Elucidating Shared Mechanisms in Psoriatic Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Principal Investigator: Doquyen Huynh, M.D.
Institution: University of California, San Diego - Health Sciences
Grant Mechanism: Translational Research Grant
Funding Amount: $200,000
Project Start Date: August 1, 2025
Project End Date: July 31, 2027
Status: Active
Keywords:
Project Summary:
Patients with psoriatic disease (PD) are at an increased risk for abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver, termed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease MASLD even when compared to other higher risk general populations. The exact mechanism for why this occurs remains unknown, although it is hypothesized that there may be certain genes and proteins that are high in both conditions. This study aims to identify the shared links in PD patients with high risk for liver disease using a form of imaging called MR Elastography. We will perform liver biopsies, collect blood samples, and clinical data to compare to other matched control populations. The information we learn will help to shape screening strategies and optimize treatments in PD and MASLD.
How will your project help improve the lives of the 125 million affected by psoriatic disease?
The impacts of psoriasis is more than just skin deep. Psoriasis patients can have multiple other associated manifestations including colitis, uveitis, arthritis and increased cardiovascular risks. We have always known of the association with metabolic syndrome and elevated BMI in patients with psoriasis. In recent years, growing recognition of metabolic steatotic liver disease is increasing (MASLD) and has now become the most common cause of chronic liver disease and is on pace to be the leading indication of liver transplant. In Psoriasis patients little is known about the drivers of MASLD, although there are overlapping mechanisms in both conditions that may account for the increased prevalence of liver disease in psoriasis patients. Our project aims at looking at the impact of psoriasis treatment on the liver using a novel noninvasive approach to assess liver fibrosis. We postulate that psoriasis treatments directed at certain cytokines may also impact liver outcomes. What we learn from our project will help to improve our knowledge in these conditions and enable us to reduce the risk of MASLD and MASLD progression in psoriasis patients.
Why is psoriatic disease research important to you, personally? What role will this award play in your research efforts or career development?
Psoriatic disease has always been an area of interest to myself personally as there is significant other organ and disease manifestations that are unique encountered by patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Moreover, due to the sensitive areas of involvement of psoriasis, it can often be unreported by some patients to their providers and without easily accessible diagnostic biomarkers an accurate diagnosis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can sometimes take years. As it is a chronic condition as well, we need to better understand how to improve current outcomes and also focus on measures of potential prevention of further disease progression so that our patients can lead healthy confident lives. I have spent many years in clinic practice, where the challenges that psoriasis patients experience and our knowledge gaps shaped my desired to return to research and academia. The generous support from the NPF will allow me to embark on my career as an early investigator in psoriasis and psoriatic disease and has provided a foundation through which we can further power our study. What we learn from this project will further lend us greater data for continued work in the study of metabolic diseases such as MASLD in psoriasis and affords us potential future funding opportunities that will allow us to continue our multi disciplinary research.
Researcher Profile:
DoQuyen Huynh, MD is a board-certified rheumatologist who diagnoses and treats patients with rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. She earned. her medical degree at Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School. She completed her residency at Scripps Mercy Hospital and her rheumatology fellowship training at UC San Diego. She worked for nearly 10 years in a multi specialty clinic and was an Assistant Program Director for the Scripps Mercy Internal Medicine Residency Program before returning to UC San Diego Health Sciences as an Associate Clinical Professor. She is invested in the training and mentoring of medical students, resident and fellows. As a member of the Center for Innovative Therapy in the Division Rheumatology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, she conducts clinical trials in conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and psoriatic arthritis. Her main area of research interest and focus is in psoriatic arthritis and spondylitis. Outside of work, Dr. Huynh enjoys spending time with her dogs, golfing, gardening and cooking for her family and friends.