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Homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels in psoriasis patients

S K Cakmak1, U Gül, C Kiliç

  • 12nd Dermatology Clinic, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey. seraycakmak@gmail.com

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
|February 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Serum homocysteine levels correlate with psoriasis severity, suggesting a link between elevated homocysteine and increased cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients. Further research is warranted to explore this association.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known risk factor for various cardiovascular and thrombotic diseases.
  • Previous studies suggest a potential association between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.
  • To explore the relationship between these biochemical markers and psoriasis severity.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 70 outpatients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 70 matched controls.
  • Measurement of serum homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels in both groups.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in serum homocysteine, folic acid, or vitamin B12 levels were observed between psoriasis patients and controls.
  • In psoriasis patients, serum homocysteine levels showed a direct correlation with disease severity (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index).
  • A significant inverse correlation was found between serum homocysteine and serum folic acid levels within the psoriasis patient group.

Conclusions:

  • Serum homocysteine levels are associated with the severity of psoriasis.
  • The observed correlation suggests that elevated homocysteine may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk associated with more severe psoriasis.
Abstract

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