Search Results (340)

Background: Bimekizumab, secukinumab, and ixekizumab are IL-17-targeting biologics approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. While secukinumab and ixekizumab selectively inhibit IL-17A, bimekizumab targets both IL-17A and IL-17F, potentially providing greater anti-inflammatory efficacy. This study aimed to compare the real-world effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of these agents in a Polish dermatology center between 2019 and 2024. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 98 patients meeting at least one of the following criteria: PASI ≥ 10, BSA ≥ 10, DLQI ≥ 10, or involvement of special areas with inadequate response or contraindications to ≥2 systemic therapies. Patients with prior exposure only to IL-17 inhibitors were excluded. PASI, BSA, and DLQI scores were recorded at baseline, week 4, and week 12. Due to differences in dosing schedules, outcomes were aligned using standardized timepoints and exponential modeling of continuous response trajectories. Mixed-effects ANOVA was used to assess the influence of baseline factors (age, BMI, PsA status) on treatment outcomes. Adverse events were documented at each monthly follow-up visit. Results: Bimekizumab showed the greatest effect size for PASI reduction (Hedges’ g = 3.662), followed by secukinumab (2.813) and ixekizumab (1.986). Exponential modeling revealed a steeper response trajectory with bimekizumab (intercept = 0.289), suggesting a more rapid PASI improvement. The efficacy of bimekizumab was particularly notable in patients who were previously treated with IL-23 inhibitors. All three agents demonstrated favorable safety profiles, with no serious adverse events or discontinuations. The most frequent adverse events were mild and included upper respiratory tract infections and oral candidiasis. Conclusions: This real-world analysis confirmed that IL-17 inhibitors effectively improved PASI, BSA, and DLQI scores in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Bimekizumab demonstrated the most rapid early improvements and a higher modeled likelihood of complete clearance, without significant differences at week 12. All agents were well tolerated, underscoring the need for further individualized, large-scale studies. Full article

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease linked to systemic comorbidities, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and autoimmune disorders. Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, has been observed in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, suggesting possible shared inflammatory pathways. Objectives: This study aims to explore the relationship between psoriasis and thyroid dysfunction in adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis undergoing biologic therapy to determine whether psoriasis predisposes individuals to thyroid disorders and to identify demographic or clinical factors influencing this association. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis receiving biologic therapy, recruited from the Psoriasis Unit at the Dermatology Department of Hospital Universitario San Cecilio in Granada, Spain, from 2017 to 2023. Patients with mild psoriasis or those treated with conventional systemic therapies were excluded. The data collected included demographics and clinical characteristics, such as age, sex, BMI (body mass index), and psoriasis severity (psoriasis severity was evaluated using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), body surface area (BSA) involvement, Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA), pruritus severity using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and impact on quality of life through the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)). Thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism, was assessed based on records from the Endocrinology Department. Results: Thyroid dysfunction was found in 4.2% of patients, all classified as hypothyroidism, primarily subclinical. The affected patients were generally older, with a mean age of 57.4 years. No significant differences in psoriasis severity (PASI, BSA) or treatment response were observed between patients with and without thyroid dysfunction. Conclusion: Our findings suggest hypothyroidism is the main thyroid dysfunction in psoriatic patients, independent of psoriasis severity. The lack of impact on psoriasis severity suggests hypothyroidism may be an independent comorbidity, warranting further research into shared inflammatory mechanisms. Full article

