Cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) levels in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common condition in the western world, but is uncommon in populations with a low prevalence of atherosclerosis such as Japanese, Blacks and indigenous North Americans. Psoriasis appeared to be more prevalent amongst patients attending our lipid clinic compared to the general population. Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) is elevated in conditions such as coronary heart disease and protein loosing nephropathies. Psoriasis is a condition of increased epidermal protein turnover and loss and thus it might be postulated that increased levels of Lp(a) may be found in patients with psoriasis. The aim of this study was to explore an association between psoriasis and Lp(a) and lipid profiles. No association was found between Lp(a) concentrations and psoriasis. Although six of 36 patients were found to have a cholesterol greater than 7.5 mmol L-1, the mean cholesterol for this group was not elevated.