Association Of VDR (Apai Rs7975232) Polymorphism And Some Biochemical Parameters With Psoriasis In Iraqi Patients

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease caused by genetic and environmental factors. Although data on Iraqi patients are poor, there may be a relation between the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and susceptibility to psoriasis. Objective: This study aims to analyze the association between the VDR ApaI (rs7975232) gene polymorphism and the tendency toward psoriasis in Iraqi patients and to evaluate serum levels of vitamin D3, ferritin, and zinc. Method: A case-control study was conducted on 45 patients with psoriasis and 35 age- and sex-matched control group. Genotyping of the Vitamin D receptor rs7975232 polymorphism was done by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. Automated analyzers tested serum vitamin D3, ferritin, and zinc levels. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism software.  Results: The allele frequency was considerably higher in patients (40.0%) than in the control group (24.3%), which conferred an elevated risk of psoriasis (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.01–4.24, p = 0.046). AA carriers showed the lowest mean vitamin D3 level (15.0 ± 3.7 ng/mL, p = 0.0043) and highest mean ferritin level (223.6 ± 67.2 ng/mL, p = 0.0136). Levels of vitamin D3 and zinc were considerably lower in patients than in the control group (p<0.001 for both), and the highest mean ferritin level (p<0.001). Conclusions: The A allele of the VDR rs7975232 polymorphism was associated with increased susceptibility to psoriasis in Iraqi patients. AA carriers showed the lowest mean vitamin D3 and zinc levels and the highest mean ferritin level; however, genotype-related differences in these biochemical parameters were not statistically significant within the patient group.