The Influence of FTO Polymorphism rs9939609 on Obesity, Some Clinical Features, and Disturbance of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Patients with Psoriasis.

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is often accompanied by obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome as risk factors of cardiovascular conditions and premature mortality.

OBJECTIVE

The study was aimed at investigating whether psoriatic patients, who carry risk allele of obesity-related gene, are more predisposed to obesity and metabolic disturbances and whether it influences the severity of psoriasis.

METHODS

197 patients with psoriasis, representing Lower Silesia region of Poland, underwent physical examination and anthropometric measurements. Blood samples for biochemical and genetic analysis were collected. All patients were genotyped for gene rs9939609 variant. Identification of SNP was conducted with the use of minisequencing method.

RESULTS

Around 63% of patients were carriers of at least one risk allele A and 20% were AA homozygotes. The A allele was associated with increased BMI and hip and waist circumferences. The carriers of risk allele had increased PASI and CRP values and tended to have an increased insulin concentration.

CONCLUSION

Psoriatic patients, carriers of risk allele of gene rs9939609, have an increased risk for more severe psoriasis and obesity and may develop obesity-induced insulin resistance.