Psoriasis is one of the common autoimmune skin diseases that has become a main problem in healthcare. Autoimmune skin diseases can be accompanied by homeostatic imbalance of trace elements that may influence disease management. However, the recent data about the imbalance of trace elements in psoriasis patients are still insufficient. In the present study, the imbalance of trace elements in psoriasis patients and their influence on the extent of psoriasis were investigated. Serum levels of 21 trace elements, namely Li, B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb Cd, Sn, I, Cs and Hg, were analyzed in serum samples of 60 patients and 20 healthy volunteers. The extent of psoriasis was investigated using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score of skin lesions. The samples were digested, then their content of trace elements was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results revealed a trace element imbalance that was accompanied by element–element interdependency. The serum levels of lithium, boron and iron showed a highly significant decrease while the serum levels of manganese, copper, zinc and selenium showed a highly significant increase in psoriasis patients in comparison to the control group. On the other hand, the remaining elements revealed insignificant differences in their serum levels. Some trace elements may serve as biomarkers of the disease and as a parameter of the efficacy of the treatment.

22.1.2017