Recent Advances in Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery - Volume 19, Issue 2, 2025

The largest and most defensive organ in the human body is the skin. Skin health significantly affects the quality of life due to its crucial function in aesthetic appearance. The onset of numerous skin illnesses is frequently accompanied by chronic skin inflammation. Immune-mediated reactions defend the body against external harm and need to be quickly controlled. If unregulated, they can result in long-term cellular damage and a variety of skin diseases. Dermatological illnesses encompass a wide range of skin conditions, including but not limited to acne, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, dermatitis, skin cancer, and fungal infections. Phytochemicals are produced by plants as a defense mechanism against pathogens that have various biological activities and can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. Through the quenching of free radicals and the suppression of nuclear factor-κB, phytochemicals shield the skin from damage. Phytochemicals also offer a safe topical delivery system for improving the skin and regenerative treatment. Some phytochemicals' direct molecular targets have been identified, and their underlying mechanisms of action are being researched. In this review, we summarise current studies on phytochemicals' impacts on dermal illnesses and their underlying mechanisms of action.

Introduction: Acanthosis Nigricans is a dermatological condition characterized by hyperpigmented velvet plaques that can be observed in flexural areas such as the neck, axilla, and groin. AN is frequently associated with insulin resistance and obesity, however, it can also appear in non-obese people and as a paraneoplastic disease. Its prevalence varies across different populations, with higher rates observed in individuals with obesity, diabetes, and certain genetic syndromes. Classification of AN can be based on underlying etiology, distinguishing primary and secondary forms. Pathogenesis is the complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, with insulin resistance playing a central role. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation of characteristics of skin changes, often requiring further investigation for underlying systemic disease. Topical therapies involve keratolytic agents, retinoids, and alpha hydroxyl acids to improve the cosmesis and reduce the plaque's thickness. Treatment strategies address underlying conditions by emphasizing lifestyle modifications and in some cases, pharmacological interventions.

Objective: This review aims to comprehensively examine the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and management of acanthosis nigricans.

Discussion: AN is closely linked to insulin resistance, characterized by impaired cellular response to insulin, leading to compensatory hyperinsulinemia. Recognizing AN’s clinical presentation is paramount for early diagnosis and appropriate management.

Conclusion: Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition characterized by dark, thickened patches of skin, typically occurring in skin folds and creases. It can be a sign of an underlying health issue such as insulin resistance, obesity, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. Proper diagnosis and management of the underlying conditions are crucial. Treatment may involve addressing the underlying causes, lifestyle changes, and topical medications to improve the appearance of the skin. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a health care professional are essential for optimal management and to prevent complications.

Cyclooxygenases are enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis, a part of the inflammatory process. The most frequently applied anti-inflammatory drugs are NSAIDs; however, these medications exhibit very serious side effects, and often, reduce production or are withdrawn from the market. Recently, researchers were focused on finding new, safe, selective COX-2 inhibitors with safety features. This paper reviews cyclooxygenase enzyme malfunction-related diseases, current therapies and new drug discovery opportunities. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthases are enzymes involved in the synthesis of prostanoid peptides through the oxidation of nitric oxide and pyruvate phosphate. They are participating factors for various physiological and pathological processes, which include disorders of the oral tissues such as periodontitis, pulpitis, and oral cancer. This paper is a review of some pharmaceutical products in terms of history, efficiency, and possible side effects as inhibitors of the Cyclooxygenase enzyme. The analysis concludes that more recent Cox inhibitors, such as dietary modifications and natural supplements, hold promise for safer and more efficient treatment of diseases involving Cox enzyme function.

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 2% of the global population, is characterized by a complex interplay of immunological dysregulation, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. This review explores the dynamic mechanisms underlying psoriasis, highlighting the role of T lymphocytes in targeting healthy skin cells, leading to inflammation and the formation of characteristic white scaly patches on various body parts. Over the past 15 years, significant strides in unraveling the origins of psoriasis have paved the way for the development of precise and highly effective treatments. Key insights into the pathogenesis, particularly the dominance of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), have shaped therapeutic strategies to mitigate chronic inflammatory disorders. Notably, various therapies employing different mechanisms of action, including interleukin blockers and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, have emerged as valuable options for psoriasis management. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of psoriasis pathophysiology and highlights advanced therapeutic approaches that are widely accessible. The focus extends to emerging targeted drugs, such as netakimab, which functions as an interleukin-17 blocker, currently undergoing clinical trials for psoriasis treatment. By synthesizing the latest research findings, this article aims to contribute to the knowledge base surrounding psoriasis, offering clinicians and researchers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of psoriasis treatment modalities.

