ScienceDaily: Psoriasis News

Anti-aging drug breakthrough

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:13:13 EST

Drugs that combat aging may be available within five years, following landmark work. The work finally demonstrates that a single anti-aging enzyme in the body can be targeted, with the potential to prevent age-related diseases and extend lifespans. Four thousand synthetic activators, which are 100 times as potent as a single glass of red wine, have been developed -- the best three are in human trials.

Itching for new help for eczema: Recently identified immune cells possible therapeutic target

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:36:36 EST

Researchers have identified a previously unknown critical role for a recently identified immune cell population in the progression of atopic dermatitis. The team found an accumulation of innate lymphoid cells in the active lesions of patients with atopic dermatitis, and in mice, they showed that ILCs contribute to disease progression. These studies suggest innate lymphoid cells may be a new therapeutic target in treating the development and severity of atopic dermatitis.

New treatment for psoriasis?

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:25:25 EST

Three per cent of the world’s population suffer from the skin condition known as psoriasis. A Norwegian research-based company is close to developing a treatment that could help millions. The research may also prove beneficial in the treatment of other illnesses.

Kids with psoriasis likely to be obese or overweight

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:33:33 EST

The largest international study of physician-treated children with psoriasis shows children with the skin disease are about twice as likely to be overweight or obese than children who don't have the disease. And US children with psoriasis have much higher odds than psoriatic children in other countries of being obese or overweight.

People with severe psoriasis nearly twice at risk for diabetes

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:24:24 EDT

An analysis of 27 studies linking psoriasis in 314,000 individuals with diabetes has found strong correlation between the scaly skin rash and the blood sugar disorder that predisposes patients to heart disease.

Psoriasis patients at high risk of diabetes

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 07:41:41 EDT

Patients with psoriasis are at high risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus, according to new research.

New research fuels greater understanding of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in children and adolescents

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:23:23 EDT

A new understanding of skin conditions in children and teens is helping to better manage and potentially prevent medical conditions associated with both atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Protective role of skin microbiota described

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:39:39 EDT

Scientists have found that bacteria that normally live in the skin may help protect the body from infection. As the largest organ of the body, the skin represents a major site of interaction with microbes in the environment.

Skin has an internal clock

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 10:36:36 EDT

Human skin has an internal clock responsible for the time-based steering of its repair and regeneration, among other things. Our skin is one of the body’s essential organs and perhaps the most versatile: Besides representative, communicative and sensory functions, it serves as our body’s boundary to the environment, forms an active and passive barrier against germs and helps keeping conditions constant for other important systems of the body, even though environmental conditions can change drastically. Frost, heat, sunlight and moisture — a variety of challenges for our skin — have different effects depending on the time of day.

Protein may be key to psoriasis and wound care

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:49:49 EDT

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which skin cells proliferate out of control. For some hard-to-heal wounds, the problem is just the opposite: Restorative skin cells don’t grow well or fast enough. Researchers now describe a molecule that may lead to new treatments for both problems.

Psoriasis increases risk of diabetes, study shows

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:18:18 EDT

Psoriasis is an independent risk for Type 2 Diabetes, according to a new study, with the greatest risk seen in patients with severe psoriasis. Researchers estimate that an additional 115,500 people will develop diabetes each year due to the risk posed by psoriasis above and beyond conventional risk factors.

Mystery to the origin of long-lived, skin-deep immune cells uncovered

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 09:28:28 EDT

Scientists have uncovered the origin of a group of skin-deep immune cells called the Langerhans cells, that act as the first line of defense against harmful germs and skin infections. Identifying the source of these sentry cells of the skin may hold exciting possibilities to novel strategies for vaccination and treatment of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory skin disorders.

Vigorous physical activity associated with reduced risk of psoriasis

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:38:38 EDT

A study of US women suggests that vigorous physical activity may be associated with a reduced risk of psoriasis, according to a new report.

Mechanistic discovery links psoriasis to increased risk of CVD

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:33:33 EDT

Researchers have discovered preclinical evidence demonstrating that the inflammatory skin disease leads to cardiovascular disease. Further, the research demonstrated that aggressive reversal of psoriasis reduces the cardiovascular risk as well.

