Biomarkers Association in Skin and Synovium in PsA (BASSPA)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The association between biomarkers of blood, skin and joints and key cell populations linked to targets/pathways involved in inflammation and tissue injury processes in patients with active Psoriatic Arthritis.
IRAS ID
231871
Contact name
Iain McInnes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that occurs in patients with psoriasis. The relationship between joint disease (inflammatory arthritis) and skin manifestations (psoriasis) is not completely understood. It is assumed, however, that the immune system is involved in both aspects of the disease, and provides connection between the skin and joints. This is supported by data that has shown a correlation between immune/inflammatory markers and the severity of disease and the extent of joint damage. Although the link exists, it does not allow clinicians to identify patients who are going to have accelerated disease progression and subsequent joint damage. Furthermore, there is currently no way of determining which treatment will be most beneficial in individual patients. The aim of this study is to comprehensively characterise a range of immune and inflammatory biomarkers in PsA patients who are receiving standard clinical care. Samples will be obtained from skin, joints and blood of these patients thereby allow us to investigate the connection between the compartments. Moreover, careful and in-depth clinical and biomarker characterisation of these patients we will enable us to discover new ways of stratifying patients into those with a higher risk of active/severe disease and potentially those who are likely to respond to specific therapies.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1834
Date of REC Opinion
13 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion