Histopathological and Immunological Effects of Nebivolol 5% Topical Cream in Mice Model of Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects multiple systems. Topical therapy is one of the most important modalities in the treatment of this disease, and efforts are directed toward developing more effective topical therapies. Objective: To investigate the possible anti-psoriatic effect of Nebivolol 5% topical cream in mice based on observational, histopathological, and biochemical outcomes. Methods: Forty-five male Swiss Albino mice were divided into five groups; each group contained nine mice with shaved dorsal skin. Group I remained as the control group while the rest of the groups were induced psoriasis by Imiquimod (IMQ) for six consecutive days and underwent different interventions for each group for eight consecutive days, including administering Nebivolol 5% topical cream. The clinical, pathological and laboratory effects were then measured. Results: Topical nebivolol significantly reduced the inflammatory signs of the psoriatic lesions, and these findings were supported by the histopathological examination. Topical Nebivolol also significantly decreased IL-17 levels, as well as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels, in comparison with the non-treated Imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice group. Conclusions: Nebivolol has a comparable anti-psoriatic effect to the effect of clobetasol due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It could be a promising future treatment for psoriasis as an alternative to steroids.