Lipid-bound sialic acid in psoriasis and its correlation with disease severity

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic persistent inflammatory skin disorder distinguished by hyperproliferation and reduced differentiation of keratinocytes. The inflammatory processes involved may be associated with the development of co-morbidities. Increased levels of total sialic acid have been shown to correlate with inflammation and atherosclerotic processes. Serum sialic acid has been reported as a marker of the acute phase response; increased sialic acid concentrations have been observed in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Objectives of the Study: To estimate serum lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA) levels in patients with psoriasis and a group of healthy controls. To evaluate the correlation between LBSA levels and the severity of the disease. Materials and Methods: Serum LBSA was estimated in patients and controls by Katopodis and stock method. The degree of severity of psoriasis was clinically assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score for each patient. The statistical significance was evaluated using unpaired 't' test and Pearson's correlation. Results: The mean levels of LBSA in psoriasis cases was found to be higher compared with controls, and it was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was a mild negative correlation between LBSA levels and PASI , but it did not differ significantly. Conclusion: This study suggests the potential utility of serum LBSA as a biomarker of hyper proliferation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in psoriasis.