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 FTO 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 FTO 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 FTO gene rs9939609, have an increased risk for more severe psoriasis and obesity and may develop obesity-induced insulin resistance.