"Gut-skin"axis: understanding psoriasis from the gut

Pharmazie. 2021 Nov 1;76(11):523-527. doi: 10.1691/ph.2021.1694.

Abstract

Background: The exact pathogenesis of psoriasis is complex, and scholars use the intestinal mucosal immunity as an entry point to analyze the important role of the intestine in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Traditional Chinese medicine treats psoriasis from the intestine based on the theory that "the lung governs the fur" and "the Interior-Exterior Relationship Between the Lung and Large Intestine". Based on this understanding, this paper puts forward the idea of understanding psoriasis from the "gut-skin" axis. Objective: Based on the "gut-skin" axis to explore the pathogenesis of psoriasis from the intestines, and open up new ideas for research and development of new drugs for psoriasis. Method: Collect literature on the treatment of psoriasis from the perspective of the intestine and "gut-skin" axis; then, use Western medicine's intestinal pathogenesis, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory and examples of TCM treatment are demonstrated; finally, the treatment of psoriasis from the "gut-skin" axis is summarized. Results: Western medicine has not carried out treatment of psoriasis involving the intestinal tract. In-depth research and clinical applications based on the "gut-skin" axis are still needed. The effective rate of treating psoriasis by TCM has been as high as 90%, but the mechanism research is relatively scarce. Conclusion: The construction of the "gut-skin" axis mechanism is consistent with TCM theories, and is consistent with modern scientific connotations as well.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal*
  • Humans
  • Lung
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional
  • Psoriasis* / drug therapy
  • Skin

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal