Association of serum lipid profiles and dietary intakes of vitamin E and fiber with psoriasis severity

Background: Dyslipidemia has been reportedly associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis among psoriatic patients. Dietary intake can be a key factor in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Herein, we assessed serum lipid profile and dietary intake in psoriatic patients, in comparison with healthy subjects. Methods: In this case-control study, 45 psoriatic patients and 43 healthy controls were evaluated. We estimated the macro/micronutrient intakes and energy, using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric parameters and serum levels of triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins were assessed. The case group was categorized by severity measured by PASI score (mild<10, moderate 10-20, severe >20). Diet plan 6.0 was used to analyze FFQs and data were analyzed in SPSS 16.0, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The case group had markedly higher body mass index (BMI), LDL, and cholesterol and significantly lower HDL compared with controls (p<0.05). Carbohydrate, energy, fat intakes were significantly higher in cases, while folate, fiber, and vitamin E intakes were significantly lower in the case group, compared with the control group (p<0.05). BMI, cholesterol, and triglyceride values and dietary intakes of fiber and vitamin E were significantly associated with severity of psoriasis (p<0.05). Conclusion: Serum lipid profile and dietary intake are substantially important in psoriasis severity. Therefore, close monitoring of lipid profile and BMI during admission and followup and dietary modification can improve the severity of psoriasis