Related Experiment Videos
Elevated serum nickel concentration in psoriasis vulgaris
1Department of Dermatology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Tulsa.
International Journal of Dermatology
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Psoriasis vulgaris patients show elevated serum nickel levels compared to healthy individuals. This finding suggests a potential link between nickel homeostasis and the psoriatic process, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Psoriasis vulgaris affects 1-3% of the US population.
- The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown.
- Research is ongoing to understand psoriasis pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum nickel concentrations in psoriasis vulgaris patients.
- To compare nickel levels between psoriasis patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Study included 16 psoriasis patients with active disease and 11 healthy controls.
- Serum nickel levels were measured using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ETAAS).
Main Results:
- A statistically significant elevation in mean serum nickel concentration was observed in the psoriasis group (P = 0.019).
- This elevation was noted despite a relatively small sample size.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal nickel homeostasis may be implicated in the biochemical defect of psoriasis.
- The observed association between nickel and psoriasis requires further research to determine pathogenic significance.