By Steven Reinberg
WEDNESDAY, April 27, 2016 -- The chronic skin disease psoriasis may be linked to excess weight and type 2 diabetes, results of a new study suggest.
Danish researchers found that people with type 2 diabetes had more than 50 percent greater odds of having psoriasis compared to people without diabetes.
The study also found that the rate of psoriasis went up with increasing weight. For example, obese people with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 had almost double the odds of psoriasis than normal weight people did. BMI is a body fat measurement based on height and weight. A BMI of 30 or over is considered obese.
Exactly how these conditions might be connected isn't clear, but the study authors suggested that genetics, smoking, drinking alcohol, or inflammation might play a role.
"Psoriasis is a complex disorder," said lead researcher Dr. Ann Sophie Lonnberg, of the University of Copenhagen. "The genetic background for the disease and its many comorbidities [co-existing conditions] have not yet been fully uncovered," she said.
This study can't prove that psoriasis causes type 2 diabetes or obesity or vice versa, Lonnberg added. However, the study suggests the association between psoriasis and obesity could partly be tied to a common genetic cause, she explained.
"The reason psoriasis and obesity are associated is not only due to a common lifestyle, but they are also associated due to common genes," Lonnberg said. "It is important to treat psoriasis and obesity and diabetes, since they are risk factors for heart disease and could have serious effects on overall health."
For the study, Lonnberg and her colleagues collected data on nearly 34,000 twins, aged 20 to 71. Just over 4 percent had psoriasis, slightly more than 1 percent had type 2 diabetes and over 6 percent were obese, the findings showed.
Among the nearly 460 individuals with type 2 diabetes, about 8 percent also had psoriasis. Among people without type 2 diabetes, just 4 percent had psoriasis, the investigators found.
People with psoriasis tended to weigh more than those without the skin condition, the researchers said. The risk for obesity was also greater among those with psoriasis -- 11 percent of people with psoriasis were obese, but only 8 percent of non-obese study participants had psoriasis, the findings showed.
The researchers also looked at 720 twin pairs in which one twin had psoriasis and the other didn't. The twins with psoriasis weighed more than the twins without psoriasis, and were also more likely to be obese, the study found. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes, however, was the same in twins with and without psoriasis, according to the report.
The study was published in the April 27 online edition of the journal JAMA Dermatology.
"Psoriasis is not just a disease of the skin -- patients and health care professionals need to be aware of systemic health issues associated with psoriasis," said Dr. Joel Gelfand. He's an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and author of an accompanying journal editorial.
Other studies have suggested that people with psoriasis are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes even if they don't have major risk factors for the blood sugar disease, and that this risk increases with the severity of the psoriasis, Gelfand said.
"Some of this risk may be due to shared genetics between psoriasis and diabetes. It is also thought that chronic inflammation in psoriasis may predispose patients to diabetes," Gelfand explained.
He suggested that people with psoriasis -- particularly those aged 40 to 70 with more extensive skin disease -- should receive medical screenings for diabetes.
"Patients with psoriasis who are overweight or obese may lower their risk of diabetes while making the skin disease less active if they are able to achieve and maintain a more healthy body weight," Gelfand said.
Another doctor thinks genetics may help explain what she has seen in her own practice.
"I have seen that psoriasis is linked with diabetes, which suggests that a genetic link may help explain why it's a lot harder to control diabetes in patients with psoriasis," said Dr. Doris Day. She is a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
"We are understanding more about psoriasis and coming up with better treatments for it," she said. "If you have psoriasis, you need to see a dermatologist, a cardiologist and an endocrinologist to make sure you have other conditions under control," Day advised.
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2016/04/27/Psoriasis-tied-to-obesity-type-2-diabetes/4611461792811/
Thursday, 28 April 2016
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Scientists Pinpoint Source For Psoriasis, Raise Hope For More Effective Treatments
By Catherine Cabral-Isabedra
More effective treatments for managing psoriasis are possible with the identification of the genetic mutation that causes the inflammation, a new report has suggested.
Researchers from the Vlaams Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) said preventing the activation of MALT1, which triggers immune response to the inflammation, can become the basis of treatment formulation for psoriasis.
