Analysis of Serum Copper, Zinc and Iron Levels in Psoriasis and Psoriasis with Hyper Tension Patients

As co-factors of metallo enzymes, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) have a considerable effect on nearly all the metabolisms that takes place in organs of the body, including the skin. Iron(Fe) is a key element in the metabolism of almost all living organisms and is essential component of hundreds of proteins and enzymes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate copper, zinc & iron status in Psoriasis. We measured serum levels of copper and zinc in 35 cases of Psoriasis and 15 cases of Psoriasis with H.T., and 24 healthy controls by Direct colorimetric method using kits from Crest Bio-systems & serum iron level by manual method dipyridyl method (Ramsay, 1954, 1958). The serum levels of Cu were significantly higher in Psoriasis than in healthy controls, which may be due to copper stimulates the immune system to fight infections^{(1 - 3)} and helps to neutralize 'free radicals' which can cause severe damage to cells⁽⁴⁾. The serum levels of zinc were significantly lower in Psoriasis than in the healthy controls. The most likely explanation of the depression of serum zinc in Psoriasis is zinc depletion secondary to loss of zinc through exfoliation⁽⁵⁾. The serum level of iron were significantly lower in psoriasis patients than in healthy controls which may be because of accelerated loss of iron from the hyperproliferation and desquamation of epidermal layer of skin⁽⁶⁾. The serum levels of zinc were further decreased in Psoriasis with H.T. patients and serum copper level were further increased in Psoriasis with H.T. patients as compared to controls which may be because trace elements regulate blood pressure & any imbalance of dietary intake ofthese elements such as (copper, zinc) will affect the blood pressure and lead to the development of hypertension and vascular diseases^(7-8).There is no change in the level of serum iron in psoriasis and psoriasis with H.T. patients.
The purpose of this study was to access the body status of trace elements i.e. copper, zinc and iron as a potential marker of the disease and may provide better targets for effective control of the disease.