Anti-Psoriatic Effects of Antimony Compounds In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with limited topical treatment options for mild cases.
• Current treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis include targeted therapies, but milder forms require effective topical solutions.
• Antimony compounds (ACs) have traditional anti-inflammatory uses and antiparasitic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro effects of ACs on psoriasis-like skin cells and immune cells.
• To evaluate the potential of ACs as topical treatments for psoriasis.

Main Methods:

• In vitro study using psoriasis-like keratinocytes and THP-1 cells.
• Assessed effects using quantitative PCR, immunocytochemistry, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
• Tested metallic antimony, antimony(III) sulfide, and potassium antimonyl(III) tartrate.

Main Results:

• ACs inhibited key psoriasis markers like beta-defensin 2, glucose transporter 1, and keratin 17 in keratinocytes.
• ACs demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reducing NF-κB and STAT3 activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
• ACs reduced THP-1 cell activation and suppressed the psoriasis-associated cytokine IL-23 production.

Conclusions:

• Antimony compounds exhibit multiple anti-psoriatic effects in vitro at non-toxic concentrations.
• Potassium antimonyl(III) tartrate showed the most potent anti-psoriatic activity among the tested ACs.
• ACs are promising candidates for topical psoriasis treatment, meriting further clinical investigation.