Publication:

Systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio in active psoriasis: bridging an apparent paradox

Background Psoriasis is characterized by systemic increase of inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, increased incidence of dyslipidemia in dermatological disorders is also in alarming phase. It is conceivable that association of inflammation, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia enhances the future the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in psoriasis patients. The main of the study is to estimate the marker of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, plasma lipid profile and apolipoprotein levels in psoriasis patients and to determine their role in predicting CVD risk in psoriasis.

Methods The study population consist of subjects categorized into two groups; Group I: Healthy controls and Group II: Psoriasis patients (n= 25 in each group). Erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile along with apolipoprotein B and A1 were measured and statistically analyzed using standard methods.

Results Plasma CRP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and MDA levels were significantly high (p<0.05) in patient group as compared to healthy controls. HDL-cholesterol levels were altered insignificantly (p<0.1) in patient group. Plasma Apo B/Apo A1 ratio were increased significantly (p<0.01) in patient groups as compared to controls.

Conclusions Thus, enhanced inflammation, oxidative stress along with increase in Apo B, A1 and its ratio authenticates the fact that these markers are more efficient in prediction of CVD risk in psoriasis patients than conventional lipid profile parameters.