Trace elements in blood compartments in psoriatic patients and their impact on the course of the disease – literature review

Abstract

Abstract Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease resulting in para- and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, which is manifested by specific skin lesions. It affects approx. 2% of the European and the US populations; however, it is less common in Asia and Africa. Psoriatic patients show certain changes in blood components due to chronic inflammation, and the concentrations of some micronutrients may differ from those observed in healthy individuals. In the literature, there are many studies analyzing the concentrations of various elements in the course of the disease. Our review summarizes the association of the following microelements with psoriasis: Cu, Se, Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd, and As. In the case of Cu, all researchers report an increase in its blood concentration, but the results concerning other microelements are inconclusive. The discrepancies may stem from differences between the studied populations, environmental conditions, and anthropogenic pollution. However, the role of trace elements is rather marginal in comparison to the well-documented factors that are the focal points for modern psoriasis therapy.