RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Evaluating the Role of IL-17 as an Orchestrator of Peripheral-central Cross Talk in Depressive Symptoms

This research explores the connection between inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and depression. Around 30-40% of people with these conditions also experience depression, which can significantly impact their life. Scientists suspect that inflammation in the body might contribute to depression by affecting brain activity. This study will use modern brain imaging techniques to look at changes in brain circuits. Participants, who will be receiving certain anti-inflammatory medications (Secukinumab, Bimekizumab, or Ixekizumab) as part of their routine care, will help researchers understand if these treatments, by targeting a specific inflammatory protein called IL-17, can also help improve depressive symptoms. The goal is to better understand these links and ultimately offer more effective ways to manage depression in people with inflammatory conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

Start

02 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2027

Psoriatic Arthritis Depression Psoriatic Plaque

What is this study about?

This research is looking into why people with inflammatory conditions like psoriasis (a skin condition) and psoriatic arthritis (a type of arthritis affecting joints) often also experience depression. It's a common problem, affecting about a third to almost half of people with these conditions, and it can really impact their quality of life and how well their other treatments work.

Scientists believe there might be a link between inflammation in the body and changes in the brain that lead to depression. Specifically, this study focuses on a protein called IL-17, which is known to play a big part in causing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. There's also growing evidence that this same IL-17 protein might be involved in how depression develops. By using modern brain scanning techniques, the researchers hope to see if reducing IL-17 inflammation with specific medications can change brain activity and, in turn, help improve depressive symptoms.

The study will involve people who are already starting treatment with secukinumab, bimekizumab, or ixekizumab – these are medications designed to block IL-17 and are approved for treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in the UK. By studying how these treatments affect both inflammation and brain activity, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms connecting these conditions. This could lead to more targeted and effective ways to manage depression for people living with inflammatory diseases.

Key takeaways

Exploring the link between inflammation (especially IL-17) and depression.
Focuses on people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Uses approved treatments for these conditions (Secukinumab, Bimekizumab, Ixekizumab).
Involves detailed brain scans to understand how the brain is affected.
Aims to improve care for depression in people with inflammatory conditions.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part if you are an adult aged between 18 and 74 years old and have been diagnosed with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis by a specialist doctor. Importantly, you would need to be starting treatment with one of the specific medications being studied (secukinumab, bimekizumab, or ixekizumab) as part of your usual care, as decided by your dermatology or rheumatology team according to NHS guidelines.

There are also some health checks to make sure you are suitable for the study and for MRI scans, such as not having any metal implants that would make an MRI scan unsafe. Women who can become pregnant would need to use effective contraception throughout the study. You also need to be willing to take part and provide your consent.

You would not be able to join if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have serious infections like active tuberculosis, have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, or suffer from severe claustrophobia that would prevent you from having an MRI scan. If you've recently had similar IL-17 blocking treatments within the last six months, or have certain neurological conditions, you also wouldn't be eligible. The team will carefully go through all criteria with you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 74 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis?
Are you about to start secukinumab, bimekizumab, or ixekizumab?
Can you have an MRI scan safely (no certain metal implants)?
Are you not currently pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you participate in this study, you'll undergo a series of assessments, including specialised brain scans (MRIs) and questionnaires to assess your symptoms. These assessments will be done before you start your new medication and then at various points throughout your treatment. The study uses medications you would already be prescribed for your condition (Secukinumab, Bimekizumab, or Ixekizumab) as part of your standard care; you won't be given any experimental drugs. The exact number of visits, duration of each visit, and overall length of your involvement will be explained in detail by the study team, but typically, studies involving new treatments and follow-up can last for several months to a year or more.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research can offer potential benefits, such as contributing to a better understanding of your condition and potentially improving future treatments for depression in people with inflammatory diseases. Your health will be monitored closely. However, there are also potential risks. These might include side effects from the MRI scans, though these are rare, or the standard side effects associated with the medications you're taking, which the study team will discuss in full. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care or relationship with your healthcare providers.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is IL-17?

IL-17 is a naturally occurring protein in your body that plays a key role in causing inflammation, particularly in conditions like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

What treatments are being studied?

The study looks at common treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, specifically Secukinumab, Bimekizumab, and Ixekizumab, which work by targeting IL-17.

Will I receive a 'dummy' or placebo drug?

No, this study does not involve giving a placebo. All participants will receive one of the active medications (Secukinumab, Bimekizumab, or Ixekizumab) as part of their routine care.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a safe and painless scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including your brain.

How long will I be in the study?

The duration of your participation will depend on the study's design and your treatment plan, but the research team will provide full details specific to your involvement.

How to find out more

Maxine Arnott, BSc

maxine.arnott@glasgow.ac.uk 07890 059695 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.