Efficacy of methotrexate as anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drug in dermatology: Three case reports.

Efficacy of methotrexate as anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drug in dermatology: Three case reports. Exp Ther Med. 2019 Aug;18(2):905-910 Authors: Nedelcu RI, Balaban M, Turcu G, Brinzea A, Ion DA, Antohe M, Hodorogea A, Calinescu A, Badarau AI, Popp CG, Cioplea M, Nichita L, Popescu S, Diaconu C, Bleotu C, Pirici D, Popescu R, Popescu CM, Zurac SA Abstract Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid analog with anti-proliferative (anti-neoplastic, cytotoxic), immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, which has been used in the treatment of various cutaneous disorders, such as psoriasis, keratoacanthoma, pityriasis rubra pilaris, atopic dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, bullous skin diseases, systemic sclerosis, morphea, lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis and crusted scabies. Inhibition of cell proliferation is explained through its role in blocking DNA/RNA synthesis, by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, necessary for the production of pyrimidine and purine nucleotides. An anticancer effect can be related to α-oxoaldehyde metabolism (MTX increases methylglyoxal levels). Its anti-inflammatory property is based on the inhibition of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase, thus increasing intracellular and extracellular adenosine, a purine nucleoside with anti-inflammatory effect. This drug can limit inflammation by scavenging free radicals and decreasing malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde protein-adduct produ...
Source: Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine - Category: General Medicine Tags: Exp Ther Med Source Type: research