THURSDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) — The sensation of itching is hardwired into the nervous system and can be traced back to a small molecule released in the spinal cord, according to a new study in mice.
Researchers say this molecule, known as natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb), triggers a signal that passes through the central [...]
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Got an Itch? Mouse Study May Help Explain Why
May 23, 2013
Ingredient in New MS Drug Linked to Serious Brain Disease
April 24, 2013
By Brenda GoodmanHealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, April 24 (HealthDay News) — The active ingredient in a drug that’s expected to become a popular treatment for multiple sclerosis has been linked to four European cases of a rare but sometimes fatal brain disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
The ingredient, dimethyl fumarate, is used in a drug called Fumaderm [...]
Salty Diet Might Help Trigger MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis
March 6, 2013
Eating lots of foods loaded with salt may do more than raise your blood pressure: Researchers report that it could also contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system mistakenly mounts an attack upon some part of the body. Three new studies suggest salt may be a prime suspect in a wide range of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine).
Kids With Psoriasis More Likely to Be Overweight: Study
November 19, 2012
By Kathleen DohenyHealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Nov. 19 (HealthDay News) — Children who have the skin condition psoriasis are about twice as likely to be either overweight or obese as kids without the skin problem, according to new research that looked at children from nine countries.
When researchers looked at just obesity, they found those with the skin [...]
Psoriasis Drug May Help People With Crohn’s Disease: Study
October 17, 2012
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 17 (HealthDay News) — The drug Stelara, used to treat the skin condition psoriasis, may also be effective against Crohn’s disease, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found Stelara (ustekinumab) blocks two proteins known to cause inflammation. Crohn’s disease patients with moderate-to-severe cases [...]
Newer Psoriasis Drugs May Lower Heart Attack Risk for Patients
August 20, 2012
By Denise MannHealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Aug. 20 (HealthDay News) — People with psoriasis who take a new class of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors may be at a lower risk for heart attack than their counterparts who only use topical medications to treat this inflammatory skin condition, a new study shows.
And patients [...]
Gene Behind Psoriasis Identified, Researchers Say
April 19, 2012
THURSDAY, April 19 (HealthDay News) — Scientists say they’ve identified the first gene directly linked to the most common form of psoriasis, known as plaque psoriasis.
“We have searched for almost two decades to find a single gene linked to plaque psoriasis,” study senior author Anne Bowcock, professor of genetics at Washington University School of Medicine [...]
Psoriasis Patients May Face Higher Heart Risk
March 16, 2012
FRIDAY, March 16 (HealthDay News) — People with the painful skin condition psoriasis may be at increased risk for health problems that affect the heart, an expert says.
Excessive inflammation is a major feature of psoriasis. Chronic inflammation is also a characteristic of insulin resistance, obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease, said Dr. Joel Gelfand, [...]
Smoking Linked to Higher Rate of Psoriasis: Study
March 2, 2012
By Randy DotingaHealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, March 2 (HealthDay News) — Smokers are at higher risk of developing the autoimmune skin condition psoriasis than nonsmokers, a new study finds, possibly because smoking pushes the body’s immune system into overdrive, one expert suggests.
The research doesn’t directly prove that smoking causes psoriasis, and the wide majority of smokers [...]
Pleasure in Scratching an Itch May Depend on Location
February 2, 2012
THURSDAY, Feb. 2 (HealthDay News) — Sometimes, there’s nothing better than scratching an itch. And a new study suggests that where the itch resides is key to the pleasure derived from scratching.
The findings help improve understanding of itch and might even help folks battling itchy skin ailments, according to study author Dr. Gil Yosipovitch, a [...]
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Autoimmune Woes May Raise Risk for Lung Clots
11/25/2011 - Heart Disease, Hyperthyroidism, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid ArthritisPsoriasis Treatment's Convenience May Be Key for Patients
11/21/2011 - PsoriasisDoes Psoriasis Thwart the Benefits of 'Good' Cholesterol?
Experimental Psoriasis Drug Bests Older Treatment
10/26/2011 - Psoriasis1 in 4 With Psoriasis May Have Undiagnosed Arthritis
Kids With Psoriasis Get Inconsistent Care
09/21/2011 - PsoriasisNo Heart Risk Seen With Psoriasis Drug
08/23/2011 - Psoriasis
