Treatment Strategies Against Psoriasis: Principle, Perspectives and Practices

Eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion for enhanced skin deposition of fluticasone propionate in psoriatic plaques: A combinatorial anti-inflammatory effect to suppress implicated cytokines

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects patients' quality of life. This study aimed to enhance the efficacy of topical application of fluticasone propionate (FP) using a eucalyptus oil-based nanoemulsion, an oil possessing anti-inflammatory activity and extracted from the leaves, fruits, and buds of Eucalyptus globulus or Eucalyptus maidenii, to improve the skin deposition of FP and aid its anti-inflammatory effect. Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize NE formulations, which were characterized for globule size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, rheological behavior, microscopic morphology, ex vivo skin permeation/deposition, and in vivo efficacy using imiquimod-induced psoriatic lesions. The optimized formulation depicted a droplet size of 188 ± 22.4 nm, a zeta potential of -17.63 ± 1.66 mV, and a viscosity of 204.9 mPa s. In addition to the increased FP retention in different skin layers caused by the NE and the reduced PASI score compared to the marketed cream, the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, IL17a were markedly lowered, indicating the improved anti-psoriatic curable efficacy of the optimized formulation in comparison to the FP-marketed product.

Mitigative Effects of Topical Norfloxacin on an Imiquimod-Induced Murine Model of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis characterized by thickened, reddened, and scaly skin lesions. Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory bioactivities. The aim of this study was to figure out the possible impact of topical norfloxacin on an imiquimod-induced model of psoriasis in mice. Thirty albino-type mice were split into five distinct groups of six animals each. The control group included healthy mice that had not received any treatment. The induction group was given the vehicle 2 h after the topical imiquimod, once daily for 8 days. Two hours after receiving topical imiquimod, the treatment groups including calcipotriol, norfloxacin 2.5%, and norfloxacin 5% were given topical ointments containing calcipotriol 0.005%, norfloxacin 2.5%, and norfloxacin 5%, for 8 days. Topical norfloxacin ointment significantly reduced the severity of imiquimod-exacerbated psoriatic lesions including erythema, shiny-white scaling, and acanthosis and fixed histological abnormalities. Furthermore, imiquimod-subjected mice treated with a higher concentration of norfloxacin ointment exhibited dramatically lower skin levels of inflammation-related biomarkers like IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-23, and TGF-β but higher levels of IL-10. They also demonstrated a notable decrease in angiogenesis parameters such as VEGF and IL-8, a substantial reduction in oxidative indicators like MDA and MPO, and a considerable rise in antioxidant enzymes like SOD and CAT. This study offers novel evidence that norfloxacin may assist in controlling inflammatory dermatoses like psoriasis by minimizing the severity of psoriatic plaques, correcting histological alterations, and diminishing the production of inflammatory, oxidative, and angiogenetic parameters.

The alleviative effects of canagliflozin on imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis-like inflammation

Psoriasis is a life-long immune-mediated dermatosis with thickened, reddish, and flaky skin patches. Canagliflozin is a gliflozin antidiabetic with non-classical remarkable antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and immune-modulating effects. The aim of this study is to examine the probable effects of topical canagliflozin on a mouse model of imiquimod-provoked psoriasis-like dermatitis. The study evaluated 20 Swiss white mice, sorted haphazardly into 4 groups of 5 animals each. Every mouse, with the exception of the control group, had imiquimod applied topically to their shaved backs for 7 days. The control group included healthy mice that were not given any treatment. Mice in the other three groups underwent topical treatment with vehicle (induction group), 0.05% clobetasol propionate ointment (clobetasol group), or 4% canagliflozin emulgel (canagliflozin 4% group) on exactly the same day as imiquimod cream was administered. Topical canagliflozin markedly lowered the intensity of imiquimod-provoked psoriasis eruptions, featuring redness, glossy-white scales, and acanthosis, while also correcting histopathological aberrations. Canagliflozin administration to imiquimod-exposed animals resulted in significantly decreased cutaneous concentrations of inflammatory mediators such as IL-8, IL-17, IL-23, and TNF-α, with raised levels of IL-10. Canagliflozin further lowered proliferative factors involving Ki-67 and PCNA, diminished oxidative indicators such as MDA and MPO, and augmented the activity of antioxidant markers, notably SOD and CAT. Canagliflozin might alleviate the imiquimod-induced animal model of psoriasis, probably thanks to its profound anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and antiproliferative activities.

Ameliorative effects of topical ramelteon on imiquimod-induced psoriasiform inflammation in mice

Psoriasis is a long-lasting, immune-related inflammatory skin disease that affects 2-3% of the global population. It is distinguished by erythematous, silvery, and scaly patches. Ramelteon is a type of melatonin agonist that is used to treat insomnia. It has enhanced non-classical immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the study is to assess the ameliorative effects of topical ramelteon on imiquimod (IMQ)-aggravated psoriasiform-like dermatosis in mice. The 32 albino mouse males were placed into six groups of eight animals, all of them. With the exception of the control group, all groups gained a once-a-day regimen of topical imiquimod 5% cream at a dose of 62.5 mg for eight uninterrupted days, while mice in the control group gained vaseline-based ointment alternately. Immediately after an 8-day induction period in the imiquimod group, mice in the clobetasol and ramelteon treatment groups obtained a twice-daily regimen of topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment and 0.1% ointment, respectively, for a further 8 days. This extends the total duration of the experimental study to 16 continuous days. The findings of our study found that ramelteon significantly mitigated the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in the skin tissue, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as the scores associated with psoriatic lesions, including erythema, scaling, skin thickening, ear thickness, and overall cumulative PASI scores. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory impact of ramelteon was achieved by markedly increasing IL-10 levels in the skin tissue and correcting cutaneous histopathological alterations. Ramelteon ointment (0.1%) was comparable to that of clobetasol (0.05%) ointment in alleviating a mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasiform inflammation; this is probably due to its potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Therefore, ramelteon could be a good additive option for therapeutic management of immune-triggered inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis.

Discovery of biomarkers in the psoriasis through machine learning and dynamic immune infiltration in three types of skin lesions

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by unique scaling plaques. However, during the acute phase, psoriatic lesions exhibit eczematous changes, making them difficult to distinguish from atopic dermatitis, which poses challenges for the selection of biological agents. This study aimed to identify potential diagnostic genes in psoriatic lesions and investigate their clinical significance.

Methods

GSE182740 datasets from the GEO database were analyzed for differential analysis; machine learning algorithms (SVM-RFE and LASSO regression models) are used to screen for diagnostic markers; CIBERSORTx is used to determine the dynamic changes of 22 different immune cell components in normal skin lesions, psoriatic non-lesional skin, and psoriatic lesional skin, as well as the expression of the diagnostic genes in 10 major immune cells, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry are used to validate results.

Results

We obtained 580 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the skin lesion and non-lesion of psoriasis patients, 813 DEGs in mixed patients between non-lesions and lesions, and 96 DEGs in the skin lesion and non-lesion of atopic dermatitis, respectively. Then 144 specific DEGs in psoriasis via a Veen diagram were identified. Ultimately, UGGT1, CCNE1, MMP9 and ARHGEF28 are identified for potential diagnostic genes from these 144 specific DEGs. The value of the selected diagnostic genes was verified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with expanded samples. The the area under the ROC curve (AUC) exceeded 0.7 for the four diagnosis genes. RT-qPCR results showed that compared to normal human epidermis, the expression of UGGT1, CCNE1, and MMP9 was significantly increased in patients with psoriasis, while ARHGEF28 expression was significantly decreased. Notably, the results of CIBERSORTx showed that CCNE1 was highly expressed in CD4+ T cells and neutrophils, ARHGEF28 was also expressed in mast cells. Additionally, CCNE1 was strongly correlated with IL-17/CXCL8/9/10 and CCL20. Immunohistochemical results showed increased nuclear expression of CCNE1 in psoriatic epidermal cells relative to normal.

Conclusion

Based on the performance of the four genes in ROC curves and their expression in immune cells from patients with psoriasis, we suggest that CCNE1 possess higher diagnostic value.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of psoriasis patients toward their diseases: a web-based, cross-sectional study

Objective

To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of psoriasis patients toward the disease.

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among psoriasis patients who were diagnosed at the outpatient of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital in March 2023. A self-designed questionnaire was administered for data collection and KAP assessment.

Results

A total of 526 valid questionnaires were included, including 257 males (48.86%) psoriasis patients. Their mean KAP scores were 8.09 ± 3.60 (possible range: 0-12), 31.94 ± 4.61 (possible range: 10-50), and 51.92 ± 8.83 (possible range: 15-75), respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.186, p < 0.001), a positive correlation between knowledge and practice (r = 0.313, p < 0.001), and a negative correlation between attitude and practice (r = -0.181, p < 0.001). Moreover, structural equation model showed that medication (β = 2.74, 95% CI: 2.17, 3.32, p < 0.001) has significantly positive effect on knowledge. Education (β = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.81, p < 0.001) and duration of psoriasis (β = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.54, 1.49, p < 0.001) have significantly positive effect on attitude. Knowledge (β = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.26, p < 0.001) and medication (β = 4.59, 95% CI: 2.78, 6.40, p < 0.001) has significantly positive effect on practice, while attitude (β = -0.41, 95% CI: -0.57, -0.26, p < 0.001) and duration of psoriasis (β = -2.53, 95% CI: -3.49, -1.57, p < 0.001) exhibit significantly negative effect on practice.

Conclusion

Psoriasis patients have good knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice toward the disease. Education, medication, duration of psoriasis might have effect on their KAP.

Optimization, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Assessment of Nanotransferosome Gels Infused with a Methanolic Extract of Solanum xanthocarpum for the Topical Treatment of Psoriasis

The goal of this investigation is to improve the topical delivery of medicine by preparing and maximizing the potential of a nanotransferosome gel infused with Solanum xanthocarpum methanolic extract (SXE) to provide localized and regulated distribution. Thin-film hydration was used to create SXE-infused nanotransferosomes (SXE-NTFs), and a Box-Behnken design was used to improve them. Phospholipon 90G (X1), cholesterol (X2) and sodium cholate (X3) were chosen as the independent variables, and their effects on vesicle size (Y1), polydispersity index (PDI) (Y2) and the percentage of entrapment efficiency (EE) (Y3) were observed both individually and in combination. For the SXE-NTFs, the vesicle size was 146.3 nm, the PDI was 0.2594, the EE was 82.24 ± 2.64%, the drug-loading capacity was 8.367 ± 0.07% and the drug release rate was 78.86 ± 5.24%. Comparing the antioxidant activity to conventional ascorbic acid, it was determined to be 83.51 ± 3.27%. Ex vivo permeation tests revealed that the SXE-NTF gel (82.86 ± 2.38%) considerably outperformed the SXE gel (35.28 ± 1.62%) in terms of permeation. In addition, it seemed from the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) picture of the Wistar rat's skin that the rhodamine-B-loaded SXE-NTF gel had a higher penetration capability than the control. Dermatokinetic studies showed that the SXE-NTF gel had a better retention capability than the SXE gel. According to the experimental results, the SXE-NTF gel is a promising and successful topical delivery formulation.

The ameliorative effects of topical gemifloxacin alone or in combination with clobetasol propionate on imiquimod-induced model of psoriasis in mice

Psoriasis is a lifelong immune-driven skin condition characterized by excessive epidermal overgrowth and inflammatory cell infiltration. Gemifloxacin is a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone with improved immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that are believed to possess an attractive role in psoriasis via suppressing the production of cytokines, chemokines, and eosinophil and neutrophil chemotaxis. The aim of this research is to investigate the ameliorative effects of prolonged topical gemifloxacin (GMF) alone and combined with clobetasol propionate (CLO) on an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model of psoriasis. Forty-eight Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups of eight. All groups except the negative controls got 62.5 mg of IMQ 5% topically for 8 days. Mice in the control group (controls) got Vaseline instead. Following the induction in the IMQ 5% group, mice in treatment groups CLO 0.05, GMF 1%, GMF 3%, and CLO + GMF obtained clobetasol propionate 0.05%, GMF 1% and 3%, and a combination of both, respectively, for an additional 8 days, rendering the experiment 16 days long. Our results revealed that gemifloxacin alleviated erythematous, thickened, and scaly psoriatic lesions and inhibited the tissue level of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-8, IL-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The anti-inflammatory effect also occurred by hindering nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and reversing histopathological problems. Gemifloxacin acts effectively in mitigating psoriasis-associated lesions and restricting NF-κB-mediated inflammation, recommending gemifloxacin as a promising adjuvant candidate for additional studies on the long-term treatment of autoimmune and autoinflammatory dermatoses like psoriasis.

Multi-target mechanism of Solanum xanthocarpum for treatment of psoriasis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Solanum xanthocarpum (SX) has been used to treat a variety of diseases, including skin disorders like psoriasis (PSO). SX possesses many pharmacological activities of anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunosuppressive, and healing qualities. However, the multi-target mechanism of SX on PSO still needs clarity. Materials and methods: The Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals and Therapeutics (IMPPAT) database and the Swiss Target Prediction online tool were used to find the active phytochemical components and their associated target proteins. OMIM and GeneCards databases were used to extract PSO-related targets. A Venn diagram analysis determined the common targets of SX against PSO. Subsequently, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and core PPI target analysis were carried out using the STRING network and Cytoscape software. Also, utilising the online Metascape and bioinformatics platform tool, a pathway enrichment analysis of common targets using the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases was conducted to verify the role of targets in biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions with respect to KEGG pathways. Lastly, molecular docking simulations were performed to validate the strong affinity between components of SX and key target receptors. Results: According to the IMPPAT Database information, 8 active SX against PSO components were active. According to the PPI network and core targets study, the main targets against PSO were EGFR, SRC, STAT3, ERBB2, PTK2, SYK, EP300, CBL, TP53, and AR. Moreover, molecular docking simulations verified the binding interaction of phytochemical SX components with their PSO targets. Last but not least, enrichment analysis showed that SX is involved in several biological processes, including peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation, peptidyl-tyrosine modification, and peptidyl-serine modification. The relevant KEGG signalling pathways are the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway, the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance pathway, and the MAPK signalling pathway. Conclusion: The network pharmacology technique, which is based on data interpretation and molecular docking simulation techniques, has proven the multi-target function of SX phytoconstituents.

Can Essential Oils/Botanical Agents Smart-Nanoformulations Be the Winning Cards against Psoriasis?

Although psoriasis remains one of the most devastating inflammatory disorders due to its huge negative impact on patients’ quality of life, new “green” treatment approaches still need to be fully explored. The purpose of this review article is to focus on the utilization of different essential oils and active constituents of herbal botanical origin for the treatment of psoriasis that proved efficacious via both in vitro and in vivo models. The applications of nanotechnology-based formulations which displayed great potential in augmenting the permeation and delivery of these agents is also addressed. Numerous studies have been found which assessed the potential activity of natural botanical agents to overcome psoriasis. Nano-architecture delivery is applied in order to maximize the benefits of their activity, improve properties, and increase patient compliance. This field of natural innovative formulations can be a promising tool to optimize remediation of psoriasis while minimizing adverse effects.

Biologics in pediatric psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a chronic relapsing course. Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of adult psoriasis with higher efficacy and favorable safety profile. Recently, more studies have focused on the use of biologics in pediatric psoriasis, and several biologics have been approved for use therein. This review is divided into two sections: the first part focuses on real-world studies on the use of biologics in pediatric psoriasis and the second part summarizes the findings of other clinical trials related to biologics in pediatric psoriasis. Case reports have been excluded from this review. Several biologics were used for treating pediatric psoriasis and the efficacy is encouraging. According to the studies included in this review, anti-IL-12/23 and anti-IL-17A for treating pediatric psoriasis might have a better efficacy than anti-TNF-α, but more data are needed.

Efficacy and safety profile of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor in the treatment of psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Systemic therapy is an important treatment for psoriasis. Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors are new candidates for psoriasis therapy.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PDE4 inhibitors in psoriasis.

Method

Randomized clinical trials with PDE4 inhibitors vs placebos in patients with psoriasis were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, from inception to July 14, 2022. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022345700).

