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A group of UK researchers, from the Francis Crick Institute and Imperial College, recently released a study on the cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
They identified a DNA weakness which is present in 95% of sufferers. This relates to control of macrophage (white blood cell) release, with the DNA imperfection meaning that release levels are too high, flooding the intestinal linings.
With precise calibration, existing drugs may be able to control the issue and they hope to begin human trials soon. A step forward for IBD treatment, although you may be wondering what this has to do with dermatology.
The Immune System & Your Skin
As with intestinal disorders, your immune system can play a role in skin diseases. The impact could be in well known conditions, such as psoriasis and vitiligo, or vasculitis, lupus, dermatitis herpetiformis, or scleroderma.
Scleroderma can impact the gastrointestinal system, dermatitis herpetiform is linked to celiac disease. Reasonable to believe that macrophage control malfunction is a factor, as was found to be the case for IBD.
Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine, who helped with the IBD project, are beginning to look at this, as are others around the globe.
Increasing rates of autoimmune and inflammatory disease present a threat to human health. They tend to be treated using corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs and developing targeted solutions will help, including new treatment for skin conditions.
The Underlying Issues
Autoimmune skin diseases occur when your immune system attacks healthy tissue. Rather than simply react against bacteria, viruses, or toxins, your system decides to attack skin cells, or collagen based tissue without good reason.
The precise cause is unknown and issues normally arise due to external triggers, such as sunlight, infections, hormone changes, or certain foods. Prescribed medication, or stress can also be contributing factors.
Even so, the triggers are far more likely to act on people who have a genetic predisposition to autoimmune skin diseases. The core reason that researchers wish to identify similar mechanisms to those found for IBD.
Treating Immune Related Conditions
Along with the brief list mentioned, a range of skin disease can have autoimmune components. They include blistering disorders, such as the pemphigus, or pemphigoid groups, lichen sclerosis, alopecia areata, or systemic sclerosis.
Those and others can be diagnosed through a physical examination, blood tests, or biopsy. A consultant’s skill pulling together a variety of pointers.
They are likely to precisely identify the issue and offer effective treatment, the reason our medical dermatology clinic is here. We will still be pleased if improved understanding of the immune system brings progress.