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Study Reveals Hidden Gut Inflammation in Psoriasis Patients

New research from Uppsala University has uncovered why people with psoriasis often experience stomach problems: they frequently have invisible inflammation in their small intestine and an increased tendency toward “leaky gut.” The findings, published in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease, may explain the connection between this common skin condition and digestive issues.

Beyond Skin Deep

While psoriasis is known primarily as a skin condition affecting nearly 300,000 people in Sweden alone, researchers found that its impact extends well beyond the surface. The study revealed that even patients with mild skin symptoms showed surprising changes in their small intestine compared to healthy individuals.

“Previous research has also shown that people with psoriasis have more gastrointestinal problems than the general population. However we didn’t know much about why this is the case,” explains Maria Lampinen, researcher at Uppsala University. “With our study, we can now show that people with psoriasis often have invisible inflammation in their small intestines, with an increased risk of what’s called leaky gut.”

Detailed Investigation

The research team examined 18 psoriasis patients and 15 healthy controls, taking samples from both their small and large intestines. None of the participants had been diagnosed with gastrointestinal diseases, making the findings particularly significant.

The results were striking: psoriasis patients showed higher numbers of certain immune cells in their small intestine, with these cells displaying signs of inflammatory activity. Intriguingly, researchers found the same types of immune cells in skin flare-ups from psoriasis patients, suggesting a potential connection between skin and gut inflammation.

Understanding ‘Leaky Gut’

Half of the psoriasis patients in the study showed increased intestinal barrier permeability, commonly known as “leaky gut.” This condition occurs when the intestinal barrier functions poorly, allowing bacteria and harmful substances to leak through and potentially cause inflammation.

These patients also reported more frequent gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain and bloating, compared to those with normal intestinal barriers. Their intestines also showed elevated levels of inflammatory substances.

Impact on Patient Care

The research has resonated strongly with the psoriasis community. After the Swedish Psoriasis Association’s member magazine published an article about the study, Lampinen received numerous emails from people who recognized the connection between their gut and skin symptoms.

“It feels like this research is needed and is important for the patients themselves,” Lampinen notes. “A greater understanding of gastrointestinal problems in psoriasis patients can help the healthcare system to pay more attention to the link between the gut and the skin in patients with psoriasis, and in the long term it could also lead to better treatment of these problems.”

The findings are particularly significant given that psoriasis patients have an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease compared to the general population. This research provides new insights into why this connection exists and opens potential pathways for more comprehensive treatment approaches.

The study, funded by the Psoriasis Association’s managed funds and Hudfonden (the Skin Foundation), marks an important step forward in understanding the systemic nature of psoriasis and its effects beyond the skin.


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