D‐chiro‐inositol as a treatment in plaque psoriasis: A randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Cyclitols are widely available natural sugars which do not exert toxic effects. Their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties may be used in the treatment of psoriasis. The aim of this placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study was to evaluate the clinical effects of D‐chiro‐inositol (DCI) in mild plaque psoriasis (46 psoriatic patients and 10 healthy volunteers). Three stable psoriatic plaques were selected for evaluation in every patient. Different samples were applied on each lesion twice a day: vehiculum without an active agent, containing 1% DCI and 0.25% DCI. The lesions were assessed using the PSI, VAS scale, and the objective measurement of hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elasticity, and thickness (DermaLab Combo) at 0, 3, and 6 weeks. PSI and VAS were improved in all groups without significant statistical differences. 1% DCI sample presented the highest statistically significant increase in the hydration of 50%, but it was still significantly lower than in healthy controls. TEWL increased for 1% DCI, which was a statistically significant difference compared to 0.25% DCI and still higher than in controls. An improvement in elasticity was observed in all lesions—it was statistically significant for 1% DCI. The thickness of the lesion decreased for 1% DCI, but the change was not statistically significant. Subepidermal low‐echogenic band showed a decreasing tendency in all groups, but it was not statistically significant. Favorable 1% DCI sample results indicate that it may be used as an adjuvant to the local treatment of psoriasis.

Inositols Depletion and Resistance: Principal Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

“…In addition, Li + administration can induce dermatological effects, including psoriasis. Interestingly, a recent work by Owczarczyk-Saczonek Agnieszka and colleagues identified an intriguing role for inositols, in particular D-chiro-Ins, as adjuvants to the local treatment of mild plaque psoriasis, opening novel applications [155]. Indeed, a recent in vitro study revealed that the high expression of aromatase enzyme, which is involved in estrogens production, and which is inhibited by D-chiro-Ins, is associated with a reduced skin elasticity [156].…”

Skin biomechanical and viscoelastic properties measured with MyotonPRO in different areas of human body

“…Our result suggest that values of this parameter (means and ranges) recorded by both L-shape probes were comparable to each other in all three studied locations. The absence of differences of the skin elasticity in three different places studied can be explained by the homogeneity of the age of studied group (women at the age [19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. It was already reported that elasticity of skin is age-related parameter, 6,13,31,32,34 which can be more diverse while comparing skin of younger and older groups participants.…”

“…Main biomechanical parameters are based on suction applied to the skin surface and are expressed in standard SI units. DermaLab Combo was used to investigate skin properties in healthy subjects, 20 to evaluate scars 21–24 and to asses effectiveness of treatment in plaque psoriasis 25 . Study conducted on healthy subjects confirms good to excellent reliability for inter‐rater reliability in most investigated areas 20 .…”

“…DermaLab Combo is a device that enables ultrasound examination as well as measuring different parameters such as skin pH, viscoelasticity, pigmentation, temperature, hydration and thickness 20–25 . Main biomechanical parameters are based on suction applied to the skin surface and are expressed in standard SI units.…”

“…evaluates skin elasticity and hardness, [10][11][12][13] ultrasound elastography uses Young's modulus to describe tissue stiffness, 5,[14][15][16][17][18][19] DermaLab/ DermaLab Combo define elastic properties, [20][21][22][23][24][25] SkinFibrometer measures skin induration 5,[26][27][28][29] and most commonly used Cutometer measures skin elastic and viscoelastic properties. 5,7,10,26,[30][31][32][33][34] Suction methods are one of the most widely used in basic and in applied skin research.…”