title: Topical treatment of psoriasis with the topoisomerase inhibitors novobiocin and nalidixic acid: a pilot study.
abstract: Our studies in human epidermal keratinocytes as a model system have suggested that the antibiotic topoisomerase II inhibitors, novobiocin and nalidixic acid, may be of value for the treatment of hyperproliferative skin disorders. We have therefore conducted a pilot study of the clinical efficacy of these compounds for the treatment of psoriasis. The compounds were administered topically to psoriatic plaques in seven healthy patients over a period of 6 weeks. Nalidixic acid (2%) or novobiocin (2% or 5%) in methylcellulose were applied twice daily under occlusion, and methylcellulose alone was used as a control. In six of the seven patients, one or both compounds effected somewhat greater improvement than in the control within 3 weeks of treatment.
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009268:Nalidixic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009675:Novobiocin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D059004:Topoisomerase I Inhibitors
chemical_list: D059004:Topoisomerase I Inhibitors; D009675:Novobiocin; D009268:Nalidixic Acid