Abstract: A Review of the Role of Vitamins in Psoriasis in Pregnancy

Meliha Merve Hiz, Sevilay Kilic, Selda Isik and Ayse Nur Cakir Gungor

Psoriasis is an immune mediated chronic inflammatory disorder. Psoriasis treatment regimen is an immune regulation and inhibition of the cell cycle to prevent hyper proliferation of keratinocytes. Psoriasis does not affect the reproductive ability of patients; however, psoriatic women in reproductive period should be aware of the side effects of psoriatic medication. Understanding the molecular mechanisms beyond Psoriasis is crucial in developing effective treatment options for Psoriasis and preventing birth defects such as spontaneous abortions, intermittent fetal bradycardia, malformations and miscarriages.

Vitamin A and vitamin D are the skin hormones that regulate the cell cycle of the keratinocytes. Vitamin A and D deliveries are extensively used in psoriasis treatment. Vitamin A is important for neuronal development; however, excessive use of vitamin A is teratogenic. Vitamin D is useful for Psoriasis treatment and is required for bone integrity. Vitamin D is also important for women’s fertility. Both vitamin A and vitamin D play a pleiotropic role in metabolism by regulating different gene expressions. Thus, the use of the vitamins or their derivatives in psoriasis treatment is vital for the fetus development. In this review we focus on the vitamin A and D metabolism, particularly molecular and genetic aspects of psoriasis treatment during pregnancy.