Link Between Autoimmune, Heart Disease Explained in Mice

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https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181108130543.htm

Summary: Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine found a possible link between autoimmune diseases and the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease with mice. Specifically, mice with a condition mirroring symptoms of psoriasis should slower circulation of cholesterol in their arteries than mice without the autoimmune disease. Humans with lupus and psoriasis are two to eight times more likely to have a heart attack than people who do not have these diseases. Researchers believe this is due, in part, by the over production of collagen that occurs in people with psoriasis. The collagen spreads to other parts of the skin and the arteries, continuing to build. IL-17 has been found to be the cause the multiplication of cells, and when given antibodies to combat this immune cell, collagen production slowed and showed improved functioning. There are currently drugs that are on the market to treat psoriasis. Furthermore it is believed that these IL-17 targeting therapies will help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as it did in the mice that were tested.

Takeaway: This research article connects back to the gut-brain axis. Since there is evidence that intestinal distress can manifest in symptoms such as skin problems, it can be inferred that reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease may begin in the gut. Providing the body with enough good bacteria and maintaining bacterial diversity can lower the risk of psoriasis becoming active in the body. Patients who suffer from psoriasis may also see a decreased likelihood to have cardiovascular disease by avoiding foods that promote collagen growth. This is because the collagen overgrowth slows the movement of cholesterol. 

Reference:
Washington University School of Medicine. (2018, November 8). Link between autoimmune, heart disease explained in mice: Immune cells cause cholesterol to be trapped in blood vessels. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 12, 2018 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181108130543.htm

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 15, 2018 at 10:10 PM

    The connection between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease seems to be through inflammation. As an autoimmune disease, psoriasis by definition is inducing a heightened immune response, including an inflammatory response. By inference from autoimmune disease, stress and diet might also lead to cardiovascular disease. This all might suggest increased use of anti-inflammatory agents to prevent cardiovascular disease. of course drugs that serve as anti-inflammatories carry many side effects and therefore natural agents that are known to serve as anti-inflammatories might serve as a better choice.

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  2. UnknownNovember 16, 2018 at 12:02 AM

    I found this very relative to myself because of my own autoimmune disorder that I have. I know that it is said that my diet plays a role in the inflammation. When I am going through a stressful period of time it tends to be worse so stress definitely plays into it. I find it interesting to read about the chance of heart attack for someone with psoriasis are 2-8 times more likely.

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