Effect of Metformin and Pioglitazone on Treatment of Psoriasis

Psoriasis vulgaris is a common, chronic, relapsing skin disease characterized by predominant involvement of skin, nails and joints. Recent advances in its pathophysiology have shifted the notion of psoriasis from that of a 'disease of the skin' to a 'T-cell mediated systemic disease'. Metformin acts as a modulator of the immune system, in psoriatic patients and has a remarkable effect on the early stages of psoriasis. The activation of PPAR-γ by pioglitazone results in a reduction of the formation of the proinflammatory cytokines, and the inflammatory cells infiltration. These findings support the potential use of PPAR-γ ligands as therapeutic agents in the therapy of conditions associated with autoimmune disease.