Mechanism of action and effect of immune-modulating agents in the treatment of psoriasis

ObjectivesThe aim of this work is to study the possible mechanisms through which different immune-modulating agents can produce their beneficial effects on treatment of psoriasis and to determine whether the supplementation of these agents for psoriasis patients induces regression of psoriasis.Subjects and methodsOne hundred fifty participants were included in this study. The participants were divided into five groups: 1. Normal control group, 2. Psoriasis patients not taking any treatment, 3. Psoriasis patients treated with anti-psoriatic treatment (including coal tar, vitamin D3 analogues and corticosteroids). 4. Psoriasis patients treated with anti-psoriatic treatment and oral metformin (850 mg twice daily) and 5. Psoriasis patients treated with anti-psoriatic treatment and oral pioglitazone (15 mg once a day). Demographic characteristics, diabetic index, lipid profile and liver function tests were monitored. The CD4+ Tcells, CD8+ Tcells, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, interleukin-2 (IL-2), C-reactive protein (CRP) and ceruloplasmin (CP) were assayed.ResultsAfter treatment of psoriasis patients with a traditional anti-psoriatic drug in combination with metformin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARɤ) agonist (pioglitazone), the CD4+ T cells, IL-2, CRP, CP, ALT and AST levels were statistically significantly decreased compared to psoriasis patients without treatment. Positive and significant correlations between CD4+ % and IL-2, CRP, CP, ALT and AST in psoriasis patients were recorded.ConclusionsThe activation of PPAR-γ receptors by pioglitazone results in reduced formation of the proinflammatory cytokines and infiltration by inflammatory cells. Additionally, metformin acts as a modulator of the immune system in psoriasis patients and has a remarkable effect on the early stages of psoriasis. Therefore, either pioglitazone or metformin in combination with traditional anti-psoriatic drugs provides better results in the treatment of psoriasis than does each alone.