Compromised skin barrier function plays a role in psorasis development

January 26, 2009

Singapore and China scientists report research in journal Nature Genetics

Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and the Anhui Medical University, China, have identified genes that play an important role in the development of psoriasis, a common chronic skin disease.

The research, led by GIS Human Genetics Group Leader and Associate Prof. Liu Jianjun, will be published online on 25 Jan. 2009 in the journal Nature Genetics.

Studying genetic variants in the human genomes of a large cohort of patients with psorasis and healthy controls in the Chinese population, Dr. Liu and his colleagues, who are one of the three independent teams that have been simultaneously performing genetic studies on psoriasis, found that a genetic variant within what is known as the LCE gene cluster is able to provide protection against the development of psoriasis.

One of the LCE genes' functions is to code proteins that are part of cells located in the outermost layers of skin. These proteins are important for maintaining skin's barrier function.

"Together with the findings from the other two studies," said Dr Liu, "our finding suggests that compromised skin barrier function play a role in the development of psoriasis. This is a very important find, as it advances our understanding of the genetic basis of psoriasis, which in turn is important for early diagnosis and prediction of an individual's risk to the disease."

While Dr Liu's team focused on a Chinese population, the other two studies were conducted on Western populations. Dr Liu added, "Our team's work is also important because it is the first study ever done on a Chinese population - all other studies on psoriasis so far have focused on western populations."

All three independent studies will be published by Nature Genetics at the same time.

Psoriasis is a common chronic, auto-immune and hyper-proliferative skin disease, usually characterized by red scaly patches on the skin. Affecting about one percent of individuals, it is a recurring condition with varying degrees of severity from minor localised patches to complete body coverage.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore

---

---

	Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative by John O. A. Pagano DC (Author), Harry K. Panjwani MD PhD (Foreword) A leading researcher shares natural remedies for psoriasisAccording to the National Psoriasis Foundation, at least seven million people in the U.S. and more than 100 million worldwide suffer from this chronic skin disease. This book outlines Dr. Pagano's natural, drug-free treatment regimen that can alleviate, control, and even heal psoriasis without steroid creams, tar baths, injections, or ultraviolet treatments. Healing Psoriasis outlines a healthy diet and lifestyle and includes case histories, photos, recipes, and a chapter on eczema.
	Your Healing Diet: A Quick Guide to Reversing Psoriasis and Chronic Diseases with Healing Foods by Deirdre Earls RD LD (Author) 'Your Healing Diet: A Quick Guide to Reversing Psoriasis and Chronic Diseases with Healing Foods' is a handbook written by Deirdre Earls, RD, LD, to make it faster and easier to eat in a way that enables the body to heal itself. A short guidebook which was designed to be very user-friendly, it also explains how food can create and reverse disease. In essense, the book distills common threads of success amongst several healing diets like Macrobiotics, Raw Foods, Alkalizing, Cancer and Heart Disease Prevention, Anti-Aging and Anti-inflammatory Diets. Then it demonstrates how you can easily incorporate healing habits into your busy lifestyle. Special segments discuss healing principles and what to expect when healing naturally. Whether or not you're an Austinite, you'll also find...
	Psoriasis Healing from the Inside Out by Heather J. Ferris (Author) "At last a beautifully written book on how to manage this difficult external condition by internal means. I will recommend this book to all my patients with psoriasis." Dr Stephen Falkner MB., Ch.B. Psoriasis Healing from the Inside Out is an important book for people with psoriasis and other conditions, who feel controlled by their diseases. The author Heather Ferris shares her own profound (and simple) experiences with healing addressing issues of body, mind and spirit. She provides practical techniques and opportunities to reflect on individual situations. The author's warm and caring style is evident as she invites us to experience a more peaceful inner environment. Reading this book reminds us to live full, healthy lives.
	Dr. John's Healing Psoriasis Cookbook...Plus! by Dr. John O.A. Pagano (Author), Dr. John O.A. Pagano (Illustrator), Johanna R. Bayati (Illustrator) Statistics show that more than 100 million people worldwide suffer from the chronic skin disease psoriasis. In his first book, HEALING PSORIASIS: The Natural Alternative, Dr. Pagano presented a report of his natural, drug-free treatment regimen that has alleviated, controlled, and even healed psoriasis without the use of steroid creams, tar baths, injections, or ultraviolet treatments. Dr. John's Healing Psoriasis Cookbook...Plus! is the sequel to Dr. Pagano's original book. The cookbook consists of three parts. Part I - Basic Principles - gives technical data which includes the six principles behind the regimen. These principles are: 1) Detoxification; 2) Diet and Nutrition; 3) Herb Teas; 4) Spinal Adjustments; 5) External Applications; and 6) Right Thinking. Part II - The Recipes -...
	100 Questions & Answers About Psoriasis by Kendra Gail Bergstrom (Author), Alexa Boer Kimball (Author) If you suffer from psoriasis, or have a friend or relative who does, this book offers help. Completely revised and updated, 100 Questions & Answers About Psoriasis, Second Edition gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about choosing a dermatologist, treatment options, coping strategies, sources of support, and much more. In clear, accessible style, two expert dermatologists specializing in treating psoriasis describe the latest medical knowledge including the new generation of psoriasis drugs and practical tips on what psoriasis is and what you can do to treat your condition, from mild to the most severe, effectively. Featuring insider advice from an actual patient, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this...
	Psoriasis: Everything You Need to Know (Your Personal Health) by Dr Richard G.B. Langley (Author) Helpful advice for relief of a chronic condition that affects millions. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory, non-contagious skin disease. Characterized by itchy, thick and raised red areas of skin covered with silvery-white scales, psoriasis affects 1 in 50 adults. This affliction makes it one of the world's most common skin disorders. Appearing at any age, it can affect relationships, the ability to work and to enjoy leisure activities. Psoriasis is a straightforward book about an all too common problem. The information is presented in clear, understandable terms for non-medical readers, covering: Causes Psychosocial effects Diagnosis Treatment options Psoriatic arthritis Psoriasis in children. Psoriasis includes line drawings, case studies, a comprehensive resource...
	Dealing with Psoriasis Poems, thoughts, and some advice of how to deal with the emotional aspect of this condition.
	Psoriasis: The Real Way Out: A Self-Education Guide to Complete Natural Healing, 2nd Edition 2008 by Jerry G. Scott R.N.C. (Author) This is a book for the determined, not for the quick fix crowd. A clear understanding of the underlying causes of psoriasis is presented, one that flies in the face of current drug-oriented treatments. It is also one that recognizes the true causes and alleviation of psoriasis that have actually been known for decades. Leading edge strategies are also revealed, and resources are listed. The book is blunt, and does not coddle the reader. Rather, it requires participation if the reader is to be healed of the condition, and very specific solutions are offered in a comprehensive plan of action. Book owners can link up with the author through his website called PsoriasisUSA.
	The Psoriasis Cure: A Drug-Free Guide to Stopping & Reversing the Symptoms of Psoriasis by Lisa LeVan (Author) This book offers hope for those who suffer from this debilitating systemic disease. Beyond causing scaly red patches on the skin, psoriasis can result in aching joints, listlessness, and arthritis. Featuring a nutritional approach to treatment, this book teaches the patient to eliminate allergic reactions and to add specific supplements to the diet.
	Psoriasis: A Patient's Guide by Nicholas J. Lowe (Author) ...a comprehensive source of information in a compact, easy-to-read format...provides a complete review of psoriasis and the available treatments.