Aliskiren: Preclinical evidence for the treatment of hyperproliferative skin disorders.

Psoriasis is a complex inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin disease. The pathogenesis and mechanisms involved are not completely understood, which makes treatment a difficult issue. Angiotensin II, the most active peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, seems to be involved in processes related to psoriasis pathogenesis, such as inflammation and cell proliferation.

Investigation of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities promoted by photoactivated cationic porphyrin.

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a technique that uses light and a photosensitizer, converting local molecular oxygen into singlet oxygen, which eliminates a target unhealthy tissue. It has been increasingly used for the treatment of several diseases including skin disorders. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease expressing immune and hyperproliferative features.