Results

18 studies were identified, 9 of which included moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, 2 mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, and 7 psoriatic arthritis. A total of 6036 patients were included. Only one oral PDE4 inhibitor, apremilast, met the inclusion criteria. Overall, compared with the placebo, apremilast was associated with higher response rates in PASI-75 (RR, 3.22; 95% CI, 2.59-4.01), ScPGA of 0 or 1 (RR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.69-2.91), PPPGA of 0 or 1 (RR 2.33; 95%CI, 1.16-4.66), and a significant decrease in NPASI (SMD, -0.46; 95% CI, -0.58 to -0.33). There were no significant differences in serious adverse events. Subgroup analyses showed that significantly more patients achieved PASI-75 after 16 weeks of therapy with apremilast of 20 mg bid (RR, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.01-3.95) and 30 mg bid (RR, 4.08; 95% CI, 3.12-5.33). Heterogeneity was not significant across studies.

Conclusion

Apremilast is a safe and effective treatment for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, especially for difficult-to-treat sites.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier (CRD42022345700).

Successful treatment of refractory erythrodermic psoriasis with traditional Thai herbal medicine

BACKGROUND

Thai herbal formulations have been used traditionally in Thailand for the treatment of psoriasis. However, there is still a lack of scientific data supporting the effects of Thai herbal formulations in psoriasis treatment.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic effects of Thai herbal formulations for the treatment of erythrodermic psoriasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All Thai herbal formulations (haematic tonic, lymphatic treatment, skin treatment) were obtained from a traditional Thai medicine doctor, Mr. Somporn Chanwanitsakul. The effects of Thai herbal formulations in a patient with erythrodermic psoriasis were assessed for four weeks. Primary outcome, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and secondary outcome, safety data and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) measurements were evaluated at baseline and four weeks. Then, in vitro biological activities (antioxidant, anti-microbial, cytotoxic effects, and anti-inflammatory) of Thai herbal formulations were determined to promote the therapeutic effects.

RESULTS

Thai herbal formulations were safe and effective in the treatment of erythrodermic psoriasis and had a modest positive impact on the DQLI of the patient. In addition, in vitro studies have shown that all Thai herbal formulations revealed remarkable anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential to support their therapeutic activities. However, the Thai herbal formulations possessed weak intrinsic antibacterial activities against all tested bacterial strains (MIC and MBC E. coli, S. aureus, S. pyogenes, P. aeruginosa: > 256 µg/ml).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicated that successful treatment of erythrodermic psoriasis with Thai herbal formulations was involved in their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. They could be considered as an alternative treatment for refractory erythrodermic psoriasis.

Topical non-aqueous nanoemulsion of Alpinia galanga extract for effective treatment in psoriasis: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Non-aqueous nanoemulsion (NANE) of Alpinia galanga extract (AGE) was prepared using Palmester 3595 (MCT oil) as oil phase, Cremophor RH 40-Transcutol P® as surfactant-co-surfactant (S_mix), and glycerin as non-aqueous polar continuous phase. The composition was optimized by applying three-level, four factor Box-Behnken design (BBD). The mean droplet size and zeta potential of the optimized AGE NANE was found to be 60.81 ± 18.88 nm and -7.99 ± 4.14 mV, respectively. The ex vivo permeation studies of AGE NANE and AGE per se on porcine skin reported flux of 125.58 ± 8.36 µg/cm² h^-1 and 12.02 ± 1.64 µg/cm²h^-1, respectively. Therefore, the enhancement ratio has shown 10-folds increase in the flux for AGE NANE when compared to extract per se. Later, confocal laser scanning microcopy confirmed that AGE NANE were able to penetrate into skin's stratum by trans-follicular transport mechanism. The stability studies of AGE NANE confirmed its stability at 30 ± 2℃ /75 ± 5 % RH and 5 ± 3℃. The efficacy of AGE NANE was evaluated in vivo on imiquimod (IMQ) induced mouse model. The mice treated with low and high doses of AGE NANE (groups VI and VII) showed significant (p<0.05) amelioration of psoriasis. Results of histopathology indicated reduction in psoriasis area severity index in AGE NANE treated mice (group VI and group VII).

