Interleukin-38 overexpression in keratinocytes limits desquamation but does not affect the global severity of imiquimod-induced skin inflammation in mice.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly impacts the patients' quality of life. Recent studies highlighted the function of the interleukin (IL)-1 family member IL-38 in skin homeostasis and suggested an anti-inflammatory role for this cytokine in psoriasis. In this study, we generated mice specifically overexpressing the IL-38 protein in epidermal keratinocytes. We confirmed IL-38 overexpression in the skin by Western blotting. We further detected the protein by ELISA in the plasma, as well as in conditioned media of skin explants isolated from IL-38 overexpressing mice, indicating that IL-38 produced in the epidermis is released from keratinocytes and can be found in the circulation. Unexpectedly, epidermal IL-38 overexpression did not impact the global severity of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced skin inflammation, Similarly, keratinocyte activation and differentiation in IMQ-treated skin were not affected by increased IL-38 expression and there was no global effect on local or systemic inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, we observed a selective inhibition of CXCL1 and IL-6 production in response to IMQ in IL-38 overexpressing skin, as well as reduced Ly6g mRNA levels, suggesting decreased neutrophil infiltration. Epidermal IL-38 overexpression also selectively affected the desquamation process during IMQ-induced psoriasis, as illustrated by reduced plaque formation. Taken together, our results validate the generation of a new mouse line allowing for tissue-specific IL-38 overexpression. Interestingly, epidermal IL-38 overexpression selectively affected specific disease-associated readouts during IMQ-induced psoriasis, suggesting a more complex role of IL-38 in the inflamed skin than previously recognized. In particular, our data highlight a potential involvement of IL-38 in the regulation of skin desquamation.

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-1ß-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-1ß 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.

The oncogenic kinase TOPK upregulates in psoriatic keratinocytes and contributes to psoriasis progression by regulating neutrophils infiltration.

BACKGROUND: T-LAK cell-oriented protein kinase (TOPK) strongly promotes the malignant proliferation of cancer cells and is recognized as a promising biomarker of tumor progression. Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease featured by excessive proliferation of keratinocytes. Although we have previously reported that topically inhibiting TOPK suppressed psoriatic manifestations in psoriasis-like model mice, the exact role of TOPK in psoriatic inflammation and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. METHODS: GEO datasets were analyzed to investigate the association of TOPK with psoriasis. Skin immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to clarify the major cells expressing TOPK. TOPK conditional knockout (cko) mice were used to investigate the role of TOPK-specific deletion in IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis in mice. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the alteration of psoriasis-related immune cells in the lesional skin. Next, the M5-induced psoriasis cell model was used to identify the potential mechanism by RNA-seq, RT-RCR, and western blotting. Finally, the neutrophil-neutralizing antibody was used to confirm the relationship between TOPK and neutrophils in psoriasis-like dermatitis in mice. RESULTS: We found that TOPK levels were strongly associated with the progression of psoriasis. TOPK was predominantly increased in the epidermal keratinocytes of psoriatic lesions, and conditional knockout of TOPK in keratinocytes suppressed neutrophils infiltration and attenuated psoriatic inflammation. Neutrophils deletion by neutralizing antibody greatly diminished the suppressive effect of TOPK cko in psoriasis-like dermatitis in mice. In addition, topical application of TOPK inhibitor OTS514 effectively attenuated already-established psoriasis-like dermatitis in mice. Mechanismly, RNA-seq revealed that TOPK regulated the expression of some genes in the IL-17 signaling pathway, such as neutrophils chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL8. TOPK modulated the expression of neutrophils chemokines via activating transcription factors STAT3 and NF-κB p65 in keratinocytes, thereby promoting neutrophils infiltration and psoriasis progression. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a crucial role of TOPK in psoriasis by regulating neutrophils infiltration, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

p38α deficiency ameliorates psoriasis development by downregulating STAT3-mediated keratinocyte proliferation and cytokine production.

Psoriasis is characterized by keratinocyte (KC) hyperproliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In an imiquimod-induced mouse psoriasiform model, p38 activity is significantly elevated in KCs and p38α specific deletion in KCs ameliorates skin inflammation. p38α signaling promotes KC proliferation and psoriasis-related proinflammatory gene expression during psoriasis development. Mechanistically, p38α enhances KC proliferation and production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by activating STAT3. While p38α signaling in KCs does not affect the expression of IL-23 and IL-17, it substantially amplifies the IL-23/IL-17 pathogenic axis in psoriasis. The therapeutic effect of IL-17 neutralization is associated with decreased p38 and STAT3 activities in KCs and targeting the p38α-STAT3 axis in KCs ameliorates the severity of psoriasis. As IL-17 also highly activates p38 and STAT3 in KCs, our findings reveal a sustained signaling circuit important for psoriasis development, highlighting p38α-STAT3 axis as an important target for psoriasis treatment.

Neutrophil extracellular traps promote macrophage inflammation in psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease connected with immune dysregulation. Macrophages are key inflammatory cells in psoriasis but the specific mechanism of their activation is not fully understood. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been shown to regulate macrophage function. Here, we found that NET deposition was increased in psoriasis lesions. Peptidylarginine deaminase 4 (PAD4, a key enzyme for NET formation) deficiency attenuated skin lesions and inflammation in an imiquimod-induced psoriatic mouse model. Furthermore, the STING signaling pathway was markedly activated in psoriasis and abolished by PAD4 deficiency. PAD4-deficient mice treated with the STING agonist DMXAA exhibited more severe symptoms and inflammation than control mice. Mechanistically, the STING inhibitor C-176 inhibited NET-induced macrophage inflammation and further inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT cells. Our findings suggest an important role of NETs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and activation of macrophage STING/NF-κB signaling pathway might involve in NETs related psoriasis.