First gene linked to common form of psoriasis identified

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:14:14 EDT

Scientists have identified the first gene directly linked to the most common form of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.

Microflora have decisive role with autoimmune illnesses, some good, some bad

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:52:52 EDT

When the right microorganisms are at work, immune cells involved in the development of autoimmune illnesses like psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and arthritis, can develop anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists have now demonstrated that particular fungi activate the immune cells involved in the development of certain illnesses, whereas other microorganisms, in particular bacteria that are found naturally on our skin, lend an anti-inflammatory function to them.

Treating psoriasis to prevent heart attacks and strokes

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:16:16 EDT

A clinical study shows that a new treatment for psoriasis could be associated with a significant decrease in vascular inflammation, a major risk factor of cardiovascular disease.

New hope for better treatment of psoriasis

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:44:44 EST

Researchers are developing a promising new treatment for psoriasis. The study focuses on the psoriasin protein.

Importance of treatment process and outcomes varies among patients with psoriasis

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:39:39 EST

Among patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, treatment options that are most compatible with their personal and professional life appear to be most important, and treatment location appears more important than probability and magnitude of treatment outcome, according to a new study.

Certain medications used for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis not associated with increased risk of hospitalization for serious infections

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:13:13 EST

Although there has been concern about the safety of using the type of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, new research finds that overall, use of these medications is not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for serious infections compared with the use of nonbiologic medications, according to a new study.

Controlling cell death prevents skin inflammation

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:15:15 EDT

A new study provides evidence that stopping of a type of regulated cell death called "necroptosis" in keratinocytes is critical for the prevention of skin inflammation.

Nearly one in four people with psoriasis may have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:37:37 EDT

New research shows one in four people with psoriasis may have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis, in addition to the up to 2 million people already diagnosed with the disease. Also, there's a significant delay of diagnosis for psoriatic arthritis.

Evaluation of pediatric psoriasis outpatient health care delivery finds some treatment variability

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:40:40 EDT

Most outpatient visits for pediatric psoriasis in the United States are made by white children ages 8 years and older and are made to dermatologists and pediatricians, but the treatment approach may differ by physician specialty and patient age, according to a new study.

Psoriasis patients face higher than average death risk after a heart attack

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:21:21 EDT

Heart attack patients with psoriasis are 26 percent more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, or suffer from recurrent heart attacks or strokes, and are 18 percent more likely to die from all causes than those without the inflammatory skin disease. Researchers studied nearly 50,000 patients who had experienced their first heart attack between 2002 and 2006, following the 462 patients with psoriasis for an average of 19.5 months and the 48,935 controls for an average of 22 months.

Use of certain biologic therapies for psoriasis do not appear to increase risk for cardiovascular problems

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:53:53 EDT

Although some preliminary reports have indicated an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events with the use of certain biologic therapies to treat chronic plaque psoriasis, an analysis of previous studies finds no significant difference in the rate of these events among patients who received these medications compared to patients who received placebo, according to a new article.

Fault in immune memory causes atopic eczema and psoriasis, study finds

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:02:02 EDT

Scientists believe they have discovered the causes of atopic eczema and psoriasis. Findings from a new study show that both diseases are caused by an impaired immunological memory.

Vitamin D insufficiency prevalent among psoriatic arthritis suffers

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:14:14 EDT

New research reports a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among patients with psoriatic arthritis. Seasonal variation in vitamin D levels was not observed in patients in southern or northern locations. The findings also show no association between disease activity and vitamin D level.

Common rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis medications are associated with reduced diabetes risk

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:47:47 EDT

Researchers sought to determine whether commonly used disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, which are directed against inflammation, might reduce the risk for developing diabetes in patients with RA or psoriasis. They found that among patients with RA or psoriasis, the risk for developing diabetes was lower for those patients who started TNF inhibitor or hydroxychloroquine.