Paeoniflorin inhibits proliferation and migration of psoriatic keratinocytes via the lncRNA NEAT1/miR-3194-5p/Galectin-7 axis

To investigate the mechanism underlying the effect of paeoniflorin (PF) on the proliferation and migration of psoriatic keratinocytes. The expressions of long noncoding RNA NEAT1, miR-3194-5p and Galectin-7 in skin tissues from psoriatic patients and healthy controls were detected. Psoriatic HaCat cells were used to investigate the function of NEAT1 and Galectin-7 as well as the effect and mechanism of PF in psoriasis. MTT, colony formation and scratch assays were used to assess the proliferation and migration of psoriatic HaCat cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the interactions among NEAT1, miR-3194-5p and Galectin-7. NEAT1 and Galectin-7 were lowly expressed and miR-3194-5p was highly expressed in psoriatic patients. PF suppressed the proliferation and migration of psoriatic HaCat cells by elevating the expressions of NEAT1 and Galectin-7. NEAT1 positively mediated the expression of Galectin-7 by targeting miR-3194-5p. PF controls the proliferation and migration of psoriatic HaCat cells via the NEAT1/miR-3194-5p/Galectin-7 axis.

Novel archetype in psoriasis management bridging molecular dynamics in exploring novel therapies

Psoriasis is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory condition of skin affecting 125 million populaces around the globe. It is implicated as a result of multifaceted phenomena involving various cell and subcell activities with the aid of numerous cellular and molecular components including signaling aisle and regulatory proteins owing to the development of such hyperproliferative dermatological conditions. This involves a deeply complex and conflicting pathology owing to genetic and immunological deviations resulting from the unusual presentation of different signaling pathways and regulatory proteins. Explorations of these biomarkers and intervention of molecular and cellular processes in psoriasis are yet to be investigated and could be an exceptional aspect for understanding pathology with successful targeting of disease. In the presented study, we have integrated molecular insights, including signaling molecules, pathways, and proteins implicated in pathogenesis, and we have attempted to link this knowledge to the targeting of these phenomena in order to manage the conditions precisely. Further, therapeutic delivery approaches for targeting distinct layers of skin have also been investigated based on the application of different nanocarriers for successful psoriasis treatment.

An Insight into Biomolecules for the Treatment of Skin Infectious Diseases

In assigning priorities, skin infectious diseases are frequently classified as minor when compared to infectious diseases of high mortality rates, such as tuberculosis or HIV. However, skin infections are amongst the most common and prevalent diseases worldwide. Elderly individuals present an increased susceptibility to skin infections, which may develop atypical signs and symptoms or even complicate pre-existing chronic disorders. When the skin fails to correct or inhibit the action of certain pathogenic microorganisms, biomolecules endowed with antimicrobial features are frequently administered topically or systemically to assist or treat such conditions. (1) Antibiotics, (2) antimicrobial peptides, or (3) natural extracts display important features that can actively inhibit the propagation of these pathogens and prevent the evolution of infectious diseases. This review highlights the properties and mechanisms of action of these biomolecules, emphasizing their effects on the most prevalent and difficult to treat skin infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The versatility of biomolecules’ actions, their symbiotic effects with skin cells and other inherent antimicrobial components, and their target-directed signatures are also explored here.

Isolation, characterization and evaluation of anti-proliferative properties of andrographolide isolated from Andrographis paniculata on cultured HaCaT cells

Introduction: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by hyper-proliferation, abnormal epidermal keratinocytes and inflammatory infiltration. It affects approximately 4% of the population globally. Herbal extracts have better results with less toxic effects than the synthetic drugs in the treatment of psoriasis.

Objective: Present study was aimed to access the anti-psoriatic effect of andrographolide extracted from Andrographis paniculate (A. paniculata).

Method: We extracted, characterized, and screened the extracted andrographolide for anti-proliferative characteristics using cultured cell model of human HaCaT keratinocyte.

Results: Andrographolide at 31.25 µg/mL (90 µM) demonstrated significant inhibitory effect on human HaCaT keratinocytes proliferation in cell culture. To our best knowledge, we reported the anti-proliferative potency of andrographolide extracted from A. paniculata for the first time.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the andrographolide extracted from A. paniculata plant may have potential to be used in the management of psoriasis.

