Topical 10% sulfasalazine ointment attenuates imiquimod-induced psoriasiform inflammation in mice compared with clobetasol.

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease with an overabundance of cytokines and aberrant keratinocyte proliferation.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the therapeutic activity of topical application of 10% sulfasalazine in an imiquimod-induced murine model and to compare its therapeutic activity with that of clobetasol.

METHODOLOGY: Thirty-two male mice were randomly assigned into four groups, with each group consisting of eight individuals: normal control group, IMQ + vehicle group, IMQ + clobetasol group, and IMQ + 10% sulfasalazine group. IMQ was administered for 7 days, and then daily topical application was conducted for 14 days. Lesion severity was determined by PASI scores, and histological scores and concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6.

RESULTS

Both sulfasalazine and clobetasol led to significant reduction in PASI scores, compared to IMQ + vehicle (p < 0.05). The regimen of sulfasalazine improved epidermal structure, acanthosis, and inflammation, as well as.

CONCLUSION

Topical sulfasalazine was found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity, both clinical and histological, against IMQ-induced inflammation resembling psoriasis.