Researchers in China have revealed a potential role for pantothenic acid, derived from vitamin B5, in alleviating psoriasis symptoms by influencing biological processes that link cholesterol production to immune cell activity.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine reported on Tuesday that researchers from the State Key Laboratory of Medical Analytical Sciences and the First Medical Center in Beijing found that pantothenic acid affects the activity of dendritic cells, immune cells that help regulate the immune response, and their overactivity can enhance inflammation associated with psoriasis.
The study clarified that increased activity of enzymes known as "panins" leads to decreased levels of pantothenic acid within these cells, thereby enhancing cholesterol production and increasing their immune activity. When pantothenic acid was supplemented, cholesterol accumulation decreased and cell activation declined, indicating a link between metabolic processes and the intensity of the inflammatory response.
Preliminary clinical results also showed an improvement in psoriasis symptoms when pantothenic acid was added to standard topical treatment, with a clearer benefit for patients who had high cholesterol levels before treatment. These findings open avenues for studying metabolic pathways that contribute to immune inflammation, aiming to develop additional treatment options for psoriasis. However, broader clinical studies are still needed to confirm efficacy and determine the safety of using pantothenic acid for this purpose.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with immune system dysfunction, leading to accelerated skin cell renewal and accumulation on the surface, resulting in red patches covered with thick scales that may cause itching or pain. It commonly appears on the scalp, elbows, and knees. It is not contagious, and its symptoms can be controlled with appropriate treatments.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
Comments (0)