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Celiac.com 10/23/2024 - Cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and stroke, have long been connected with various immune-mediated disorders due to the role inflammation plays in both conditions. This study explores whether there is a genetic connection between cardiovascular diseases and specific immune-mediated diseases, with a particular focus on psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that has previously been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is unclear whether the genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease are also linked to an increased risk of psoriasis and other immune-related conditions. Study Objectives The main goal of the study was to investigate whether genetic predispositions to coronary artery disease and stroke also increase the risk of developing psoriasis or other immune-mediated diseases. The researchers utilized a method called Mendelian randomization, which uses genetic data to determine whether there is a causal relationship between two traits, as opposed to just an observed association. By using large datasets from genome-wide association studies, the study aimed to uncover whether genetic predictors of cardiovascular disease are directly linked to immune-mediated diseases, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Methods and Data To conduct the analysis, the study used Mendelian randomization to evaluate the genetic links between cardiovascular disease and immune-mediated diseases. This approach is particularly effective in differentiating causality from correlation because it uses genetic markers as proxies for risk factors. The researchers analyzed summary data from genome-wide association studies for coronary artery disease, stroke, psoriasis, and nine other immune-mediated diseases. The data included a large sample of participants, with over 1.1 million individuals for cardiovascular disease traits and nearly 500,000 for psoriasis. The study specifically examined whether genetic markers associated with coronary artery disease and stroke were linked to an increased risk of developing psoriasis or any of the other immune-mediated diseases. Key Findings The results of the study revealed that genetic predictors for both coronary artery disease and stroke were significantly associated with an increased risk of psoriasis. In particular, genetic risk factors for coronary artery disease were found to increase the risk of developing psoriasis by about 7%, while genetic risk factors for stroke increased the risk by 22%. Interestingly, when adjustments were made for stroke risk, the association between coronary artery disease and psoriasis became statistically insignificant. This suggests that there may be a shared genetic component that links both cardiovascular diseases and psoriasis, rather than two separate pathways. On the other hand, the study found no significant genetic link between cardiovascular disease risk factors and other immune-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. This finding was somewhat unexpected, as these diseases also involve inflammation, which is thought to be a common factor in both cardiovascular disease and immune-mediated disorders. Genetic Risk and Celiac Disease The study also explored the relationship between genetic predictors of cardiovascular disease and various immune-mediated diseases, including celiac disease. Data from 4,533 cases of celiac disease and 10,750 controls were included in the analysis. The results indicated no significant association between genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease—such as coronary artery disease or stroke—and the risk of developing celiac disease. This finding suggests that while cardiovascular genetic factors may influence the risk of developing psoriasis, they do not appear to have the same effect on celiac disease or other immune-mediated conditions. Understanding the Relationship Between Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Disease The discovery that genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease are linked specifically to psoriasis, but not to other immune-mediated diseases, points to the possibility of a unique shared biological mechanism. Psoriasis is a disease driven by inflammation, and inflammation is also a key factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease and stroke. However, the study’s findings suggest that this connection may not extend to all immune-mediated diseases, challenging previous assumptions about the broad relationship between cardiovascular disease and inflammation-driven conditions. One possible explanation for this connection could lie in the specific inflammatory pathways involved in both cardiovascular disease and psoriasis. Psoriasis is known to involve certain inflammatory cellular and cytokine pathways, and these same pathways may play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, these pathways may not be as significant in other immune-mediated diseases, which could explain the lack of genetic association with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Implications for Treatment and Future Research The findings of this study have several important implications. First, they highlight the need for further research into the shared genetic mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease and psoriasis. