Synopsis
A recent study reveals that people with psoriasis often experience hidden small intestine inflammation that heightens their risk for leaky gut. This condition may clarify the connection between psoriasis and gastrointestinal issues, including Crohn’s disease.Key Takeaways
- Psoriasis patients frequently have intestinal inflammation.
- This inflammation increases the risk of leaky gut.
- Immune cells in the small intestine show signs of pro-inflammatory activity.
- Half of the psoriasis patients exhibited increased intestinal permeability.
- Research suggests a link between skin and gut inflammation.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) Individuals suffering from psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder, frequently experience undetectable inflammation in their small intestines, which raises their risk for ‘leaky gut’, according to a study released on Monday.
This intestinal inflammation may clarify why psoriasis sufferers often encounter gastrointestinal issues and have a higher likelihood of developing Crohn’s disease, as reported by researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden.
Psoriasis is a hereditary condition that can also lead to joint inflammation. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), particularly Crohn’s disease, are found more frequently in those with psoriasis than in the general population.
The limited study included 18 individuals with psoriasis and 15 healthy participants. None of the subjects had received a diagnosis for gastrointestinal disorders. Samples were collected from both their small and large intestines.
Researchers examined various immune cell types present in the mucous membranes. They discovered that individuals with psoriasis exhibited an increased number of specific immune cells in their small intestine.
These immune cells also displayed signs of pro-inflammatory activity, according to Maria Lampinen, a researcher at Uppsala University.
“Interestingly, we discovered the same immune cell types in skin flare-ups of psoriasis patients, indicating that skin inflammation may influence gut health or the other way around,” she noted.
The results are detailed in the journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease.
Typically, the intestinal mucosa serves as a protective barrier that facilitates the passage of nutrients and water. In certain autoimmune conditions, this barrier may become compromised, leading to leaky gut, where harmful substances can infiltrate the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation.
This can result in further widespread inflammation as these substances circulate through the bloodstream.
Half of the psoriasis patients involved in the research exhibited increased intestinal barrier permeability, or leaky gut. These patients reported more gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal discomfort and bloating, compared to those with a healthy intestinal barrier.
Additionally, they demonstrated higher levels of inflammatory markers within their intestines.
“Considering that the psoriasis patients in our study had generally mild skin conditions and displayed no visible intestinal inflammation during a gastroscopy, it was surprising to see significant changes in their small intestines compared to healthy controls. These alterations could elucidate why individuals with psoriasis often face gastrointestinal issues and have an elevated risk for Crohn’s disease,” the research team remarked.
