Study of Inflammation, Oxidative stress and Cardiometabolic Markers in Psoriasis

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: The aim of this hospital-based case-control study was to assess the association between psoriasis and cardiovascular comorbidities in India. The objectives were to compare inflammatory markers (serum TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2) and total oxidative stress with cardiometabolic risk markers (lipid profile, uric acid, Lp(a), hs-CRP) in psoriasis patients. The study also aimed to explore the relationship between serum uric acid levels and the severity of psoriasis using the PASI score. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry and included a total of 220 participants, with 110 individuals in both the case and control groups. Psoriasis patients were further categorized into mild, moderate, and severe groups based on their PASI score. Fasting venous blood samples were collected to estimate the various markers, including serum TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, total oxidative stress, total antioxidant capacity, lipid profile, Lp(a), hs-CRP, and uric acid.Results: In psoriasis patients, there were significant increases in serum TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, total oxidative stress, triglycerides, total cholesterol, Lp(a), hs-CRP, and uric acid compared to healthy controls. Conversely, serum total antioxidant capacity and HDL-cholesterol were significantly decreased in psoriasis patients compared to controls. Notably, serum TNF-α and uric acid levels showed a significant proportionate increase with the severity of psoriasis, as measured by the PASI score. Additionally, there were significant positive correlations between serum triglyceride levels and TNF-α, as well as significant negative correlations between hs-CRP and IFN-γ. Discussion: The results of this study highlight the presence of systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia in psoriasis patients, which may contribute to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The findings support the importance of monitoring inflammatory markers in psoriasis,alongside routine assessments of cardiometabolic risk markers such as lipid profile, hs-CRP, and uric acid. Moreover, the significant correlation between uric acid levels and the severity of psoriasis suggests the potential utility of uric acid as a marker for assessing disease severity in these patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study reveals an association between psoriasis and cardiovascular comorbidities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care to address the increased cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients, especially in the early stages of the disease. The findings underscore the importance of considering comorbidities, such as gout development, in the management of psoriasis. Healthcare professionals in the field of dermatology should be vigilant in monitoring inflammatory and cardiometabolic markers to provide effective management and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in psoriasis patients.