Anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects of the modified fatty acid tetradecylthioacetic acid in psoriasis--a pilot study.

Tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) is a bioactive 3-thia fatty acid, giving hypolipidemic response, inhibiting the proliferation and increasing the differentiation of normal adult epidermal keratinocytes and showing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease associated with abnormalities in lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity, eicosanoid metabolism and increased frequency of cardiovascular events. On this background we have conducted a pilot study to explore the hypothesis that this modified fatty acid could improve dyslipidemia and reduce inflammation in psoriatic patients.

Twice weekly fluticasone propionate added to emollient maintenance treatment to reduce risk of relapse in atopic dermatitis: randomised, double blind, parallel group study.

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate, cream and ointment, applied twice weekly in addition to maintenance treatment with emollients, in reducing the risk of relapse of chronic recurrent atopic dermatitis.

Design: Randomised, double blind, parallel group study of 20 weeks' duration.

Setting: Dermatology outpatient clinics (6 countries, 39 centres).