The role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of psoriasis – a focus on resistin, omentin-1 and vaspin

ABSTRACT

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin condition with several types of manifestation, including psoriatic arthritis. In recent years, studies have demonstrated multiple molecules and mechanisms that play important roles in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Studies have been conducted to determine the role of adipokines, bioactive peptides secreted by the adipose tissue, in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. These studies have shown that adipokines are dysregulated in psoriasis and their abnormal expression profile could contribute to the inflammatory mechanisms observed in psoriasis.

Areas covered

In this review, we discuss the immunomodulatory features of resistin, omentin-1, and vaspin, and discuss their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Expert opinion

The adipokines resistin, omentin, and vaspin appear to be promising therapeutic targets in psoriasis. It is important to seek to block the action of resistin, either by blocking its receptors or by blocking its systemic effects with antibodies. In the case of omentin and vaspin, substances that are receptor mimetics of these adipokines should be sought and studies conducted of their analogues for the treatment of psoriasis. To introduce these therapies into clinical practice, multicentre clinical trials are required to confirm their efficacy and safety after initial studies in animal models.

KEYWORDS:

• Adipokines
• inflammation
• omentin-1
• psoriasis
• resistin
• vaspin

Article highlights

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a complex pathogenesis.

• Apart from modulating metabolic processes, adipokines have immunomodulatory features that regulate inflammatory diseases.

• The blood levels and expression of adipokines in lesional skin are dysregulated. Treatment of psoriasis often reverses these abnormal levels. Therefore, monitoring of adipokine levels could be used to evaluate disease severity and treatment response, and suggests their involvement in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

• Current evidence suggests that resistin may be implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Its blood levels are elevated in patients with psoriasis and, in light of its pro-inflammatory character, it could contribute to the state of chronic inflammation.

• Omentin-1 and vaspin appear to induce anti-inflammatory mechanisms that could be beneficial in psoriasis.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.