Recent research suggests that the hormone hepcidin may be a key factor in triggering psoriasis, a chronic skin disease affecting 2% to 3% of the global population. Hepcidin, known for regulating iron levels in the body, was found to be produced in the skin of psoriasis patients, leading to excess iron and causing overproduction of skin cells and inflammation. This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatment approaches, particularly for those with pustular psoriasis, a severe form of the disease.

Researchers believe a drug targeting hepcidin could offer significant relief to psoriasis patients by controlling flare-ups and maintaining remission. The study also suggests that adjusting excess iron in the skin with customized iron chelators could halt the hyperproliferation of skin cells associated with psoriasis. While this discovery holds promise, experts caution that drug development is time-consuming and further research is needed to confirm hepcidin’s role and effectiveness as a treatment target. However, these findings offer hope for new therapeutic options beyond current immune pathway treatments.

Reference: University of Bath. A cure for psoriasis: Could a faulty iron hormone in the skin be the key? ScienceDaily. Published September 26, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240926131933.htm