Background Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor being investigated for psoriasis. Objective We sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the clinical efficacy of tofacitinib in patients with psoriasis. Methods Twelve patients with plaque psoriasis were randomized (3:1) to receive 10 mg of tofacitinib or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Biopsy specimens were taken from nonlesional (baseline) and lesional (baseline, days 1 and 3, and weeks 1, 2, 4, and 12) skin. Biopsy specimens were examined for psoriatic epidermal features (thickness, Ki67 + keratinocytes and keratin 16 [KRT16] mRNA expression, and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription [pSTAT] + nuclei) and T-cell and dendritic cell (DC) subsets by using immunohistochemistry, and mRNA transcripts were quantified by using a microarray. Results In lesional skin keratinocyte pSTAT1 and pSTAT3 staining was increased at baseline but reduced after 1 day of tofacitinib (baseline, median of 1290 pSTAT1 + cells/μm 2 ; day 1, median of 332 pSTAT1 + cells/μm 2 ; and nonlesional, median of 155 pSTAT1 + cells/μm 2 ). Epidermal thickness and KRT16 mRNA expression were significantly and progressively reduced after days 1 and 3 of tofacitinib administration, respectively (eg, KRT16 decreased 2.74-fold, day 3 vs baseline, P  = .016). Decreases in DC and T-cell numbers were observed after weeks 1 and 2, respectively. At week 4, significant decreases in IL-23/T H 17 pathways were observed that persisted through week 12. Improvements in clinical and histologic features were strongly associated with changes in expression of psoriasis-related genes and reduction in IL-17 gene expression. Conclusions Tofacitinib has a multitiered response in patients with psoriasis: (1) rapid attenuation of keratinocyte Janus kinase/STAT signaling; (2) removal of keratinocyte-induced cytokine signaling, leading to reductions in pathologic DC and T-cell numbers to nonlesional levels; and (3) inhibition of the IL-23/T H 17 pathway.

Tofacitinib attenuates pathologic immune pathways in patients with psoriasis: A randomized phase 2 study

BAY 11-7082 antagonizes I-κB kinase-β preventing nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB); it also inhibits NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. NF-κB is involved in psoriasis, whereas the role of NLRP3 is controversial. We investigated BAY 11-7082 effects in an experimental model of psoriasis-like dermatitis. Psoriasis-like lesions were induced by a topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) cream (62.5 mg/day) on the shaved back skin of C57BL/6 and NLRP3 knockout (KO) mice for 7 consecutive days. Sham psoriasis animals were challenged with Vaseline cream. Sham and IMQ animals were randomized to receive BAY 11-7082 (20 mg/kg/i.p.) or its vehicle (100 μl/i.p of 0.9% NaCl). Skin of IMQ animals developed erythema, scales, thickening and epidermal acanthosis. IMQ skin samples showed increased expression of pNF-κB and NLRP3 activation. BAY 11-7082 blunted epidermal thickness, acanthosis and inflammatory infiltrate. BAY 11-7082 reduced pNF-κB, NLRP3, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β expression, blunted the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and decreased IL-23 levels. In addition, BAY 11-7082 reawakened the apoptotic machinery. NLRP3 KO animals showed a reduced total histological score but persistent mild acanthosis, dermal thickness and expression of pNF-κB and pSTAT3, following IMQ application. Our data suggest that BAY 11-7082 might represent an interesting approach for the management of psoriasis-like dermatitis depending on the dual inhibition of NF-κB and NLRP3.

BAY 11-7082 inhibits the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways and protects against IMQ-induced psoriasis.

Background and Purpose—Interleukin (IL)-23 is a cytokine in the IL-12 family, mainly produced by antigen-presenting cells with a central role in inflammation. We hypothesize that IL-23 is also impo...

Interleukin 23 Levels Are Increased in Carotid Atherosclerosis: Possible Role for the Interleukin 23/Interleukin 17 Axis

Introduction: Psoriasis is a T-cell mediated autoimmune inflammatory skin disease recognized by skin surface inflammation, epidermal proliferation, hyperkeratosis, angiogenesis and anomalous keratinization. Currently, various pharmacotherapies are available for it; however, pharmacotherapy based on conventional formulations can provide therapeutic benefits only to a limited extent. Recent advancement in nanotechnology-based nanomedicines has led to the possibility of improving the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapeutic agents for psoriasis.Areas covered: This review covers the brief pathophysiology of psoriasis, available medications and its associated challenges in treatment. Collective accounts of various drugs acting on different molecular targets of psoriasis and the role of nanomedicines in their effective targeting are discussed. Moreover, newer approaches in psoriatic therapy such as combination drug targeting and physical techniques of topical permeation enhancement along with nanomedicines ar...

Nanomedicine-based drug targeting for psoriasis: potentials and emerging trends in nanoscale pharmacotherapy

Loading of water-insoluble celastrol into niosome hydrogels for improved topical permeation and anti-psoriasis activity.