Calcipotriol, a synthetic vitamin D₃ analogue widely used in psoriasis treatment, requires a detailed stability assessment due to its topical application and potential exposure to UV radiation. As a drug applied directly to the skin, calcipotriol is particularly susceptible to photodegradation, which may affect its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile. The present study focuses on the analysis of calcipotriol photostability. An advanced UHPLC/MS^E method was employed for the precise determination of calcipotriol and its degradation products. Particular attention was given to the effects of commonly used organic UV filters—approved for use in cosmetic products in both Europe and the USA (benzophenone-3, dioxybenzone, meradimate, sulisobenzone, homosalate, and avobenzone)—on the stability of calcipotriol. Unexpected degradation of calcipotriol was observed in the presence of sulisobenzone. Importantly, this effect was consistently detected in methanolic solution and in the pharmaceutical formulation containing calcipotriol and betamethasone, which is particularly significant from a practical perspective. This finding underscores the necessity of evaluating photostability under real-life conditions, as cosmetic ingredients, when co-applied with topical drugs on the skin, may substantially influence the stability profile of the pharmaceutical active ingredient. The research resulted in the first-time characterization of four degradation products of calcipotriol. The degradation process was found to primarily affect the E-4-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-1-methylbut-2-en-1-yl moiety, causing its isomerization to the Z isomer and the formation of diastereomers with either the R or S configuration. Computational analyses using the OSIRIS Property Explorer indicated that none of the five degradation products exhibit a toxicity effect, whereas molecular docking studies suggested possible binding of two of the five degradation products of calcipotriol with the VDR. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to examine whether perceived social support, appearance satisfaction, and self-esteem mediate the relationship between the type of dermatological condition and psychological distress among dermatological patients. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study utilizing self-report measures. The sample consisted of 108 dermatological patients aged 18 to 35 years. Participants were divided into two groups based on their diagnosis: Group A included 54 individuals with visible facial cystic acne, and Group B included 54 individuals with non-visible psoriasis or eczema. Assessments were conducted following their initial dermatological consultation and prior to the commencement of pharmacological treatment. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires including the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Multidimensional Body–Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scale (MBSRQ–AS), the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-40), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: Mediation analyses indicated that perceived social support and appearance satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between dermatological group and psychological distress. Self-esteem did not emerge as a significant mediator. Conclusions: The findings suggest that differences in psychological distress among dermatological patients can be partially explained by their perceived social support and satisfaction with physical appearance. These psychosocial factors should be considered in the psychological assessment and treatment planning for individuals with dermatological conditions. Full article

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of mortality, with inflammation now recognized as a central driver of atherosclerosis and other cardiometabolic conditions. Recent advances have repositioned perivascular adipose tissue from a passive structural element to an active endocrine and immunomodulatory organ, now a key focus in cardiovascular and metabolic research. Among the most promising tools for assessing perivascular adipose tissue inflammation is the fat attenuation index, a non-invasive imaging biomarker derived from coronary computed tomography angiography. This review explores the translational potential of the fat attenuation index for cardiovascular risk stratification and treatment monitoring in both coronary artery disease and systemic inflammatory or metabolic conditions (psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-obstructive coronary syndromes). We summarize evidence linking perivascular adipose tissue dysfunction to vascular inflammation and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Clinical studies reviewing the fat attenuation index highlight its ability to detect subclinical inflammation and monitor treatment response. As research advances, standardization of measurement protocols and imaging thresholds will be essential for routine clinical implementation. Full article

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease frequently associated with systemic comorbidities. Human neutrophil peptides 1–3 (HNP1–3), released by neutrophils, have both antimicrobial and proinflammatory effects and may contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its related conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of HNP1–3 in patients with psoriasis compared with healthy controls and to assess their association with selected comorbidities and clinical parameters. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, forty-nine patients with psoriasis and forty-nine matched healthy controls were enrolled. Serum HNP1–3 levels were measured using ELISA. Clinical data, including waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), smoking status, and the presence of comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary or autoimmune disorders, were recorded. Results: The mean HNP1–3 levels were significantly higher in the psoriasis patients than in the controls (3.85 ± 0.76 vs. 2.52 ± 0.84 ng/mL; p < 0.001), especially in patients with concomitant PsA (4.21 ± 0.69 ng/mL). Multivariable regression identified increased WHR (β = 1.77, p < 0.01) and smoking (β = 0.45, p < 0.001) as independent predictors of elevated HNP1–3 levels. Positive correlations were also found between HNP1–3 and ESR (r = 0.505, p = 0.019) and IL-6 (r = 0.561, p = 0.008). Conclusions: The elevated serum HNP1–3 levels identified in psoriasis patients—especially those with PsA, central obesity, and smoking history—suggest their potential utility as biomarkers of systemic inflammation. These findings highlight the systemic nature of psoriasis and warrant further research into the clinical utility of HNP1–3 in disease monitoring and risk stratification. Full article

Psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder, presents complex pathogenetic mechanisms potentially influenced by viral infections. This comprehensive study explored the possible interplay of resistance and viral infections among psoriasis patients using serological screening techniques. The investigation involved 90 patients aged 23–45 years, systematically examining viral seropositivity for HSV (herpes simplex virus), HZ (herpes zoster), HBV (hepatitis B virus), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and HCV (hepatitis C virus) through ELISA testing. The findings revealed notable active or recent viral infection rates: 8.9% HSV positivity, 2.2% HZ antibody detection, 4.4% HCV positivity, and 4.4% HIV positivity. The research can contribute to current knowledge gaps, broaden the knowledge regarding the relationship between psoriasis and viral infection, and assess resistance, as it can mediate the interaction. The results can lead to improved diagnosis, treatment, and patient care options. This study emphasizes the importance of thorough viral testing for psoriasis patients, as well as focused therapeutic regimens that take into account viral co-infections. It elucidates the complex networks of biological relationships between immune factors, contributes information that is critical to our understanding of the multifactorial etiology of psoriasis, and concludes with a strong argument for investigating the mechanisms of viral involvement in this chronic-relapsing inflammatory disease. Full article

Background and Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease requiring reliable diagnostic and monitoring tools. Salivary interleukins have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers, reflecting systemic inflammation and offering practical advantages such as ease of collection and improved patient compliance. Materials and Methods: This review synthesizes the current evidence on key salivary cytokines—IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17—in relation to psoriasis pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. It also compares saliva to blood-based diagnostics, emphasizing benefits like cost-effectiveness and suitability for repeated sampling. Methodological challenges, including heterogeneity in collection protocols and limited longitudinal data, are critically examined. Results: Advances in biologic therapies have deepened the understanding of psoriasis immunopathogenesis, highlighting interleukins as central biomarkers. Recent findings identify IL-37 and IL-38 as novel regulatory cytokines with anti-inflammatory roles. While elevated serum TNF-α levels in psoriatic patients are well documented, some inconsistencies persist. Notably, saliva has proven to be a viable alternative diagnostic fluid, supporting large-scale screening and routine clinical monitoring. Conclusions: Salivary interleukins—particularly IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17—represent valuable, non-invasive biomarkers for early detection, disease severity assessment, and therapeutic response monitoring in psoriasis. Standardizing saliva-based methods and conducting large-scale studies are essential next steps to support their integration into personalized clinical practice. Full article

Background: Currently, much attention is focused on the interactions between the leukemic and psoriatic cells showing immunosuppressive activity within the microenvironment. Methods: Our study assessed a collective mRNA expression pattern of crucial immuno-regulatory genes: BTLA, CD160, SPN, TIM-3, VISTA, TIGIT, by qRT-PCR, and performed a comparison in two different diseases, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and psoriasis (Ps), referring to clinical characteristics. Results: In Ps, all the studied gene expressions, except TIM-3, were higher than in HVs and all the studied gene expressions, except VISTA, were lower than in CLL. However, the expression of TIM-3, a checkpoint inhibitor, was higher in 0 stage of CLL and was lower in advanced stages of the disease, suggesting its possible diagnostic value. Expression of VISTA was higher in Ps than in HVs, as well as in CLL. It is noteworthy that BTLA, CD160 and SPN were overexpressed in CLL and Ps compared to HVs, suggesting its involvement in immune suppression in both diseases. Conclusions: Significant correlations between gene expressions of SPN and BTLA, SPN and TIGIT, CD160 and TIM-3, were observed, indicating a potential shared regulatory mechanism for immune responses which suggests their bidirectional regulatory role on the functioning of immune system cells, depending on the context of inflammatory or neoplastic conditions. Full article

