oxidized acetyl dithranol

Oxidized acetyl dithranol is a synthetic small molecule belonging to the anthraquinone class, structurally related to dithranol (also known as anthralin), which is widely used as a topical antipsoriatic agent. Dithranol and its analogues, including 10-acetyl and oxidized derivatives, act primarily by interfering with cellular energy metabolism in keratinocytes—accumulating in mitochondria and generating free radicals through oxidation. This process impedes DNA replication and slows excessive cell division characteristic of psoriatic plaques[1][2][8]. The precise molecular mechanism remains incompletely understood but involves anti-proliferative effects on skin cells, induction of apoptosis in keratinocytes, inhibition of inflammatory cytokine secretion from monocytes, and modulation of neutrophil activity[1][6]. Oxidized acetyl dithranol has been studied experimentally for its antipsoriatic properties; however, it is more toxic than parent dithranol in animal studies[8]. It is not currently approved for clinical use.