Genetic mutation in CARD14 makes the skin cells become more susceptible to developing psoriasis. CARD14 is a known epidermal regulator of the NF-kB protein, but recent findings suggest that CARD14 also regulates another signaling pathway that accelerates inflammation and causes psoriasis. CARD14 also regulates p38 and JNK MAP kinase pathways, which are both dependent on the MALT1 paracaspase.
It does not mean the psoriasis can be cured, however. Its symptoms can only be managed by blocking the immunologic response that causes the skin cells to grow at a rapid rate.
Researchers were able to identify physical and functional activation of MALT1 by CARD14 in isolated keratinocytes or skin cells that produce keratin. By blocking the MALT1 activation, significant reductions in the proteins responsible for inflammation and cell growth were seen, making MALT1 a valuable target for psoriasis treatment. However, the current finding suggests that MALT1 inhibition would only be beneficial for those with CARD14 mutation type of psoriasis.
"Whether MALT1 inhibitors may also be useful for the treatment of more common forms of psoriasis is currently under investigation," said VIB and Ghent University professor Rudi Beyaert.
Psoriasis is a type of auto immune disease that affects 2 to 4 percent of the population in the west. Patients commonly complain of red scaly patches of skin on their knees, elbows, or scalp. Individuals with severe psoriasis have been found to have other serious illnesses such as heart diseases, diabetes, and uncontrolled hypertension.
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/153680/20160426/scientists-pinpoint-source-for-psoriasis-raise-hope-for-more-effective-treatments.htm
More effective treatments for managing psoriasis are possible with the identification of the genetic mutation that causes the inflammation, a new report has suggested.
Researchers from the Vlaams Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) said preventing the activation of MALT1, which triggers immune response to the inflammation, can become the basis of treatment formulation for psoriasis.
Genetic mutation in CARD14 makes the skin cells become more susceptible to developing psoriasis. CARD14 is a known epidermal regulator of the NF-kB protein, but recent findings suggest that CARD14 also regulates another signaling pathway that accelerates inflammation and causes psoriasis. CARD14 also regulates p38 and JNK MAP kinase pathways, which are both dependent on the MALT1 paracaspase.
It does not mean the psoriasis can be cured, however. Its symptoms can only be managed by blocking the immunologic response that causes the skin cells to grow at a rapid rate.
Researchers were able to identify physical and functional activation of MALT1 by CARD14 in isolated keratinocytes or skin cells that produce keratin. By blocking the MALT1 activation, significant reductions in the proteins responsible for inflammation and cell growth were seen, making MALT1 a valuable target for psoriasis treatment. However, the current finding suggests that MALT1 inhibition would only be beneficial for those with CARD14 mutation type of psoriasis.
"Whether MALT1 inhibitors may also be useful for the treatment of more common forms of psoriasis is currently under investigation," said VIB and Ghent University professor Rudi Beyaert.
Psoriasis is a type of auto immune disease that affects 2 to 4 percent of the population in the west. Patients commonly complain of red scaly patches of skin on their knees, elbows, or scalp. Individuals with severe psoriasis have been found to have other serious illnesses such as heart diseases, diabetes, and uncontrolled hypertension.
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/153680/20160426/scientists-pinpoint-source-for-psoriasis-raise-hope-for-more-effective-treatments.htm
Thursday, 21 April 2016
What Do Your Nails Tell You About Your Health?
By Dr. Carrie Jones
It seems many women are more concerned with the length or strength of their fingernails and do not realize that these little keratin beds provide a wealth of information about the health of the body.
The divots, color changes, ridges and nail beds could illuminate a deeper issue such as a blood disorder or autoimmune disease. Those irregularities could mean more than an overdue manicure.
Weak or brittle nails
These are very common concerns for many women. The causes can be quite varied, from low thyroid or low iron to a fungal infection or low mineral intake.
Talk with your health care provider about appropriate testing to pinpoint the cause.
Dark lines or spots on or underneath the nail
This could be indicative of the type of skin cancer known as melanoma. Similar to a dark, raised or irregular mole on the skin of the body, melanoma can develop on the skin under the fingernail or on the nail itself.
Make sure to show your health care provider immediately if you have noticed an unexplained dark line or spot not due to trauma.
Yellowish crumbly, and/or thick nails (especially in the toes)
This often indicates a fungal infection. However, it could be due to the autoimmune condition psoriasis. Fungal infections can be contagious and often spread to other nails, so hygiene is important.
