The use of ELISA, RT-PCR, and Northern and Western blot analyses are very useful in identifying specific inflammatory mediators which are inhibited by anti-inflammatory compounds. However, when one is designing topical formulations for treating an inflammatory skin condition, it is not only necessary to identify the inflammatory mediators that can be inhibited by topical application […]

While ELISAs are an excellent method for obtaining information on the ability of a given compound to inhibit a wide variety of inflammatory mediators, it cannot determine HOW the anti-inflammatory compound is working. For example, if a compound is identified that inhibits PGE-2 production in keratinocytes, is the compound acting as a direct COX-2 inhibitor, […]

To carry out initial screening experiments, cultured cells are first treated with the potential anti-inflammatory molecule followed by treatment with the inducing agent (ex. IL-1, UVR, TPA), which up-regulates the expression of inflammatory mediators. After a period of time (six to 24 hours), the media is removed and tested for the production of a particular […]

The search for novel anti-inflammatory compounds that can be successfully formulated into either prescription or cosmetic topical products that show efficacy in treating dermatological conditions requires the availability of appropriate skin cell culture-based assays. Clearly, the cell types needed for such studies must include, at a minimum, normal human keratinocyte and fibroblast cell strains. In […]

The demand for effective non-prescription topical products to treat inflammatory diseases such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and even psoriasis has led to the introduction of products based on either novel synthetic chemicals or on botanical “actives” which claim to be effective anti-inflammatory compounds. Some of the many purported botanical anti-inflammatory “active” ingredients in […]

There are a large number of FDA approved topical drugs that are useful for treating various types of inflammatory dermatological conditions but which are not steroids, NSAIDs, or immunomodulators. One well-known example of this class is the antibacterial/anti – protozoal drug, metronidazole, which is used to treat rosacea, a skin disease that affects 14 million […]

A newer type of NSAIDS is represented by the immunomodulators. Two anti­inflammatory drugs that have received FDA approval for topical use are the immunomodulators, Tacrolimus and the related drug Pimecrolimus. These drugs, along with cyclosporine, which exerts its effects through the same mechanism of action, had their origin as immunosuppressive agents used to prevent organ […]

The most well-known of all the NSAIDS, aspirin, has been used for over 100 years to control various forms of inflammation and today Americans consume over 80 billion tablets of aspirin a year. NSAIDS are available in OTC and prescription forms. Common OTC forms are ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and acetaminophen. Those available with a prescription […]

Given the complexity of the inflammatory process in skin, developing topical products that can effectively resolve the myriad of inflammatory disease states that exist is challenging. By far the most effective and commonly used prescription drugs for treating inflammation are the corticosteroids, particularly the glucocorticoid related steroids. They are very effective for many forms of […]