Marcela Moreno Wilches
Latin Agency for News Medicine and Public Health
Over time, medicine advances in the delivery of drugs capable of blocking an interleukin known as tumor necrosis factor alpha, which is very important in several stages of immunology for the development of plaque psoriasis.
In an interview with Journal of Medicine and Public Health (MSP), Dr. José González Chavez, dermatologist, emphasizes the importance of advances in medicine for the well-being and health of patients with conditions such as plaque psoriasis.
Treatments such as interleukin 17 (IL-17) and interleukin 23 (IL-23) inhibitors have become a very important method, because the closer you are to the interleukin you want to block, the fewer side effects and you are more efficient. to get.
“These drugs work on the same molecule, a receptor that is on the membrane of those Th17 lymphocytes, where the interleukin 23 inhibitor (IL-23) sticks, which activates the Th17 lymphocyte to produce disease-causing interleukin. It’s like having that cell that is dysfunctional Th17, so to start secreting harmful interleukin needs interleukin 23 (IL-23) and if you prevent interleukin 23 from sticking together using an inhibitor, then you’re just inhibiting the secretion once those responsible for interleukins, 17, alpha tumor necrosis factor, among others that give rise to psoriasis plaque “the specialist explained.
In addition, it emphasizes the importance of these drugs due to their high efficacy, emphasizing their safety profile and the option of being injected less frequently than with previous treatments, showing an improvement in the patient who can be seen almost without a plate.
In a period of 8 to 16 weeks, an improvement of almost 90% can be achieved with these drugs, which is why their contribution to treatments is noticeable.
“The vast majority of patients in the moderate to severe category receive products such as interleukin inhibitors, and a study will soon be published showing that they may be effective in psoriatic arthritis, and possibly in the not too distant future. be also authorized. to young people “ Dr. González explained.
Interleukins 23 (IL-23) are currently only allowed in the adult population, while interleukins 17 (IL-17) and some of the drugs that inhibit tumor necrosis factor can be used in young people.
The vast majority of patients use these drugs as monotherapy due to their magnificent response, however, in patients who have what are called “luxurious areas” that are parts of the body that do not respond well to treatment, such as In the case of the legs, may require complementary treatment, such as the use of topical corticosteroid, derived from vitamin D, or if the patient has arthritis and needs additional anti-inflammatory or anti-rheumatoid treatment.
Side effects in treatment
Dr. Gonzales Chávez points out that different types of reactions can occur depending on each patient, however, most side effects are managed in the laboratory and with patient monitoring.
For these drugs known for their high degree of efficacy and safety, he points out, “If someone follows the treatment guide, performs the relevant laboratories, tests the tuberculin and follows the patient, it is very rare that you have to discontinue the patient due to adverse effects.”
Minor side effects such as infections, colds, sinusitis, local allergic reactions may occur, but when it comes to major side effects such as coronary heart disease, stroke or death, these are extremely rare. .
Areas frequently affected by plaque
The disease can affect any area of the skin and mucous membranes, in some cases, patients may begin with lesions in the flexural or intertriginous area, such as the groin, armpits or under the breasts, but in some cases may have lesions only in the genitals.
However, it is very common to see plaques on the scalp, elbows, knees, ankles, joints and those with moderate to severe conditions, ie more than 20% of their body surface is affected.
“There are often triggers that worsen or trigger psoriasis, many of which can be stress, taking medications such as lithium or some to lower blood pressure, so it’s important to have a family history of medications as this can allow for the analysis of what is causing the disease“, Explained the specialist.