As part of the Visiting Scientist program at NoPSC, we welcomed Professor Andreas Kremer from Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland, Tuesday 23rd of September.
Prof. Kremer is a world leading expert on cholestatic itch (pruritus), which is a severe and undertreated symptom in people with cholestatic liver diseases, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
Cholestatic Itch is often associated with significant suffering and reduced quality of life. Current treatment options are of limited value, in part because the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood.
Although several substances that induce itch, pruritogens, and pathways have been proposed, existing mechanistic insights are still superficial. Identifying the molecular pathways and pruritogens that cause itch would represent a major advancement, creating opportunities for the development of targeted and effective therapies.
This knowledge gap is of high clinical relevance, as cholestatic itch remains a major challenge in routine care for both patients and physicians.
Prof. Kremer`s lecture shed light on these challenges through exploring the complex neuroimmune and metabolic pathways that drive itch, extending far beyond the skin. He also highlighted key mechanisms in cholestatic liver disease and touched on other disorders such as chronic kidney disease.
In addition, emerging therapeutic strategies targeting bile acids, PPAR signaling, and cytokines such as IL-31 were discussed, offering new hope for patients with agonizing pruritus.
“Understanding the systemic and molecular mechanisms of itch is the key to developing truly effective therapies,” says Prof. Kremer. “Only by bridging basic science and clinical insight can we improve the lives of patients affected by cholestatic pruritus”.