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Costs of psoriasis treatments outpace inflation

The cost of psoriasis treatments has increased faster than inflation, with newer biologic therapies being significantly more expensive. Costs for systemic therapy range from $1,197 to $27,577, with phototherapy and biologics having varying price ranges.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJan 18, 2010

Discovery of new type of immune cells regulating inflammation in chronic diseases

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered Th22 cells, a previously unknown subset of T helper cells that aid in tissue repair and prevent inflammation. The newly found cells hold promise for developing new treatment methods for inflammatory skin diseases and potentially also allergic respiratory diseases.

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers at the University of Tokyo identified a novel biomarker to monitor acute kidney injury, while a study found that the unfolded protein response contributes to nerve cell death in Alzheimer's Disease. Additionally, a bacterial toxin disrupts intestinal epithelial barrier function, leading to systemic infection.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 25, 2009

Acitretin therapy may help reduce nail psoriasis

Low-dose acitretin therapy shows promise in reducing nail psoriasis symptoms, with 25-33% of patients experiencing complete or near-complete clearing. The treatment also demonstrates safety and effectiveness in improving quality of life for patients suffering from severe nail psoriasis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMar 16, 2009

Indigo ointment may help treat patients with psoriasis

A randomized trial found that indigo naturalis ointment significantly improved scaling, erythema, and induration in patients with treatment-resistant psoriasis. After 12 weeks, the treated plaques showed an 81% improvement compared to a 26% improvement for non-medicated ointment-treated lesions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateNov 17, 2008

Researchers uncover new genetic links to psoriasis

A comprehensive study of the genetic basis of psoriasis has discovered seven new sites of common DNA variation that increase the risk of this skin condition. The variations were found to be strongly linked to psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune disorders, paving the way for more targeted therapies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 3, 2008

Popular alternative therapy for psoriasis performs no better than placebo

A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, had a low response rate in patients with psoriasis. Despite laboratory evidence showing its potential, the study suggests that the placebo effect or natural remission may be responsible for the limited results.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateFeb 29, 2008

Small molecules may explain psoriasis

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that microRNA molecules, specifically miR-203, are significantly upregulated in psoriasis and may be involved in regulating keratinocytes. This study suggests that microRNA therapies could become more effective than traditional medicines targeting individual proteins.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2007

Psoriasis associated with increased risk for heart attack

A study published in JAMA Network found that adults with psoriasis, particularly those with severe forms of the condition, are at a higher risk for heart attacks. The research also revealed that younger patients with severe psoriasis have a significantly increased relative risk compared to other major cardiac risk factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 10, 2006