Evaluation of the Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Effects of α-Boswellic Acid on Tnf-α/Ifn-γ-Stimulated HaCat Cells and DNCB-Induced BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Boswellic acids, triterpenoids derived from the genus Boswellia (Burseraceae), are known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor efficacy. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, non-infectious inflammatory skin disease. However, the effects of α-boswellic acid on atopic dermatitis have not been studied. Therefore, in this study we examined the expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, histopathological analysis, and physiological data from BALB/c mice with atopic-like dermatitis induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene and TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells to better understand the agent’s anti-atopic dermatitis efficacy. First, we found that α-boswellic reduced the epidermal thickening, mast cell numbers, and dermal infiltration of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic-like dermatitis in BALB/c mice. Furthermore, we also found that α-boswellic acid can restore transepidermal water loss and skin reddening in mice. In human keratinocytes inflamed by TNF-α/IFN-γ, α-boswellic acid inhibited MAP kinase activation and showed a reduction in NF-κB nuclear translocation. Finally, α-boswellic acid can reduce the expression level of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) following the stimulation of TNF-α/IFN-γ in HaCaT cells. Taken together, our study suggests that α-boswellic acids are a potential component for the development of anti-atopic dermatitis drugs.

Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Activity of Epi-Oxyzoanthamine Isolated from Zoanthid

“…Many studies have shown that IFN-γ and TNF-α stimulate keratinocytes to induce signaling pathways involved in pro-inflammatory responses. Therefore, this model is often used as an in vitro test method for skin anti-inflammatory effectiveness [ 24 , 25 ]. It is shown in Figure 2 that once these pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) are added, the formation of intracellular cytokine mRNA is significantly increased.…”

“…Importantly, these results show that its ability to resist atopic dermatitis is not inferior to that of components isolated from land plants. Moreover, their mechanism of action is very similar [ 24 , 25 , 51 ]. Future work will look to identify any unique mechanisms that are used by zoanthamine alkaloids to promote anti-inflammatory dermatitis effects.…”

Liangxue-Qushi-Zhiyang Decoction Ameliorates DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Mice through the MAPK Signaling Pathway Based on Network Pharmacology

“…Among them, the MAPK pathway, activated by EGF and EGFR signals, has been shown to control a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, including cell proliferation, gene expression, programmed cell death, and inflammation . Prior research has suggested that diminishing the expression of EGFR within the MAPK pathway can effectively alleviate the symptoms of AD in mice. , MAPKs, including ERK1/2 (MAPK3/1), JNK1/2/3, and p38 proteins (MAPK14), have been reported to be involved in AD. − IL-1β1, IL-6, and TNF-α act as proinflammatory cytokine genes, which can be activated by MAPK signaling pathways . Generally, an important cause of AD is the dysregulated Th1 and Th2 response .…”

“… 39 , 40 MAPKs, including ERK1/2 (MAPK3/1), JNK1/2/3, and p38 proteins (MAPK14), have been reported to be involved in AD. 41 − 43 IL-1β1, IL-6, and TNF-α act as proinflammatory cytokine genes, which can be activated by MAPK signaling pathways. 44 Generally, an important cause of AD is the dysregulated Th1 and Th2 response.…”

Network Pharmacology Integrated with Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals Ermiao Wan Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis via Suppressing MAPK and Activating the EGFR/AKT Signaling

“…The drugs that against AD included various topical corticosteroids (TCSs), tacrolimus and pyrrolimus, as well as antihistamines and immunosuppressants. 25 However, these are under a variety of adverse reactions when utilised for a long time or in large doses. Soaring medical costs reduced their clinical value although many effective biological agents have been used for treatment in AD in recent years.…”