Angiopoietin-Like Protein 2 in Psoriasis: a New Linkage with Metabolic Syndrome

Introduction
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of inflammatory nature which can be considered as a systemic disorder. Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in psoriatic patients, with a negative impact on disease severity. Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) role has been investigated in several chronic inflammatory conditions, but not in psoriasis.

Aim
To evaluate the serum level of ANGPTL2 and its possible role in the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in psoriatic patients.

Material and methods
This study enrolled 180 participants divided into two groups: psoriatic group (120 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis) and control group (60 normal subjects). Psoriasis severity was determined by the psoriasis area severity index. Anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar and ANGPTL2 have been evaluated in both groups.

Results
Psoriatic patients had a higher body mass index (p = 0.014), waist circumference (p < 0.001), and blood pressure than controls (p Ł 0.001). Fasting blood sugar and the serum level of ANGPTL2 were also higher in psoriatic patients than in controls (p < 0.001, 0.025, respectively). In addition, the serum level of ANGPTL2 was significantly correlated with both disease severity (p < 0.001) and occurrence of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Serum ANGPTL2 is elevated in psoriasis patients compared to normal subjects. Serum ANGPTL2 elevation may have a role in chronic inflammatory status in psoriasis and occurrence of metabolic syndrome.