Oxyresveratrol Inhibits TNF-α-Stimulated Cell Proliferation in Human Immortalized Keratinocytes (HaCaT) by Suppressing AKT Activation

Psoriasis is a complex inflammatory disease characterized by hyperproliferative keratinocyte caused by active PI3K/AKT signaling. TNF-α concentrated in the psoriatic lesions stimulates AKT activation. We previously discovered that oxyresveratrol inhibited inflammation via suppressing AKT phosphorylation, therefore oxyresveratrol may possess a conserved property to block AKT activation and proliferation in keratinocyte in response to TNF-α. Our current study proved that oxyresveratrol exhibited potent anti-proliferative effects against TNF-α. These effects are explained by the findings that oxyresveratrol could potentially inhibit TNF-α-stimulated AKT and GSK3-β activation in a dose-dependent manner, and its inhibitory pattern was comparable to that of a specific PI3K inhibitor. Results from immunofluorescence supported that oxyresveratrol effectively inhibited AKT and GSK3-β activation in individual cells upon TNF-α stimulation. Furthermore, functional assay confirmed that oxyresveratrol repressed the expansion of the HaCaT colony over 3 days, and this was caused by the ability of oxyresveratrol to induce cell cycle arrest at S and G2/M phases and the reduction in the expression of a proliferative marker (Ki-67) and a survival marker (MCL-1). Given the importance of TNF-α and the PI3K/AKT pathway in the psoriatic phenotype, we anticipate that oxyresveratrol, which targets the TNF-α-stimulated PI3K/AKT pathway, would represent a promising psoriasis therapy in the near future.

The Effects of Vitamin D on the Expression of IL-33 and Its Receptor ST2 in Skin Cells; Potential Implication for Psoriasis

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) belongs to the IL-1 family and is produced constitutively by epithelial and endothelial cells of various organs, such as the skin. It takes part in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, repair, and immune response, including activation of Th2 lymphocytes. Its involvement in pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases including psoriasis was also suggested, but this is not fully understood. The aim of the study was to investigate expression of IL-33 and its receptor, ST2, in psoriasis, and the effects of the active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) on their expression in skin cells. Here we examined mRNA and protein profiles of IL-33 and ST2 in 18 psoriatic patients and healthy volunteers by qPCR and immunostaining techniques. Potential effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and its receptor (VDR) on the expression of IL-33 and ST2 were tested in cultured keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts, and basal cell carcinoma cells. It was shown that 1,25(OH)2D3 effectively stimulated expression of IL-33 and its receptor ST2’s mRNAs in a time-dependent manner, in keratinocytes and to the lesser extends in melanocytes, but not in fibroblasts. Furthermore, the effect of vitamin D on expression of IL-33 and ST2 was VDR-dependent. Finally, we demonstrated that the expression of mRNA for IL-33 was mainly elevated in the psoriatic skin but not in its margin. Interestingly, ST2 mRNA was downregulated in psoriatic lesion compared to both marginal tissue as well as healthy skin. Our data indicated that vitamin D can modulate IL-33 signaling, opening up new perspectives for our understanding of the mechanism of vitamin D action in psoriasis therapy.

Psoriasis Therapy Beyond Biologics

Although psoriasis patients have benefited from the advent of biologic treatments over the past two decades, these medications are not appropriate for all patients and can be augmented by additional therapy. Differences among the manifold options can be difficult to parse, though essential for matching treatment with an individual patient. UV-light therapies, including both UV-B and psoralen with UV-A light, continue to play an important role in treatment, as do non-biologic systemic options including methotrexate, cyclosporine, apremilast, and acitretin. Recent years have seen a dramatic expansion in available topical therapies, the most common modality for the treatment of psoriasis, including new foam, spray, lotion, and cream formulations of topical corticosteroids (TCS) and new fixed-dose combination offerings of TCS with tazarotene and calcipotriene. Newer advances, including the oral tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor deucravacitinib and non-steroidal topicals such as roflumilast, a PDE-4 inhibitor, and tapinarof, a first-in-class non-steroidal small-molecule, will soon provide even more options for treatment. It is vital for clinicians to remain aware of this ever-expanding armamentarium, allowing for more productive shared decision-making with patients, improved satisfaction, and better disease control.

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.

