New research has identified the triggers for psoriasis, a painful skin condition, which could lead to personalized treatments. Scientists have discovered that the activity of certain cells and chemicals can differentiate between mild and severe cases of psoriasis. This finding has the potential to pave the way for more targeted and effective medications.
Psoriasis linked to illnesses like arthritis
Psoriasis is characterized by rapid skin cell regeneration and is linked to serious illnesses such as arthritis and heart disease. It commonly appears as red, scaly patches with silvery scales and can lead to a specific form of arthritis.
The disease can manifest at any age, although it commonly appears in individuals in their 20s or 50s. Unlike normal skin cells, replenished every three to four weeks, people with psoriasis experience accelerated cell growth, with new cells developing every three to seven days. The main treatments for psoriasis involve using creams with vitamin D or steroid ointments, which are applied daily.
According to Professor Jose Scher of New York University, the study aimed at identifying molecular signals pointing to the likelihood of severe psoriasis and related disorders like arthritis and cardiovascular disease. The research has found signals that may have systemic consequences, and the team is now investigating how skin inflammation can lead to broader organ-related disease.
Inflammation increases severity in psoriasis patients
Researchers studied the relationship between inflammation and its effects on various body parts in cases of increasing severity, particularly focusing on psoriasis patients. They found that psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis in 20 percent of patients and trigger other conditions like heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and Type 2 diabetes.
According to researchers, fibroblasts and macrophages, key inflammation regulators, were more prevalent in severe psoriasis cases. They also observed elevated gene activity related to metabolism and lipid control in skin samples from 14 patients, even in unaffected areas.
Dr Shruti Naik, a co-senior investigator, emphasized that the study provides an extensive collection of cellular and molecular characteristics relevant to healthy and diseased skin.
