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Connections between psoriasis and Crohn's disease
David James Najarian1, Alice B Gottlieb
1University of Virginia School of Medicine, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|June 6, 2003
Summary
Psoriasis and Crohn's disease share genetic and pathological links, particularly involving tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Targeting this inflammatory mediator with infliximab shows promise for treating both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Gastroenterology
- Immunology and Genetics
Background:
- Psoriasis and Crohn's disease (CD) exhibit a higher than chance co-occurrence.
- Shared epidemiological, genetic, and pathological factors link these distinct conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the connections between psoriasis and CD.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting common inflammatory mediators.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological, genetic, and pathological data.
- Analysis of the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).
- Evaluation of infliximab efficacy in clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Elevated TNF-α levels are observed in lesions of both CD and psoriasis.
- Infliximab, a TNF-α inhibitor, demonstrated efficacy in treating CD and subsequently psoriasis.
- A case study and randomized trial confirmed infliximab's benefit for psoriasis in a CD patient.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the links between psoriasis and CD can inform novel therapeutic approaches.
- Targeting shared inflammatory pathways, like TNF-α, offers potential benefits for patients with either or both conditions.