'Psoriasis 1' reduces psoriasis‑like skin inflammation by inhibiting the VDR‑mediated nuclear NF‑κB and STAT signaling pathways

Yinxie I Formula attenuates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation via IL-23/IL-17 axis

Psoriasis is considered a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by keratinocytes hyperproliferation. The IL-23/IL-17 immune pathway has been substantiated in numerous studies to be closely associated with psoriasis progression. Yinxie I Formula is a traditional Chinese medicine made from 9 herbal medicines, which has excellent clinical efficacy in psoriasis. However, to date, the mechanism of action of Yinxie I Formula against psoriasis remains unknown. In this perspective, we discuss the efficacy of Yinxie I Formula in mice with imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriasis. Yinxie I Formula significantly reduced the area of skin lesions and the inflammatory response in mice with psoriasis. Furthermore, Yinxie I Formula alleviated the expression levels of inflammation-related genes IL-6, IL-17 A, IL-22, IL-23, TNF-α and IL-23, IL-18, IL-6 and IL-1β-related proteins and alleviated the abnormal surge of dendritic cells, macrophages and T cells in the skin and spleen. Meanwhile we found that Yinxie I Formula reduced the release of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-23 in lipopolysaccharide-induced mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cell line. The results suggest that the therapeutic mechanism of Yinxie I Formula may also be correlated with the STAT signaling pathway. We further analyzed the active ingredient of Yinxie I Formula, Buddleoside, which may be the main substance that exerts the therapeutic effect. In conclusion, we have investigated that Yinxie I Formula attenuates the IMQ-induced inflammatory response in psoriasis by inhibiting the IL-23/IL-17 axis, which lays the foundation for the antipsoriasis mechanism and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical promotion of Yinxie I Formula.

Modulation of the vitamin D receptor by traditional Chinese medicines and bioactive compounds: potential therapeutic applications in VDR-dependent diseases

The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a crucial nuclear receptor that plays a vital role in various physiological functions. To a larger extent, the genomic effects of VDR maintain general wellbeing, and its modulation holds implications for multiple diseases. Current evidence regarding using vitamin D or its synthetic analogs to treat non-communicable diseases is insufficient, though observational studies suggest potential benefits. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and bioactive compounds derived from natural sources have garnered increasing attention. Interestingly, TCM formulae and TCM-derived bioactive compounds have shown promise in modulating VDR activities. This review explores the intriguing potential of TCM and bioactive compounds in modulating VDR activity. We first emphasize the latest information on the genetic expression, function, and structure of VDR, providing a comprehensive understanding of this crucial receptor. Following this, we review several TCM formulae and herbs known to influence VDR alongside the mechanisms underpinning their action. Similarly, we also discuss TCM-based bioactive compounds that target VDR, offering insights into their roles and modes of action.

Advanced Glycation End Products-Induced Activation of Keratinocytes: A Mechanism Underlying Cutaneous Immune Response in Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease, in which epidermal keratinocytes play a vital role in its pathogenesis by acting both as the responder and as the accelerator to the cutaneous psoriatic immune response. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a class of proinflammatory metabolites that are commonly accumulating in cardiometabolic disorders. Recent studies have also observed the increased level of AGEs in the serum and skin of psoriasis patients, but the role of AGEs in psoriatic inflammation has not been well investigated. In the present study, we initially detected abnormal accumulation of AGEs in epidermal keratinocytes of psoriatic lesions collected from psoriasis patients. Furthermore, AGEs promoted the proliferation of keratinocytes via upregulated Keratin 17 (K17)-mediated p27KIP1 inhibition followed by accelerated cell cycle progression. More importantly, AGEs facilitated the production of interleukin-36 alpha (IL-36α) in keratinocytes, which could enhance T helper 17 (Th17) immune response. In addition, the induction of both K17 and IL-36α by AGEs in keratinocytes was dependent on the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1/3 (STAT1/3) signaling pathways. At last, the effects of AGEs on keratinocytes were mediated by the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Taken together, these findings support that AGEs potentiate the innate immune function of keratinocytes, which contributes to the formation of psoriatic inflammation. Our study implicates AGEs as a potential pathogenic link between psoriasis and cardiometabolic comorbidities.