Spoon-shaped (indented) nails
Known as koilonychia, this is usually due to iron deficiency. However, it may also be due to Raynaud's disease where the fingers are affected by the cold, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or exposure to petroleum-based solvents on a regular basis.
Nails that are pitted in several places
This is a common symptoms of the autoimmune skin condition psoriasis.
Little red or brown lines known as splinter hemorrhages
These can be more serious and they can occur due to endocarditis, SLE and psoriasis. One or two splinter hemorrhages could be due to trauma, however if there are a few in each nail then consider a more serious condition.
Grooves that go left to right rather than from the tip to the nailbed
These are known as Beau’s lines that form after an illness has occurred, or due to an injury to the nail. They can also happen to those that have Raynaud's disease. These grooves tend to grow out without issue.
Grooves or ridges that go up and down, from the tip down to the nail bed
Despite their appearance, these are often normal signs of aging which can become more pronounced with time.
Make sure to evaluate the health of your toenails in addition to your fingernails. Many women may not realize the condition of their nails (both fingers and toes) due to nail polish. So, periodically, you should go without color, or fake nails, and make sure to do a thorough evaluation showing any concerns to your health care provider.
It can take about six months to completely grow out a nail so check to see if the irregularities are a part of the new nail or simply growing out slowly over time.
http://www.empowher.com/nail-ridges/content/what-do-your-nails-tell-you-about-your-health?page=0,1
It seems many women are more concerned with the length or strength of their fingernails and do not realize that these little keratin beds provide a wealth of information about the health of the body.
The divots, color changes, ridges and nail beds could illuminate a deeper issue such as a blood disorder or autoimmune disease. Those irregularities could mean more than an overdue manicure.
Weak or brittle nails
These are very common concerns for many women. The causes can be quite varied, from low thyroid or low iron to a fungal infection or low mineral intake.
Talk with your health care provider about appropriate testing to pinpoint the cause.
Dark lines or spots on or underneath the nail
This could be indicative of the type of skin cancer known as melanoma. Similar to a dark, raised or irregular mole on the skin of the body, melanoma can develop on the skin under the fingernail or on the nail itself.
Make sure to show your health care provider immediately if you have noticed an unexplained dark line or spot not due to trauma.
Yellowish crumbly, and/or thick nails (especially in the toes)
This often indicates a fungal infection. However, it could be due to the autoimmune condition psoriasis. Fungal infections can be contagious and often spread to other nails, so hygiene is important.
Spoon-shaped (indented) nails
Known as koilonychia, this is usually due to iron deficiency. However, it may also be due to Raynaud's disease where the fingers are affected by the cold, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or exposure to petroleum-based solvents on a regular basis.
Nails that are pitted in several places
This is a common symptoms of the autoimmune skin condition psoriasis.
Little red or brown lines known as splinter hemorrhages
These can be more serious and they can occur due to endocarditis, SLE and psoriasis. One or two splinter hemorrhages could be due to trauma, however if there are a few in each nail then consider a more serious condition.
Grooves that go left to right rather than from the tip to the nailbed
These are known as Beau’s lines that form after an illness has occurred, or due to an injury to the nail. They can also happen to those that have Raynaud's disease. These grooves tend to grow out without issue.
Grooves or ridges that go up and down, from the tip down to the nail bed
Despite their appearance, these are often normal signs of aging which can become more pronounced with time.
Make sure to evaluate the health of your toenails in addition to your fingernails. Many women may not realize the condition of their nails (both fingers and toes) due to nail polish. So, periodically, you should go without color, or fake nails, and make sure to do a thorough evaluation showing any concerns to your health care provider.
It can take about six months to completely grow out a nail so check to see if the irregularities are a part of the new nail or simply growing out slowly over time.
http://www.empowher.com/nail-ridges/content/what-do-your-nails-tell-you-about-your-health?page=0,1
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Uncovering the Emotional and Mental Impact of Psoriatic Disease
From National Psoriasis Foundation
WASHINGTON, April 19, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To ensure that people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have access to the treatments needed to manage their disease, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) will hold a congressional briefing today to address the emotional and mental implications of psoriatic disease.
