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El Gayar MA, Atwa D, Girgis G, Marie L. Clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic evaluation of topical methotrexate 1% hydrogel versus topical Calcipotriol 0.005% cream in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022; 21:5779-5789. [PMID: 36054166 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis Vulgaris is a common immune-mediated skin disease. Its high prevalence, disability, chronicity, disfiguration, and associated comorbidities make it a challenge for physicians. Topical agents remain the mainstay of treatment for patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. AIM To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of topical methotrexate 1% gel (MTX) versus topical calcipotriol 0.005% cream (CPL) in the treatment of localized plaque psoriasis. METHODS This prospective comparative study included 40 patients with localized plaque psoriasis instructed to apply MTX to one side (group A) and CPL to the other side lesions (group B) twice daily for 12 weeks. Clinical and dermoscopic evaluations before, weekly during and after 3 months of treatment were done. The immunohistopathological assessment was done for skin biopsies from 10 patients in each group before and after treatment. RESULTS At the end of 12 weeks, there was marked-complete improvement in 97.5% of group A lesions treated with MTX 1% gel compared with 37.5% of group B lesions treated with calcipotriol 0.005% cream (p < 0.001). There was a very high statistically significant improvement in erythema that was cleared totally in 67.5% vs 22.5%, scaling in 75% vs 17.5%, and infiltration in 72.5% vs 27.5% in group A vs B, respectively (p < 0.001). These results were confirmed by dermoscopic and immunohistopathological findings. CONCLUSION Methotrexate 1% gel is a marvelous promising well-tolerated effective topical agent that can be used safely in the treatment of localized plaque psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha A El Gayar
- Department of Dermatology, Andrology & STDs, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Dina Atwa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Germeen Girgis
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Lamees Marie
- Department of Dermatology, Damietta Specialized Hospital, Damietta, Egypt
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Chaiyabutr C, Punnakitikashem P, Silpa-archa N, Wongpraprarut C, Chularojanamontri L. The Anti-Psoriatic Efficacy and Safety Profile of Topical and Intralesional Methotrexate: A Literature Review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2022; 15:2253-2274. [PMID: 36320927 PMCID: PMC9618255 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s380218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) has long been considered the first-line oral systemic pharmacotherapy for psoriasis. The drug has several well-known systemic side effects, such as bone marrow suppression and hepatotoxicity. To avoid them, the use of topical or intralesional administrations of MTX has become an interesting option. With the advent of novel drug delivery systems, especially nanocarriers, the usage of a high-efficacy and safe topical MTX for psoriasis has nearly been attained. This review examined the development, anti-psoriatic efficacy and adverse effects of topical forms of MTX (plain MTX; MTX with chemical enhancer; MTX using nanotechnology; MTX with protein transduction domains; MTX with liquid crystalline systems; and MTX with physical enhancer/laser) and intralesional MTX in psoriasis patients and psoriasis-induced animals. The efficacy of topical MTX varied with the drug delivery technology employed. Nevertheless, the overall safety profile of the topical forms was favourable. A 25 mg/mL MTX solution injected intralesionally at the nail matrix worked well for nail psoriasis recalcitrant to topical treatment. To improve the standard of care for patients with psoriasis, randomized controlled trials that establish the most effective MTX-delivery system are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayada Chaiyabutr
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Primana Punnakitikashem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Narumol Silpa-archa
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanisada Wongpraprarut
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Leena Chularojanamontri
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Correspondence: Leena Chularojanamontri, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand, Tel +66 2 419 4333, Fax +66 2 411 5031, Email
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Bernardes MTCP, Agostini SBN, Pereira GR, da Silva LP, da Silva JB, Bruschi ML, Novaes RD, Carvalho FC. Preclinical study of methotrexate-based hydrogels versus surfactant based liquid crystal systems on psoriasis treatment. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 165:105956. [PMID: 34314841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Psoriasis is an autoimmune, inflammatory and chronic skin disease in which cell growth and proliferation are increased, causing erythema, lesions and skin's peeling. Oral methotrexate (MTX) is the first-choice drug when phototherapy or retinoid treatment are not effective. Topical administration can be advantageous to better orientate the drug's delivery; however, the stratum corneum performs as a barrier for hydrofilic drugs penetration. This study sought to evaluate two different types of vehicles for MTX on the psoriasis treatment - hydrogel and liquid crystal systems (LCs). Lamellar and hexagonal liquid crystalline phases were selected from a ternary phase diagram based on polysorbate 80, isopropyl miristate and water. The hydrogel was based on alkylated carbomer (ACH). Rheological analysis showed ACH was more elastic than lamellar and hexagonal phases. ACH interacted better with pig skin than LCs in bioadhesion assay. Preclinical study revealed the ACH decreased inflammation in mice with induced psoriasis, being as effective as dexamethasone to regulate epidermis thickness, COX-2 and myeloperoxidase activity and TNF-α level, while LCs demonstrated inflammatory effect. Therefore, MTX-loaded hydrogel based platforms are indicated for local treatment of psoriasis and present great potential for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gislaine Ribeiro Pereira
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Fármacos e Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Laíla Pereira da Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Bassi da Silva
- Laboratório de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Sistemas de Liberação de Fármacos, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Brazil
| | - Marcos Luciano Bruschi
- Laboratório de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Sistemas de Liberação de Fármacos, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Dias Novaes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Flávia Chiva Carvalho
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Fármacos e Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Brazil.