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Although current treatments help manage the condition, many present limitations that affect patient adherence, particularly topical therapies. Given that the skin microbiota represents a promising therapeutic target, this study investigated the potential of prebiotics derived from β-glucans and postbiotics produced by Lactobacillus paracasei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to modulate microbial balance; the in vitro activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Malassezia furfur, both as isolated compounds and within topical formulations. Extracts were characterized by HPLC, and antimicrobial activity was assessed using broth microdilution and agar diffusion methods. Postbiotic extracts at 500 mg/mL inhibited microbial growth by 90–97%. Oat-derived β-glucan at 0.5% inhibited over 97% of microbial growth, while yeast-derived β-glucan showed approximately 60% inhibition. In agar diffusion tests, the active ingredients reduced the growth of both microorganisms, except for the yeast-derived β-glucan. These findings are promising and suggest that these bioactive compounds could support the rebalancing of skin microbiota in dermatological conditions. Further research is needed to identify the molecules produced by probiotics and assess the most suitable vehicle for incorporating the active compounds. Full article

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a strong psychosomatic component. While clinical severity is traditionally measured using the PASI and BSA, subjective symptoms such as itch, pain, and burning sensation significantly impact patients’ quality of life and remain under-assessed. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study on 299 adult patients with psoriasis evaluated at a tertiary dermatology center in Italy. Data on itch, pain, and burning were collected using validated patient-reported outcome measures. Disease severity (PASI and BSA) and quality of life (DLQI) were recorded. Associations between symptoms and clinical variables were statistically analyzed. Results: Itch was the most frequent symptom, reported by 73% of patients in the previous 4 weeks. Burning and pain were reported by 43% and 27%, respectively. Longer disease duration was associated with increased itch and burning (p < 0.05). Patients receiving systemic treatment showed significantly fewer symptoms (p < 0.05). Higher PASI and BSA scores correlated with a greater itch intensity. Importantly, significant symptoms were also reported by patients with low clinical severity. Higher DLQI scores were associated with increased symptom burden and emotional distress. Conclusions: Subjective symptoms such as itch, burning, and pain are frequent, clinically relevant, and not always proportional to visible disease severity. These findings underscore the need for routine symptom assessment in psoriasis and support a patient-centered approach in both clinical practice and therapeutic strategies. Full article

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathogenesis consisting of genetic factors, immune dysfunction and environmental background. In adults, psoriasis is strongly associated with a higher risk of developing metabolic abnormalities; however, data in children are inconclusive. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of conditions that include central and abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. Potential pathogenic mechanisms linking psoriasis with metabolic syndrome include releasing large amounts of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukins (IL-17, IL-23) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). These abnormalities promote excessive keratinocyte proliferation and impaired differentiation, which leads to typical psoriatic skin lesions. This paper aims to assess the potential link between psoriasis and each component of metabolic syndrome in children. It is speculated that the same proinflammatory cytokines produced by Th17 cells are also implicated in the development and progression of various metabolic disorders in patients with a severe course of the disease. Psoriatic patients are at higher risk for development metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Full article

