Evaluation of plasma lipids and lipoproteins in patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis is an epidermal disease characterized by chronic relapsing papillon squamous erythematous plaques which may develop in the skin of elbows, knees and extensor surfaces. The cause of psoriasis is unknown. The primary etiologic factor may be related to excessive uncontrolled synthesis is resulting from changes in (1) the function of growth factors ( EGF),(2) presence of proto- oncogenes, (3) enhanced synthesis of polyamines and (4) increased production of cyclic nucleotides such as cAMP and cGMP which all together culminate in increased production of cellular components leading to increased epidermal and cellular proliferation and abnormal incomplete cellular differentiation. This study was performed to evaluate the plasma lipid level in these patients. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were measured by enzymatic methods and HDL, VLDL and LDL were determined by electrophoresis, 27 patients underwent the named biochemical tests and the results were  compared with those of 30 healthy volunteers. Both groups were examined by a specialist and found to be completely free of any cardiovascular diseases and any other diseases causing blood lipid alterations such as diabetes, hyperlipidemias ....etc. HDL, LDL and cholesterol level in patients were non-alcoholic non-significantly higher than those of the contents. Also there was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of VLDL in Both groups. Triglyceride levels in patients was higher than control group and the difference was statistically significant ( p<0.05).