Prevalence of psoriasis in France

According to the France Psoriasis association, about 1 in 20 French people, or at least 2.5 million individuals, are affected by psoriasis. This chronic condition is marked by red, raised plaques covered with pale scales.

Treatment options for psoriasis

There are multiple ways to manage psoriasis, including hydration, hypnosis, phototherapy, local treatments, and spa therapies. These approaches aim to relieve symptoms on a daily basis.

New research on pantethine

A recent study from China suggests a new treatment approach for psoriasis. Researchers found that pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B5, can limit the activity of immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases like psoriasis.

Study results and clinical trial

The findings were published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine on October 27. In the research, scientists showed that pantethine prevented the onset of psoriasis in mice. A small clinical trial also noted a reduction in symptoms among patients.

Pantethine’s biological role

Pantethine is a biologically active derivative of vitamin B5, important for energy production, hormone synthesis, and maintaining normal skin function. It is found in many plant and animal-based foods.

Vitamin B5 in the diet

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that nearly all plant and animal-based foods contain pantothenic acid, the form of vitamin B5 found in food. Some foods, like breakfast cereals and energy drinks, have it added.

Clinical trial details

In the trial, patients used a topical cream containing calcipotriol/betamethasone. Half of the group also took pantethine tablets. Those who received pantethine showed symptom improvement, particularly if they had high blood cholesterol.

Expert perspective on findings

Wei-Na Zhang, a researcher at the Key National Laboratory of Biomedical Analysis in Beijing, noted that the trial showed promising results for pantethine as an adjunct treatment. However, she emphasized that the findings should be seen as proof of concept, not as definitive evidence of its mechanism.