Polymers in topical delivery of anti-psoriatic medications and other topical agents in overcoming the barriers of conventional treatment strategies

In recent decades, topical treatments to dermal disorders have shown ineffectiveness in delivering the medication at a particular location without a suitable drug carrier. Psoriasis treatment is hindered because of the ineffective delivery and efficacy of conventional pharmaceutical treatment. In conventional medication formulation approach, it is difficult to breach the transdermal layer of a skin membrane for topical drugs, i.e. cyclosporine, methotrexate. This problem is further complicated by extreme disease-associated conditions such as hyperkeratosis and irritation. Intending to assure better drug delivery carriers, this review emphasizes the therapeutic efficacy of polymers and their potential to deliver the drug into the deeper layer of the skin membrane. The polymers are essential in structural and physiochemical perspectives as it works as a carrier for the medication. A vast variety of delivery carriers is available nowadays but their applicability in such dermal cases like psoriasis is still lacking due to less knowledge on an appropriate polymer. The current investigation of suitable polymer would assist in brushing our expertise to optimize the advantages of a wide spectrum of polymers to fulfill the topical targeting of psoriasis.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Psoriasis: Evidence From 11 High-Quality Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of psoriasis with considerable benefits and a low toxicity. The purpose of this quantitative study was to show high-quality evidence of the efficacy and safety of CHM for the treatment of psoriasis to promote its clinical application.

Methods: Several databases were systematically searched including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Network Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, and Wan Fang Database. High-quality randomized controlled trials that compared CHM with non-CHM interventions were included. The RevMan5.3 software was used to calculate risk ratios (RR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI) and conduct the meta-analysis.

Results: Altogether, 1,215 patients participated in this study, including 711 in the experimental group and 504 in the control group. The psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score of the CHM group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group (MD, −4.02; 95% CI, −6.71 to −1.34; p = 0.003). To achieve PASI-60 and PASI-75, the arrival rate of the CHM group was higher than that of the placebo group (PASI-60: RR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.17 to 10.61; p = 0.03; PASI-75: RR, 9.87; 95% CI, 3.11 to 31.31; p = 0.0001). Furthermore, the efficacy rate was higher in patients receiving CHM than in those receiving placebo (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.93; p = 0.04). The results suggested a greater impact of CHM in improving the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) of patients (MD, −2.12; 95% CI, −3.75 to −0.49; p = 0.01). Regarding pruritus severity, there was no significant difference between the two groups (MD, −1.90; 95% CI, −3.79 to −0.01; p = 0.05). The meta-analysis revealed that the recurrence rate (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.32 to 1.71; p = 0.48) and proportion of adverse events (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.93; p = 0.09) associated with using CHM were similar to those associated with using a placebo.

Conclusion: CHM appears safe and effective in the treatment of psoriasis and has a great positive impact on the DQLI of patients; however, CHM could not completely eliminate skin lesions, improve pruritus severity, and reduce the recurrence rate.

Treatment Modalities of Psoriasis: A Focus on Requisite for Topical Nanocarrier

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease involving cascading release of cytokines activated by the innate and acquired immune system. The increasing prevalence rate of psoriasis demands for more appropriate therapy. The existing chemical moiety is promising for better therapeutic outcome, but the selection of a proper channel for administration has to be reviewed. Hence there is a need to select the most appropriate dosage form and route of administration for improving the curative rate of psoriasis.

RESULTS

A total of 108 systematic reviews of research and review articles were conducted to make the manuscript comprehensible. The role of inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of the disease is discussed for a better understanding of the selection of pharmacotherapy. The older and newer therapeutic moiety with its mode of administration for psoriasis treatment has been discussed. With a comparative review on topical and oral administration of first-line drugs such as methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporine (CsA), and betamethasone, its benefits-liabilities in the selected routes were accounted for. Emphasis has also been paid on advanced nanocarriers for dermatologic applications.

CONCLUSION

For a better therapeutic outcome, proper selection of drug moiety with its appropriate administration is the major requisite. With the advent of nanotechnology, the development of nanocarrier for dermatologic application has been successfully demonstrated in positioning the systemically administrated drug into topical targeted delivery. In a nutshell, to achieve successful treatment strategies towards psoriasis, there is a need to focus on the development of stable, non-toxic nanocarrier for topical delivery. Inclusion of the existing orally administered drug moiety into nanocarriers for topical delivery is proposed in order to enhance therapeutics payload with reduced side effects which serves as a better treatment approach for relief of the psoriasis condition.