Tests whether a balanced diet lowers inflammation in people with psoriasis
Tests a balanced diet and a new PET scanner in adults with psoriasis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Use of Total-Body PET to Quantify Systemic and Cutaneous Inflammation in Psoriasis Patients Before and After Intervention With a Nutritionally Balanced Diet
Key facts
- Where
- Sacramento, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- University of California, Davis - Dermatology DepartmentSacramento, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of California, Davis
- Trial code
- NCT06574178
- Record updated
- 16 June 2026
- Original description
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints in 2-3 % of people in the United States. This inflammation of the skin, joints, and blood vessels in patients with psoriasis has been measured by older PET Scan technology but with limitations. With the new EXPLORER PET scanner technology, the investigators are testing to see if the EXPLORER is better than previous PET scanners and improve our ability to assess inflammation in patients.Read full original descriptionShow less
Use of Total-Body PET to Quantify Systemic and Cutaneous Inflammation in Psoriasis Patients Before and After Intervention With a Nutritionally Balanced Diet
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints in 2-3 % of people in the United States. This inflammation of the skin, joints, and blood vessels in patients with psoriasis has been measured by older PET Scan technology but with limitations. With the new EXPLORER PET scanner technology, the investigators are testing to see if the EXPLORER is better than previous PET scanners and improve our ability to assess inflammation in patients.
Also, it is known that the typical Western Diet - high in saturated fats, added sugars, and low in fiber - contributes to obesity and inflammation worldwide. There is evidence in animals that these signs of inflammation are reversible within 4 weeks when changed to a more balanced diet. Thus, this study aims to assess whether there are detectable decreases in inflammation of the skin and body of psoriasis patients who usually eat a Western Diet on an EXPLORER PET scan following 6 weeks of a more balanced diet.
Inclusion: Adults (>18 year); Both sexes; Must have a history of psoriasis of at least 3% body surface area affected by skin psoriasis (in a body area that the subject will allow the PI to perform several skin biopsies as noted below (optional)) and may carry a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis as well; Patients will have a BMI of >/=25 which is consistent with being overweight - Willing and able to fast for at least 6 hours before and for the duration of the scan visit; No strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to being scanned; Recruited patients must habitually consume a WD-type diet that will be evaluated by using DHQ III food frequency questionnaire along with three-day food record14. Subsequently, the Healthy Eating Index will be calculated and participants with a poor dietary pattern (score below 58) will be eligible for the study15.
Exclusion: Those taking anti-diabetic oral or injected medications; Those taking systemic medications for the purpose of treating psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis for at least 3 months prior to first PET scan or during the duration of the trial; Pregnant or breast-feeding (urine pregnancy test will be administered prior to start of each PET/CT session for all participants who are able to get pregnant between 18 to 60 years old, unless documented hysterectomy or bilateral ovarian removal is available, because of risks from ionizing radiation); Currently participating in another conflicting research study. Concurrent or prior enrollment in a separate research study involving a PET scan performed within the last 12 months for research purposes only; Vegan, vegetarian or food allergy or intolerance to the ingredients of the diet; Self-reported history of dysphoria or anxiety in closed spaces (claustrophobia); Known inflammatory or other infectious disease that can confound assessment; Uncontrolled diabetes or blood glucose level greater than 180 mg/dl at the time of radiotracer injection; Those already ingesting a caloric- or component-restricted diet; >5% change in body weight in the last 2 months; Body weight >240 kg due to limitations of the scanner bed; Inability to lie motionless on the scanner bed with the arms by the side for up to 60 minutes; Unwilling to sign informed consent; Inability to understand the risks and benefits of the study; Prisoners.