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to the development of new treatments that target both conditions. For example, therapies that reduce inflammation in psoriasis patients could potentially help lower their risk of cardiovascular disease, and vice versa. Second, the study underscores the importance of personalized medicine. As more is learned about the genetic links between different diseases, it becomes increasingly possible to develop tailored treatments that address an individual's unique genetic risk factors. For patients with psoriasis who are also at risk for cardiovascular disease, this could mean more targeted interventions that address both conditions simultaneously. Implications for Those with Celiac Disease The study’s findings highlight the importance of understanding the genetic overlap between cardiovascular disease and psoriasis, but they also underline the distinction when it comes to celiac disease. For those with celiac disease, the results are reassuring as they show no genetic link between cardiovascular risks and the condition. This separation emphasizes that while shared inflammatory pathways may exist between certain immune-mediated diseases and cardiovascular disease, celiac disease does not appear to be influenced by these cardiovascular genetic factors. As such, this research may provide a better understanding of how different immune-mediated diseases interact with cardiovascular health, guiding future research and treatment strategies. Read more at: jamanetwork.com

Celiac.com 08/05/2024 - Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by its autoimmune etiology. Affecting both men and women equally, this disease is often associated with other autoimmune disorders, increasing the complexity of its management. This study aims to explore the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in patients diagnosed with psoriasis at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. By identifying these associations, the study provides valuable insights into the interconnected nature of autoimmune conditions. Study Methods and Patient Selection The research was conducted as a retrospective, cross-sectional chart review. Patients with confirmed psoriasis diagnoses were identified through the dermatology clinic's electronic medical records. The charts were meticulously reviewed to document the presence of other autoimmune diseases, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease. Ethical approval was granted by King Abdullah International Medical Research Center's Institutional Review Board. Key Findings and Demographic Data A total of 839 patients were included in the study, with a female majority of 56.4%. The age group with the highest prevalence of psoriasis was between 31 and 50 years, comprising 37.1% of the patients. The study found that 6.8% of the patients had hypothyroidism, making it the most common associated autoimmune disease. This was followed by alopecia areata (3.6%) and atopic dermatitis (2.9%). Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel diseases were notably less common in this cohort. Discussion on the Association Between Psoriasis and Autoimmune Diseases The study reveals that a significant number of psoriasis patients also suffer from other autoimmune diseases, with thyroid disorders being the most prevalent. The findings are consistent with other research that suggests a higher susceptibility to autoimmune conditions among psoriasis patients. For instance, autoimmune skin disorders such as alopecia areata and vitiligo were frequently observed. The commonality in immune response mechanisms across these diseases might explain their co-occurrence. In particular, the role of T-cell-mediated processes and cytokine release, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukins, is critical in both psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions. Limitations of the Study Despite its valuable findings, the study has several limitations. Being a single-center, retrospective study, the results might not be generalizable to other populations. Additionally, the reliance on documented diagnoses in medical records could lead to underreporting or missing data. A larger, multicenter approach would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and association of autoimmune diseases with psoriasis. Implications for Celiac Disease Patients This study underscores the high prevalence of autoimmune diseases among psoriasis patients, with thyroid disorders and skin autoimmune conditions being the most common. For individuals with celiac disease, these findings are particularly relevant. Understanding the interconnected nature of autoimmune disorders can aid in better managing their health and anticipating potential complications. It also highlights the importance of comprehensive care approaches that address multiple autoimmune conditions simultaneously. By recognizing these associations, healthcare providers can improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment plans, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients with celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders. Further research in diverse populations and larger settings is necessary to validate these findings and expand our understanding of autoimmune disease interactions. Read more: cureus.com

