Reduction of increased polyamine levels in psoriatic lesions by retinoid and PUVA treatments

Abstract

Treatment with an oral aromatic retinoid (etretinate) and with PUVA [8-methoxypsoralen-UV-A] significantly reduced the elevated levels of putrescine, spermidine and spermine in psoriatic lesions. Both treatments significantly reduced the spermidine/spermine ratio, which is considered to be an indicator of proliferation activity. Although both regimens produced a roughly parallel reduction of epidermal polyamines, the initial fall of putrescine was much more rapid in patients receiving retinoid. One of the primary targets of retinoids may be ornithine decarboxylase.