Why Are Psoriasis Patients at Increased Risk for Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease?
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Synopsis
A recent study sheds light on the hidden health risks for psoriasis patients, revealing that lingering inflammation can lead to obesity and fatty liver disease. This research emphasizes the need for comprehensive treatment that goes beyond the skin, ensuring better overall health outcomes for those affected by this chronic condition.
Key Takeaways
- Psoriasis can lead to systemic inflammation, increasing risks of obesity and fatty liver disease.
- Effective treatment must address both skin and systemic symptoms.
- Regular monitoring of patients' health is crucial.
- Interventions targeting metabolic dysfunction may enhance patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
New Delhi, May 20 (NationPress) Although individuals suffering from psoriasis—a persistent skin disorder—show positive responses to biologic treatments, lingering inflammation can pose additional health risks like obesity, cardiovascular issues, and fatty liver disease, as revealed by a recent study.
The systemic inflammatory characteristics of psoriasis, combined with the heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases and the common use of biologic medications, create an important context for examining ongoing inflammation.
Published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, this study could pave the way for more precise and effective therapies targeting the systemic implications of psoriasis, rather than solely focusing on skin conditions.
"Even with excellent control of skin manifestations, a significant proportion of psoriasis patients exhibit persistent systemic inflammation," stated Joel M. Gelfand from the Department of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, USA.
"These results highlight that merely addressing the skin symptoms of psoriatic disease is inadequate, and patients frequently require further strategies to reduce systemic inflammation," Gelfand continued.
The observational study evaluated residual inflammation in 209 psoriasis patients across three international groups (Spain, the US, and Sweden) who had achieved either no or mild psoriasis while on stable biologic therapy.
It was discovered that 36.3% of these patients had residual inflammation, which was notably associated with a higher body mass index (BMI), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), increased baseline systemic inflammation, and greater adipose tissue.
Lead researcher Álvaro González-Cantero from the Department of Dermatology at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal in Spain remarked, "These findings present a significant unmet need to address the systemic inflammatory burden beyond skin symptoms in psoriasis, possibly necessitating interventions aimed at obesity and metabolic dysfunction to enhance overall patient outcomes."
The research team advocates for a more thorough cardiovascular risk evaluation and management for psoriasis patients.
This may include close monitoring of inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and liver health parameters, incorporating lifestyle changes or weight management strategies, which could lead to earlier detection and intervention for related comorbidities. The team also emphasizes the necessity for further research to validate these findings.
Point of View
I find this study to be a pivotal contribution to our understanding of psoriasis and its systemic effects. The implications of this research highlight the necessity for healthcare providers to adopt a more comprehensive approach in treating psoriasis, focusing not only on skin symptoms but also on the broader health risks associated with the condition.
NationPress
01/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in scaling and inflammation.
How can psoriasis affect overall health?
Patients with psoriasis often experience systemic inflammation, which can increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease.
What treatments are available for psoriasis?
Common treatments include topical therapies, phototherapy, and systemic medications like biologics.
Why is residual inflammation important?
Residual inflammation can lead to serious health complications, highlighting the need for ongoing assessment and management in psoriasis patients.
How can patients manage systemic inflammation?
Patients may benefit from lifestyle changes, weight management, and regular monitoring of inflammatory markers.
