Results of Combining Phosphorylase Kinase Inhibition with Removal of Precipitating Factors in Large Cohort of Psoriatic Patients: A Proof of Concept Study

Background: Phosphorylase kinase (PhK) activity is induced by injurious stimuli, which is known to precipitate psoriasis. We had previously reported that elevated PhK activity in psoriatic epidermis correlated with increased psoriatic activity, and that suppression of PhK activity by its inhibitor, curcumin gel, correlated with disease resolution. Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of a strategy of combining PhK inhibition by topical curcumin with elimination of PhK-generating precipitating factors from various injurious stimuli in producing improvement of psoriatic activity, aiming at complete resolution. Patients and Methods: We studied a cohort of 647 consecutive patients with mild to severe psoriasis in a single center. Our therapeutic regimen consisted of curcumin gel, topical steroids, strict avoidance of contact allergens, avoidance of dairy products in lactose-intolerant patients, and treatment of infections to eliminate bacterial superantigens. Results: PASI scores at 0 wk was 24.7 +/– 17.1 (SD), n = 647. PASI scores improved significantly at 4 weeks to 11.5 +/– 8.1 (n = 638; p < 0.0001), at 8 weeks to 4.5 +/– 4.2 (n = 636, p < 0.0001), and at 16 weeks to 0.9 +/– 2.5 (n = 641, p < 0.0001). At 16 weeks, 72.2% of patients were completely clear of psoriatic activity (PASI = 0). Conclusion: Our results indicate that a regimen of PhK inhibition by topical curcumin with elimination of PhK-generating factors is effective in producing significant reduction of psoriatic activity at 16 weeks, with complete clearance of psoriasis in 72.2% of patients.