Unraveling Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Involvement in Psoriasis: The Promise of Antioxidant Therapies

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by immune dysregulation and aberrant keratinocyte proliferation. Despite tremendous advances in understanding its etiology, effective therapies that target its fundamental mechanisms remain necessary. Recent research highlights the role of reactive oxygen species dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction in psoriasis pathogenesis. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species mediate cellular signaling pathways involved in psoriasis, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation, leading to oxidative stress, exacerbating inflammation and tissue damage if dysregulated. This review explores oxidative stress biomarkers and parameters in psoriasis, including myeloperoxidase, paraoxonase, sirtuins, superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, oxidative stress index, total oxidant status, and total antioxidant status. These markers provide insights into disease mechanisms and potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Modulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels and enhancing antioxidant defenses can alleviate inflammation and oxidative damage, improving patient outcomes. Natural antioxidants like quercetin, curcumin, gingerol, resveratrol, and other antioxidants show promise as complementary treatments targeting oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review aims to guide the development of personalized therapeutic methods and diagnostic techniques, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive clinical studies to validate the efficacy and safety of these interventions, paving the way for more effective and holistic psoriasis care.

Keywords: antioxidant; mitochondrial dysfunction; mitochondrial reactive oxygen species; natural products; oxidative stress; psoriasis.

Figure 1

Summary of oxidative stress biomarkers in psoriasis inflammation. This figure illustrates key oxidative stress biomarkers involved in the inflammatory processes of psoriasis. The biomarkers depicted, including myeloperoxidase (MPO), paraoxonase (PON), sirtuins (SIRTs), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), are emerging as critical indicators of psoriasis pathogenesis. The red arrows indicate decreasing, while green arrow represent increasing.

Figure 2

Overview of oxidative stress parameters in psoriasis inflammation. This figure provides a summary of key oxidative stress parameters associated with psoriasis. It depicts the roles of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and total oxidant status (TOS) in evaluating oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms in psoriasis patients.