Emerging data in mice and humans reveals a critical contribution of Th17-associated cytokines, particularly interleukin-(IL)-23 and IL-17, in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The IL-23/Th17 pathway is a therapeutic target for biologic agents and systemic therapies in psoriasis treatment. A literature search was performed to review and summarize the current evidence on IL-17 and IL-23 as a basis for understanding the use of anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 agents for psoriasis therapy. Using PubMed, recent articles were identified pertaining to IL-17, IL-23, and psoriasis. Signaling via the heterodimeric IL-23 receptor induces production of IL-17, which stimulates production of proinflammatory keratinocyte cytokines that mediate the psoriatic response. An overexpression of IL-23, IL-17, or Th17 cells in transgenic mice is associated with the development of inflammatory disease. Both IL-17 knockout mice and humans with a genetic IL-17 deficiency are susceptible to extracellular and intracellular pathogens. This suggests a potential for adverse effects from clinical administration of anti IL-23-p40/IL-17 therapies. Anti-p40 antibodies, briakinumab and ustekinumab, were tolerated in clinical trials and substantially improved psoriasis. Further trials of anti IL-17 therapies are needed to assess their clinical use and potential for infection and other adverse events.

Interleukin-23 and interleukin-17: Importance in pathogenesis and therapy of psoriasis

Palliative cancer treatment is a system of care that seeks to relieve suffering in patients with progressive cancer. Given the intractable symptoms with which certain malignancies manifest, palliative care offers a practical approach towards improving the patient's quality of life. However, there are an array of ethical issues associated with this treatment strategy such as particular methods of pain relief, a reliable assessment of suffering, autonomy, and multi-specialist care. While these principles are important to increase and improve the network of palliative care, the resource-poor Indian environments present numerous barriers for these principles to be practically applied. As the infrastructure of comprehensive cancer centers develop, paralleled with an increase in training of palliative care professionals, significant improvements need to be made in order to elevate the status of palliative cancer care in India.

Palliative cancer care ethics: Principles and challenges in the Indian setting

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is a lifesaving option for patients with medical therapy-refractory advanced heart failure. Depending on the definition, 5–44% of people supported with an LVAD develop right heart failure (RHF), which is associated with worse outcomes. The mechanisms related to RHF include patient, surgical, and hemodynamic factors. Despite significant progress in understanding the roles of these factors and improvements in surgical techniques and LVAD technology, this complication is still a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality among LVAD patients. Additionally, specific medical therapies for this complication still are lacking, leaving cardiac transplantation or supportive management as the only options for LVAD patients who develop RHF. While significant effort has been made to create algorithms aimed at stratifying risk for RHF in patients undergoing LVAD implantation, the predictive value of these algorithms has been limited, especially when attempts at external validation have been undertaken. Perhaps one of the reasons for poor performance in external validation is related to differing definitions of RHF in external cohorts. Additionally, most research in this field has focused on RHF occurring in the early phase (i.e., ≤1 month) post LVAD implantation. However, there is emerging recognition of late-onset RHF (i.e., > 1 month post-surgery) as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Late-onset RHF, which likely has a unique physiology and pathogenic mechanisms, remains poorly characterized. In this review of the literature, we will describe the unique right ventricular physiology and changes elicited by LVADs that might cause both early- and late-onset RHF. Finally, we will analyze the currently available treatments for RHF, including mechanical circulatory support options and medical therapies.

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Right heart failure after left ventricular assist device: From mechanisms to treatments

This study aimed to understand the long-term outcomes of patients with heart failure with recovered ejection fraction, identify predictors of adverse events, and develop a risk stratification model. From an academic healthcare system, we retrospectively identified 133 patients (median age 66, 38% female, 30% ischemic etiology) who had an improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from <40% to ≥53%. Significant predictors of all-cause mortality, hospitalization, and future reduction in LVEF were identified through Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival was 70% at 5 years. Freedom from hospitalization was 58% at 1 year, and the risk of future LVEF reduction to <40% was 28% at 3 years. Diuretic dose and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) at the time of LVEF recovery were the strongest predictors of mortality and hospitalization in multivariate-adjusted analysis (BNP hazard ratio 1.13 per 100 pg/ml increase [p <0.01]; furosemide-equivalent dose hazard ratio 1.19 per 40 mg increase [p = 0.02]). An all-cause mortality Cox proportional hazard risk model incorporating New York Heart Association functional class, BNP and diuretic dose at the time of recovery showed excellent risk discrimination (c-statistic 0.79) and calibration. In conclusion, patients with heart failure with recovered ejection fraction have heterogenous clinical outcomes and are not "cured." A risk model using New York Heart Association functional class, BNP, and diuretic dose can accurately stratify mortality risk. 

Parvathi Mudigonda

Papers

Interleukin-23 and interleukin-17: Importance in pathogenesis and therapy of psoriasis

Palliative cancer care ethics: Principles and challenges in the Indian setting

Right heart failure after left ventricular assist device: From mechanisms to treatments

Long-Term Outcomes and Risk Stratification of Patients With Heart Failure With Recovered Ejection Fraction.