Novel Fatty Acid Biomarkers in Psoriasis and the Role of Modifiable Factors: Results from the METHAP Clinical Study.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin condition with significant metabolic complications. Although lipid metabolism is linked to its pathogenesis, reliable biomarkers and the impact of modifiable factors remain underexplored. The aim of the present study was to identify potential biomarkers, study the affected metabolic networks, and assess the role of dietary and lifestyle factors in psoriasis. Plasma samples from 56 patients with psoriasis and 49 healthy controls were analyzed, as part of the Metabolic Biomarkers in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Psoriasis (METHAP) clinical trial. Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry 23 fatty acids and their ratios were quantified, revealing significant changes in psoriasis. Specifically, lower levels of α-linoleic acid (C18:3n3), linoleic acid (C18:2n6), and gamma-linolenic acid (C18:3n6) were observed along with higher levels of eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3n3), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3), and erucic acid (C22:1n9). Total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were significantly decreased, and the ratio of saturated to total fatty acids (SFA/Total) was increased in psoriasis (