The increased erythrocyte membrane n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio and inflammatory markers in patients with psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disorder. Omega-3 fatty acids exhibit low inflammatory effects, while n-6 fatty acids display high inflammatory effects. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine erythrocyte membrane n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio values and their relationship with plasma inflammatory mediators in patients with psoriasis. Methods: The study groups consisted of thirty patients with psoriasis and 36 healthy controls. Analyses of fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane were performed using gas chromatography and a flame ionization detector. Serum sample inflammation parameters (C-reactive protein [CRP]), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also analyzed. Results: The erythrocyte membrane n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio was significantly higher in the psoriatic group compared to the healthy control group (P = 0.004). CRP, ESR, and IL-6 levels were also higher (P < 0.05) in the psoriatic group. The n-6/n-3 ratio was positively correlated with CRP and IL-6 levels in the psoriatic group (rho = 0.687, P= 0.0001 and rho = 0.542, P= 0.002, respectively). ROC curve analyses of CRP, ESR, IL6, and n6/n3 ratio values in patients with psoriasis performed similarly. Conclusion: This preliminary study indicates that erythrocyte membrane n6/n3 fatty acid ratio was increased and showed correlations with plasma CRP and IL-6 in patients with psoriasis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicates that the n6/n3 ratio (area underthe curve = 0.699) may be a suitable inflammatory marker for further exploration in psoriasis. Erythrocyte membrane n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio may be used as one of the pro-inflammatory markers in psoriasis.

Keywords

• biomarker
• c-reactive protein
• inflammation
• interleukin-6
• n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio
• psoriasis