Celiac.com 09/21/2023 - Gluten sensitivity is a chronic intolerance to gluten in people who have a genetic predisposition. It is thought to involve the immune system and can lead to various skin conditions. Celiac disease is one common form of gluten intolerance and can affect not only the digestive system but also the skin, endocrine system, nervous system, and blood. We know that a number of skin disorders are associated with celiac disease. Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, has shown improvement when individuals adopt a gluten-free diet. Specifically, palmoplantar pustulosis, a variant of psoriasis, and aphthous stomatitis, which causes recurring mouth ulcers, have responded positively to gluten elimination. Dermatitis herpetiformis, another skin disorder related to celiac disease genetically, has also seen significant improvement with a gluten-free diet. However, atopic dermatitis, another prevalent long-term skin condition, has produced inconsistent results with gluten removal. Further research is needed to draw more definitive conclusions. Hereditary angioedema has shown an association with gluten intolerance in some cases, with symptomatic benefits observed after adopting a gluten-free diet. Vitiligo and linear IgA bullous dermatosis have also shown clinical evidence of improvement with a gluten-free diet. On the contrary, rosacea, a skin condition causing facial redness, has been linked to an increased risk of developing celiac disease. The Research Team A team of researchers recently set out to examine the association between gluten intolerance and skin disorders. The research team included Vaibhav Vats, Pallavi Makineni, Sarah Hemaida, Anum Haider, Sachin Subramani, Navjot Kaur, Amna Naveed Butt, Renee Scott-Emuakpor, Mohammad Zahir, Midhun Mathew, and Javed Iqbal. They include one Physician, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul, TUR; and are otherwise variously affiliated with the department of Internal Medicine, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College & General Hospital, Mumbai, IND; the department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan; the department of Medicine/internal medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, PAK; the Department of Internal Medicine, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, USA; the department of Medicine, Ayub Medical College, Abottabad, Pakistan, Abottabad , PAK; the department Dermatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA; the department of Medicine, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Amritsar, IND; the department of Internal medicine, ESIC medical college and hospital, Gulbarga, IND; the department of Internal medicine, Img helping hand, Karachi, PAK; and the department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, IND. Their review highlights the potential impact of gluten intolerance on various skin conditions and the potential therapeutic benefits of a gluten-free diet for managing symptoms. However, more clinical trials and observational studies are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and provide definitive dietary recommendations for these conditions. Read more in Cureus.com

Celiac.com 03/30/2023 - A study recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that people with psoriasis have twice the odds of having celiac disease compared to those without psoriasis. The study is the work of a research team that included Marina Z. Joel, BS; Ryan Fan, BA; and Jeffrey M. Cohen, MD. They are variously affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; the Yale School of Medicine, and the Department of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. The Psoriasis & Celiac Disease Study For their study, the Ms. Joel and her colleagues examined the association between psoriasis and celiac disease. They used data from 316,166 adults, and found that of the 6,476 patients with psoriasis, 1.65% had celiac disease compared to nearly 0.5% of 309,690 patients without psoriasis. The study controlled for various factors such as age, sex, race and ethnicity, smoking status, autoimmune diseases linked to psoriasis and celiac disease, and body mass index (BMI), and found that psoriasis remained significantly associated with celiac disease. Study Findings The authors note that while the exact mechanism behind this association is unclear, genome-wide association studies have found that many susceptibility loci for psoriasis overlap with those for celiac disease: “While the pathophysiologic mechanism behind the association between psoriasis and celiac disease is unclear, several explanations have been proposed. Genome-wide association studies have found that many susceptibility loci for psoriasis overlap with those for celiac disease," they write. They add that "both psoriasis and celiac disease are T-cell driven disorders, there could be shared immunogenic mechanisms between the two conditions." Although more research is needed to fully understand the link between psoriasis and celiac disease, studies that help to document connections between celiac disease and other disorders are very helpful in clarifying the overall celiac disease puzzle. Read more in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Celiac.com 01/09/2023 - Psoriasis is one of several skin conditions long associated with celiac disease. Several studies have found connections between psoriasis and celiac disease, but so far no study has shown a causal connection between these two autoimmune conditions. A new study shows that celiac disease patients face a higher risk of psoriasis, but not vice versa. Here's what they found. Genetic Study A team of researchers recently set out to explore the causal link between psoriasis and celiac disease with bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) study. The research team included Lin Li, Lixin Fu, Liwen Zhang & Yanyan Feng. They are affiliated with theDepartment of Dermatology, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. The Psoriasis-Celiac Disease Connection The team set out to extract eligible instrument variables with genome-wide