Estimation of Serum Trace Elements Levels in Libyan Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease with a worldwide prevalence of 2–3%. Psoriasis is caused by a complex interplay among the immune system, genetic background, auto-antigens, and environmental factors. Trace elements are required for the normal functioning of many enzymes and play a significant role in the development of many diseases. Objective: To assess the serum levels of zinc, copper, magnesium, iron and folate in patients with psoriasis compared to healthy controls. Patients and Methods: A total of 41 patients with psoriasis vulgaris were compared with 50 age and sex matched healthy subjects. Serum levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and folate were measured in both groups and compared. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were used to measure the severity of the disease. Results: The mean serum level of Zn was 142.2±52 in patients compared to 90.2±18.9 in the controls (P=.000), serum level of Cu was 161.1±58.5 in patients versus 156.3±42.8 in control group (P=.650). Serum Mg was 2.4±0.5 in patients and 1.9±0.2 in control subjects (P=.000). Serum Fe was 90.8±50 in patients as compared to 116.9±32.4 in control subjects (P=.004), whereas, serum folate was 6.6±3.9 in patients and 9.5±5.3 in control subjects (P=.005). There was no significant direct correlation between levels of trace elements under study and PASI scoring. Conclusions: Trace elements particularly Zn, Cu, and Mg appear to be elevated in psoriasis patients, while Fe and folate were low in psoriatic patients, however, they can't serve as biomarkers for disease activity.