Autoimmune diseases are driven by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, thus requiring innovative therapeutic approaches. Polymeric nanotherapeutics incorporating antioxidant bioactive compounds offer a promising strategy for immune modulation and enhanced drug delivery. This review explores the application of polymer-based nanocarriers for improving the solubility, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of antioxidant compounds in autoimmune disease treatment. A comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in polymeric nanoformulations, including poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), chitosan, and hyaluronic acid, was conducted. The therapeutic efficacy of various antioxidant-loaded nanoparticles has been assessed in both preclinical and clinical studies. Phenolic antioxidants, such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects; however, their poor solubility limits their clinical application. Nanocarriers such as dendrosomes, tannic acid-based reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging nanoparticles, and folic acid-functionalized systems enhance drug stability, controlled drug release, and macrophage targeting. Carotenoid and bilirubin nanoparticles further demonstrate immunomodulatory effects in multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Polymeric antioxidant nanotherapeutics provide targeted and sustained drug delivery, offering improved efficacy and reduced toxicity. Future research should focus on optimizing these nanocarriers for clinical translation and patient-centered therapeutic strategies. Full article

Sinhyotaklisan (SHTLS) is a traditional herbal prescription composed of Lonicerae Flos, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Astragali Radix, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, commonly used to treat skin disorders. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of SHTLS in psoriasis through the network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation in vitro and in vivo. Bioactive compounds and molecular targets were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, and key protein–protein interaction networks were analyzed via STRING and Cytoscape. In vitro, HaCaT cells were pretreated with SHTLS and stimulated with TNF-α, followed by assessments using proliferation assays, scratch assays, quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blotting. In vivo, the anti-psoriatic effects of SHTLS were evaluated in an imiquimod-induced psoriatic mouse model. A total of 36 key targets were significantly enriched in TNF-α, MAPK, HIF-1α, and IL-17 signaling pathways. SHTLS suppressed TNF-α-induced expression of VEGF and HIF-1α, while upregulating p53, thereby inhibiting keratinocyte hyperproliferation and angiogenesis. It also reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels and blocked activation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Histological analysis confirmed that SHTLS alleviated psoriatic lesions in vivo. These findings suggest that SHTLS may be a promising therapeutic candidate for psoriasis by targeting hyperproliferation, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Full article

Background: Psoriasis is a persistent, inflammatory skin disease with autoimmune characteristics. Beyond the obvious signs of skin lesions, it has negative systemic repercussions that impair the patient’s quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) alone or in combination with Vitamin E in the treatment of mild to moderate active psoriasis vulgaris. Methods: This study was an open-label, prospective, randomized, controlled interventional clinical trial conducted at Cairo Hospital for Dermatology and Venereology (Al-Haud Al-Marsoud). In total, 45 patients with mild to moderate symptoms were randomly assigned to three groups, with fifteen patients each, as follows: the control group received the standard psoriatic treatment of topical steroids and salicylic acid; the acetylcysteine group received standard psoriatic treatment in addition to NAC 600 mg per day 30 min prior to breakfast for 8 weeks; and the acetylcysteine and Vitamin E group received standard psoriatic treatment in addition to NAC 600 mg per day, in a similar way of dosing like the previous group, and Vitamin E 1000 mg per day. All participants performed a comprehensive assessment including hematological parameters, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), malondialdehyde (MDA), and interleukin-36 gamma (IL-36γ). Results: The treatment strategy involving the use of NAC alone and in combination with Vitamin E showed significant improvement in the assessed parameters compared to the control group receiving conventional therapy. The acetylcysteine group showed improvements of 41% in PASI and 49.4% in DLQI, a decrease of 34.3% in MDA, and a decrease of 31% in IL-36γ. Similarly, the acetylcysteine and Vitamin E group showed improvements of 52% in PASI and 42% in DLQI, a decrease of 37% in MDA, and a decrease of 35% in IL-36γ. There were no significant differences found between the N-acetylcysteine and N-acetylcysteine and Vitamin E groups. Moreover, significant positive correlations were found between MDA, IL-36γ, and PASI at baseline and after the third follow-up. Conclusions: This study found promising therapeutic benefits in the addition of NAC to the conventional therapy in psoriatic patients with mild to moderate symptoms, as it significantly improved psoriasis disease outcomes and improved the patient’s quality of life. However, the addition of Vitamin E to the NAC regimen did not show additional benefits. Full article