New research strongly indicates that the hormone hepcidin may trigger the onset of the condition, marking the first time it has been considered a potential cause. In mammals, hepcidin regulates iron levels in the body. The study, published in Nature Communications, was conducted by an international team that includes Dr. Charareh Pourzand from the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, and Centre for Bioengineering and Biomedical Technologies. The team hopes this discovery could lead to the development of drugs that block the hormone’s effects.
Such treatments could be especially beneficial for those suffering from pustular psoriasis (PP), a severe and resistant form of the disease that can affect not only the skin but also the nails and joints.
Dr. Pourzand explained, “Targeting iron hormone imbalance in the skin offers a promising new treatment that could significantly improve the quality of life for millions, restoring confidence and wellbeing.”
While psoriasis currently has no cure, existing treatments like topical creams, light therapy, and oral medications can help control symptoms in certain forms of the condition. Recent therapies have focused on disrupting immune pathways linked to the disease’s development.
As reported by medicaldialogues, Dr. Pourzand believes that a drug targeting hepcidin could substantially enhance treatment options for all psoriasis patients. She said, “Our findings suggest that hepcidin could be an effective target for treating skin psoriasis. A drug regulating this hormone could help manage flare-ups and maintain remission, reducing recurrence.”