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Etretinate treatment for psoriasis inhibits epidermal ornithine decarboxylase
Abstract:
Previous studies of the polyamines and their biosynthetic enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in psoriatic skin have revealed several abnormalities, including significantly elevated ODC activity. Retinoids have also been shown to modulate polyamine biosynthesis and inhibit ODC activity after different stimuli in various cell and tissue systems. The effect of etretinate has been studied on ODC activity in involved and uninvolved psoriasis skin. Increased ODC activity was found in pretreatment samples from both involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin compared with normal volunteers. Etretinate treatment significantly reduced ODC activity in both involved and uninvolved skin in psoriatics to a similar level of activity before any improvement in clinical appearance was noted. Inhibition of epidermal ODC activity in psoriasis may represent one mechanism of retinoid action on the abnormal skin psoriasis.
Insights
Etretinate significantly reduced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in psoriatic skin, suggesting a potential mechanism for retinoid therapy in psoriasis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Polyamines and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) show abnormalities in psoriatic skin.
- Retinoids are known to modulate polyamine biosynthesis and inhibit ODC activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of etretinate on ODC activity in psoriatic skin.
- To explore a potential mechanism of retinoid action in psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Assessed ODC activity in involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin before and after etretinate treatment.
- Compared ODC activity in psoriatic skin to normal volunteers.
Main Results:
- Psoriatic skin (involved and uninvolved) exhibited elevated ODC activity compared to normal skin.
- Etretinate treatment significantly decreased ODC activity in both involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin.
- ODC activity reduction occurred before visible clinical improvement.
Conclusions:
- Inhibition of epidermal ODC activity by etretinate is a potential mechanism for retinoid therapy in psoriasis.
- Etretinate's effect on ODC activity may precede clinical benefits in psoriasis treatment.