significance. To do so, the team used data from the published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the European population. They then performed sensitivity, post-MR, and inverse variance weighted (IVW) analyses. The MR analyses showed that genetically doubling the odds of celiac disease would increase the risk for psoriasis. Subsequent sensitivity analyses reinforced those results. Higher Psoriasis Risk for Celiac Patients However, the team's data showed that genetically determined psoriasis was not connected with the risk for celiac disease. This study offers new genetic evidence that celiac patients face an increased risk of psoriasis, while psoriasis patients face no higher celiac risk. For this reason, the team advises clinicians to be aware of the connections, and to closely watch for any psoriasis-associated skin symptoms in celiac patients, or in patients with celiac symptoms. This study offers another valuable insight into the many connections between celiac disease and the risk of other auto-immune conditions, and perhaps supports the idea that all non-genetically determined psoriasis patients should be screened for celiac disease. Read more at Scientific Reports volume 12, Article number: 21508 (2022)

Celiac.com 05/21/2021 - We've reviewed many EpiLynx by Dr. Liia products, and perhaps our favorites are their “bundles” because they offer a nice savings when you buy a group of their cosmetics, compared to buying them individually. On top of this already big savings, they also offer an additional discount when you set up a subscription order, so you can really save a lot of money on your favorite bundle. The other thing we love about their bundles is their well thought out themes, and in this case, their Intensely Moisturizing and Restoring Treatment for Dry Skin Psoriasis, Eczema, and Rosacea Bundle offers the following themed products, which, like their other products, are gluten-free, allergen-free, and vegan: Intense Moisturizing Treatment Hand and Body Balm for Psoriasis, Eczema, and Rosacea Prone Skin Cooling Face Milk for Psoriasis, Eczema, and Rosacea Prone Skin Cooling Face Cream for Psoriasis, Eczema, and Rosacea Prone Skin We get many visitors to our site and forum who have skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, which are more common in those with celiac disease. Each item in this bundle contains only the finest ingredients that are specially chosen to relieve symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, including borage seed oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera, hydrolyzed baobab protein, sea buckthorn oil, and neem oil. Daily use of these products will help your skin stay moisturized all day long, protect it from the sun, and transform it into a more beautiful and healthy look. Visit their site for more info.

Celiac.com 12/16/2019 - Psoriasis is a skin condition associated with several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including celiac disease. Currently, however, researchers don't have much solid information regarding the chronology of psoriasis development. A team of researchers recently set out to investigate the chronology of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases relative to psoriasis. The research team included Yuki M.F. Andersen, MD, PhD, Jashin J. Wu, MD, Jacob P. Thyssen, MD, PhD, DMS, and Alexander Egeberg, MD, PhD. They are variously affiliated with the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; the Dermatology Research and Education Foundation, Irvine, California; and the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. The team reviewed data from Danish nationwide administrative registries to examine the occurrence of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in 10,923 patients with psoriasis, and in 109,230 control subjects from the general population. They found that about 20% of psoriasis patients developed one or more immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, with risk that is five times greater than in the general population. Most patients received a diagnosis of immune-mediated inflammatory disease, except for psoriatic arthritis, before being diagnosed with psoriasis. Psoriasis patients were far more likely to have multiple immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. They were also far more likely to have human leukocyte antigen B27 positivity. This study was limited by the unavailability of clinical measurements. Still, the data show that immune-mediated inflammatory diseases are common in patients with psoriasis, and are usually diagnosed before psoriasis. This information could help researchers to better understand the factors influencing the development of psoriasis. Read more in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Celiac.com 01/30/2018 - Numerous clinicians have reported higher levels of celiac disease markers in their patients with psoriasis. A number of researchers believe that some psoriasis patients suffer from asymptomatic celiac disease, and a number of patients have reported symptom improvements with gluten-free diets. A team of researchers recently set out to determine the prevalence of antigliadin IgA antibodies in psoriasis vulgaris, and to assess the response of seropositive patients to a gluten-free diet. The research team included Nikolai A Kolchak, Maria K Tetarnikova, Maria S Theodoropoulou, Alexandra P Michalopoulou, and Demetrios S Theodoropoulos. They are variously affiliated with the Department of Hematology, Omsk State Medical Academy, Omsk, Russia; Dermatology Private Practice, Chelyabinsk, Russia; Department of Pharmacy, Trikala