Inflammation and hypercoagulable state in adult psoriatic men

Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and plays a role in atherothrombosis. Psoriasis is a common chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease associated with increased thrombosis. The aim of this study was to examine serum homocysteine levels and their relationships with inflammatory and atherothrombotic markers in psoriasis. Twenty patients with mild or moderate psoriasis and 20 age-matched healthy men were included in this study. Patients with acquired hyperhomocysteinaemia were excluded from both groups. The inflammation markers, mean platelet volume, C-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin levels, were significantly increased in the study group compared with the control group. In the study group there was decreased antithrombin III and total homocysteine levels, for haemostatic parameters. Folic acid levels, cardiovascular risk factors, endothelial inflammation markers and blood coagulation factors demonstrated significant correlations. Folic acid levels correlated inversely with homocysteine and positively with fibrinogen levels. In conclusion, increased homocysteine concentration and inflammation markers may play a role in the atherothrombotic state in psoriasis.