Abstract: Objective To investigate the pharmacological mechanism of LXHX capsule. Methods The skin specimens from psoriasis patients were examined with TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl trans-ferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) technique to detect the apoptosis of keratinocytes. PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) detecting kits was used, too. Then, the flow cytometry, with AnnexinV/PI and PI dyeing method, was used to analysis the effect of LXHX capsule on apoptosis in cultured keratinocytes. Results There was an increasing of both cell apoptosis and proliferation in psoriatic epidermis and LXHX capsule could induce apoptosis. Conclusions The keratinocyte apoptosis and proliferation both increased in psoriasis, which reach a new balance in a higher level. LXHX capsule could induce apoptosis in vitro, which may be one of the pharmacological mechanisms of LXHX in treating psoriasis.

Key words: Psoriasis, Apoptosis, Keratinocytes, Drug, Chinese herbal