Effectiveness and safety of cyclosporine in pediatric plaque psoriasis: A multicentric retrospective analysis

Liraglutide and resveratrol alleviated cyclosporin A induced nephrotoxicity in rats through improving antioxidant status, apoptosis and pro-inflammatory markers

The recent study delves into the role of both liraglutide and/or resveratrol on the nephropathic affection in rats treated with cyclosporine A (CsA). Rats were intoxicated with CsA (25 mg/kg) orally for 21 days and were supplemented with liraglutide (30 μg/kg) s/c daily and 20 mg/kg of resveratrol (20 mg/kg) orally. At the end of the experiment, serum samples and renal tissues were collected to determine renal damage markers, apoptotic markers, proinflammatory markers, and antioxidant status markers. Kidney function tests and antioxidant activity notably improved in the treated rats (CsA + Lir/CsA + Res/CsA + Lir + Res). Moreover, both Lir and/or Res enhanced Bcl-2 levels while down-regulating the Bax levels in rats treated with CsA. Interestingly, the immune-staining for tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) was tested negative and mild positive in renal tissue of rats given Lir and/or Res while being treated with Cs A which indicated their anti-inflammatory effect that reduced the renal damage. The findings of this investigation revealed the ameliorative anti-inflammatory in addition to the antioxidant role of both liraglutide and resveratrol against the kidney damage caused due to CsA administration.

Biological therapies for the treatment of psoriasis in pediatrics

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a multifactorial, immune-mediated condition with predominant skin involvement. It may develop at any age. In one-third of patients, the first symptoms of psoriasis start during childhood or adolescence. A marked impairment of the quality of life of patients and their caregivers is often associated.

AREAS COVERED

Databases including PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov were used to identify clinical studies involving pediatric patients with psoriasis. In the last few years, the implementation of therapy with drugs targeting cytokines like interleukin (IL)-12/23 and IL-17A has expanded the number of available therapeutic options in pediatric psoriasis. This review focuses on the latest evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety profile of drugs licensed for severe pediatric psoriasis.

EXPERT OPINION

Increasing knowledge about the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying pediatric psoriasis is leading to an improvement in disease management. Effective treatment is crucial in patients affected with moderate to severe disease to reduce the burden of the disease and avoid stigmatization. The treatment of pediatric psoriasis remains challenging for specific clinical subtypes, when difficult areas are involved, after resistance to multiple treatments, and when psoriatic arthritis is associated. A personalized approach and a thorough understanding of the disease are required to advance pediatric psoriasis care.

Psoriasis and skin cancer - Is there a link?

A chronic auto-immune-mediated disease Psoriasis is associated with manycoexisting or co-occurringconditions, which include a significant risk of malignancies, especiallyskin tumours. Numerous studies were done to understand whether psoriasis itself, comorbidities related to psoriasis, or psoriasis treatment might increase the risk of neoplasms. We reviewed the relation between psoriasis and cancer risk, also the significance of inflammation in cancer The various classes of drugs used to treat psoriasis, including biologics like tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors; and how they increase cancer risk are deliberated. Literature was collated for the past five years from the data bases like PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, etc. Literatures discussing the skin cancer linked to psoriasis were reviewed. Possible mechanisms associated between inflammation and psoriasis; skin cancer was explained in the context of the several psoriasis medications that increase the likelihood of skin cancer. The risk of cancer in other cutaneous auto-inflammatory diseases is also elucidated. It is frequently observed that increased doses of PUVA therapy, immunosuppressive medications, and lifestyle changes alter the aetiology of the tumours. This review is conceptualized to shed the light on probable mechanisms involved in these connections as well as the chance of cancer in psoriasis patients.

Update on the Management of Pediatric Psoriasis: An Italian Consensus

Introduction

Psoriasis affects children with a considerable burden in early life. Treating pediatric psoriasis is challenging also because of the lack of updated specific guidelines. With the recent approval of several biologics for pediatric psoriasis and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the management of young psoriatic patients is facing major changes. A revision of treatment recommendations is therefore needed.

