Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.0
4.9
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
Psoriasis: Molecular Pathologies, Lipid Disturbances, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies
ijms-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Psoriasis: Molecular Pathologies, Lipid Disturbances, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 5060

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Hanna Mysliwiec

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Bialystok, PL-15540 Bialystok, Poland
Interests: dermatology; skin diseases; inflammation; psoriasis; aesthetic medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The treatment of psoriasis has come a long way, from the use of simple ointments like anthralin to the advanced biologic therapies that we rely on today. These improvements have greatly helped patients, but there is still so much we do not fully understand about psoriasis. The causes of the disease and how it is connected to other health problems remain areas that need more research.

Among the most intriguing connections is the role of lipid disturbances. These disruptions not only underscore the complex interplay between psoriasis and metabolic disorders but also offer valuable insights into the broader systemic effects of the disease. Alongside lipid disturbances, molecular mechanisms, including genetic, epigenetic, and inflammatory pathways, play a crucial role in shaping the clinical course of psoriasis and its associated conditions.

This Special Issue, "Psoriasis: Molecular Pathologies, Lipid Disturbances, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies", aims to explore these important topics. We want to dive deeper into the molecular aspects of psoriasis, its link with lipid problems, and new ways to diagnose and treat the disease.

We invite you to contribute your research, reviews, or case studies to this Special Issue. Together, we can uncover new knowledge about psoriasis and help improve treatments and care for patients.

Dr. Hanna Mysliwiec
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • psoriasis
  • pathogenesis
  • lipid metabolism disturbances
  • metabolic syndrome
  • systemic comorbidities
  • epigenetics
  • therapeutic strategies
  • biologic treatment