Certain drugs lower risk of diabetes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:47:47 EDT

In a study that included nearly 14,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, the use of certain disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs was found to lower the risk of diabetes.

Extremely obese children have higher prevalence of psoriasis, higher heart disease risk

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:14:14 EDT

Children who are overweight or obese have a significantly higher prevalence of psoriasis, and teens with psoriasis, regardless of their body weight, have higher cholesterol levels, according to new research. The study findings suggest that higher heart disease risk for patients with psoriasis starts in childhood in the form of higher cholesterol levels.

Severe psoriasis linked to major adverse cardiovascular events

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:59:59 EDT

New research has revealed an increased incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with severe psoriasis.

Tanning bed exposure can be deadly when complicated by medication reactions

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:12:12 EST

Use of tanning beds to "self-treat" skin eruptions can be dangerous when complicated by medication reactions according to a new study.

Features of the metabolic syndrome common in persons with psoriasis

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:31:31 EST

Individuals with psoriasis have a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, according to a new study.

Four new psoriasis 'hotspots' identified: Discovery may aid in developing new therapies

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:13:13 EDT

Four newly discovered DNA "hotspots" may one day help guide new treatments for psoriasis, one of the most common autoimmune diseases in the country, say geneticists.

Genes linked to psoriasis identified

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:23:23 EDT

Genetic variants associated with increased susceptibility to psoriasis are reported in five new articles. Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent skin disease, and one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases, with a global prevalence of 2-3 percent.

Researchers receive largest single collection of psoriasis DNA samples

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:16:16 EDT

Millions of Americans struggling with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are one step closer to a cure with the release of the first National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank DNA samples for use in research at the University of Michigan Health System; research that hopes to uncover the unknowns about the genetics of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Women who drink beer more likely to develop psoriasis

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:26:26 EDT

Regular beer -- but not light beer or other types of alcohol -- appears to be associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis, according to a new study.

Skin condition associated with depression, anxiety and suicidal feelings

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:26:26 EDT

Individuals with psoriasis appear to have an increased risk of depression, anxiety and suicidality, according to a new study.

UV-B treatment may improve psoriasis and vitamin D levels

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:26:26 EDT

Treatment with narrow-band UV-B rays may increase serum levels of vitamin D in the wintertime while clearing psoriasis, according to a new study.

Obesity in early adulthood associated with increased risk of psoriatic arthritis

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:39:39 EDT

Among persons with psoriasis, those who reported being obese at age 18 had an increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, according to a report in the July 19 issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

New study of psoriatic cells could fire up the study of inflammation

Mon, 24 May 2010 10:42:42 EDT

New research promises to pry some long held secrets from one of humanity's oldest known diseases. Scientists have discovered how to parse the most troublesome cells behind the debilitating skin lesions in psoriasis and have identified several distinctive markers that suggest how they might be contributing to the disease -- a painful inflammation of the skin that afflicts up to 2 percent of the U.S. population.

Retinoid use not associated with fracture risk, study finds

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:11:11 EDT

Individuals treated for acne, psoriasis or another skin condition with vitamin A analogues (retinoids) do not appear to be at increased risk of fracture, according to a new report.

Cellular channel may open doors to skin conditions, hair growth

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:59:59 EDT

Skin and hair follicles are constantly renewed in the body, maintained by specialized stem cells. New research identifies a small cellular channel that regulates skin and hair growth and that could be targeted with small-molecule drugs, potentially treating variety of skin conditions, as well as thinning hair or unwanted hair growth.

Psoriasis is more than skin deep

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:44:44 EST

For the approximately 7.5 million Americans affected by psoriasis, the thick, red, scaly, itchy plaques it causes only scratch the surface when it comes to the overall implications of this disease. Now, ongoing research linking psoriasis to other serious medical conditions and the incredible toll it can take on a person's overall quality of life are shifting the way psoriasis is viewed -- from a common skin disease to a complex systemic condition.

Reversing Remodeling in Chronic Inflammation

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:30:30 EST

Scientists have discovered that remodeling of lymphatic vessels may be more persistent than blood vessel remodeling as a result of inflammation.

