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Methotrexate regulates Th-1 response by suppressing caspase-1 and cytokines in psoriasis patients

Anand Thirupathi1, Tamilselvi Elango2, Swapna Subramanian3

  • 1Laboratory of Physiology and Biochemistry of Exercise, PPGCS, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, 88806-000 Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|December 29, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methotrexate (MTX) treatment significantly reduced caspase-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels in psoriasis patients. This indicates MTX effectively controls the immune response in psoriasis.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Psoriasis is a Th1-type inflammatory disease.
  • Caspase-1 and its induced cytokines are potential therapeutic targets.
  • The effect of methotrexate (MTX) on these targets in psoriasis was investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the effect of MTX on caspase-1, TNF-α, and IL-18 in psoriasis patients.
  • To evaluate MTX's role in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis.

Main Methods:

  • 58 psoriasis patients received 7.5mg MTX weekly for 12 weeks.
  • IL-18 and TNF-α levels were measured using ELISA.
  • Caspase-1 expression was analyzed via Western blot and Real Time PCR.

Main Results:

  • MTX treatment reduced skin acanthosis.
  • Plasma IL-18 and serum TNF-α levels decreased significantly post-MTX therapy (P<0.001).
  • Skin caspase-1 protein and mRNA expression were significantly reduced by MTX (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • MTX decreases inflammatory caspase and proinflammatory cytokines in psoriasis.
  • MTX treatment inhibits the Th1 response, demonstrating therapeutic efficacy.
  • MTX plays a role in controlling psoriasis immunopathogenesis.
Keywords:
Caspase-1Interleukin-18MethotrexatePsoriasisTh-1 immune cells

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