Methods

In September 2021, a board of six Italian dermatologists convened to update treatment recommendations. The board issued evidence- and consensus-based statements covering relevant areas of pediatric psoriasis, namely: assessment of psoriasis severity, management of children with psoriasis, and treatment of pediatric psoriasis. To reach consensus, the statements were submitted to a panel of 24 experts in a Delphi process performed entirely via videoconference. A treatment algorithm was produced.

Results

There was full consensus that psoriasis severity is determined by the extension/severity of skin lesions, site of lesions, and impact on patient quality of life. Agreement was reached on the need for a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric psoriasis and the importance of patient/parents education. The relevance of vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccination, for psoriatic children was acknowledged by all participants. Management issues that initially failed to reach consensus included the screening for psoriasis comorbidities and early treatment with biologics to prevent them and the use of telemedicine to facilitate patient follow-up. There was full consensus that topical corticosteroids are the first choice for the treatment of mild pediatric psoriasis, while phototherapy and systemic therapy are used in children with moderate-severe psoriasis. According to the proposed treatment algorithm, biologics are the first line of systemic therapy.

Conclusions

Targeted systemic therapies are changing the treatment of moderate-severe pediatric psoriasis, while topical corticosteroids continue to be the first choice for mild disease. Children-centered research is needed to further improve the treatment of pediatric psoriasis.

Efficacy of Systemic Biologic Drugs in Pediatric Psoriasis: Evidence From Five Selected Randomized Clinical Trials

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease that may occur at any age. Prevalence in children ranges between 0.5 and 1.0% across Europe. Approximately 10–20% of paediatric psoriasis patients are moderate-to-severe in severity and may require the use of systemic therapy.

Objective: Recently, newer targeted, systemic therapies have been licensed for treatment of moderate-to-severe paediatric psoriasis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of available antipsoriatic systemic drugs in children with a narrative synthesis of key efficacy from randomized clinical trials.

Methods: A systematic review of literature was performed on Medline and embase databases and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomized clinical trials investigating the efficacy of treatments licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration and/or the European Medicines Agency for paediatric and adolescent psoriatic population were retrieved and analyzed. Data from this literature review was assessed in line with GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations). The short-term (12-16 weeks) clinical efficacy from baseline was evaluated according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 and 90 compared to baseline. Illustrative comparative risks, relative risk (RR) and the number needed to treat (NNT) for response on PASI 75 and PASI 90 were extracted.

Results: A total of five relevant studies were identified on two TNF-alpha blockers (etanercept and adalimumab), the IL12/23 inhibitor ustekinumab and two IL-17 inhibitors (ixekizumab, secukinumab). Comparators were placebo (3 studies), placebo and etanercept (1 study) methotrexate (1 study). All examined drugs resulted efficacious. The probability to achieve PASI 75 and PASI 90 was higher for the IL-12/23 and IL-17 inhibitors. Overall, the anti-IL17s and the anti-IL12/23 antibodies showed a more favourable NNT for PASI 75, whereas IL-17 inhibitors for PASI 90.

Conclusion: The approved biological therapies may be beneficial for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents. Since psoriasis is a chronic and often challenging condition with no definitive solution, systematic evaluations of long-term efficacy, drug survival and adverse effects may help careful, individualized, patient-centered clinical decision making.

Psoriasis Therapy and Skin Cancer: A Review

INTRODUCTION

psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that is associated with several comorbidities, including an increased risk of malignancies, particularly skin cancer. A large number of studies have investigated whether psoriasis itself, psoriasis-associated comorbidities, or psoriasis treatment could lead to an increased risk of neoplasms.

METHODS

we reviewed the literature using the most important databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, ETHERIA). All articles pertaining to skin cancer associated with psoriasis disease and psoriasis therapy were included. In this review, we also discuss some of the potential underlying mechanisms for these associations, particularly regarding the multiple psoriasis therapies currently available, and their possible implications in higher incidences of skin cancer in these patients.

CONCLUSION

evidence suggests that these patients might have a higher risk of cutaneous malignancies, especially for NMSC, compared with psoriasis-free patients. The reasons for this increased risk remain to be determined. However, high dose PUVA therapy, the immunosuppressive treatments used, and the comorbidities and habits frequently described in these patients seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of these tumors. Because of these facts, periodic screening for skin cancer is recommended in this population.

