Birmingham scientists have shown that a sequence of just three amino acids may reduce the severity of psoriasis, when applied topically in an emollient cream.
The researchers, whose study is published in Pharmacological Research, identified the smallest part of a peptide (small protein) called PEPITEM, which occurs naturally in the body and regulates inflammation.
The study also showed that both PEPITEM and the three amino acid (tripeptide) sequence delivered a significant reduction in the severity of psoriasis, that is comparable to a steroid cream.
Psoriasis is a long-term disease with no cure, where the skin cells multiply too quickly, resulting in raised scaly patches of dry skin that can be itchy, painful, interfere with sleep, or make it hard to concentrate, and may crack, bleed, or ooze. It is…