Serum levels of homocystiene, vitamin B12 and folic acid in Indian patients with psoriasis: results of a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperhomocystienemia has emerged an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases with an implication for cardiovascular morbidity in psoriasis patients. Both vitamin B12 and folic acid influence homocystiene metabolism as cofactors. Aim: To study the serum levels of homocystiene, vitamin B12 and folic acid in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and age matched controls. Methods: 55 males aged 22-66 years with chronic plaque psoriasis of 6 months to 20 years and 55 healthy male controls aged 20-65 years were studied. Results: Body surface area involvement was 20% in 7 (12.8%) patients, respectively. The PASI was 12 in 4 (7.3%) patients, respectively. The serum homocystiene levels of >12 µmol/L were higher than normal (5-12 µmol/L) in all patients and 11 (22%) controls and the difference was statistically significant. The serum vitamin B12 levels of 24ng/ml and elevated levels of 17.83 to >24ng/ml (normal 3-17 ng/ml) were noted in 17 (30.9%) patients. Except for elevated serum homocystiene in 11 (22%) controls, other biochemical parameters were within normal range. Conclusions: Implications of hyperhomocystienemia for cardiovascular comorbidities in psoriasis patients and whether supplementing vitamin B12 and folic acid will prevent comorbidities by normalizing homocystiene metabolism needs evaluation by large well designed studies.

Keywords

• Hyperhomocystienemia; Psoriasis comorbidities; Psoriasis