This briefing will include Cyndi Lauper, pop icon and spokeswoman for "I'm PsO Ready," a national initiative driven by NPF and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation to highlight the physical, emotional and social challenges of psoriasis. The briefing will also include NPF medical board member, board-certified dermatologist and clinical psychologist Dr. Richard Fried of Yardley Dermatology and Yardley Clinical Research Associates.
In addition to dealing with the physical suffering and an increased risk of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, many patients struggle with depression and a reduced quality of life due to the social stigma associated with psoriatic disease.
Recent studies have found that those living with psoriasis have a 39 percent increased risk of being diagnosed with depression than those without the disease[1]. Those with a combination of both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis suffer higher rates of anxiety and depression than those with psoriasis alone[2].
For many, treating their disease is the first step in reducing the risk of depression and improving overall quality of life. However, lack of access, lack of appropriate diagnosis, and lack of resources to get medication limit many patients from treating their disease. Congress can help address these issues by removing barriers that are making it hard for patients to treat their disease.
"The goal of this briefing is to ask Congress to support initiatives that provide better access for patients to effectively treat their disease, said Randy Beranek, president of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "By addressing the significant impact psoriatic disease has on patients' overall quality of life, we are getting closer to achieving our goal of dramatically improving health outcomes for all with psoriatic disease."
Monday, 18 April 2016
Psoriasis severity linked to work productivity, quality of life
By Lauren Biscaldi
Patients with severe psoriasis have a heightened reduction in quality of life (QoL) and work productivity, according to research published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology.
As part of a recent survey conducted in the United States, dermatologists were asked to provide information on psoriasis patients' overall disease severity, symptom severity, and existing comorbidities. The patients completed QoL questionnaires – the EuroQoL 5-Dimension Health (EQ-5D) questionnaire, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire – and the researchers used multivariate regression to determine the relationship between variable outcomes and psoriasis severity.
Data from 694 patients were analyzed; 48% of patients had mild psoriasis, 46% had moderate psoriasis, and 6% had severe psoriasis. The most commonly reported symptom was scaling (82% of patients); participants also reported itching (73%) and pain (32%). Increased psoriasis severity was associated with an increase of symptoms and a reduced QoL and decrease in EQ-5D scores.
“WPAI scores increased with severity,” noted Neil J Korman, MD, PhD, of the Clinical Trials Unit at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. “It is important that physicians recognize the impact of severe disease on patients' lives and take steps to address this.”
http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/psoriasis-information-center/psoriasis-severity-affects-patients-quality-of-life/article/490195/
Patients with severe psoriasis have a heightened reduction in quality of life (QoL) and work productivity, according to research published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology.
As part of a recent survey conducted in the United States, dermatologists were asked to provide information on psoriasis patients' overall disease severity, symptom severity, and existing comorbidities. The patients completed QoL questionnaires – the EuroQoL 5-Dimension Health (EQ-5D) questionnaire, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire – and the researchers used multivariate regression to determine the relationship between variable outcomes and psoriasis severity.
Data from 694 patients were analyzed; 48% of patients had mild psoriasis, 46% had moderate psoriasis, and 6% had severe psoriasis. The most commonly reported symptom was scaling (82% of patients); participants also reported itching (73%) and pain (32%). Increased psoriasis severity was associated with an increase of symptoms and a reduced QoL and decrease in EQ-5D scores.
“WPAI scores increased with severity,” noted Neil J Korman, MD, PhD, of the Clinical Trials Unit at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. “It is important that physicians recognize the impact of severe disease on patients' lives and take steps to address this.”
http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/psoriasis-information-center/psoriasis-severity-affects-patients-quality-of-life/article/490195/
Sunday, 17 April 2016
Risk of aneurysm in the abdomen higher in psoriasis
By Emily Lunardo
A new study found that psoriasis patients are more likely to develop an aneurysm in the abdomen, compared to those without the autoimmune disorder. Although the risk is small, it is still important to note.
The researchers also found that the risk of an abdominal aneurysm increases with the severity of psoriasis. The reason for this connection, researchers speculate, may have to do with the role of inflammation in both conditions.
Lead researcher Dr. Usman Khalid said, “The association between [abdominal aortic aneurysm] and psoriasis has not been examined before, but we are not surprised by seeing a heightened risk in our study. Our results add to the evidence that there is an increased risk of various cardiovascular diseases in patients with psoriasis.”
