Albendazole negatively regulates keratinocyte proliferation

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Psoriasis is characterized by increased keratinocyte proliferation, a key factor in its pathogenesis.
• Compounds that modulate keratinocyte proliferation may offer therapeutic benefits for psoriasis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of albendazole, an anti-helmintic drug, in inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation within psoriasis models.
• To explore albendazole's effects on keratinocyte proliferation and associated inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

• Albendazole was topically applied to Aldara-treated mice, and effects on epidermal thickness, keratinocyte proliferation, and keratin expression (K6/K16) were assessed.
• Inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine expression (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) were analyzed.
• Human keratinocytes were treated with albendazole to evaluate cell cycle progression, keratin expression, and molecular mechanisms involving CDC25A and PKR/eIF2α signaling.

Main Results:

• Albendazole treatment in mice reduced epidermal thickness, keratinocyte proliferation, and K6/K16 expression.
• A decrease in inflammatory cell markers (CD3, Ly6G) and key inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17A, etc.) was observed.
• In human keratinocytes, albendazole inhibited proliferation by inducing S-phase arrest, downregulating CDC25A, and activating the PKR/eIF2α pathway.

Conclusions:

• Albendazole demonstrates inhibitory effects on keratinocyte proliferation.
• The drug exerts a therapeutic effect in a murine model of psoriasis, suggesting its potential as a novel treatment strategy.