Abstract |
Nicotinic acid (NA) and fumaric acid esters (FAE) such as monomethyl fumarate or dimethyl fumarate are drugs that elicit a cutaneous reaction called flushing as a side effect. NA is used to reduce progression of atherosclerosis through its anti-dyslipidemic activity and lipid-independent mechanisms involving immune cells, whereas FAE are used to treat psoriasis via largely unknown mechanisms. Both, NA and FAE, induce flushing by the activation of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) Hydroxy- carboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA₂, GPR109A) in cells of the epidermis. While the wanted effects of NA are at least in part also mediated by HCA₂, it is currently not clear whether this receptor is also involved in the anti-psoriatic effects of FAE. The HCA₂-mediated flushing response to these drugs involves the formation of prostaglandins D₂ and E₂ by Langerhans cells and keratinocytes via COX-1 in Langerhans cells and COX-2 in keratinocytes. This review summarizes recent progress in the understanding of the mechanisms underlying HCA₂-mediated flushing, describes strategies to mitigate it and discusses the potential link between flushing, HCA₂ and the anti-psoriatic effects of FAE.
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Authors | Julien Hanson, Andreas Gille, Stefan Offermanns |
Journal | Pharmacology & therapeutics
(Pharmacol Ther)
Vol. 136
Issue 1
Pg. 1-7
(Oct 2012)
ISSN: 1879-016X [Electronic] England |
PMID | 22743741
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Fumarates
- HCAR2 protein, human
- Prostaglandins
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
- Receptors, Nicotinic
- Niacin
- Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
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Topics |
- Animals
- Flushing
(chemically induced)
- Fumarates
(pharmacology)
- Humans
- Niacin
(pharmacology)
- Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
(physiology)
- Prostaglandins
(physiology)
- Psoriasis
(drug therapy)
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
(physiology)
- Receptors, Nicotinic
(physiology)
- Skin
(drug effects)
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