Effects of Topical Myricetin on Imiquimod Induced Psoriasis in Mice Model

Abstract

Background:    Psoriasis is a protracting disorder of the skin that is immune mediated with a prolapsing characteristic making it difficult to fully treat.
Objective:    To investigate the effect of Myricetin in Imiquimod induced-psoriasis in mouse model and its possible therapeutic effect.
Methods:    Twnety-eight albino mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, 1st group involved healthy mice did not receive any medication, 2nd group (induction group) received only topical Imiquimod, and the 3rd group involved mice that received a topical Myricetin 10% ointment. All the mice received the test substances on the shaved back for 7 consecutive days and scoring for skin inflammation severity (scaling, erythema and thickness) was recorded on daily basis, and the animals were sacrificed on day 15.  Skin samples were collected to evaluate the histopathological scores (Baker\'s and Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), in addition to measurement of tissue inflammatory biomarkers Interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:    Psoriasis induction was successful by Imiquimod, and psoriasis like lesions developed on the skin and decreased the IL-10 and increased levels of other studied biomarkers. Topical Myricetin showed a significant increase in IL-10 levels (P <0.001) and a significant reduction in TNF-α (P <0.001), VEGF (P <0.05) and IL-17 levels (P <0.001). There was also a significant reduction in Baker\'s score and PASI.
Conclusion:    Topical Myricetin possesses anti-psoriasis activity and could be used successfully for the alleviation of psoriatic symptoms and further studies of the skin inflammatory diseases.
Keywords:    Myricetin, Imiquimod, interleukin-10, interleukin-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor
Citation:    Almudaris SA, Gatea FK. Effects of topical Myricetin on imiquimod induced psoriasis in mice model. Iraqi JMS. 2025; 23(2): 207-221. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.23.2.3