Nearly 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis, which is an incurable autoimmune disease. In an abdominal aneurysm, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the abdomen to the heart becomes enlarged. Because this condition can be symptomless it can lead to fatal outcomes without any warning.
The researchers analyzed 14 years of data from over 59,000 patients with mild psoriasis and 11,000 patients with severe psoriasis. The participants were followed until they developed an abdominal aneurysm, died, or until the end of the study.
Mild psoriasis patients were found to have a 20 percent higher risk of abdominal aneurysm, compared to people without psoriasis. Patients with severe psoriasis had a 67 percent higher risk of an abdominal aneurysm.
Khalid added, “More research is needed to explain the causal mechanisms. Nonetheless, our findings not only stress the need to treat the symptoms of the skin disorder, but also a regular evaluation of the risk factors that are associated with cardiovascular disease outcomes. Also, patients with psoriasis must be encouraged to change [an] unhealthy lifestyle and adhere to a daily program that will minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems.”
Unfortunately, taking the time to screen psoriasis patients for such conditions can be quite costly. Dr. Katherine Cox, a dermatologist at Houston Methodist West Hospital in Texas, explained, “We have known for a long time that psoriasis is not just a skin-deep issue. We’ve known there’s a cardiovascular risk issue with psoriasis. So, it’s not surprising to see now that it’s connected with [abdominal aneurysms] as well, especially since they share similar inflammatory pathways.”
“Being able to give [risk] numbers to patients makes it more real for patients,” Cox added. Abdominal aneurysms “are a silent killer. I’m not a cardiologist, but because a lot of people are asymptomatic for it, because they’re not looking for it, they may miss it,” Cox concluded.
http://www.belmarrahealth.com/risk-of-aneurysm-in-the-abdomen-higher-in-psoriasis/
A new study found that psoriasis patients are more likely to develop an aneurysm in the abdomen, compared to those without the autoimmune disorder. Although the risk is small, it is still important to note.
The researchers also found that the risk of an abdominal aneurysm increases with the severity of psoriasis. The reason for this connection, researchers speculate, may have to do with the role of inflammation in both conditions.
Lead researcher Dr. Usman Khalid said, “The association between [abdominal aortic aneurysm] and psoriasis has not been examined before, but we are not surprised by seeing a heightened risk in our study. Our results add to the evidence that there is an increased risk of various cardiovascular diseases in patients with psoriasis.”
Nearly 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis, which is an incurable autoimmune disease. In an abdominal aneurysm, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the abdomen to the heart becomes enlarged. Because this condition can be symptomless it can lead to fatal outcomes without any warning.
The researchers analyzed 14 years of data from over 59,000 patients with mild psoriasis and 11,000 patients with severe psoriasis. The participants were followed until they developed an abdominal aneurysm, died, or until the end of the study.
Mild psoriasis patients were found to have a 20 percent higher risk of abdominal aneurysm, compared to people without psoriasis. Patients with severe psoriasis had a 67 percent higher risk of an abdominal aneurysm.
Khalid added, “More research is needed to explain the causal mechanisms. Nonetheless, our findings not only stress the need to treat the symptoms of the skin disorder, but also a regular evaluation of the risk factors that are associated with cardiovascular disease outcomes. Also, patients with psoriasis must be encouraged to change [an] unhealthy lifestyle and adhere to a daily program that will minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems.”
Unfortunately, taking the time to screen psoriasis patients for such conditions can be quite costly. Dr. Katherine Cox, a dermatologist at Houston Methodist West Hospital in Texas, explained, “We have known for a long time that psoriasis is not just a skin-deep issue. We’ve known there’s a cardiovascular risk issue with psoriasis. So, it’s not surprising to see now that it’s connected with [abdominal aneurysms] as well, especially since they share similar inflammatory pathways.”