Serum profiles of tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites in psoriasis

Aim: Chronic inflammation is closely associated with tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway. However, TRP-KYN pathway has not been fully elucidated in psoriasis, a systemic inflammatory disease with skin lesions and extracutaneous manifestations. Herein, we studied comprehensively serum profiles of TRP-KYN pathway metabolites in psoriatic patients (PSOs) to clarify the involvement of this pathway in the pathophysiology of psoriasis and to evaluate serum biomarkers reflecting systemic inflammation in PSOs. Methods: The concentrations of main TRP metabolites, TRP, KYN, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HK), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA), and anthranilic acid (AA), were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography in the sera from 65 PSOs and 35 healthy controls (HCs). The levels of these metabolites and the ratios of metabolites were compared between these subjects. The correlations between these values and the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores were analyzed. Skin samples from PSOs and HCs were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for kynureninase. Cytokine concentrations were comprehensively measured in the same samples and the correlations between the cytokine levels and TRP-KYN pathway metabolite levels were examined. Results: Serum TRP, KYN, and KYNA concentrations were lower and the 3HAA concentrations were higher in PSOs than in HCs. The ratios of 3HK/KYN, 3HAA/3HK, and 3HK/AA were higher in PSOs than in HCs. The AA levels and the ratio of AA/KYN were weakly positively correlated, and TRP, KYNA, and 3HK levels and the ratios of KYNA/KYN and 3HAA/AA were weakly negatively correlated with the PASI scores. The AA, KYN, and KYNA levels were positively correlated with the interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) concentrations. Kynureninase expression was enhanced in the epidermis, both involved and uninvolved skin. Conclusions: Serum profiles of TRP-KYN pathway metabolites differed between PSOs and HCs. TRP-KYN pathway-associated processes, including kynureninase activation, may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and thus serve as targets for psoriasis therapy.

Clinical considerations for the management of psoriasis in women with disorders of the menstrual cycle

Introduction. Psoriasis in women of reproductive age is one of the most pressing medical and social problems. The consequence of psoriasis disease is a significant decrease in the quality of life, disability of patients, difficulties in creating a family and deterioration of family relations, significant psychological discomfort. Objective of the study: to increase the effectiveness of treatment of women with psoriasis with menstrual irregularities by means of pathogenetically substantiated therapy based on the study of hormonal changes. Materials and research methods. The study included 130 women who were divided into three groups: the main group – 75 women with psoriasis with menstrual irregularities, who were randomized into 3 subgroups: 1a – 25 patients who will receive standard psoriasis therapy; 1b – 25 patients, in addition to the standard treatment of psoriasis, will receive gestagens for 3 months; 1c – 25 patients, in addition to the standard treatment of psoriasis, will receive a preparation of an dry extract of herb of creeping anchors for 3 months. The comparison group consisted of 25 women with psoriasis without hormonal disorders, comparable in age and social status with the study group. The control group – 30 apparently healthy women, comparable in age and social status with the study group. Research results. In patients of the main group who received standard psoriasis therapy (1a); who received progestogens for 3 months in addition to standard psoriasis treatment (1b) and, in addition to the standard treatment of psoriasis, who received the preparation of an dry extract of herb of anchors creeping for 3 months (1c), before the start of the treatment, the ratio of LH / FSH – luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was below normal, which indicates a certain deficit in LH production relative to FSH values. In parallel, in these cohorts, the production of prolactin was increased, which suppresses the formation of FSH and LH in the pituitary gland. Changes in the production of gonadotropic hormones are a reaction to the existing deficiency or excess of sex hormones. In the main 1a, 1b and 1c in groups, estradiol values ​​were within the normal range with progesterone deficiency in the luteal phase. The testosterone value in all study groups did not deviate from the standard values. Conclusions. The obtained results of the survey indicate the need to increase the effectiveness of treatment of women with psoriasis with menstrual irregularities by involving measures aimed at correcting hormonal status in complex therapy.

Changes in the expression pattern of DUSP1-7 and miRNA regulating their expression in the keratinocytes treated with LPS and adalimumab

Background: Increased levels of phosphorylated ERK and p38 MAPK proteins have been observed in psoriatic skin biopsies compared to controls, which may be associated with an impaired expression pattern of dual activity protein phosphatase (DUSP). Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess changes in the expression profile of mRNA DUSP 1-7 and miRNA regulating their expression in human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) had exposed to the liposaccharide A (LPS). Methods: HaCaT was exposed to 1 µg/ml LPS and next adalimumab by 2,8,24h compared to untreated cells. The microarray method was used to analyze expression pattern of mRNAs, miRNAs, and ELISA to evaluate changes in the level of the proteins. RTqPCR was used to validate the microarray data. Transcriptome Analysis Console and Statistica Software 13 PL were used in statistical analysis (p<0.05). Results: The highest changes in expression was observed for DUSP2 (FC +11.12) and DUSP5 (FC +5.53) in HaCaT culture after 2 hours exposition on adalimumab. It was observed that miR-1275 (FC -2.39) and miR-34a (FC +6.52) might regulate level of DUSP2, and miR-27a (FC +3.55), miR-27b (FC +2.87) are involved in DUSP5 expression. Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that DUSP2 and DUSP5 may be considered as complementary molecular markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of the effectiveness of psoriasis therapy. It was confirmed that hsa-miR-34a, hsa-miR-1275, hsa-miR-3188, hsa-miR-382, hsa-miR-27a, hsa-miR-27b, hsa-miR-16 have the highest influence on the expression pattern of DUSP1-7.