The mitigating effect of a topical preparation of amlodipine on imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like lesion in mice

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease depicted by deforming, inconsistent penetrations, and repeated proliferative and inflammatory skin ailment. Local treatment with topical agents is one of the substantial modalities in the remediation of this ailment. Efforts are directed toward the development of novel efficacious topical medicaments. The study examined the potential anti-psoriatic effect of topical amlodipine as a 5% ointment in mice based on observational, histopathological, and biomarker outcomes. Materials and Methods: Forty-five male Swiss Albino mice were randomly allocated into five distinct groups (I-V), with 9 mice in each group (n=9) that underwent shaving of the dorsal hair. In Group I; animals served as control, while animals of other groups received imiquimod (IMQ) on their shaved backs for six consecutive days to induce psoriasis. Groups from III to V received continuous application of IMQ following day 6 along with a vehicle, clobetasol, andamlodipine 5% ointment for 8 consecutive days. During the timeline of the experiment, observation changes were assessed daily, followed by animal euthanasia and sample collection for biochemical and histopathological evaluation. Results: Topical amlodipine ointment markedly reduced the inflammatory signs of psoriatic lesions, and histopathological inspection confirmed these findings. The levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly ameliorated by topical amlodipine Ointment in comparison with the untreated imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice group. Conclusion: The study concludes that topical amlodipine showed an anti-psoriatic effect comparable to that of topical clobetasol owing to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects making amlodipine a promising agent in the future of psoriasis management as an adjuvant treatment to the standard.