RESEARCH - Obesity-related hormone tied to psoriasis

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Obesity-Related Hormone Tied to Psoriasis

Washington Post

Monday, December 15, 2008; 12:00 AM

MONDAY, Dec. 15 (HealthDay News) -- People with psoriasis have higher

levels of the obesity-related hormone leptin than those without

psoriasis, new research shows.

The Taiwanese study included 77 psoriasis patients and a control group

of 81 people without the skin condition.

The researchers gathered health information about the participants and

analyzed blood samples for levels of leptin, which helps control food

intake, body weight and fat stores. The hormone also plays a role in

immune and inflammatory processes.

The psoriasis patients were more likely than those in the control

group to be obese, to have high blood pressure, and to have elevated

blood glucose levels or diabetes. High blood levels of leptin were

found more often in females and in participants who were obese, had

high blood pressure, had metabolic syndrome, or had psoriasis.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/15/AR2008121502074.\

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Not an MD