“Being able to give [risk] numbers to patients makes it more real for patients,” Cox added. Abdominal aneurysms “are a silent killer. I’m not a cardiologist, but because a lot of people are asymptomatic for it, because they’re not looking for it, they may miss it,” Cox concluded.
http://www.belmarrahealth.com/risk-of-aneurysm-in-the-abdomen-higher-in-psoriasis/
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
Psoriasis and general bone loss linked, may help osteoporosis treatment research: Study
By Dr. Victor Marchione
Psoriasis and general bone loss have been found to be linked and studies suggest it may help osteoporosis treatment research. Researchers from the Genes, Development and Disease Group found that psoriasis patients experience higher levels of bone loss as a result of the disease. Their findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, described the molecular communication that is established between the inflamed skin and loss of bone mass. The research unveiled a possible treatment for psoriasis with already available drugs that could benefit bone health, too.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects two percent of the world’s population. Manifested as inflammation and scaling of the skin, psoriasis increases a person’s risk of developing a type of metabolic syndrome by predisposing them to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
First author and researcher Özge Uluçkan said, “We have detected that psoriasis causes the widespread and progressive loss of bone tissue. There is no active destruction of the bone. On the contrary, during the bone regeneration cycle, bone is not formed at the necessary speed to replace what is being lost and, therefore, patients’ bone mass reduces over time.”
Previous research found that in animal models the skin generated large amounts of the cytokine IL-17, which activates cellular inflammation response to damage. IL-17 travels through the blood and ends up in the bones where it blocks osteoblasts (cells responsible for bone formation) – just like it occurs in osteoporosis, arthritis, and myeloma. The mice were treated with IL-17 blockers, and normal function was restored along with bone formation.
When specialized CT scans were administered in psoriasis patients and healthy individuals, the researchers found that psoriasis patients had greater bone loss, which was correlated with higher levels of cytokine IL-17A in blood.
Uluçkan explained, “Treating psoriasis patients with IL-17 blockers — some already on the market — could have a beneficial effect on the loss of bone tissue, unlike other compounds that might only affect skin inflammation.”
“IL-17 has become a focus point for the investigation of the immune system. Its deregulation is not only related to psoriasis, but also to other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. Some of these have been linked to loss of bone tissue, as in the case of inflammatory bowel disease, found in 70% of cases. It would be interesting to study whether IL-17 is responsible for this secondary effect,” Uluçkan concluded.
http://www.belmarrahealth.com/psoriasis-and-general-bone-loss-linked-may-help-osteoporosis-treatment-research-study/
Psoriasis and general bone loss have been found to be linked and studies suggest it may help osteoporosis treatment research. Researchers from the Genes, Development and Disease Group found that psoriasis patients experience higher levels of bone loss as a result of the disease. Their findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, described the molecular communication that is established between the inflamed skin and loss of bone mass. The research unveiled a possible treatment for psoriasis with already available drugs that could benefit bone health, too.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects two percent of the world’s population. Manifested as inflammation and scaling of the skin, psoriasis increases a person’s risk of developing a type of metabolic syndrome by predisposing them to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
First author and researcher Özge Uluçkan said, “We have detected that psoriasis causes the widespread and progressive loss of bone tissue. There is no active destruction of the bone. On the contrary, during the bone regeneration cycle, bone is not formed at the necessary speed to replace what is being lost and, therefore, patients’ bone mass reduces over time.”
Previous research found that in animal models the skin generated large amounts of the cytokine IL-17, which activates cellular inflammation response to damage. IL-17 travels through the blood and ends up in the bones where it blocks osteoblasts (cells responsible for bone formation) – just like it occurs in osteoporosis, arthritis, and myeloma. The mice were treated with IL-17 blockers, and normal function was restored along with bone formation.
When specialized CT scans were administered in psoriasis patients and healthy individuals, the researchers found that psoriasis patients had greater bone loss, which was correlated with higher levels of cytokine IL-17A in blood.
Uluçkan explained, “Treating psoriasis patients with IL-17 blockers — some already on the market — could have a beneficial effect on the loss of bone tissue, unlike other compounds that might only affect skin inflammation.”
“IL-17 has become a focus point for the investigation of the immune system. Its deregulation is not only related to psoriasis, but also to other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. Some of these have been linked to loss of bone tissue, as in the case of inflammatory bowel disease, found in 70% of cases. It would be interesting to study whether IL-17 is responsible for this secondary effect,” Uluçkan concluded.
http://www.belmarrahealth.com/psoriasis-and-general-bone-loss-linked-may-help-osteoporosis-treatment-research-study/
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