Copper and Zinc Status in Psoriasis: Correlation with Severity

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Biochemistry
• Trace Element Research

Background:

• Psoriasis is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition.
• Trace elements are vital for skin metabolism, immune responses, and inflammation.
• Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) are essential metals with significant biological roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of essential metals, specifically copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), in psoriasis.
• To evaluate serum levels of Cu and Zn in psoriatic patients compared to healthy controls.
• To correlate metal levels with psoriasis severity, assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from 72 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 50 healthy controls.
• Psoriatic patients were categorized into mild (48) and severe (24) groups based on PASI scores.
• Serum concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Psoriatic patients exhibited significantly higher serum copper (Cu) levels compared to controls.
• The serum Cu/Zn ratio was also significantly elevated in psoriatic patients.
• A positive correlation was found between serum Cu levels and the severity of psoriasis (PASI score).

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum copper (Cu) levels are associated with psoriasis.
• Copper (Cu) may be implicated as a significant factor in the pathogenesis and progression of psoriasis.
• The findings suggest copper's potential role as a "culprit" in the disease's development and severity.