Abstract
Background:
Nitric oxide is thought to play a major role in a number of inflammatory diseases. Psoriasis is a common inflammatory disease of the skin.
Objective:
To determine the effect of nitric oxide on psoriasis, nitroglycerin that is converted into nitric oxide in human skin was applied to psoriatic plaques.
Methods:
Nine individuals with chronic plaque-type psoriasis were treated with nitroglycerin ointment for 6 weeks.
Results:
The plaque of one individual improved with the application of nitroglycerin. By contrast, one individual's nitroglycerin-treated plaque improved dramatically about 6 weeks after cessation of treatment. On the other hand, the plaques of five individuals worsened with nitroglycerin treatment. Moreover, in one individual, the nitroglycerin-treated plaque increased in size, whereas the placebo-treated plaque improved slightly.
Conclusion:
Nitroglycerin ointment and, by extension, nitric oxide, may affect both the initiation and resolution of psoriasis.
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