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Aickara D, Bashyam AM, Pichardo RO, Feldman SR. Topical methotrexate in dermatology: a review of the literature. J DERMATOL TREAT 2020; 33:512-517. [PMID: 32412810 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1770170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Systemic methotrexate (MTX) is a useful treatment for many dermatologic conditions, however, the risk of adverse events prevents its use in patients with minimal or localized disease. Topical application of MTX may be an option to avoid the systemic adverse effects of oral MTX.Objective: To assess what is known about the efficacy and safety of topical methotrexate.Methods: A search on Pubmed was conducted. There were no limits on publication date.Results: A total of 963 articles were discovered. Using our exclusion criteria, 916 articles were excluded; 47 articles were used for full text assessment. Topical MTX has been used primarily in psoriasis but also in mycosis fungoides, lymphomatoid papulosis, and oral precancerous lesions. Optimal delivery system and formulation for adequate penetration is still under investigation.Conclusion: The quality of evidence for the utility of topical methotrexate in psoriasis is good, however, for other dermatologic diseases, the quality is poor. Topical MTX with improved delivery methods may be a viable tool against certain localized dermatologic conditions for patients who do not tolerate oral MTX. Further double-blinded randomized controled studies are needed to substantiate the utility of topical methotrexate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Aickara
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Arjun M Bashyam
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Rita O Pichardo
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Steven R Feldman
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Andanooru Chandrappa NK, Channakeshavaiah Ravikumar B, Rangegowda SM. Iontophoretic delivery of methotrexate in the treatment of palmar psoriasis: A randomised controlled study. Australas J Dermatol 2020; 61:140-146. [PMID: 31944270 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Palmoplantar psoriasis is a localised variant of psoriasis. Topical therapy is the preferred treatment modality, but in severe and recalcitrant cases, systemic drugs like methotrexate are prescribed, with potential for significant adverse effects. Iontophoresis is gaining popularity in enhancing the transdermal delivery of drugs in ionic state. This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of topical methotrexate by iontophoresis technique with clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment in the treatment of palmar psoriasis. METHODS This was a prospective randomised controlled study conducted on patients with palmar psoriasis. Group 1 patients (n = 31) were treated with once weekly iontophoretic delivery of methotrexate over 6 sittings, and group 2 patients (n = 31) were treated with clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment, twice daily for 6 weeks. Severity of palmar psoriasis was assessed by modified Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (m-PPPASI), and treatment was considered as satisfactory when there was >50% improvement. RESULTS Sixty two patients were recruited, of which 50 completed the study. Eight out of 25 (32%) patients in group 1 and 12 out of 25 (48%) patients in group 2 showed satisfactory improvement at the end of 6 weeks. However, this difference was statistically not significant (P = 0.25). Burn injury was noted in 12 (48%) group 1 patients with no adverse effects in group 2. CONCLUSION Iontophoretic delivery of methotrexate is a promising therapeutic modality, the efficacy of which is comparable to that of clobetasol propionate ointment in the treatment of palmar psoriasis.
