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Articles focus on psoriasis, risk of mental health disorders

Two studies found a significant association between psoriasis and an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, in Denmark and South Korea. The research highlights the importance of addressing the mental health needs of individuals with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 8, 2019

Link between autoimmune, heart disease explained in mice

Studies in mice with psoriasis-like conditions found that stiff blood vessel walls trapped cholesterol, promoting plaques and increasing cardiovascular risk. Neutralizing a specific immune cell type reduced collagen density and cholesterol deposits, suggesting a preventable link between autoimmune diseases and heart disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 8, 2018

Stigmatizing views and myths about psoriasis are pervasive in the United States

A new study reveals pervasive stigmatizing views and myths about psoriasis in the United States, affecting daily life and relationships. The research found that 54% of respondents did not want to date someone with psoriasis, highlighting the need for education and awareness to dispel these negative perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateAug 30, 2018

Psoriasis treated with compound derived from immune cells

A compound derived from immune cells has been found to treat psoriasis in mice, with the potential to be effective against other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests that the compound suppresses an inflammatory pathway that is overactive in these conditions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2018

Normal tissue BRCA1 methylation associated with risk for high-grade ovarian cancer

Researchers found that normal tissue BRCA1 methylation is associated with an increased risk of high-grade ovarian cancer, which may occur as a prenatal event. The study analyzed white blood cells from patients and healthy controls and discovered that elevated BRCA1 methylation was confined to those diagnosed with high-grade serous tumors.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 15, 2018

Uncovering why psoriasis recurs

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers identifies a population of tissue resident memory cells that may be driving recurrence in psoriasis. These cells, which live long-term in the skin, can cause misguided immune responses leading to red, inflamed patches on the skin.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 28, 2017

Psoriasis and psychiatric illnesses: What are the links?

Research suggests a connection between psoriasis and psychiatric illnesses, with inflammation being a key underlying factor. Psoriasis patients are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts due to the debilitating nature of their condition.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·DateAug 11, 2017

New effective treatments for psoriatic arthritis patients

Two new drug classes, tofacitinib and guselkumab, have shown significant improvements in treating psoriatic arthritis. Tofacitinib demonstrated superiority over placebo in ACR20 response rates and HAQ-DI score at 3 months, while guselkumab improved joint symptoms, physical function, and quality of life in patients with active PsA.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 16, 2017

Handheld scanner reveals vascularization in psoriasis patients

A new handheld scanner allows for non-invasive imaging of skin layers and blood vessels in psoriasis patients, enabling the assessment of disease severity and potential treatment options. The technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and therapy of other diseases such as skin cancer and diabetes.

TWEAKing inflammation

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology pinpoint TWEAK as a common driver of skin inflammation in both diseases. The protein plays a major role in inducing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to the skin.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

Severe psoriasis predominantly affects men

Research from Umeå University found that women have a statistically significant lower incidence of severe psoriasis compared to men. Women with psoriasis had significantly lower median PASI values, indicating less severe disease.

SourceUmea University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Dermatology·DateMar 24, 2017

Weight loss reduces psoriasis symptoms

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that weight loss reduced psoriasis severity and improved quality of life among obese test subjects. The results, which showed a lasting effect, underscore the importance of weight loss as part of a broader treatment regimen for overweight patients with psoriasis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 22, 2016

Immune breakthrough: Unscratching poison ivy's rash

A Monash University and Harvard researchers have discovered the molecular cause of the itchy, painful rash caused by poison ivy. The finding identifies CD1a as a crucial immune molecule in mediating skin inflammation and irritation after contact with urushiol, a key player in triggering skin-based allergic reactions.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 22, 2016

Possible psoriasis drug target identified by Stanford researchers

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified Rac1 as a potential target for treating psoriasis. The small protein is involved in wound repair and has been linked to environmental triggers of the disease, as well as genetic predisposition. Blocking Rac1 activation may offer a new way to treat psoriasis without s...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2016

New drug clears psoriasis in clinical trials

A new drug called ixekizumab has shown significant promise in treating moderate to severe psoriasis, with 80 percent of patients experiencing complete or near-complete clearance of their symptoms. The long-term efficacy and safety of the treatment will be monitored closely.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 9, 2016

Closer to the source of the itch

Researchers found that IL-17A stimulates skin cells to express genes maintaining an inflammatory microenvironment, leading to psoriasis. The study identified NFKBIZ gene as playing a significant role in the IL-17A pathway.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Immunology·DateMay 25, 2016

CNIO scientists discover a link between psoriasis and general bone loss

Researchers from CNIO have discovered a link between psoriasis and bone loss, finding that the disease causes widespread and progressive bone tissue loss. Treating psoriasis patients with IL-17 blockers could have benefits for bone health, and the study suggests potential implications for other autoimmune disorders.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 16, 2016