Abstract
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with chronic skin inflammatory reactions. p-coumaric acid (pCA) is an active ingredient of Panax ginseng Meyer (Araliaceae).
Methods:
Here, we estimated an anti-AD effect of pCA on activated mast cells, activated splenocytes, and a mouse model of AD. Cytokines levels were measured by ELISA and protein activation was analyzed by Western blotting. 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) was used to induce AD-like skin lesions.
Results:
The treatment with pCA suppressed the productions and mRNA expressions of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), TNF-ɑ, IL-6, and IL-1β in HMC-1 cells. pCA downregulated the expressions of RIP2 and caspase-1, phosphorylated-(p)p38/pJNK/pERK, and pIKKβ/pIkBɑ/NF-κB in HMC-1 cells. pCA also decreased the productions of TSLP, TNF-ɑ, IL-6, IL-4, and IFN-γ in the supernatant of stimulated splenic cells. Comparing to DNFB-sensitized control group, pCA-treated group alleviated pathological changes of AD-like lesions. pCA decreased the proteins and mRNA expressions levels of TSLP, IL-6, and IL-4 in the skin lesions. Caspase-1 activation was also downregulated by pCA treatment in the AD-like lesions. The serum levels of histamine, IgE, TSLP, TNF-ɑ, IL-6, and IL-4 were suppressed following treatment with pCA.
Conclusion:
This study suggests that pCA has the potential to improve AD by suppressing TSLP as well as inflammatory cytokines via blocking of caspase-1/NF-κB signal cascade.
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