New research presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2024 provides compelling evidence that perceived stress can directly trigger psoriasis relapse. The study, utilizing human skin xenografts on mice, demonstrated that sonic stress led to a recurrence of psoriatic lesions in all samples within 14 days, offering the first scientific validation of the long-suspected connection between stress and psoriasis exacerbation.
Stress-Induced Neurogenic Inflammation
Professor Amos Gilhar, lead researcher from the Skin Research Laboratory at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, explained that psychoemotional stress triggers the release of proinflammatory neuropeptides, leading to neurogenic skin inflammation. The study revealed an increased presence of immune cells, elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators, and upregulated neurogenic inflammation biomarkers in stressed skin samples.
Aprepitant Shows Promise in Preventing Relapse
The research team also investigated the efficacy of aprepitant, an FDA-approved anti-emetic drug, in preventing stress-induced psoriasis relapse. Aprepitant successfully prevented relapse in 80% of cases and normalized most inflammatory markers, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for stress-induced psoriasis exacerbations.
Implications for Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis affects over 6 million people in Europe and is characterized by rapid skin cell production, leading to scaling and inflammation. This study underscores the intricate link between the nervous system and the immune response in psoriasis. According to Professor Gilhar, "Recognizing how stress influences psoriasis allows us to refine our treatment approaches to better serve patients." The team plans to further explore the clinical potential of NK-1R antagonists and delve deeper into the role of stress management in psoriasis care.
