Enhanced ferritin/iron ratio in psoriasis

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent skin disorder, with a poorly understood pathogenesis. Studies at molecular/genetic levels continue to explore various biomolecules as potential markers of the disease. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the possible roles of ferritin and iron in psoriasis. METHODS Patients with psoriasis (n=81) and healthy controls (n=45) were included. Patients were graded as mild, moderate and severe based on the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Serum ferritin and iron levels were measured by electro chemiluminescence and inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), respectively. RESULTS The ferritin levels in psoriasis patients were not significantly different from that of controls. There was no significant difference in ferritin concentrations between psoriasis groups of severity. Fe was found to be significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the psoriasis patients when compared to controls. The ferritin to Fe ratio was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the psoriasis groups when compared to the control group. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate a possible role of ferritin and iron in psoriasis. Further studies with large samples need to be done to confirm findings.