The Hibiscus sabdariffa plant is an herbaceous member of the Malvaceae family. It is a widely recognized herb with medicinal properties. It is utilized extensively in many traditional medical practices along with delicious food items, like jams, puddings, and cakes. The purpose of this review was to investigate and compile all of the available data and evidence about the calyxes of Hibiscus sabdariffa with a particular focus on their nutritional composition, bioactive components, and therapeutic benefits. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the plant's traditional usage, pharmacognostic characterization, nutritional and phytochemical composition, and pharmacological properties. This paper elucidates the mechanisms by which Hibiscus sabdariffa exerts neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in managing neurological disorders. Additionally, Hibiscus sabdariffa has been shown to prevent memory impairment, which may be attributed to its effects on neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis. Hibiscus sabdariffa has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects due to the presence of polyphenol compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids are also commonly found in it, which inhibit the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B. This plant has a variety of health benefits, including antioxidant, antidepressant, diuretic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective activities. Based on the literature, this review provides a thorough analysis of the pharmacological and phytochemical characteristics of Hibiscus sabdariffa.

The study aims to investigate and assess the effectiveness of current novel techniques for the preparation of an efficient nanocarrier system in resolving the drawbacks associated with the delivery of herbal bioactives to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Systematic utilization of various search engines like Science Direct, Pubmed, Shodhganga, Google Scholar, and Google Patent databases based on various sets of key phrases has been performed. All the findings from these data have been studied and briefed based on their relevant and irrelevant information. The current study summarizes the existing research and development of new nano-formulations with a focus on herbal bioactive compounds for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Physicochemical properties of phytoconstituents, such as low aqueous solubility, low permeation coefficient, and chemical instability, poor bioavailability, short plasma half-life, and ultimately sub-therapeutic efficacy, limit their clinical translation despite their great potency. The utilization of Phytochemical-Based Nanocarrier Approaches for rheumatoid arthritis can be a milestone as a major population is affected by this disease worldwide. The intensive study recapitulates that novel drug delivery systems can provide new opportunities to efficiently deliver herbal bioactives with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The exhaustive study concluded that transferosomes, ethosomes, transethosomes, niosomes, phytosomes, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN), Nano Lipid Carriers (NLC), bilosomes and hylurosomes are some of the efficient nanocarrier systems that may impart numerous benefits to the delivery of herbal bioactives for treatment of RA. These nanocarrier systems fabricated with phytoconstituents flaunt the evident promising benefits of improved aqueous solubility, low first-pass metabolism with upgraded bioavailability, sustained release action, resistance to enzymatic degradation etc., providing support in rheumatoid arthritis recovery. This review discusses that the upgradation of the pharmacological action and other relevant issues of herbal bioactives are possible by utilizing novel drug delivery systems, resulting in successful development of nano-loaded herbal bioactives. It also focuses on highlighting the pioneering progression in the field of herbal bioactives-loaded nanocarrier systems for rheumatoid arthritis both in vitro and in vivo along with their advanced preparation methods and applications and discussing the opportunities for further prospects. This compiled informative review will enlighten various researchers in the field of delivering herbal bioactives for rheumatoid arthritis.

Diabetes is known as one of the most important widespread diseases in the world. Diabetic ulcer is one of the main complications associated with this disease. The use of the capabilities of modern science such as nanotechnology can be effective in developing new strategies for treating diabetic ulcers. Regulating homeostasis, controlling infections, and the ability to regenerate/heal are some of the proposed mechanisms of nanomaterials in wound healing. In this regard, cuprorivaite bioceramic, as a bioceramic containing copper nanoparticles with effects on angiogenic factors and infection control, can effectively be used in the healing of diabetic ulcers. In this prospective article, we have presented the potential of this bioceramic in the design of new dressings for diabetic wound healing.

