Evaluation Lycopene effect as a monotherapy and add on to Clobetasol on Spleen inflammatory biomarkers and spleen index in IMQ induced psoriasis like inflammation in mice

Abstract Lycopene is a nutraceutical pigment present in red fruits and vegetables. many researches proved the positive impact of lycopene on many diseases throughout several years especially on inflammation conditions, cardiovascular illness, prostate cancer, and various dermatological disorders. Objective: two different concentrations of topical Lycopene as a monotherapy and as addition therapy to Clobetasol on a mouse induced Psoriasis previously by Imiquimod. Methods: six groups that contain 8 mice in each group, totally 48 mice were used . Imiquimod was administered to five groups (except first Group , which is controlled group) for six consecutive days to induce psoriasis and further six days during application of tested agents. Group 2 received Petrolatum gel only for 6 consecutive days following six-days Imiquimod induction phase. Groups 3-6 received different materials Clobetasol propionate, 0.125 mg/ml and 0.25 mg/ml of Lycopene, and a combination of 0.05% Clobetasol with 0.25 mg/ml Lycopene, all tested material were applied as an ointment once daily for six days concomitantly with Imiquimod. Results: Lycopene showed significant decrease on spleen index and was able to restore the level of spleen inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-23, NF-KB and IL-17,) to nearly normal one after utilizing Lycopene 0.25 mg/ml and when had been added to Clobetasol. Conclusion: Lycopene shows significant spleen normalizing action against Imiquimod-induced psoriasis via its anti-inflammatory action.