Costs of psoriasis treatments outpace inflation

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:19:19 EST

Findings from a cost model suggest that expenses for systemic psoriasis therapy appear to be increasing at a faster rate than inflation, and newer biologically derived treatments are more expensive than traditional systemic therapies, according to a new report.

Psoriasis drugs put to the test

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:21:21 EST

Clinical trials to test the effectiveness of two prescription drugs for the debilitating skin condition psoriasis have revealed significant differences that should help inform physicians treating patients with the condition.

Genomic differences identified in common skin diseases may lead to better treatments

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:01:01 EST

Scientists have drilled down on the molecular nitty-gritty that distinguishes the two most common forms of inflammatory skin disease, atopic eczema and psoriasis. The researchers say that the ability to distinguish between the disorders' genetic and immunological signatures opens the door for more narrowly targeted therapies sorely needed by the millions of people afflicted worldwide.

Psoriasis: Effects don’t always stop with the skin

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:22:22 EST

Psoriasis, a chronic disease that causes red, raised patches of skin, is increasingly seen as a systemic disease with links to arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

Scientists discover cells that control inflammation in chronic disease

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:48:48 EST

A new type of immune cell that can be out of control in certain chronic inflammatory diseases, worsening the symptoms of conditions like psoriasis and asthma, is described for the first time in new research.

Gene Variation Is 'Major Genetic Determinant Of Psoriasis'

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:18:18 EDT

A specific genetic region that has been increasingly identified as the strongest genetic link to psoriasis has an even more significant role in the chronic skin disease than has been suspected, medical researchers show in a new study.

Skin-disease Patients Show Brain Immunity To Faces Of Disgust

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:25:25 EDT

People with psoriasis -- an often distressing dermatological condition that causes lesions and scaly patches on the skin -- are less likely to react to looks of disgust by others than people without the condition, new research has found.

Psoriasis-like Inflammation: Crucial Role For The Protein CCR6

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:15:15 EDT

Psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder caused by the immune system, affects 1%-2% of white individuals. Although there are a number of treatments, the chronic recurrent nature of the disorder means more efficient therapies are being sought. Work in a mouse model of psoriasis-like inflammation has provided new insight into the immune mechanisms that likely underlie psoriasis and identified a potential new drug target.

Psoriasis Associated With Cardiovascular Disease And Increased Mortality

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:17:17 EDT

The skin disease psoriasis is associated with atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque in the arteries) characterized by an increased prevalence of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and an increased risk of death, according to a new article.

Home UVB Therapy For Psoriasis As Effective And Safe As Hospital Treatment, Study Suggests

Thu, 07 May 2009 19:06:06 EDT

For patients with psoriasis, treatment with ultraviolet B at home is as effective and as safe as conventional hospital based phototherapy, suggests a new study.

How Light Fights Psoriasis

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:59:59 EDT

Ultraviolet light is a proven treatment for psoriasis, one of humanity's oldest known diseases. Sunshine can also beat back the chronic autoimmune disorder of the skin. But explaining light's therapeutic effects has been difficult.

Two-pronged Attack Works Best For Psoriasis Treatment

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:42:42 EDT

Scientists find that two commonly used topical treatments work best together to treat chronic psoriasis, but are not a cure.

Psoriasis Associated With Diabetes And High Blood Pressure In Women

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:07:07 EDT

Women with psoriasis appear to have an increased risk for developing diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure), according to a new article.

New Drug Shows Promising Results For Psoriatic Arthritis

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:09:09 EDT

Psoriatic arthritis affects about 11 percent of patients with psoriasis. Anti-tumor necrosis factor ± (anti-TNF±) agents, which block signaling molecules that induce inflammation, improve the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Golimumab is a new human monoclonal antibody that works against TNF± and has been shown to be beneficial within two weeks of the first subcutaneous injection in a phase II rheumatoid arthritis trial.

Mouse Model Of Human Psoriasis

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:46:46 EDT

Researchers have developed a new mouse model to study human psoriasis.