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Abdelmaksoud A, Dave DD, Lotti T, Vestita M. Topical methotrexate 1% gel for treatment of vitiligo: A case report and review of the literature. Dermatol Ther 2019; 32:e13013. [PMID: 31265164 DOI: 10.1111/dth.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Vitiligo is quite a common hypopigmentary disorder, which may affect both children and adults with important psychological effects due to the well-known leopard skin-like appearance. Even if asymptomatic and not life threatening, vitiligo has to be increasingly studied and treated. Hitherto, the efficacy of topical methotrexate in treatment of vitiligo has not been reported. We herein reporting our preliminary observation on the promising efficacy of topical methotrexate in one patient with stable vitiligo. The patient applied topical methotrexate 1% gel twice daily for 12 weeks. Significant improvement of the lesion with no local or systemic side effects were noted during the course of therapy. We propose that this well-tolerated drug can be used for vitiligo therapy; however, further investigations should be performed to ascertain the exact topically effective dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Abdelmaksoud
- Mansoura Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | | | - Michelangelo Vestita
- Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, and it is characterised by redness, thickness, and scaling. First-line management of chronic plaque psoriasis is with topical treatments, including vitamin D analogues, topical corticosteroids, tar-based preparations, dithranol, salicylic acid, and topical retinoids. OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of topical treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis, relative to placebo, and to similarly compare vitamin D analogues (used alone or in combination) with other topical treatments. SEARCH METHODS We updated our searches of the following databases to February 2011: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL in The Cochrane Library (2011, Issue 2), MEDLINE (from 1948), EMBASE (from 1980), Science Citation Index (from 2008), Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (from 2008), BIOSIS (from 1993), Dissertation Abstracts via DialogClassic (all publication years), and Inside Conferences (all publication years).We identified ongoing and unpublished studies from the UK Clinical Research Network Study Portfolio and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials. We checked the bibliographies of published studies and reviews for further references to relevant trials, and we contacted trialists and companies for information about newly published studies.A separate search for adverse effects was undertaken in February 2011 using MEDLINE and EMBASE (from 2005).Final update searches for both RCTs and adverse effects were undertaken in August 2012. Although it has not been possible to incorporate RCTs and adverse effects studies identified through these final searches within this review, we will incorporate these into the next update. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials comparing active topical treatments against placebo or against vitamin D analogues (used alone or in combination) in people with chronic plaque psoriasis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One author extracted study data and assessed study quality. A second author checked these data. We routinely contacted trialists and companies for missing data. We also extracted data on withdrawals and on local and systemic adverse events. We defined long-term trials as those with a duration of at least 24 weeks. MAIN RESULTS This update added 48 trials and provided evidence on 7 new active treatments. In total, the review included 177 randomised controlled trials, with 34,808 participants, including 26 trials of scalp psoriasis and 6 trials of inverse psoriasis, facial psoriasis, or both. The number of included studies counted by Review Manager (RevMan) is higher than these figures (190) because we entered each study reporting a placebo and an active comparison into the 'Characteristics of included studies' table as 2 studies.When used on the body, most vitamin D analogues were significantly more effective than placebo, with the standardised mean difference (SMD) ranging from -0.67 (95% CI -1.04 to -0.30; 1 study, 119 participants) for twice-daily becocalcidiol to SMD -1.66 (95% CI -2.66 to -0.67; 1 study, 11 participants) for once-daily paricalcitol. On a 6-point global improvement scale, these effects translate into 0.8 and 1.9 points, respectively. Most corticosteroids also performed better than placebo; potent corticosteroids (SMD -0.89; 95% CI -1.06 to -0.72; I² statistic = 65.1%; 14 studies, 2011 participants) had smaller benefits than very potent corticosteroids (SMD -1.56; 95% CI -1.87 to -1.26); I² statistic = 81.7%; 10 studies, 1264 participants). On a 6-point improvement scale, these benefits equate to 1.0 and 1.8 points, respectively. Dithranol, combined treatment with vitamin D/corticosteroid, and tazarotene all performed significantly better than placebo.Head-to-head comparisons of vitamin D for psoriasis of the body against potent or very potent corticosteroids had mixed findings. For both body and scalp psoriasis, combined treatment with vitamin D and corticosteroid performed significantly better than vitamin D alone or corticosteroid alone. Vitamin D generally performed better than coal tar, but findings relative to dithranol were mixed. When applied to psoriasis of the scalp, vitamin D was significantly less effective than both potent corticosteroids and very potent corticosteroids. Indirect evidence from placebo-controlled trials supported these findings.For both body and scalp psoriasis, potent corticosteroids were less likely than vitamin D to cause local adverse events, such as burning or irritation. Combined treatment with vitamin D/corticosteroid on either the body or the scalp was tolerated as well as potent corticosteroids, and significantly better than vitamin D alone. Only 25 trials assessed clinical cutaneous dermal atrophy; few cases were detected, but trials reported insufficient information to determine whether assessment methods were robust. Clinical measurements of dermal atrophy are insensitive and detect only the most severe cases. No comparison of topical agents found a significant difference in systemic adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Corticosteroids perform at least as well as vitamin D analogues, and they are associated with a lower incidence of local adverse events. However, for people with chronic plaque psoriasis receiving long-term treatment with corticosteroids, there remains a lack of evidence about the risk of skin dermal atrophy. Further research is required to inform long-term maintenance treatment and provide appropriate safety data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne R Mason
- Centre for Health Economics, The University of York, York, UK.
