Circadian Variation of Cytokines in Normal and Psoriasis skin v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Circadian Variation of Cytokines in Normal and Psoriasis skin
IRAS ID
231130
Contact name
Elise Kleyn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Psoriasis, a common skin disease, has a huge impact on quality of life - partly because it is itchy, and often most itchy in the evening and at night. We know genes responsible for our 'body clock' alter levels of certain inflammatory cytokines (signalling proteins released from cells) in our skin at different times of day. We wonder if these genes are responsible for changes in severity of itch in psoriasis in humans. If this is the case we could potentially target these genes with treatments in the future to prevent these changes and relieve these symptoms in psoriasis sufferers.
This is a laboratory based study to investigate if there is circadian variation in these inflammatory cytokines in healthy skin compared with skin affected by psoriasis. Participants will be identified during routine appointments at The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. Additionally, advertisements will be placed in Salford Royal Hospital, local NHS/community centres, and online (including the Psoriasis Association Website and Salford Citizen Scientist site).
Small skin biopsies (4mm) will be taken in the Dermatology Centre at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust from 20 healthy male volunteers and 20 male volunteers with psoriasis who are presently not on treatment. Volunteers will have a normal sleep/wake cycle as shift workers are known to have abnormal body clocks. Biopsies will be taken at 9am and 4pm. They will be transported to the Dermatology Research Centre at The University of Manchester for testing and subsequent analysis of results. The recruitment period will last for a maximum of 2 years. The funding is from the University of Manchester.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0452
Date of REC Opinion
14 Feb 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion