A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology explored the potential use of herring roe oil (HRO) as a treatment for psoriasis. Psoriasis is a lifelong skin disease characterized by scaly, itchy patches. Traditional treatments for psoriasis often have side effects, so researchers are looking for alternative interventions without the adverse reactions.
The study focused on the immunomodulatory effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFA) found in HRO. The investigators aimed to examine the relationship between psoriasis symptoms and plasma inflammatory cytokine levels during and after dietary supplementation with HRO.
Psoriasis affects approximately 125 million people worldwide and is associated with various co-morbidities. While topical treatments are available, they can have harmful side effects, leading to poor medication adherence. Therefore, researchers are searching for new interventions that can effectively manage psoriasis symptoms without adverse reactions.
HRO has previously demonstrated improvement in psoriasis symptoms based on Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores. However, the immunological effects of HRO therapy are not well understood.
The study involved 64 patients with mild psoriasis who were enrolled in a 26-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive treatment with HRO or placebo.
The results showed that HRO supplementation led to beneficial modifications in the participants’ cytokine networks and immune cells. Monocyte populations increased in the HRO group, whereas CD8+ T cells were more prominent in the control group. Analysis of cytokine levels also revealed changes in the levels of specific cytokines associated with psoriasis.
The study concluded that HRO could potentially be an effective treatment for psoriasis. The omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, present in HRO have been found to have immunomodulatory effects and limit psoriasis symptoms.
Although the study had limitations, such as a relatively small sample size, it provides valuable information about the potential use of HRO as a future therapy for psoriasis.
More research is needed to explore the mechanism of action and long-term effects of HRO supplementation in the management of psoriasis. However, these findings provide hope for the development of novel, side effect-free interventions for people with psoriasis.
Source:
– Frontiers in Immunology: Study: Herring roe oil in the treatment of psoriasis: effects on immune cells and cytokine networks.
– Dermatology Advisor: Herring roe oil is promising as a treatment option for psoriasis.