Cause of psoriasis identified - Scientists discovered source of inflammation for first time
The cause of psoriasis has been identified (photo: freepik.com)
Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting 2-3% of the population. Various factors are still suggested as potential causes of its development, but the exact source of the condition remains unknown.
What causes psoriasis
Psoriasis, as a chronic autoimmune disease, can have various causes - genetic, immunological, and environmental. It runs in families, leads to excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, and can be triggered by stress caused by harmful conditions, infections, and certain medications.
The primary symptom of psoriasis is the formation of skin lesions. Approximately one in three patients also develop psoriatic arthritis.
The most likely cause of psoriasis has been discovered by scientists from the University of Bath in the UK, as described in Nature Communications.
Psoriasis is a life-altering dermatological condition. Patients face a potentially disfiguring condition for life, which deeply affects their lives, causing physical discomfort and emotional stress. This condition can also lead to other serious illnesses, says one of the study's authors, Dr Charareh Pourzand from the University of Bath.
Link between psoriasis and iron
The results of the new study convincingly suggest that the cause of psoriasis is a hormone called hepcidin. Its role is to regulate iron levels in the body.
Fifty years ago, studies reported high concentrations of iron in the skin cells of psoriasis patients, but the reasons for this excess and its significance to the disease have not yet been clarified. This is the first study to combine these facts. Iron is an important mineral not only for transporting oxygen in the body but also for healthy skin.
It plays a role in many processes, such as wound healing, collagen production, and immune responses. However, excess iron in the skin can be harmful, exacerbating the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation and leading to chronic conditions in which cells proliferate more than usual.
What is hepcidin
Hepcidin is a hormone responsible for regulating the amount of iron absorbed from food and subsequently distributed throughout the body. In healthy individuals, this hormone is produced in the liver, but new research shows that in people with psoriasis, it is also produced by the skin.
The effect of hepcidin on the skin triggered the development of psoriasis in rodents. High levels of this hormone cause skin cells to accumulate more iron than necessary. As a result, it led to increased proliferative changes (cell reproduction) and abnormally high concentrations of neutrophils in the upper layers of the skin - immune cells that belong to white blood cells and cause inflammation. These are typical lesions seen in psoriasis.
Currently, there is no cure for psoriasis. It is only possible to manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups. This is achieved through topical, light, and oral treatments, including biologics, which unfortunately are not accessible to all patients.
The authors of the study believe that targeted treatment with hepcidin has the potential to significantly improve treatment options for all patients with psoriasis.
Earlier, we discussed three skincare mistakes that can make your skin look terrible and problematic.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
