Adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor α in psoriasis and their relation to the metabolic syndrome

Background Tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) plays a critical role in the development of psoriasis. Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived protein. Considering the fact that adiponectin is related to metabolic syndrome (MS), which can coexist with psoriasis, it cannot be ignored that this protein may play a role in the pathophysiological processes in psoriasis. Objective To compare the levels of TNF-α and adiponectin in patients with psoriasis versus controls, with and without MS, and to assess the changes of these markers after treatment of psoriasis. Patients and methods In this case–control study, through quantitative, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, measurement of TNF-α and adiponectin concentrations in serum samples was done in 50 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 50 age-matched and sex-matched nonpsoriatic controls. Half of the patients and controls were selected with MS criteria. Before and after treatment, serum samples were collected from the patients. Results Serum median and interquartile levels of TNF-α and adiponectin are significantly higher in patients with psoriasis [0.15 (0.1–0.40) ng/ml and 19 (10–25) ng/ml, respectively] than controls [0.02 (0.01–0.15) ng/ml and 2.2 (1.7–2.5) ng/ml, respectively]. Adiponectin level is significantly lower in patients with psoriasis and controls with MS versus those without MS. In contrast, TNF-α level is higher in patients and controls with MS versus those without MS. Patients’ serum levels of TNF-α and adiponectin significantly decreased after treatment of psoriasis. Conclusion Serum levels of adiponectin and TNF-α are higher in patients with psoriasis in comparison with controls, and their levels decrease with psoriasis treatment. Serum levels of adiponectin are lower in patients with psoriasis with MS in comparison with those without, whereas TNF-α levels are higher in patients with MS when compared with those without.