Low serum lycopene, and adequate α-tocopherol levels in patients with psoriasis: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease. It affects skin and joints, characterized by abnormal hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. The worldwide prevalence of psoriasis ranges from 2% to 4%. Environmental factors as smoking, alcohol consumption obesity can also work as triggers. During the inflammatory process, there is an exacerbated formation of free radicals and antioxidants are required to maintain redox balance. Aim: Assess antioxidant profiles. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August/2012 and March/2014. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and biochemical measurements, dietary intake, serum lycopene and α-tocopherol, psoriasis severity according to Psoriasis Area and Severity Index were obtained. Comparisons between serum lycopene and α-tocopherol distributions according to variables were conducted using a one-way analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate factors associated with serum antioxidants. Results: 81 participants (56% female, 62% non-white), 34% without psoriatic lesions, 51% diagnosed with mild psoriasis, and 15% with moderate psoriasis. Median (IQR) age of 54 (41, 62) years, 10 (4, 11) years of education, 17% smokers, 46% overweight and 25% obesity. In total, 72% did not reach the daily recommendation of fruit and vegetable intake. Serum lycopene and α-tocopherol were 0.2 (0.1–0.3) µmol/L and 22.5 (18.5–25.6) µmol/L, respectively. Only 14% presented adequate concentration of lycopene, but adequate α-tocopherol level was observed among 88%. Conclusions: Patients reported a diet low in vegetables and fruits and rich in ultra-processed foods and fatty acids. Adequate circulating α-tocopherol but low serum lycopene, was observed among patients. A linear trend was observed for lycopene according to the severity of psoriasis.

The role of lifestyle and nutrition in psoriasis: Current status of knowledge and interventions

“…Physical activity has a non‐secondary role on the general approach of psoriasis and its associated comorbidites, and weight loss may lead to psoriasis improvement and enhance the efficacy of systemic treatments 7,11 . Undoubtedly, a healthy lifestyle should also be based on a proper dietary program combining calories restriction with the preferential intake of food with high antioxidant properties, such as fish rich in ω‐3 PUFAs, fruits and vegetables, avoiding that with a potential proinflammatory action 7,11,21,48,49 . Oral vitamin D supplementation and gluten‐free diet are only recommended for patients with documented hypovitaminosis and increased serum AGA antibody levels, respectively, 7,49 whereas prebiotics and probiotics, also regarded as potentially beneficial in psoriasis, represent a new developing area of investigation.…”

“…7,11 Undoubtedly, a healthy lifestyle should also be based on a proper dietary program combining calories restriction with the preferential intake of food with high antioxidant properties, such as fish rich in ω-3 PUFAs, fruits and vegetables, avoiding that with a potential proinflammatory action. 7,11,21,48,49 Oral vitamin D supplementation and gluten-free diet are only recommended for patients with documented hypovitaminosis and increased serum AGA antibody levels, respectively, 7,49 whereas prebiotics and probiotics, also regarded as potentially beneficial in psoriasis, represent a new developing area of investigation. Promising investigations also point to a role of dietary interventions in the modification of aberrant miRNA expression in psoriasis, since bioactive compounds may lead to psoriasis improvement by proficiently affecting microRNA expression.…”

Investigation of the Relationship between the Disease Severity and Quality of Life of Psoriasis Patients and Their Anthropometric Measurements and Diets

“…Nutritional status is an essential factor in the management of certain skin diseases; therefore, there is a growing interest in managing psoriasis through diet [ 6 ]. Some diets might have a positive impact on psoriasis because they tend to prevent inflammatory conditions in general [ 7 , 8 ]. Additionally, a number of studies suggest including vitamin supplements during psoriasis treatments, with limited amount of evidence supporting direct benefits [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…Additionally, a number of studies suggest including vitamin supplements during psoriasis treatments, with limited amount of evidence supporting direct benefits [ 9 , 10 ]. Studies have reported that diets enriched with antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin-C, phenolics and flavonoids, which can be found in natural products, help to improve dermatological lesions [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Certain vitamins exhibit hydrophilic antioxidant activity, whereas others hinder lipid peroxidation from spreading.…”