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

Abstract

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&#x2009;+&#x2009;vehicle group, IMQ&#x2009;+&#x2009;clobetasol group, and IMQ&#x2009;+&#x2009;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-&#x3b1; and IL-6. RESULTS: Both sulfasalazine and clobetasol led to significant reduction in PASI scores, compared to IMQ&#x2009;+&#x2009;vehicle (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;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.