Riboflavin Deficiency Associated With Psoriasis: Insights From Population and Transcriptome

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease.
• Oxidative stress is a key feature of psoriatic epidermis.
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) possesses antioxidant properties relevant to skin health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between riboflavin intake and psoriasis prevalence.
• To explore the role of riboflavin metabolism in psoriatic skin.
• To evaluate the impact of riboflavin deficiency on keratinocyte function.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 13,825 US citizens.
• Weighted logistic regression to assess the relationship between riboflavin intake and psoriasis.
• Transcriptome analysis of psoriatic lesional skin (GSE41662, GSE121212).
• In vitro study using a psoriatic keratinocyte model.

Main Results:

• Psoriasis was associated with decreased riboflavin intake (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73-0.96).
• Each log unit increase in riboflavin intake reduced psoriasis risk by 16%.
• The association was significant in individuals over 40 years old.
• Riboflavin metabolizing genes were upregulated in psoriatic skin.
• Riboflavin deficiency in vitro increased inflammatory cytokines, ROS, and delayed keratinization.

Conclusions:

• Psoriasis is significantly associated with lower riboflavin intake.
• Riboflavin metabolism is activated in psoriatic skin.
• Riboflavin may have a protective effect against psoriasis, warranting further investigation.