Immunobiological Therapy of Psoriasis and Stem Cell Treatment: A Complete Overview
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects millions of people around the world. Characterized by the formation of red, flaky plaques on the skin, psoriasis can significantly impair the patient’s quality of life. This disease is associated with immune system dysfunction, which leads to excessive skin cell growth and inflammation. In recent decades, many new treatments have emerged, including immunobiological and stem cell therapies. In this article, we will take a closer look at the available drugs for psoriasis treatment in Ukraine and stem cell therapy options, as well as delve into the mechanisms of action of these methods and their effectiveness.
Definition and epidemiology
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that can manifest itself in various forms. It is often relapsing and can develop at any age, although it most often occurs in people aged 15 to 35. According to the WHO, psoriasis affects about 2-3% of the world’s population, making it one of the most common dermatological pathologies.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis is considered a multifactorial disease, meaning that both genetic and environmental factors influence its development. The main causes include:
- Genetic predisposition: the presence of psoriasis in close relatives increases the risk of developing it.
- Immune disorders: an abnormal reaction of the immune system to external and internal factors leads to inflammation.
- Environmental factors: stress, infectious diseases, skin injuries, alcohol consumption, and smoking can trigger an exacerbation of the disease.
Psoriasis occurs as a result of an improper reaction of the human immune system to environmental factors. The process of inflammation development in psoriasis is a complex set of immunological reactions. A key role in psoriasis lesions is played by a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which is produced by immune system cells, and its amount increases dramatically in psoriasis. The most modern treatment option for psoriasis, as well as a number of other immunoinflammatory diseases, is immunobiological therapy.
Symptoms and forms
Symptoms of psoriasis can vary depending on its form. The most common forms include:
- Psoriasis in the plaques: characterized by the formation of bright red plaques that flake off and are covered with silvery scales.
- Nesting psoriasis: manifests itself in the form of small plaques, most often on the trunk and extremities.
- Psoriatic arthritis: joint inflammation that can accompany psoriasis.
The main symptoms include itching, burning, pain, and changes in the nails and joints.
Traditional methods of treating psoriasis
Treating psoriasis can be a complex and multi-stage process. Depending on the severity of the disease and the patient’s characteristics, the doctor may recommend different methods.
Topical medications
Topical medications are used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. They are applied directly to the affected areas of the skin and help reduce inflammation and itching.
- Corticosteroids: These are the most commonly used topical medications. They help reduce inflammation and itching, but can cause side effects if used for too long.
- Vitamin D3: preparations containing the active form of vitamin D help to slow the growth of skin cells and improve the condition of plaques.
- Retinoids: Vitamin A-based products that normalize cell division and reduce inflammation.
- Salicylic acid: helps to remove scales and relieve inflammation. Often used in combination with other topical agents.
Systemic medications
In severe psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications that affect the entire body. These medications can have serious side effects and require careful monitoring.
- Methotrexate: reduces the activity of the immune system and slows down the division of skin cells. It is usually prescribed for severe psoriasis.
- Cyclosporine: an immunosuppressant that helps control inflammation. It is effective but can cause a number of side effects.
- Acitretin: A systemic retinoid used to treat severe psoriasis. It helps to normalize skin cell growth and reduce inflammation.
Immunobiological drugs
Immunobiological therapy is a modern method of treating psoriasis, which involves the use of drugs aimed at blocking specific molecules involved in inflammatory processes. In recent decades, with the development of molecular biology and immunology, it has become possible to create biological drugs with a narrowly targeted action that selectively affect certain mechanisms without affecting other components of the immune system. In psoriasis, an extremely effective mechanism is to reduce elevated levels of TNF-alpha by binding it to a specific artificially created antibody. With the elimination of TNF-alpha, the cascade of immunological reactions is broken and the process stops. Modern TNF-alpha inhibitors are well tolerated and easy to use.
Several immunobiological drugs are available in Ukraine.
Preparation for treatment
Do I need to undergo any tests before starting treatment? Before starting treatment, you need to undergo a general and biochemical blood test, as well as a test for latent tuberculosis (X-ray, Mantoux test).
This is important for assessing your general health and identifying contraindications to treatment.
How immunobiological therapy for psoriasis works
The drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion, and the dosage regimen depends on the specific drug and the patient’s condition. Treatment is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor who has experience in the use of immunobiological drugs. The doctors of our clinic have their own experience in the use of immunobiological drugs, regularly attend scientific events on the problem of psoriasis and always have the latest information about modern methods of treatment
Psoriasis: treatment with cellular preparations
Stem cell therapy is a new and promising technique that can have a significant impact on the treatment of psoriasis. Stem cells have unique properties that allow them to:
- Repair damaged tissue
Stem cells can differentiate into different types of cells, which helps restore normal skin structure. This is especially important for patients with severe psoriasis who experience significant skin damage.
- Modulation of the immune response
Stem cells can influence the immune system, reducing inflammatory reactions and improving skin condition. They are able to regulate the activity of T-lymphocytes and other cells of the immune system, which can lead to long-term remission.
Scientific studies show encouraging results for the use of stem cells in the treatment of psoriasis. Although this therapy is still being studied, the first clinical trials indicate its effectiveness and safety.
The process of stem cell treatment
Stem cell treatment includes the following stages:
- Cell collection: stem cells can be obtained from bone marrow, adipose tissue or umbilical cord blood.
- Cell processing: The cells are processed and prepared for injection.
- Cell injection: the cells are administered to the patient by injection.
The treatment process requires careful monitoring and control by doctors.
Immunobiological therapy for psoriasis and stem cell therapy for psoriasis are modern and effective treatments that can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. These methods help to reduce the manifestations of the disease by reducing inflammation and improving skin condition.
It is important to remember that the choice of appropriate treatment should be based on the patient’s individual characteristics and the severity of the disease. Before starting treatment, be sure to consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
Treatment recommendations
- Regular consultations with your doctor: to monitor your condition and adjust treatment.
- Compliance with your doctor’s prescriptions: it is important to follow the recommendations for the use of medications exactly.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: proper nutrition, avoiding bad habits, and moderate exercise can help improve your health.