General Hospital, Trikala, Greece; Department of Philosophy and Social Studies, School of Philosophy, University of Crete, Rethymnon, Greece; and Allergy Associates of La Crosse, Onalaska, WI, USA. The team assessed the prevalence of gliadin IgA antibodies among patients with psoriasis in an urban population, along with noting the clinical effects of a strict gluten-free diet. The team recruited 97 patients with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index greater than 2.4 from a dermatology clinic. They measured gliadin IgA antibodies in all participants and in 91 control subjects. They found elevated gliadin IgA antibodies in 13 patients, and two controls. All 13 patients were placed on a strict gluten-free diet without any other modifications in their ongoing treatment of psoriasis. Psoriasis patients who do not have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity commonly show high levels of antigliadin IgA antibody. These results show that antigliadin IgA testing can identify psoriasis patients likely to benefit from a gluten-free diet. Source: Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S122256

Celiac.com 05/19/2012 - Because a number of past studies examining the connection between celiac disease and psoriasis have had contradictory findings, researchers wanted to get a better idea of the actual risk of psoriasis in patients with biopsy-verified celiac disease. The researchers were J.F. Ludvigsson, B. Lindelöf, F. Zingone, and C. Ciacci, with the Department of Pediatrics at Sweden's Örebro University Hospital. For their study, they used data from 28 pathology departments in Sweden to identified individuals with celiac disease diagnosed between 1969 and 2008. They found 28,958 patients with Marsh 3 villous atrophy. They then used Cox regression to compare those celiac disease patients with 143,910 sex- and age-matched control subjects, and to assess the risk of psoriasis. They found that celiac disease was a risk factor for future psoriasis (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.54-1.92. They found that, during follow-up, 401 individuals with celiac disease and 1,139 controls were diagnosed with psoriasis. They found that the absolute risk of future psoriasis in patients with celiac disease was 135 per 100,000 person-years, with an excess risk of 57 cases per 100,000 person years. Overall, 42% of the cases of psoriasis in patients with celiac disease could be attributed to celiac disease. Moreover, in children the team saw a strong association between celiac disease and psoriasis (HR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.62-2.60). Their results show that the connection between celiac disease and psoriasis seems to be far more than coincidental, as we also found a positive association between celiac disease and psoriasis before celiac diagnosis, with an odds ratio of 1.91; 95% CI = 1.58-2.31). They conclude that individuals with celiac disease do, in fact, face an increased risk of psoriasis both before and after celiac diagnosis. Source: J Invest Dermatol. 2011 Oct;131(10):2010-6. doi: 10.1038/jid.2011.162.

Celiac.com 07/29/2010 - The underlying causes of psoriasis are not well understood. Many patients with psoriasis also have a sensitivity to gluten. In an effort to better understand any connection between psoriasis, celiac disease, and the HLA Cw6 genotype, a research team examined the expression of celiac-associated antibodies gliadin IgA, gliadin IgG, and tissue transglutaminase IgA, and possible associations the antibodies may have with the HLA Cw6 gene in people with psoriasis. The team included Sangeeta Singh, Gyanendra Kumar Sonkar, Usha, and Sanjay Singh. They are variously affiliated with the Division of Immunopathology in the Department of Pathology at the Institute of Medical Sciences, the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, and the Academic Staff College at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India. Antigens are substances that are recognized by the immune system and trigger an immune reaction. Class I human histocompatibility (HLA) antigens are coded into a small cluster of structural genes at the C locus on chromosome 6. They show substantially lower immune-triggering action than the HLA-A and -B determinants, and so are not a major factor in medical donations. Researchers find them useful because of their high-risk association with certain diseases, such as spondylarthritis, psoriasis, multiple myeloma. About 50 percent of all psoriasis patients carry HLC-Cw6. For the study the team evaluated 56 patients with psoriasis, along with 60 healthy control subjects. The team used ELISA to measure antibody levels, and the microcytotoxicity method to type HLA Cw6. Blood samples of psoriasis patients showed significant HLA Cw6 expression compared with control subjects (P Psoriasis patients showed substantially higher celiac-associated antibodies for gliadin IgA/IgG and tissue transglutaminase IgA compared with control subjects (P Women showed substantially higher serum anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (anti tTG IgA) than did men. Older patients showed higher expressions than did their younger counterparts. Antibodies showed significant positive correlation (anti-gliadin IgA with anti-gliadin IgG: r=0.67, P. From their results, the team concludes that patients with psoriasis commonly show latent celiac disease or celiac-associated antibodies, but that HLA Cw6 is not connected with expression of these antibodies in patients with psoriasis. Source: Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis, Volume 24 Issue 4, Pages 269 - 272