Molecular mechanisms of tazarotene action in psoriasis.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that is characterized by the hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes and by inflammation. The epidermal changes associated with psoriasis may be due to the infiltration of inflammatory T lymphocytes and the release of cytokines in response to antigenic stimulation. Tazarotene is a retinoic acid receptor-specific retinoid with demonstrated efficacy in the topical treatment of psoriasis. Tazarotene down-regulates markers of keratinocyte differentiation, keratinocyte proliferation, and inflammation. The drug also up-regulates three novel genes TIG-1 (tazarotene-induced gene-1), TIG-2, and TIG-3, which may mediate an antiproliferative effect. The effect of tazarotene on these markers is probably a direct effect on gene expression rather than an indirect effect associated with disease improvement.

• Authors: M Duvic, S Nagpal, A T Asano, R A Chandraratna
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 37 Issue 2 Pt 3 Pg. S18-24 (Aug 1997) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9270552 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Nicotinic Acids
• Prodrugs
• Retinoids
• tazarotene

Topics

• Cell Differentiation (drug effects)
• Cell Division (drug effects)
• Dermatologic Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Keratinocytes (cytology, drug effects)
• Nicotinic Acids (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Prodrugs (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Psoriasis (drug therapy, genetics, physiopathology)
• Retinoids (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Skin (drug effects)