Study on HIF-1α Gene Translation in Psoriatic Epidermis with the Topical Treatment of Capsaicin Ointment.

Objective. To investigate the mechanism of capsaicin in treating active psoriasis vulgaris. Methods. HIF-1α gene translation in active psoriatic lesions before and after 21-day treatment with capsaicin ointment was detected by in situ hybridization. Results. There was positive staining of HIF-1α gene in all the layers of psoriatic epidermis (100.0%) before the treatment with capsaicin ointment, but the dyeing in epidermis were reduced obviously (22.2%) after the treatment for 21 days. Conclusion. HIF-1α gene translation in psoriatic epidermis was downregulated after capsaicin treatment for 21 days.