Study of mda and sgpt levels in patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND Skin is a major target of oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) that originate in the environment and in the skin itself. Psoriasis is a common chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disorder that has been associated with abnormal plasma lipid metabolism. Psoriasis is considered to be an (auto) immune disorder, probably initiated by the overactive skin innate immune system. Increased production of free radicals may cause oxidative damage on biological bio molecules, cell membranes and tissues. The free radicals induced oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids results in the formation of lipid per-oxidation products such as MDA. Oxidative stress has been implicated as important cause of Methotrexate (MTX) induced liver toxicity. AIMS The objective of our present study is to evaluate if psoriasis is associated with oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity. SETTINGS AND DESIGN 50 patients suffering from psoriasis who have attended the D.V.L O.P. of G.S.L Medical College and general hospitals are taken as cases and compared with 50 healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS Venous samples are collected and MDA levels are estimated using TBARS method and SGPT levels using fully automated analyzer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Statistical analysis is performed using software GraphPad QuickCalcs. RESULTS MDA levels in psoriatic patients showed significant increase in their levels compared to control and also there is significant rise in SGPT levels in patients when compared to control group. CONCLUSION Increased MDA levels show that there is oxidative stress in psoriatic patients and there is also hepatotoxicity which can be attribute to either oxidative stress or the effect of medications used to treat psoriasis.