In a new study, researchers report that they have found epigenetic methylation markers on 15 genes that appear to foreshadow psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a development that could bring scientists closer to developing a DNA test to predict which patients with psoriasis will develop the condition.
While no predictive test is in sight yet, the findings published in Arthritis & Rheumatology mark an important step, study lead author Omar F. Cruz-Correa, PhD, of the Psoriatic Arthritis Research Program in the University Health Network, Toronto, said in an interview. "In the future, markers like these could be measured by dermatologists and even general practitioners to help identify new psoriasis patients at a high risk of developing PsA," he said. "Then both the health care team and the patients themselves could be more aware of their increased risk and the pressing need of closer monitoring for musculoskeletal symptoms. Once the first symptoms appear, treatment can be initiated early on, helping to prevent permanent joint damage."
An estimated 30% of patients with psoriasis will develop PsA, too, putting them at higher risk of disability and death. According to Dr. Cruz-Correa, "one of the more pressing matters in PsA is the lack of means of predicting which psoriasis patients will develop PsA."
