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Improved imiquimod-induced psoriasis like dermatitis using microneedles in mice
Ling Liang1, Wen Min Fei2, Ze Qiang Zhao1
1Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
Summary
Microneedles (MNs) offer a promising transdermal drug delivery method for psoriasis. Pre-treating skin with MNs before calcipotriol application significantly improved therapeutic effects compared to direct application.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Materials Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratinization, which impedes drug absorption.
- Transdermal drug delivery systems, particularly microneedles (MNs), are gaining attention for their potential to overcome these absorption challenges.
- Microneedles offer painless penetration and efficient administration of therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate polylactic acid polymer microneedles (MNs) using a hot-press method.
- To establish and evaluate an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation model in mice.
- To assess the efficacy of MN-mediated drug delivery compared to direct drug application for treating psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Polylactic acid MNs were fabricated via a hot-press method.
- A psoriasis-like skin inflammation model was induced in mice using topical imiquimod (IMQ).
- Mechanical properties of MNs were tested on parafilm and mouse skin. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by comparing direct calcipotriol (CAL) application versus MN pre-treatment followed by CAL application, assessing skin/epidermal thickness, spleen weight, inflammatory cell infiltration, and TNF-α expression.
Main Results:
- The fabricated MNs demonstrated sufficient mechanical strength for insertion into parafilm and mouse skin.
- Both direct CAL application and MN pre-treatment showed therapeutic effects in the psoriasis model.
- MN pre-treatment followed by CAL application resulted in significantly better therapeutic outcomes (P < 0.05) compared to direct application, evidenced by reduced skin/epidermal thickening, spleen weight gain, inflammatory cell infiltration, and TNF-α levels.
Conclusions:
- The developed polylactic acid microneedles possess adequate mechanical properties for transdermal delivery.
- Microneedle pre-treatment significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of calcipotriol in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis model.
- These MNs show considerable potential for future clinical applications in improving psoriasis treatment.
