Circulatory markers of oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in male patients of chronic plaque psoriasis

Context: Psoriasis is one of the common chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disorders. The inflammatory exudates in psoriasis are responsible for various lipid abnormalities as well as trigger a pro-oxidant and antioxidant imbalance resulting in copious generation of oxygen metabolites and proteases which may induce oxidative and proteolytic damage to plasma constituents and circulating red blood cells (RBCs) Aims: The aim was to evaluate dyslipidemia and erythrocyte oxidative stress as markers in plaque psoriasis. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 120 male subjects, out of which 60 were patients of a moderate form of plaque psoriasis and 60 healthy age-matched controls. We evaluated lipid profile, RBC morphological indices such as total RBC count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, hematimetric indices, osmotic fragility, and reticulocyte count. We also evaluated antioxidant defenses catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and oxidant malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent sample t-test was used to compare the means between two groups. Results: Psoriasis patients showed a significant rise (P < 0.001) in total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very LDL and triglycerides. The morphological indices of RBC presented with significantly reduced (P < 0.05) RBC count, Hb concentration and Hematocrit, significant increase (P < 0.05) in reticulocyte index and osmotic fragility. The antioxidant enzyme GPX activity was significantly lower while the oxidant MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Evaluation of the changes in RBC morphology, lipid profile, and antioxidant enzymes may be considered as biomarkers in predicting the severity of plaque psoriasis.