Gene discovery offers hope for those with psoriasis

We’ve talked about psoriasis before, but since August is that condition’s awareness month, I decided to look up what’s new. You’ll remember that psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly. 

The National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases explains that “patches of skin become scaly and inflamed, most often on the scalp, elbows, or knees, but other parts of the body can be affected as well.” 

People with psoriasis have a risk of getting other serious conditions, the most common being psoriatic arthritis which affects one out of three psoriasis sufferers. Other risks are cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes, and mental health problems like self-esteem, anxiety and depression. 

People with psoriasis are more likely to get certain cancers, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, osteoporosis, uveitis (inflammation of the middle of the eye), liver disease, and kidney disease. Approximately eight million people in the U.S. have the condition making it quite common. 

When I Googled “what’s new with psoriasis,” an article published on Science Daily’s website March 25, 2024, caught my eye. The headline read, “Gene discovery offers new hope for people living with chronic skin disease." 

Up until recently, the cause of psoriasis was unknown despite much research on the subject. But now, the article tells us that Australian National University (ANU) scientists have discovered a gene mutation that’s responsible for causing psoriasis. 

“It’s hoped the findings will lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, conditions that patients say carry stigma in the community,” it said. 

The article said, “According to ANU researcher, Dr. Chelisa Cardinez, if two copies of this mutated gene (known as IKBKB) are present, patients with psoriasis may go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, leaving them with joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Thanks to the world-first discovery from ANU, scientists now know what causes the progression for a skin-only disease to a skin and joint disease.” 

“Using a mouse model, we identified that this mutation led to an abnormal function in a group of immune cells known as regulatory T cells,” Dr. Cardinez said. “These cells are normally considered gatekeepers of the immune system. However, we found that this mutation alters the function of these cells, causing them to contribute to inflammation and promote the onset of disease. 

“Studies have shown that delays in psoriatic arthritis diagnosis are linked to worse clinical outcomes for patients. Therefore, earlier detection and treatment of these immune diseases is key to improving health outcomes. 

“By developing a better understanding of the IKBKB gene and the role I plays in promoting the onset of these diseases, it could bring us a step closer to one day finding a cure.” 

Although much more research needs to be done, it’s encouraging particularly for those with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to know that research studies are ongoing. One might say it’s comforting to see that there just might be a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Psoriasis can affect anyone at any age, but typically the onset appears between the ages of 15 and 25. Mayo Clinic says that about a third of instances begin in the pediatric years. It’s important to know that psoriasis is not contagious.  

Mayo also says that many people with a predisposition for psoriasis won’t experience symptoms until the disease is triggered by something in the environment. “Common triggers include infections, such as strep throat or skin infections; weather, especially cold, dry conditions; injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or severe sunburn.” 

There are three primary risk factors, the first is having a family history. The condition runs in families. “Having one parent with psoriasis increases your risk of getting the disease, and having two parents with psoriasis increases your risk even more,” they say. The other two risks are stress and smoking, both of which are controllable. 

Research studies about the best types of medications and treatments are ongoing. I’ll keep an eye out for any news that might be of interest to you. 

Kathy Hubbard is a member of Bonner General Health Foundation. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com. Contact her if you have a topic you’d like to see reported here.