Lipid-based nanoparticles for psoriasis treatment: a review on conventional treatments, recent works, and future prospects

Psoriasis is a lingering inflammatory skin disease that attacks the immune system. The abnormal interactions between T cells, immune cells, and inflammatory cytokines causing the epidermal thickening. International guidelines have recommended topical treatments for mild to moderate psoriasis whilst systemic and phototherapy treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis. However, current therapeutic approaches have a wider extent to treat moderate to severe type of psoriasis especially since the emergence of diverse biologic agents. In the meantime, topical delivery of conventional treatments has prompted many unsatisfactory effects to penetrate through the skin (stratum corneum). By understanding the physiology of stratum corneum barrier functions, scientists have developed different types of lipid-based nanoparticles like solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, nanovesicles, and nanoemulsions. These novel drug delivery systems help the poorly solubilised active pharmaceutical ingredient reaches the targeted site seamlessly because of the bioavailability feature of the nanosized molecules. Lipid-based nanoparticles for psoriasis treatments create a paradigm for topical drug delivery due to their lipids' amphiphilic feature to efficiently encapsulate both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. This review highlights different types of lipid-based nanoparticles and their recent works of nano formulated psoriasis treatments. The encapsulation of psoriasis drugs through lipid nanocarriers unfold numerous research opportunities in pharmaceutical applications but also draw challenges for the future development of nano drugs.

Incidence of Skin Cancer in Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Cutaneous Diseases on Targeted Therapies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Cancer is one of the several comorbidities that have been linked with chronic cutaneous inflammatory diseases namely psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Although the chronic inflammatory state, typical of the diseases, may induce pro-tumorigenic effects, the debate whether or not the drugs currently used in clinical practice do in facts increase a patient's risk of malignancy remains largely unsolved. The therapeutic armamentarium has been greatly enhanced at least in the last two decades with the advent of biologics, a heterogeneous group of laboratory-engineered agents with more in the pipeline, and other targeted small molecules. Among the organ systems, skin results as one of the most commonly affected, non-melanoma skin cancers being the main drug-induced manifestations as side effect in course of these treatments. The objective of the study is to systematically review the cutaneous malignancy risk of the newer therapies through an overview of meta-analyses and observational studies on the topic.

Off-Label Treatments for Pediatric Psoriasis: Lessons for the Clinic

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects up to 1.2% of children and adolescents. The treatment options for childhood psoriasis are often based on the same principles as in adults. However, most data on safety and efficacy derive from adult studies, and only a few of the frequently used treatments have achieved approval for use in children. The aim of this study was to review the current literature on off-label treatments for psoriasis in children and adolescents. We searched PubMed and identified 50 studies on off-label treatments. Of these, 23 studies were clinical trials (four randomized). There are only a small number of available studies on off-label treatments for children and adolescents with psoriasis, and many of these are retrospective reviews with few participants. Despite the current lack of studies, we still recommend the use of unapproved treatments since we have clinical experience with treatments such as topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and methotrexate that have shown promising effects. Regular clinical trials are needed to investigate the safety and efficacy of unapproved treatments. Due to The Pediatric Investigation Plans issued by The European Union, new drugs developed by pharmaceutical companies are required to undergo clinical trials in a pediatric population to get their application for marketing authorization processed. This will hopefully lead to much more data on the efficacy and safety of the new treatments, including treatments for children and adolescents with psoriasis.

S2k guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis in children and adolescents - Short version part 2

The present guidelines are aimed at residents and board-certified physicians in the fields of dermatology, pediatrics, pediatric dermatology and pediatric rheumatology as well as policymakers and insurance funds. They were developed by dermatologists and pediatric dermatologists in collaboration with pediatric rheumatologists using a formal consensus process (S2k). The guidelines highlight topics such as disease severity, quality of life, treatment goals as well as problems associated with off-label drug therapy in children. Trigger factors and diagnostic aspects are discussed. The primary focus is on the various topical, systemic and UV-based treatment options available and includes recommendations for use and treatment algorithms. Other aspects addressed herein include vaccinations in children and adolescents with psoriasis as well as various disease subtypes such as guttate psoriasis, diaper psoriasis, pustular psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Finally, we also provide recommendations for imaging studies and the diagnostic workup to rule out tuberculosis prior to initiating systemic treatment. Note: This article constitutes part 2 of the Sk2 guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis in children and adolescents. Part 1 was published in last month's issue. It contained introductory remarks and addressed aspects of diagnosis and topical treatment.

Hydrogen-rich water alleviates cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity via the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Oxidative stress induced by long-term cyclosporine A (CsA) administration is a major cause of chronic nephrotoxicity, which is characterized by tubular atrophy, tubular cell apoptosis, and interstitial fibrosis in the progression of organ transplantation. Although hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has been used to prevent various oxidative stress-related diseases, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of HRW on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity and its potential mechanisms. After administration of CsA (25 mg/kg/day), rats were treated with or without HRW (12 mL/kg) for 4 weeks. Renal function and vascular activity were investigated. Histological changes in kidney tissues were analyzed using Masson's trichrome and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling stains. Oxidative stress markers and the activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway were also measured. We found that CsA increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA), but it reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Such alterations induced vascular dysfunction, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular apoptosis. This was evident secondary to an increase in urinary protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, ultimately leading to renal dysfunction. Conversely, HRW decreased levels of ROS and MDA while increasing the activity of GSH and SOD. This was accompanied by an improvement in vascular and renal function. Moreover, HRW significantly decreased the level of Keap1 and increased the expression of Nrf2, NADPH dehydrogenase quinone 1, and heme oxygenase 1. In conclusion, HRW restored the balance of redox status, suppressed oxidative stress damage, and improved kidney function induced by CsA via activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

An update on the topical and oral therapy options for treating pediatric atopic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common childhood skin disorders. Multiple mechanisms contribute to the pathology of AD and treatment approaches are directed at these processes.

AREAS COVERED

The purpose of this review is to discuss the chemical treatment options for pediatric atopic dermatitis, including immunomodulators and small molecule inhibitors. A systematic literature search was conducted, and publications were reviewed for applicable treatment guidelines.

EXPERT OPINION

Topical therapy is first-line for pediatric atopic dermatitis. Providers should work closely with patients and caregivers to promote the success of topical treatments. In disease refractory to topical treatments, systemic agents may be considered. Clinical trials are ongoing for the use of biologics in the treatment of pediatric AD. When choosing the most appropriate treatment, physicians should consider the drug efficacy, potential adverse effects, patient adherence, and quality of life for both patients and caregivers. Additional studies are required to determine the safest and most effective doses for systemic therapy in childhood AD.

Prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational and clinical studies

BACKGROUND

Wide-ranging prevalence estimates of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis have been reported.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence and incidence of PsA in patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

Two authors independently searched 3 databases for studies reporting on the prevalence or incidence of PsA in patients with psoriasis. A proportion meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled proportion estimates of PsA in patients with psoriasis.

RESULTS

A total of 266 studies examining 976,408 patients with psoriasis were included. Overall, the pooled proportion (95% confidence interval [CI]) of PsA among patients with psoriasis was 19.7% (95% CI, 18.5%-20.9%). In children and adolescents (<18 years of age), the pooled prevalence was 3.3% (95% CI, 2.1%-4.9%). The PsA prevalence was 22.7% (95% CI, 20.6%-25.0%) in European patients with psoriasis, 21.5% (95% CI, 15.4%-28.2%) in South American patients with psoriasis, 19.5% (95% CI, 17.1%-22.1%) in North American patients with psoriasis, 15.5% (95% CI, 0.009%-51.5%) in African patients with psoriasis, and 14.0% (95% CI, 95% CI, 11.7%-16.3%) in Asian patients with psoriasis. The prevalence of PsA was 23.8% (95% CI, 20.1%-27.6%) in studies in which the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis were applied. The incidence of PsA among patients with psoriasis ranged from 0.27 to 2.7 per 100 person-years.

LIMITATIONS

Between-study heterogeneity may have affected the estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that 1 in 4 patients with psoriasis have PsA. With the growing recognition of the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis, more homogenous and comparable prevalence estimates are expected to be reported.

Safety of Systemic Agents for the Treatment of Pediatric Psoriasis

Importance

Use of systemic therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis in children is increasing, but comparative data on their use and toxicities are limited.

Objective

To assess patterns of use and relative risks of systemic agents for moderate to severe psoriasis in children.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective review was conducted at 20 centers in North America and Europe, and included all consecutive children with moderate to severe psoriasis who used systemic medications or phototherapy for at least 3 months from December 1, 1990, to September 16, 2014.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The minimal core data set included age, sex, severity of psoriasis, systemic interventions, monitoring, adverse events (AEs), and reason for discontinuation.

Results

For 390 children (203 girls and 187 boys; mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 8.4 [3.7] years) with psoriasis who used 1 or more systemic medications, the mean interval between diagnosis and starting systemic therapy was 3.0 years. Methotrexate was used by 270 patients (69.2%), biologic agents (primarily etanercept) by 106 (27.2%), acitretin by 57 (14.6%), cyclosporine by 30 (7.7%), fumaric acid esters by 19 (4.9%), and more than 1 medication was used by 73 (18.7%). Of 270 children taking methotrexate, 130 (48.1%) reported 1 or more AEs associated with methotrexate, primarily gastrointestinal (67 [24.8%]). Folic acid 6 days per week (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.41; P < .001) or 7 days per week (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08-0.58; P = .003) protected against gastrointestinal AEs more than once-weekly folic acid, regardless of the total weekly dosage. Methotrexate-associated hepatic transaminase elevations were associated with obesity (35 of 270 patients [13.0%]), but a folic acid regimen was not. Injection site reactions occurred in 20 of 106 patients (18.9%) treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, but did not lead to discontinuation of treatment. Having 1 or more AEs related to medication, gastrointestinal AE, laboratory abnormality, or AE leading to discontinuation of the drug was more likely with methotrexate than tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, but having 1 or more infections related to medication (predominantly upper airway) was less likely. Six patients developed a serious treatment-related AE (methotrexate, 3; fumaric acid esters, 2; and adalimumab, 1), but methotrexate and biologic agents were taken for a mean duration that was 2-fold greater than the mean duration for cyclosporine or fumaric acid esters. No patient developed tuberculosis or a malignant neoplasm.

Conclusions and Relevance

Medication-related AEs occur less often with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors than with methotrexate. Folic acid administration 6 or 7 times per week protected more against methotrexate-induced gastrointestinal AEs than did weekly administration. A prospective registry is needed to track the long-term risks of systemic agents for pediatric psoriasis.

Systemic Treatment of Pediatric Psoriasis: A Review

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease, affecting 1-3% of the white population. Although the existence of two psoriasis incidence peaks has been suggested (one in adolescence before 20 years of age and another in adulthood), its onset may occur at any age, including childhood and adolescence, in which the incidence is now estimated at 40.8 per 100,000. As for adult psoriasis, pediatric psoriasis has recently been associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, increased waist circumference percentiles and metabolic laboratory abnormalities, warranting early monitoring and lifestyle modifications. In addition, due to psoriasis' chronic nature and frequently occurring relapses, psoriatic patients tend to have an impaired quality of life, often requiring long-term treatment. Therefore, education of both pediatric patients and their parents is essential to successful and safe disease management. Given the lack of officially approved therapies, the very limited evidence-based data from randomized controlled trials, and the absence of standardized guidelines, to date, pediatric psoriasis treatment is primarily based on published case reports, case series, guidelines for adult psoriasis, expert opinions and experience with these drugs in other pediatric disorders coming from the disciplines of rheumatology, gastroenterology and oncology. This review focuses on the use of systemic treatments in pediatric psoriasis and their specific features, analyzing the few literature evidences available, expanding the treatment repertoire and guiding dermatologists in better managing of recalcitrant pediatric psoriasis.