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

12 pages, 587 KB  
Article
Impact of Brodalumab on Serum Levels of IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-α, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in Patients with Psoriasis Who Failed Treatment with TNF-α Inhibitors
by Lucia Medjedovic, Admir Vižlin, Ylva Andersch Björkman, Anna-Maj Albertsson, Sukanya Raghavan, Martin Gillstedt and Amra Osmancevic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010458 - 1 Jan 2026
Viewed by 687
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. While TNF-α inhibitors are frequently used to treat moderate-to-severe cases, not all patients respond adequately. Brodalumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-17 receptor A, has emerged as an [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. While TNF-α inhibitors are frequently used to treat moderate-to-severe cases, not all patients respond adequately. Brodalumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-17 receptor A, has emerged as an alternative for individuals unresponsive to prior therapies. This prospective study investigated the effects of brodalumab on serum cytokine levels—specifically IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-α, IFN-γ, and TNF-α—and their correlation with disease severity as assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Eighteen patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who were unresponsive to TNF-α inhibitors received brodalumab for 12 weeks. Cytokine concentrations were measured at baseline and week 12 using an automated immunoassay (ELLA), and clinical outcomes were evaluated using PASI. The results showed a significant increase in IL-17A levels, while changes in IL-6, IFN-α, IFN-γ, and TNF-α did not reach statistical significance. No significant correlations were found between changes in cytokine levels and PASI improvement. However, the small number of available serum samples at week 12 (n = 11) limited the statistical power to detect treatment-related changes in cytokine levels. These findings suggest that while brodalumab influences specific immune markers, the clinical response may not be directly reflected by serum cytokine levels. This highlights the multifactorial nature of psoriasis pathogenesis and underscores the need for further studies to clarify the role of cytokine biomarkers in treatment response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psoriasis: Molecular Pathologies, Lipid Disturbances, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 432 KB  
Article
Blood-Count-Derived Inflammatory Biomarkers and Characterization of Super-Responder Profile in Psoriatic Patients Receiving Biological Treatment: A Single-Center Study
by Agnieszka Hołdrowicz, Radosław Zajdel and Agnieszka Żebrowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10770; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110770 - 5 Nov 2025
Viewed by 781
Abstract
In recent years, monoclonal antibodies targeting key cytokines underlying the occurrence of psoriatic skin lesions and joint involvement, i.e., Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 17 (IL-17), Interleukin 12 (IL-12), and Interleukin 23 (IL-23), have become more commonly used in the therapy of psoriasis. [...] Read more.
In recent years, monoclonal antibodies targeting key cytokines underlying the occurrence of psoriatic skin lesions and joint involvement, i.e., Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 17 (IL-17), Interleukin 12 (IL-12), and Interleukin 23 (IL-23), have become more commonly used in the therapy of psoriasis. Due to the high effectiveness, a favorable safety profile, and growing availability of biological treatment methods, the number of patients receiving chronic monoclonal antibody therapy is increasing each year. However, the factors affecting the effectiveness of biological drugs are not fully recognized. The study aimed at analyzing the clinical profile of patients and non-specific inflammatory markers in terms of the response to the psoriasis treatment with IL-17, IL-23, IL-12/23, and TNF-α inhibitors. The analysis involved 185 patients receiving biological therapy in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at the Medical University of Lodz, which resulted in a total of 222 treatment cycles (TC). The super-response was defined as 100% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 100), at week 16 (±4 weeks) of therapy. Our study indicates that the chance of achieving a super-response was higher among younger patients with no psoriatic lesions on palms and soles, not suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, previously treated with methotrexate, and characterized by a higher level of derived Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (dNLR) at the beginning of treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psoriasis: Molecular Pathologies, Lipid Disturbances, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3942 KB  
Article
The Therapeutic Potential of Galium verum for Psoriasis: A Combined Phytochemical, In Silico, and Experimental Approach
by Branislava Daskalovic, Vladimir Jakovljevic, Sergej Bolevic, Marijana Andjic, Jovana Bradic, Aleksandar Kocovic, Milos Nikolic, Nikola Nedeljkovic, Jovan Milosavljevic, Jovan Baljak, Milos Krivokapic, Svetlana Trifunovic and Jasmina Sretenovic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7290; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157290 - 28 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1584
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder involving oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. Given the limitations and adverse effects of conventional therapies, interest in natural treatments with anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties is increasing. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic potential of [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder involving oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. Given the limitations and adverse effects of conventional therapies, interest in natural treatments with anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties is increasing. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic potential of Galium verum extract in an imiquimod-induced rat model of psoriasis. The extract was chemically characterized by HPLC and evaluated for anti-oxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Molecular docking studies targeted psoriasis-related proteins (IL-17, IL-22, IL-23, JAK2, MAPK2, NF-κB, STAT3), revealing strong binding affinities for rutin and quercetin, the extract’s dominant bioactives. In vivo, 18 Wistar albino male rats were divided into control (CTRL), psoriasis (PSORI), and psoriasis treated with Galium verum (PSORI + GV) groups. A seven-day topical application of 5% imiquimod cream was used for the induction of psoriasis. The PSORI + GV group received 250 mg/kg Galium verum extract orally for 7 days. Morphometric and redox analyses were performed. Histological and morphometric analyses showed reduced epidermal thickness, inflammation, and collagen content. Redox analysis revealed lowered oxidative stress biomarkers and enhanced anti-oxidant defenses. These findings suggest that Galium verum extract exerts anti-psoriatic effects through antioxidative and immunomodulatory mechanisms, supporting its potential as a natural adjunct therapy for psoriasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psoriasis: Molecular Pathologies, Lipid Disturbances, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1217 KB  
Article
Serum IL-18/IL-13 Ratio Predicts Super Response to Secukinumab in Patients with Psoriasis
by Dominika Ziolkowska-Banasik, Maciej Pastuszczak, Kamila Zawadzinska-Halat, Ewa Hadas and Andrzej Bozek
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(13), 6432; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136432 - 3 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1524
Abstract
Identifying immunologic predictors of clinical responses remains an unmet need in the era of biologic therapy for psoriasis. Super responders (SRs), defined as patients achieving complete skin clearance within weeks of treatment initiation, represent an emerging clinical endotype; however, their immunological profiles remain [...] Read more.
Identifying immunologic predictors of clinical responses remains an unmet need in the era of biologic therapy for psoriasis. Super responders (SRs), defined as patients achieving complete skin clearance within weeks of treatment initiation, represent an emerging clinical endotype; however, their immunological profiles remain insufficiently characterized. We conducted a prospective observational study to characterize serum cytokine profiles associated with SR status in biologic-naïve patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated with secukinumab, an IL-17A inhibitor. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled and stratified at week 12 into SR (PASI = 0; n = 9) and non-super responder (NSR; PASI > 0; n = 19) groups. Serum concentrations of 19 cytokines were analyzed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. SRs displayed a distinct immunological signature characterized by significantly higher IL-13 and lower IL-18 baseline levels compared to NSRs (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007, respectively), alongside reduced baseline monocyte counts. L1-regularized logistic regression confirmed IL-13 and IL-18 as strong independent predictors of SR status (AUC = 0.91). Moreover, the IL-18/IL-13 ratio emerged as a highly discriminative biomarker (p = 0.00001, AUC = 0.86). Notably, SRs exhibited a more pronounced decline in IL-18 and IL-23 during treatment. Our findings provide novel insights into the immunopathogenesis of super response and suggest that an immunological milieu favoring Th2 polarization may promote superior outcomes with IL-17A blockade. Incorporating IL-13, IL-18, and their ratio into clinical algorithms may facilitate precision-guided biologic therapy in psoriasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psoriasis: Molecular Pathologies, Lipid Disturbances, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop