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British Journal of Pharmacology Oct 2022Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory cutaneous diseases with unmet clinical needs. As a common ingredient found in several medicinal...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory cutaneous diseases with unmet clinical needs. As a common ingredient found in several medicinal herbs with efficacy on cutaneous inflammatory diseases, Scutellarein (Scu) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Scu against AD and its underlying molecular mechanism.
EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH
Efficacy of Scu on AD was evaluated in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and carvacrol-induced dermatitis mouse models. Cytokine mRNA and serum IgE levels were examined using qPCR and ELISA, respectively. Voltage clamp recordings were used to measure currents mediated by transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. In silico docking, site-direct mutagenesis, and covalent modification were used to explore the binding pocket of Scu on TRPV3.
KEY RESULTS
Subcutaneous administration of Scu efficaciously suppresses DNFB and carvacrol-induced pruritus, epidermal hyperplasia and skin inflammation in wild type mice but has no additional benefit in Trpv3 knockout mice in the carvacrol model. Scu is a potent and selective TRPV3 channel allosteric negative modulator with an apparent affinity of 1.18 μM. Molecular docking coupled with site-direct mutagenesis and covalent modification of incorporated cysteine residues demonstrate that Scu targets the cavity formed between the pore helix and transmembrane helix S6. Moreover, Scu attenuates endogenous TRPV3 activity in human keratinocytes and inhibits carvacrol-induced proliferative and proinflammatory responses.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Collectively, these data demonstrate that Scu ameliorates carvacrol-induced skin inflammation by directly inhibiting TRPV3, and TRPV3 represents a viable therapeutic target for AD treatment.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Apigenin; Cymenes; Cysteine; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Inflammation; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Molecular Docking Simulation; RNA, Messenger; TRPV Cation Channels; Transient Receptor Potential Channels
PubMed: 35771623
DOI: 10.1111/bph.15913 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib molecules present antigens to subsets of T cells primarily involved in host defense against pathogenic microbes and...
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib molecules present antigens to subsets of T cells primarily involved in host defense against pathogenic microbes and influence the development of immune-mediated diseases. The MHC class Ib molecule MHC-related protein 1 (MR1) functions as a platform to select MR1-restricted T cells, including mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in the thymus, and presents ligands to them in the periphery. MAIT cells constitute an innate-like T-cell subset that recognizes microbial vitamin B metabolites and plays a defensive role against microbes. In this study, we investigated the function of MR1 in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) by examining wild-type (WT) and MR1-deficient (MR1) mice in which ACD was induced with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). MR1 mice exhibited exaggerated ACD lesions compared with WT mice. More neutrophils were recruited in the lesions in MR1 mice than in WT mice. WT mice contained fewer MAIT cells in their skin lesions following elicitation with DNFB, and MR1 mice lacking MAIT cells exhibited a significant increase in IL-17-producing αβ and γδ T cells in the skin. Collectively, MR1 mice displayed exacerbated ACD from an early phase with an enhanced type 3 immune response, although the precise mechanism of this enhancement remains elusive.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; Interleukin-17; Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
PubMed: 37409131
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1215478 -
Oncotarget May 2023The creatine shuttle translocates the energy generated by oxidative phosphorylation to the cytoplasm via mitochondrial creatine kinase (MTCK) and creatine kinase B (CKB)...
The creatine shuttle translocates the energy generated by oxidative phosphorylation to the cytoplasm via mitochondrial creatine kinase (MTCK) and creatine kinase B (CKB) in the cytoplasm. It is not apparent how the creatine shuttle is related to cancer. Here, we analyzed the expression and function of CKB and MTCK in colorectal cancer (CRC) and investigated the role of the creatine shuttle in CRC. Compared with normal mucosa, 184 CRC tissues had higher levels of CKB and MTCK, and these levels were associated with histological grade, tumor invasion, and distant metastasis. CK inhibitor dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) on CRC cell lines HT29 and CT26 inhibited cell proliferation and stemness to less than 2/3 and 1/20 of their control levels, respectively. In this treatment, the production of reactive oxygen species increased, mitochondrial respiration decreased, and mitochondrial volume and membrane potential decreased. In a syngeneic BALB/c mouse model using CT26 cells pretreated with DNFB, peritoneal metastasis was suppressed to 70%. Phosphorylation of EGFR, AKT, and ERK1/2 was inhibited in DNFB-treated tumors. High ATP concentrations prevented EGFR phosphorylation in HT29 cells following DNFB treatment, CKB or MTCK knockdown, and cyclocreatine administration. Despite not being immunoprecipitated, CKB and EGFR were brought closer together by EGF stimulation. These findings imply that blocking the creatine shuttle decreases the energy supply, suppresses oxidative phosphorylation, and blocks ATP delivery to phosphorylation signals, preventing signal transduction. These findings highlight the critical role of the creatine shuttle in cancer cells and suggest a potential new cancer treatment target.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Creatine; Creatine Kinase; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Creatine Kinase, Mitochondrial Form; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Adenosine Triphosphate; Colorectal Neoplasms; ErbB Receptors
PubMed: 37204253
DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28436 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Mar 2015Rosmarinic acid (α-o-caffeoyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid; RA) is a naturally occurring hydroxylated compound commonly found in species of the subfamily Nepetoideae... (Review)
Review
Rosmarinic acid (α-o-caffeoyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid; RA) is a naturally occurring hydroxylated compound commonly found in species of the subfamily Nepetoideae of the Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae, such as Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Perilla frutescens. RA is biosynthesized from the amino acids L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine by eight enzymes that include phenylalanine ammonia lyase and cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase. RA can also be chemically produced by the esterification of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid. RA and its numerous derivatives containing one or two RA with other aromatic moieties are well known and include lithospermic acid, yunnaneic acid, salvianolic acid, and melitric acid. Recently, RA and its derivatives have attracted interest for their biological activities, which include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, and anti-microbial functions. Clinically, RA attenuates T cell receptor-mediated signaling, attenuates allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis and asthma, and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms, protects from neurotoxicity, and slows the development of Alzheimer's disease. These attributes have increased the demand for the biotechnological production and application of RA and its derivatives. The present review discusses the function and application of RA and its derivatives including the molecular mechanisms underlying clinical efficacy.
Topics: Biosynthetic Pathways; Biotechnology; Cinnamates; Depsides; Immunologic Factors; Perilla frutescens; Rosmarinus; Salvia officinalis; Technology, Pharmaceutical; Rosmarinic Acid
PubMed: 25620368
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6395-6 -
Biochemical Pharmacology Feb 2023Chronic itch is the most prominent feature of atopic dermatitis (AD), and antihistamine treatment is often less effective in reducing clinical pruritus severity in AD....
Chronic itch is the most prominent feature of atopic dermatitis (AD), and antihistamine treatment is often less effective in reducing clinical pruritus severity in AD. Multiple studies have shown that histamine-independent itch pathway is thought to predominate in AD-induced chronic itch. Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptor (Mrgpr) A3 sensory neurons have been identified as one of the major itch-sensing neuron populations, and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel A1 is the key downstream of MrgprA3-mediated histamine-independent itch. MrgprA3-TRPA1 signal pathway is necessary for the development of chronic itch and may be the potentially promising target of chronic itch in AD. Dictamnine is one of the main quinoline alkaloid components of Cortex Dictamni (a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in clinical treatment of skin diseases). However, the anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effect of dictamnine on AD have not been reported. In this study, we used the 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD mouse model to observe the scratching behavior, inflammatory manifestations, and to detect the expression of MrgprA3 and TRPA1 in skin and DRG. The data demonstrated that dictamnine effectively inhibited AD-induced chronic itch, inflammation symptoms, epidermal thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, and downregulated the expression of MrgprA3 and TRPA1. Furthermore, dictamnine restrained the excitability of MrgprA3 and TRPA1 neurons. Molecular docking also indicated that dictamnine has better binding affinity with MrgprA3. These results suggest that dictamnine may inhibit chronic itch caused by AD through the MrgprA3-TRPA1 mediated histamine-independent itch pathway, and may have a potential utility in AD treatment.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Histamine; Molecular Docking Simulation; Pruritus; Quinolines; Transient Receptor Potential Channels; Sensory Receptor Cells; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
PubMed: 36493846
DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115368 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Sep 2023Probiotic fermentation is a mild and safe biological method to boost the performance of herbs. Portulaca oleracea L. (PO), with folklore records of purgative,...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Probiotic fermentation is a mild and safe biological method to boost the performance of herbs. Portulaca oleracea L. (PO), with folklore records of purgative, anti-dermatological and anti-epidemic effects, has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. However, the potential of PO for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been sufficiently explored.
AIM OF STUDY
This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of PO and fermented Portulaca oleracea L. (FPO) and explore their intrinsic mechanisms.
METHODS
By utilizing 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced AD mice as a model, the histopathology of the lesions was observed using H&E and toluidine blue staining methods; the levels of immunoglobulin E (Ig E), histamine (HIS), and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in serum were measured using ELISA, whereas, the expression of inflammatory cytokines in skin lesion was measured using ELISA and immunohistochemistry experiments. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IKKα, NF-κB mRNA was measured using qPCR; and the expression of TNF-α、p-IKKα, p-IκBα, p-NF-κB was measured using western blotting.
RESULTS
Both 20 mg/mL PO and FPO alleviated mast cell infiltration and lesion pathology, reduced serum levels of Ig E, HIS and TSLP, down-regulated the expression of AD-related inflammatory cytokines, such as, TNF-α, interferon-γ, and interleukin-4, and increased filaggrin expression. Furthermore, they inhibited the expression of TNF-α, IKKα, and NF-κB genes and TNF-α, p-IKKα, p-NF-κB and p-IκBα proteins associated with the NF-κB signaling pathway.
CONCLUSIONS
PO and FPO has a positive therapeutic potential on AD, indicating that it may be employed as alternative therapies for AD.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; NF-kappa B; Dinitrofluorobenzene; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; I-kappa B Kinase; Portulaca; Cytokines; Signal Transduction; Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin; Immunoglobulin E
PubMed: 37156447
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116613 -
IL-22RA2 Is a SMAD7 Target Mediating the Alleviation of Dermatitis and Psoriatic Phenotypes in Mice.The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Nov 2023Long-term management of inflammatory skin diseases is challenging because of side effects from repeated use of systemic treatments or topical corticosteroids. This study...
Long-term management of inflammatory skin diseases is challenging because of side effects from repeated use of systemic treatments or topical corticosteroids. This study sought to identify the mechanisms and developmental therapeutics for these diseases using genetic models and pharmacological approaches. We found that mice overexpressing SMAD7 in keratinocytes but not mice overexpressing the N-terminal domain of SMAD7 (i.e., N-SMAD7) were resistant to imiquimod-induced T helper 1/17- and T helper 2-type inflammation. We generated a Tat-PYC-SMAD7 (truncated SMAD7 protein encompassing C-terminal SMAD7 and PY motif fused with cell-penetrating Tat peptide). Topically applied Tat-PYC-SMAD7 to inflamed skin entered cells upon contact and attenuated imiquimod-, 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-, and tape-stripping-induced inflammation. RNA-sequencing analyses of mouse skin exposed to these insults showed that in addition to inhibiting TGFβ/NF-κB, SMAD7 blunted IL-22/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation and associated pathogenesis, which is due to SMAD7 transcriptionally upregulating IL-22 antagonist IL-22RA2. Mechanistically, SMAD7 facilitated nuclear translocation and DNA binding of C/EBPβ to IL22RA2 promoter for IL22RA2 transactivation. Consistent with the observations in mice mentioned earlier, transcript levels of IL22RA2 were increased in human atopic dermatitis and psoriasis lesions with clinical remission. Our study identified the anti-inflammation functional domain of SMAD7 and suggests the mechanism and feasibility for developing SMAD7-based biologics as a topical therapy for skin inflammatory disorders.
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; Imiquimod; Smad7 Protein; Skin; Psoriasis; Dermatitis; Keratinocytes; Inflammation; Phenotype; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Receptors, Interleukin
PubMed: 37211203
DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.04.029 -
Heliyon Jan 2024Jianpi Yangxue Qufeng Compound (JPYXQFC) is a Chinese medicine widely used in the clinical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and has a significantly therapeutic...
BACKGROUND
Jianpi Yangxue Qufeng Compound (JPYXQFC) is a Chinese medicine widely used in the clinical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and has a significantly therapeutic effect. However, the mechanism of JPYXQFC in AD has been not understood clearly.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the effect of JPYXQFC on AD model cells and rats by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
METHODS
The rats (n > 5) were given JPYXQFC decoction orally twice a day for three days, and their abdominal aortic blood was collected. HaCaT cell proliferation rate was tested by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. We induced AD rat model through 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). AD rats were given oral JPYXQFC decoction and cetirizine (positive control). HaCaT cells were pretreated with JPYXQFC drug serum or cetirizine for 0.5 h and then stimulated with TNF-α/IFN-γ for 1 h. The mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, IL-4, IL-13, MCP1, TNF-α and TSLP were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (Q-RT-PCR), and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway protein expression was tested by Western blot. The total serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), thymus and activation regulated chemokine/chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 17 (TARC/CCL17) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The epidermal thickness was detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The dermatitis area and score were measured by a ruler and a four-point scoring method, respectively.
RESULTS
JPYXQFC significantly inhibited mRNA and protein expression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and Histone H3 in TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells and DNFB-induced rats, decreased the mRNA of IL-4, IL-13, MCP1, CCL22, TSLP and the level of AD-related genes IgE and TAEC/CCL17 of TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells. Meanwhile, JPYXQFC significantly reduced the dermatitis area and dermatitis score in DNFB-induced rats, inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and upregulated FLG, as well as inhibited the levels of IgE and TARC/CCL17 in the serum of AD rats.
CONCLUSION
JPYXQFC alleviates AD by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
PubMed: 38163133
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23278 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2024Mahuang-Lianqiao-Chixiaodou decoction (MLCD) is a traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) formula recorded in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases. It is commonly used for...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Mahuang-Lianqiao-Chixiaodou decoction (MLCD) is a traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) formula recorded in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases. It is commonly used for clinical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the potential mechanisms of MLCD intervention in AD combined with mental disorders behaviors such as anxiety and depression remain elusive and deserves further investigation.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The study aims to observe the effect of MLCD on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in AD mice and explore the possible neuroinflammatory mechanism of NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The chemical components of MLCD extracts were identified using UHPLC-MS. The AD mice were induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene and treated with MLCD or mometasone furoate (MF, as a positive control) for 7 days. The pathological changes in their skin tissue and brain hippocampus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Elevated plus-maze test (EPM), open field test (OFT), and the suspended tail (TST) were used to measure the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in AD mice. Expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in brain hippocampus were measured by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting (WB).
RESULTS
We found that MLCD contain many active ingredients, including ephedrine, Forsythoside A, phillyrin, glycyrrhizic acid, etc. Both MLCD and MF alleviated skin lesions and promoted positive histopathological changes in the hippocampus of AD mince to varying degrees. MLCD however, could further increase their proportion of open arm entry times (Oentries%) in EPM, residence time in the central area (Ctime) and the proportion of the number of times in the central area (Centries%) in OFT significantly. MLCD also reduces their immobility time in TST considerably. Mechanistically, MLCD downregulated the relative mRNA expression and protein level of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in hippocampal tissue compared to the model group.
CONCLUSIONS
MLCD can alleviate anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in AD mice by intervening in the gene and protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related factors, thus treating AD.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Inflammasomes; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Dermatitis, Atopic; NLR Proteins; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 37783411
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117263 -
Nutrients Sep 2023Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by dry and itchy skin. Recently, it has been reported that oxidative stress is involved in skin...
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by dry and itchy skin. Recently, it has been reported that oxidative stress is involved in skin diseases, possibly including AD. Vitamin C, also referred to as ascorbic acid, is a vital water-soluble compound that functions as an essential nutrient. It plays a significant role as both an antioxidant and an additive in various pharmaceutical and food products. Despite the fact that vitamin C is easily oxidized, we have developed NXP081, a single-stranded DNA aptamer that selectively binds to vitamin C, thereby inhibiting its oxidation. The objective of the current research was to examine the impact of NXP081, an animal model of AD induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). The experimental drug NXP081, when taken orally, showed promising results in reducing inflammation and improving the skin conditions caused by DNFB. The administration of NXP081 resulted in a significant reduction in ear swelling and a noticeable improvement in the appearance of skin lesions. In addition, the administration of NXP081 resulted in a significant decrease in the migration of mast cells in the skin lesions induced by DNFB. Moreover, NXP081 inhibited the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in CD4 T cells that were activated and derived from the lymph nodes. Our findings provide useful information about the anti-inflammatory effect of NXP081 on AD.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Ascorbic Acid; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Skin Diseases; Vitamins; Skin; Cytokines
PubMed: 37836456
DOI: 10.3390/nu15194172