Lan Wang
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Title: Developing a formula of Chinese medicines (SZF) on atopic dermatitis in an animal model
Biography
Biography: Lan Wang
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disorder characterized as erythema, eruption, lichenification and pruritus. Up to date, 2-10% of adults and 15-30% of children are suffering from AD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-AD effects of a Chinese medicines fomula (SZF) and elucidate its underlying mechanisms using a in vivo model. AD-like skin lesions in female BALB/c mice were induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). SZF (3.15, 6.30 and 9.45 g/kg) and dexamethasone were daily administered by gavage for 15 days. The body weight, skin thickness, skin dermatitis severity and scratching behaviors were recorded throughout the study. Histological analysis, rt-PCR, western blot and ELISA analysis were used to illuminate the molecular targets associated with anti-AD effects of SZF. SZF could significantly alleviate AD-like skin lesions and decrease dorsal skin thickening in DNCB-treated mice. DNCB induced scratching behaviors obviously reduced in SZF-treated mice. Infiltration of mast cells and epidermal thickening in dorsal skin were also inhibited by SZF treatment. Additionally, levels of AD-specific markers as IgE, histamine, IL-4 and TSLP in serum obviously decreased in SZF-treated mice. SZF reduced both the production and mRNA expression of Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-6, IL-13 and IL-31 levels but increased Th1 cytokine IFN-γ level in the skin. SZF also up-regulated the protein expression of filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin in the skin of DNCB-treated mice. SZF might exert therapeutic effect on DNCB induced AD-like skin lesions in mice through regulation of the Th1/Th2 balance, inhibition of inflammation and improvement of skin barrier function.