Advances in the study of macrophage polarization in inflammatory immune skin diseases

When exposed to various microenvironmental stimuli, macrophages are highly plastic and primarily polarized into the pro-inflammatory M1-type and the anti-inflammatory M2-type, both of which perform almost entirely opposing functions. Due to this characteristic, macrophages perform different functions at different stages of immunity and inflammation. Inflammatory immune skin diseases usually show an imbalance in the M1/M2 macrophage ratio, and altering the macrophage polarization phenotype can either make the symptoms worse or better. Therefore, this review presents the mechanisms of macrophage polarization, inflammation-related signaling pathways (JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt), and the role of both in inflammatory immune skin diseases (psoriasis, AD, SLE, BD, etc.) to provide new directions for basic and clinical research of related diseases.

Naringin Prevents Cognitive Dysfunction in Aging Rats by Inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB Pathway and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Objective

Naringin is a flavonoid derived from Chinese herbs. According to earlier studies, naringin may have the potential to alleviate aging-induced cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, this study attempted to explore the protective effect and underlying mechanism of naringin on aging rats with cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

After the construction of a model of aging rats with cognitive dysfunction through subcutaneous injection of D-galactose (D-gal; 150 mg/kg), intragastric administration of naringin (100 mg/kg) was performed for treatment. Behavioral tests, including Morris water maze test (MWM), novel object recognition test (NORT), and fear conditioning test, were used to measure the cognitive function; ELISA and biochemical tests were used to determine the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the hippocampus of rats in each group, respectively; H&E staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus; Western blot was used to examine the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB pathway-related proteins and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related proteins in the hippocampus.

Results

The model was successfully constructed by subcutaneous injection of D-gal (150 mg/kg). The behavioral test results showed that naringin could ameliorate the cognitive dysfunction and alleviate the histopathological damage of hippocampus. Moreover, naringin significantly improve the inflammatory response (the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1 were decreased), oxidative stress response (MDA level was increased while GSH-Px activity was decreased), and ER stress (the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/-EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and transcription factor 6 (ATF6) expression was downregulated), and increased the levels of neurotrophic factors BDNF and NGF in D-gal rats. Besides, further mechanistic studies revealed the downregulation of naringin on TLR4/NF-κB pathway activity.

Conclusion

Naringin may inhibit inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and ER stress by downregulating TLR4/NF-κB pathway activity, thereby improving cognitive dysfunction and alleviating histopathological damage of hippocampus in aging rats. Briefly, naringin is an effective drug for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.

Signaling pathways and targets of natural products in psoriasis treatment

Aim: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, which has adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Natural products exhibit significant therapeutic capacities with small side effects and might be preferable alternative treatments for patients with psoriasis. This study summarizes the signaling pathways with the potential targets of natural products and their efficacy for psoriasis treatment. Methods: The literature for this article was acquired from PubMed and Web of Science, from January 2010 to December 2020. The keywords for searching included “psoriasis” and “natural product”, “herbal medicine”, “herbal therapy”, “medicinal plant”, “medicinal herb” or “pharmaceutical plant”. Results: Herbal extracts, natural compounds, and herbal prescriptions could regulate the signaling pathways to alleviate psoriasis symptoms, such as T helper 17 (Th17) differentiation, Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and other signaling pathways, which are involved in the inflammatory response and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. The anti-psoriatic effect of natural products in clinical trials was summarized. Conclusions: Natural products exerted the anti-psoriatic effect by targeting multiple signaling pathways, providing evidence for the investigation of novel drugs. Further experimental research should be performed to screen and characterize the therapeutic targets of natural products for application in psoriasis treatment.

Augmentation of NAD+ by Dunnione Ameliorates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Dermatitis in Mice

Background

Dunnione has anti-inflammatory properties arising from its ability to alter the ratio of NAD⁺/NADH through NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) enzymatic action, followed by subsequent inhibition of NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines. Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder in which the IL-23/Th17 axis plays an important role in inflammation. However, it is unclear whether modulation of NAD⁺ levels affects psoriasis, such as skin inflammation. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of NAD⁺/NADH ratio modulation on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced, psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice.

Methods

Psoriasis-like skin inflammation was generated by daily topical application of IMQ cream. The severity of dermatitis was assessed using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and histochemistry. Expression of inflammatory cytokines was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative PCR. Acetylation of NF-κB p65 and STAT3 was determined by Western blotting.

Results

Dunnione improved IMQ-induced epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation, consistent with decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23) in skin lesions. Moreover, we found that an increase in the NAD⁺/NADH ratio by dunnione restored SIRT1 activity, thereby reduced imiquimod-induced STAT3 acetylation, which modulates the expression of psoriasis-promoting inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23.

Conclusion

Pharmacological modulation of cellular NAD⁺ levels could be a promising therapeutic approach for psoriasis-like skin disease.

Molecular mechanisms of Biyu decoction as treatment for psoriasis: A network pharmacology and molecular docking study

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic effects of a combination of Chinese medicines called Biyu decoction have been clinically verified, although its molecular targets in psoriasis remain unknown.

AIM

To explore the molecular mechanisms of Biyu decoction for psoriasis treatment.

METHODS

In this network pharmacology and molecular docking study, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database was searched for Biyu decoction active ingredients. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, PharmGkb, Therapeutic Target Database, and DrugBank databases were searched for psoriasis-related genes. The genes targeted by the decoction’s active ingredient and disease genes were intersected to obtain predictive targets of the drug during psoriasis treatment. Cytoscape 3.8.0 was used to construct a drug component/ target disease network. The The functional protein association networks database and Cytoscape were used to construct a protein-protein interaction network and streamline the core network. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used for pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking technology was used to verify the drug component/target disease network.

RESULTS

We screened 117 major active ingredients, including quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, and acetyl-shikonin, and identified 213 gene targets, such as MAPK3, JUN, FOS, MYC, MAPK8, STAT3, and NFKBIA. Using a molecular docking analysis, the main active ingredients demonstrated good binding to the core targets. The Gene Ontology analysis showed that these ingredients were significantly associated with biological activities, such as transcription factor DNA binding, RNA polymerase II-specific DNA binding of transcription factors, and cytokine receptor binding; responses to lipopolysaccharides, molecules of bacterial origin, and oxidative stress; and were mainly distributed in membrane rafts, microdomains, and regions. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that decoction ingredients act on Th17 cell differentiation, tumor necrosis factor and mitogen-activated protein signaling pathways, the interleukin-17 signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Biyu decoction may be effective against psoriasis through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel synergy.

miR-489-3p inhibits TLR4/NF-κB signaling to prevent inflammation in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose etiology has not yet been determined. MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate the early stages of psoriasis and are targets for therapeutic intervention. The present study aimed to investigate the functional role of miR-489-3p in psoriasis. The present study first assessed the expression levels of miR-489-3p and Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 mRNA using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and also detected the protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB via western blot analysis. TargetScan and miRDB target gene prediction tools were used to confirm the regulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 by miR-489-3p. Moreover, a Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay was conducted to evaluate cell viability, while cell cycle and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Human keratinocytes (HaCaT) were co-transfected with TLR4-small interfering RNA and miR-489-3p-inhibitor plasmids, and analysis of cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine secretion was performed using CCK-8 assay and ELISA. It was found that miR-489-3p expression was downregulated in patients with psoriasis. Bioinformatics analysis identified that TLR4 was a direct target of miR-489-3p. This was confirmed via luciferase reporter assays in HaCaT cells. The overexpression of miR-489-3p inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced cell proliferation. TLR4 silencing alleviated the effects of miR-489-3p, and enhanced cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Taken together, these data suggested that miR-489-3p may be a key effector of psoriasis, which promotes inflammatory responses by direct targeting of TLR4. miR-489-3p therefore represents a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for psoriasis treatment.

'Psoriasis 1' reduces T‑lymphocyte‑mediated inflammation in patients with psoriasis by inhibiting vitamin D receptor‑mediated STAT4 inactivation

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated dermatosis characterized by T-lymphocyte-mediated epidermal hyperplasia, for which there are currently no effective clinical treatments. 'Psoriasis 1' is a Chinese herbal medicine formulation that has been recently used extensively in China for treating patients with psoriasis. However, the molecular mechanism of action of this potent formulation has not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, the effects of 'Psoriasis 1' on T ymphocytes in patients with psoriasis were investigated and the underlying molecular mechanism was discussed. Blood samples were collected from 40 patients with psoriasis. ELISA was employed to assess the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, transforming growth factor-β, IL-4, IL-12, IL-23 and vitamin D (VD). Western blot and quantitative PCR analyses were used to investigate the expression levels of VD receptor (VDR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)4 in T lymphocytes. 'Psoriasis 1' was observed to significantly increase CD4⁺ T cells. It also notably upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of VDR, and downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of STAT4. Moreover, the suppression of VDR was found to aggravate the inflammatory response, which was reversed by 'Psoriasis 1.' Thus, this formulation reportedly decreased the inflammation mediated by T lymphocytes in patients with psoriasis through inhibiting VDR-mediated STAT4 inactivation.

