Last updated:
ID:
199571
Start date:
16 May 2025
Project status:
Current
Principal investigator:
Professor Lu Qianjin
Lead institution:
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences &Peking Union Medical College, China

Autoimmune-related and inflammatory skin diseases are a group of disorders with diverse etiology and pathophysiology involved in autoimmunity and inflammation, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriasis, etc. The presence of SLE and psoriasis not only affects the quality of life of patients but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), resulting in life loss and increased disease burden. Skin, as the largest organ, is constantly exposed to its surroundings. Studies have shown that air pollutants can damage the skin barrier by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species, inducing oxidative stress, and promoting the release of inflammatory cytokines, leading to the occurrence and development of skin diseases and related diseases. In addition, some unhealthy lifestyles such as Western dietary patterns, smoking, and low physical activity may also promote systemic inflammatory responses, thereby inducing or accelerating disease progression. Both genetic and environmental exposures may contribute to the occurrence and development of autoimmune-related and inflammatory skin diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the potential interactions among air pollution, modifiable lifestyle, and non-modifiable genetic factors to provide a reference for the development of public health interventions to reduce the burden of disease. In addition, early detection of cardiac damage associated with SLE and psoriasis is beneficial for identifying risk factors and altering the disease course. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may provide key information for assessing cardiac damage in high-risk patients. The anticipated project should take approximately three years after obtaining access to the data.