Alterations of redox-status during psoriasis

The skin is constantly exposed to oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are generated both from endogenous neutrophils and external pro-oxidant stimuli. The present study was planned to investigate the possible involvement of free radical oxidation in psoriatic patients. Study was carried out in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology in Tbilisi State Medical University. A total of 60 individuals were included in this study, out of these 40 were patients suffering from psoriasis and 20 were healthy subjects (a control). Psoriasis patients were further graded according to the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI); in patients' blood redox-status superoxide (O2-) and lipoperoxide (LOO.) free radicals, free Mn2+-ions and (ceruloplasmin/Fe3+-transferrin) system antioxidant activity were estimated by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) method and activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by spectrophotometry. In the blood of patients with psoriasis, the EPR signal intensities of oxidized form ceruloplasmin (Cp) increased and ferrum-transport protein, Fe3+-transferrin (Fe3+-Tr) decreased in comparison to the same parameters of healthy persons. Activity of blood catalase increased and activity of blood SOD decreased with increasing severity of psoriasis. EPR signals of low-molecular Mn2+-containing complexes and lipoperoxide (LOO.) free radicals were detected. The obtained data indicate the alteration of blood redox-balance during psoriasis; the intensity of impairment of redox balance correlates with severity of psoriasis.