear connections to metabolism and aging in humans, raising the possibility that sirtuins may also play an important role during a normal and/or a pathological immune response. A growing body of data has confirmed the immunomodulatory properties of sirtuins, although often with contrasting and opposing conclusions. These observations will be summarized herein and the possible strategies that may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat inflammation briefly discussed.

Circulating levels of lipocalin-2 and retinol-binding protein-4 are increased in psoriatic patients and correlated with baseline PASI

Psoriasis has been related to metabolic syndrome (MS). Adipocytokines produced by white adipose tissue may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its association with MS. Our objectives were to characterize the profile of a number of different inflammatory and atherogenic markers, vitamins, adipokines and cytokines and their potential involvement in MS in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis without joint involvement compared to anthropometrically matched controls, and to evaluate correlation with severity of the skin disease and changes after narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy. We designed a prospective cross-sectional study. Baseline waist circumference, body fat composition, lipid, carbohydrate and calcium metabolism profile, inflammation markers, homocysteine and vitamins D, B6, B12 and folic acid, leptin, resistin, omentin, lipocalin-2, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4), interleukin-6, soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1) and interleukin-17 of 50 psoriasis patients and 50 gender, age and body mass index-matched controls were recorded, then evaluated after NB-UVB in the patients. The patients had higher baseline serum concentrations of leptin, RBP-4, lipocalin-2 and sTNFR1. Baseline psoriasis area and severity index correlated with serum concentrations of RBP-4 and lipocalin-2 only. Principal components analysis disclosed a component including vitamins B12, B6, folic acid, calcidiol and HDL-cholesterol that was only present in healthy controls and opposed to a cluster of variables which promote MS. This component was absent in the patients. Our results point to lipocalin-2 and RBP-4 as relevant mediators of the trend towards MS in psoriatic patients.