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Vemulapalli V, Yang Y, Friden PM, Banga AK. Synergistic effect of iontophoresis and soluble microneedles for transdermal delivery of methotrexate. J Pharm Pharmacol 2010; 60:27-33. [DOI: 10.1211/jpp.60.1.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the transdermal iontophoretic delivery of methotrexate, alone or in combination with microneedles, in-vitro and in-vivo using intracutaneous microdialysis in the hairless rat. The average depth of the microdialysis probe in the skin was found to be 0.54 mm. Methotrexate was stable in the presence of an applied electric field as determined by cyclic voltammetry. A current density of 0.4 mA cm−2 applied for 60 min was used in combination with maltose microneedles to enhance delivery of methotrexate across the skin. Delivery was enhanced by iontophoresis and microneedles, both in-vitro and in-vivo. A synergistic 25-fold enhancement of delivery was observed in-vivo when a combination of microneedles and iontophoresis was used compared with either modality alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viswatej Vemulapalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Ye Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | | | - Ajay K Banga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
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Sigmundsdottir H, Johnston A, Gudjonsson JE, Bjarnason B, Valdimarsson H. Methotrexate markedly reduces the expression of vascular E-selectin, cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen and the numbers of mononuclear leucocytes in psoriatic skin. Exp Dermatol 2004; 13:426-34. [PMID: 15217363 DOI: 10.1111/j.0906-6705.2004.00177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A positive correlation between disease severity and the frequency of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA)-positive T cells in the blood of untreated patients with psoriasis has been previously observed. A dose-dependent inverse relationship between disease severity and the frequency of circulating CLA(+) T cells in psoriasis patients on methotrexate (MTX) treatment is reported. Circulating T cells from a patient with psoriasis were monitored for CLA expression on a daily basis for 5 weeks. A decrease in the intensity and frequency of CLA(+) mononuclear leucocytes was consistently observed in the blood during the first 3-4 days after each MTX intake, but the CLA expression increased thereafter until the next weekly dose was taken. The MTX treatment of this patient was then discontinued for 16 days, and a marked subjective exacerbation was reported within 9 days, which was confirmed objectively (laser Doppler perfusion imaging) after 11 and 16 days. Biopsies taken 4 days after the last MTX intake showed only a few mononuclear leucocytes in lesional skin, but the exacerbation coincided with a marked increase in CLA expression by mononuclear blood leucocytes, followed by an increase in endothelial E-selectin and a striking influx of CLA(+) mononuclear cells into lesional skin. Conversely, a clinical improvement after the patient resumed the MTX treatment was associated with reduction in CLA expression by mononuclear cells in the blood, downregulation of endothelial E-selectin and an approximate threefold decrease in mononuclear leucocyte infiltration of lesional skin. No MTX-associated changes were detected in the expression of very late antigen-4, vascular cell-adhesion molecule-1 nor the late activation marker CD25. It is concluded that MTX decreases the expression of CLA and E-selectin and that this may be a major mechanism for the therapeutic effect of MTX on psoriatic skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hekla Sigmundsdottir
- Department of Immunology, Landspitali University Hospital, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
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Tremblay JF, Bissonnette R. Topical agents for the treatment of psoriasis, past, present and future. J Cutan Med Surg 2002; 6:8-11. [PMID: 11976984 DOI: 10.1177/12034754020060s303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Tremblay
- Division of Dermatology, University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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