Introduction: Anecdotal reports describe patients with concurrent idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) and celiac disease (CeD) in whom the introduction of a gluten-free diet led to dramatic improvement of myositis. We first systematically reviewed all peer-reviewed publications on concomitant IIM and duodenal biopsy-verified CeD. The collected evidence was suggestive of associations between myositis disease activity and gluten exposure in some patients with IIM-CeD.

Methods: To investigate possible explanations for the observations, an exploratory review of basic pathophysiological relationships between IIM and gluten-related disorders was performed using a combined strategy of systematic and non-systematic literature searches and forward and backward citation tracking.

Results: The investigations revealed close pathophysiological associations between IIM and the autoimmune gluten-related disorders CeD, dermatitis herpetiformis, and gluten ataxia. Common traits include shared genetic predisposition through HLA-DQ2.5/-DQ8, disease activity-associated autoantibodies, histopathological parallels with inflammatory cell infiltrates, and similarly distributed structural homologous transglutaminases (TGs). HLA-DQ2.5-restricted gluten-specific CD4+ T cells of a rare, uniform phenotype are reported in CeD and connective tissue disease. Expanded T-cell clones with identical phenotypes and CDR3β motifs indicate the presence of a continuous, antigen-driven T-cell response.

Conclusion: The investigations revealed that the main components involved in the adaptive immune response in the CeD gut may be present in HLA-DQ2.5+/-DQ8+ IIM muscle. The collected evidence supports the notion that in some genetically predisposed patients with IIM, gluten may act as an exogenous antigen driving myositis.

Further Research/Clinical Implications: To test the above hypothesis, clinical trials combined with immunological studies are needed. Meanwhile, the inclusion of HLA-DQ typing may be justified, and subsequent small-intestinal biopsies in HLA-DQ2.5/8+ individuals with IIM.

Aim: To analyze a broad spectrum of cytokine in the serum of patients with JDM.

Background: Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common subtype of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies characterized by muscle and skin involvement. The etiology of JDM is unclear. A variety of cytokines play a role in the pathogenesis of JDM. Interferons, galectin-9, CLCX10, and neopterin are the most promising biomarkers.

Objective: This study describes the associations between clinical symptoms, cytokine, and interferon profiles in children with JDM.

Materials and Methods:Ten patients (6 girls and 4 boys) with JDM were included in the study. The clinical symptoms, disease activity (CMAS, CAT), laboratory parameters, and treatment were assessed. Forty-one cytokines levels and IFN-I scores in the serum were measured. The levels of cytokines were compared with a group of healthy controls (n=25).

Results: Significant differences were observed in 21 of 41 analyzed cytokines between JDM patients and healthy controls. Patients with active disease (n=8) have higher levels of fractalkine (p = 0.036), IFNa (p = 0.037), IFNg (p = 0.037), GRO (p = 0.037), IL-10 (p = 0.037), IL-12p40 (p = 0.037), IL-12p70 (p = 0.048), IL-17a (p = 0.048), IL-1RA (p = 0.037), IL-1a (p = 0.037), compared to patients with inactive disease (n=2). A strong positive association was found between aCAT activity and eotaxin (r=0.753, p =0.012), GRO (r=0.735, p =0.015), IP-10 (r=0.805, p =0.005), and MCP-1 (r=0.734, p =0.016). A strong negative correlation association was observed between CMAS and eotaxin (r= -0.714, p =0.020), GRO (r= -0.727, p =0.017), IL-10 (r= -0.786, p =0.007), IP-10 (r= - 0.719, p =0.019), and MCP-1 (r= -0.800, p =0.005). IFN-I scores showed a positive correlation with IFNa (r=0.790, p =0.007), GRO (r=0.736, p =0.015) and IL-1RA (r=0.930, p <0.001).

Conclusion: Among the spectrum of 41 cytokines, GRO, eotaxin, IP-10, and MCP-1 have shown the strongest association with JDM activity.