Investigation on the Mechanism of Qubi Formula in Treating Psoriasis Based on Network Pharmacology

Objective

To elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of Qubi Formula (QBF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has been demonstrated as an effective therapy for psoriasis in China.

Methods

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, BATMAN-TCM database, and literature search were used to excavate the pharmacologically active ingredients of QBF and to predict the potential targets. Psoriasis-related targets were obtained from Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DrugBank database (DBD), MalaCards database, and DisGeNET database. Then, we established the network concerning the interactions of potential targets of QBF with well-known psoriasis-related targets by using protein-protein interaction (PPI) data in String database. Afterwards, topological parameters (including DNMC, Degree, Closeness, and Betweenness) were calculated to excavate the core targets of Qubi Formula in treating psoriasis (main targets in the PPI network). Cytoscape was used to construct the ingredients-targets core network for Qubi Formula in treating psoriasis, and ClueGO was used to perform GO-BP and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on these core targets.

Results

The ingredient-target-disease core network of QBF in treating psoriasis was screened to contain 175 active ingredients, which corresponded to 27 core targets. Additionally, enrichment analysis suggested that targets of QBF in treating psoriasis were mainly clustered into multiple biological processes (associated with nuclear translocation of proteins, cellular response to multiple stimuli (immunoinflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and nutrient substance), lymphocyte activation, regulation of cyclase activity, cell-cell adhesion, and cell death) and related pathways (VEGF, JAK-STAT, TLRs, NF-κB, and lymphocyte differentiation-related pathways), indicating the underlying mechanisms of QBF on psoriasis.

Conclusion

In this work, we have successfully illuminated that Qubi Formula could relieve a wide variety of pathological factors (such as inflammatory infiltration and abnormal angiogenesis) of psoriasis in a "multicompound, multitarget, and multipathway" manner by using network pharmacology. Moreover, our present outcomes might shed light on the further clinical application of QBF on psoriasis treatment.

Baicalin Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Inflammatory Cytokines Induced by Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) in Human Immortalized Keratinocytes (HaCaT) Human Keratinocytes by Inhibiting the STAT3/Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) Signaling Pathway

Background

Baicalin is a flavone isolated from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis and is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Psoriasis is a persistent and recurrent chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by inflammation and increased proliferation of keratinocytes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of baicalin on HaCaT immortalized human keratinocytes in vitro and the molecular mechanisms involved.

Material/Methods

HaCaT keratinocytes were cultured in increasing concentrations of baicalin at 6.25 μM, 12.5 μM, and 25 μM. The in vitro model of psoriasis was established using HaCaT cells treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The MTT assay was used to asses cell viability and apoptosis. Western blot was used to measure the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, pro-caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect inflammatory cytokines. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the levels of STAT3 and p65 mRNA.

Results

Baicalin reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis of HaCaT human keratinocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Increased cell viability and the expression of inflammatory cytokines by HaCaT cells induced by TNF-α were significantly inhibited by baicalin. Baicalin significantly inhibited the activation of the STAT3/NF-κB pathway in HaCaT cells stimulated by TNF-α.

Conclusions

Baicalin inhibited the proliferation and expression of inflammatory cytokines in HaCaT immortalized human keratinocytes in vitro through the inhibition of the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Interleukin-35 reduces inflammation in acute lung injury through inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways

Acute lung injury (ALI) in children is a complex disease that is accompanied by an inflammatory response. The pathogenesis of ALI in children is not yet well understood. Mice with ALI exhibit inflammation of the lungs and decreased expression of interleukin (IL)-35. To investigate whether the function of IL-35 affects lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI, IL-35 was overexpressed in cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays indicated decreased levels of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in LPS-induced and agomir-IL-35-treated murine RAW264.7 macrophages. Finally, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathways were analyzed. The expression of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p50 were decreased, as was the degradation of NF-κB inhibitor-α, in LPS-induced and agomir-IL-35-treated murine RAW264.7 macrophages. The results of the present study demonstrated that IL-35 may exhibit a protective role in ALI by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways.