Understanding the role of haptoglobin in psoriasis: effects of ultraviolet B

The Molecular Signature Related to Local Inflammatory and Immune Response in Canine Cutaneous Hypersensitivity Reactions: A Preliminary Study

Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions (CHRs) are complex inflammatory skin disorders that affect humans and dogs. This study examined the inflammatory and immune responses leading to skin damage, inflammation, and irritation by investigating gene expression through quantitative PCR (qPCR) and protein localization through the immunohistochemistry (IHC) of specific receptors and molecules involved in CHRs. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from canine CHR skin (n = 20) and healthy dog skin (n = 3) were analyzed for expression levels of eight genes, including members of the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) family, CD209 and CLEC4G, the Regakine-1-like chemokine, and acute phase proteins (APPs), LBP-like and Hp-like genes. Additionally, we examined the local involvement of IL-6, Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1), and the signal transducer activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the CHR cases. The study demonstrated statistically significant increases in the expression levels of CD209, Hp-like (p < 0.01), LBP-like, Regakine-1-like, and CLEC4G (p < 0.05) genes in CHRs compared to healthy controls. Conversely, IL-6, JAK1, and STAT3 showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Protein analysis revealed JAK1 and STAT3 expression in CHR hyperplastic epithelial cells, dermal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells of small capillaries, indicating a possible involvement in the JAK/STAT pathway in local inflammatory response regulation. Our findings suggest that the skin plays a role in the development of CHRs.

Clinical Significance of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Psoriasis Severity

The aim of the study was to appraise the link between psoriasis and Helicobacter pylori, investigate the influence of H. pylori treatment on psoriasis severity, determine the cutoff value of haptoglobin as a psoriatic biomarker, and determine the most reliable predictor for psoriasis in patients with H. pylori. This study was carried out on 100 adult Saudi participants from the Security Forces Hospital (Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). All participants were allocated into 5 groups (20/group): controls (G1), psoriatic patients (G2), patients with H. pylori (G3), psoriatic patients with untreated H. pylori (G4), and psoriatic patients with treated H. pylori (G5). The study was approved by the ethics committee of Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score, ¹³C-urea breath test (¹³C-UBT), C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin, platelet P-selectin, cluster of differentiation 4/cluster of differentiation 8 (CD4/CD8) ratio, and lymphocyte percentages were recorded. The haptoglobin level was significantly elevated in psoriatic patients compared with G1. In G5, there was significant attenuation in the PASI score, P-selectin, CRP, CD4/CD8 ratio, and lymphocyte percentage compared with G4. There was a significant positive correlation between psoriasis severity and ¹³C-UBT. In addition, ¹³C-UBT and PASI scores were significantly positively correlated with CRP, platelet P-selectin, and percentage of lymphocytes. H. pylori plays a potential role in psoriasis pathogenesis. H. pylori treatment attenuates psoriasis severity. Haptoglobin could be utilized as a psoriatic biomarker with 1.95 g/L as the cutoff value. The most reliable predictor for psoriasis in infected patients with H. pylori is ¹³C-UBT.

Safety concerns with current treatments for psoriasis in the elderly

Introduction: The approach to manage psoriasis in the elderly (ages ≥65 years) patients can be challenging. They often suffer from multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy with possible adverse effects and undergo a progressive functional impairment of the immune system that increases susceptibility to infections as well as to auto-reactivity. Despite the increasing aging of the general population and although several therapies are currently available for psoriasis treatment, data regarding their use and tolerability in the elderly are quite limited.Areas covered: This review focuses on topical and systemic therapies that have been investigated in elderly patients in order to provide their safety profile in this population.Expert opinion: Conventional systemic therapies in elderly patients should be carefully dispensed and the correct dosage individually determined, taking into account the metabolism changes, organ impairment, comorbidities, concomitant medications, and contraindications. Apremilast, due to its satisfactory safety profile and low risk of drug interactions, results as an appropriate treatment option for elderly patients. Biologics (TNF-α, IL-12/23, IL-17, and IL-23 inhibitors) come out as safe and long-term options for the management of these patients resulting not associated with a higher risk of adverse events.