Russian medics and geneticists discovered a gene, which probably plays a key role in formation of psoriasis and atherosclerosis.
      
      Psoriasis, a skin disease, and atherosclerosis appear to have much in common. Psoriasis is often accompanied with atherosclerotic defects in heart and vessels; both diseases are characterized by immune system dysfunction and inflammation. Patients with psoriasis are often regarded as a risk group, apt to faster development of atherosclerotic plaques on vessel walls.
      
      Researchers paid their attention to FOSL1 gene, responsible for several important cell functions. Real-time PCR showed that in both psoriatic and atherosclerotic plaques FOSL1 was at least two times more active than in healthy tissues. Enhanced activity of this gene can stimulate other genes, some of which are responsible for inflammation, thus intensifying local inflammation, common for both psoriasis and atherosclerosis. Moreover, FOSL1 activity promotes migration of smooth muscle cells into blood vessel walls, and this migration is an important stage in formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
      
      Source: Science News