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Updated: May 8, 2026
02:28
Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Correlations between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases
Nevena Skroza1, Ilaria Proietti, Riccardo Pampena
1Department of Dermatology Daniele Innocenzi, A. Fiorini Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Terracina, Italy. nevena.skroza@uniroma1.it
Biomed Research International
|August 24, 2013
Summary
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and psoriasis share common genetic and immune pathways, particularly involving T cells like Th17 and T-regs. Understanding these links offers insights into shared pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies for these inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Dermatology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Epidemiological studies have long suggested a link between inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and psoriasis.
- Research since the 1990s has increasingly focused on the genetic and immunological underpinnings of these related inflammatory conditions.
- The skin and bowel serve as critical interfaces, highlighting their interconnected roles in immune regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the shared genetic and immunological aspects of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and psoriasis.
- To investigate the roles of specific immune cells and cytokines in the pathogenesis of both conditions.
- To highlight the commonalities in immune processes that link IBD and psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological, genetic, and immunological studies.
- Analysis of genetic correlations, including specific chromosomal loci (6p22, 16q, 1p31, 5q33).
- Examination of the roles of T cell subsets (Th1, Th17, T-regs) and cytokines (IL-17A, IL-22).
Main Results:
- Identified significant genetic correlations involving loci associated with innate and adaptive immunity.
- Shifted understanding from Th1-related disorders to recognizing the crucial balance between Th17 and T-regs cells.
- Highlighted the potential pathogenetic roles of IL-17A, IL-22, and Th22 cells in both psoriasis and IBD.
- Observed therapeutic overlaps supporting a common pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Psoriasis and IBD share a common genetic background and immune-based pathogenesis.
- The balance between T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (T-regs) cells is critical.
- Emerging immune players like IL-17A, IL-22, and Th22 cells are implicated in the development of both diseases.
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