The effect of dapagliflozin ointment on induced psoriasis in an experimental model.

Dapagliflozin is a pharmacological drug commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes by inhibiting the sodium-glucose cotransporter in the proximal renal tubules. The primary objective of this research was to develop a topical ointment formulation containing dapagliflozin and assess its efficacy in treating psoriasis using an imiquimod-induced psoriasis model. A total of 16 Swiss albino mice, with weights ranging from 24 to 30 grams, were allocated randomly into six groups, each group including ten animals. The study assessed the effects of various concentrations of dapagliflozin ointment on levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-17, and IL-37, as well as on erythema, scaling, and epidermal thickness. Dapagliflozin ointment significantly reduced these cytokine levels and disease scores, indicating anti-psoriatic and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, when applied topically, dapagliflozin ointment had strong efficacy against imiquimod-induced psoriatic skin inflammation, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic option for psoriasis treatment.

Evaluation of Kynu, Defb2, Camp, and Penk Expression Levels as Psoriasis Marker in the Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis Model.

Background: Psoriasis is a noncontagious auto-inflammatory chronic skin disease. So far, some of the inflammatory genes were upregulated in mouse model of psoriasis. This study examined changes in skin mRNA expression of L-kynureninase (Kynu), cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (Camp), beta-defensin 2 (Defb2), and proenkephalin (Penk) in a mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Materials and Methods: Tree groups of C57BL/6 female mice were allocated. The imiquimod (IMQ) cream was administered to the mice dorsal skin of the two groups to induce psoriatic inflammation. In the treatment group, IMQ was administered 10 min after hydrogel-containing M7 anti-IL-17A aptamer treatment. Vaseline (Vas) was administered to the negative control group. The psoriatic skin lesions were evaluated based on the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score, histopathology, and mRNA expression levels of Kynu, Camp, Defb2, and Penk using real-time PCR. In order to assess the systemic response, the spleen and lymph node indexes were also evaluated. Results: The PASI and epidermal thickness scores were 6.01 and 1.96, respectively, in the IMQ group, and they significantly decreased after aptamer administration to 1.15 and 0.90, respectively (P < 0.05). Spleen and lymph node indexes showed an increase in the IMQ group, followed by a slight decrease after aptamer treatment (P > 0.05). Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of Kynu, Defb2, Camp, and Penk genes in the IMQ-treated region showed a significant 2.70, 4.56, 3.29, and 2.61-fold increase relative to the Vas mice, respectively (P < 0.05). The aptamer-treated region exhibited a significant decrease in these gene expression levels (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between Kynu, Penk, and Camp expression levels and erythema, as well as Camp expression with PASI, scaling, and thickness (P < 0.05). Conclusion: According to our results, it seems that Kynu, Camp, and Penk can be considered appropriate markers for the evaluation of psoriasis in IMQ-induced psoriasis. Also, the anti-IL-17 aptamer downregulated these important genes in this mouse model.

Momordin Ic ameliorates psoriasis skin damage in mice via the IL-23/IL-17 axis.

Psoriasis, a chronic and easily recurring inflammatory skin disease, causes a great economic burden to the patient's family because the etiology and mechanism are still unclear and the treatment cycle is long. In this study, the function and related mechanisms of Momordin Ic in psoriasis were investigated. The IMQ-induced mouse psoriasis model was constructed. The protective effects of different doses of Momordin Ic on psoriasis skin damage in mice were detected by PASI score, HE staining and Ki-67 staining. A psoriasis-like keratinocyte model was established at the cellular level using M5 (IL-17A, IL-22, oncostatin M, IL-1α, and TNF-α) triggered HaCaT. The effects of Momordin Ic upon HaCaT cell biological behavior were examined using MTT and CCK-8 assays. In terms of mechanism, the expression level of each inflammatory factor was assessed using IHC staining and/or ELISA, qRT-PCR, the expression of oxidative stress-related indicators was detected biochemically, and western blot was performed to detect the levels of key proteins of the Wnt signaling and VEGF. As the results shown,  at the in vivo level, Momordin Ic significantly alleviated skin damage, reduced PASI score and inhibited hyperproliferation of keratinized cells in psoriasis mice. At the cellular level, Momordin Ic also significantly reversed M5-induced hyperproliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes. In terms of mechanism, Momordin Ic significantly inhibited the IL-23/IL-17 axis, dramatically elevated the levels of intracellular antioxidants including SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, and significantly down-regulated the levels of the indicator of oxidative damage, malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, Momordin Ic also significantly inhibited the level of ß-catenin, a pivotal protein of the Wnt signaling, C-Myc, a target gene of the Wnt signaling, and VEGF, a critical protein of angiogenesis. In conclusion, Momordin Ic can be involved in the skin-protective effects of psoriasis by multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway and the IL-23/IL-17 axis, and suppression of oxidative damageand VEGF expression. Momordin Ic has been proven to be an underlying therapeutic drug for the treatment of psoriasis.

Lentigo maligna: a comprehensive review on diagnosis and treatment.

Lentigo maligna (LM), a form of melanoma in situ, and LM melanoma (LMM), its invasive counterpart, exhibit distinctive epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical features compared to other melanoma subtypes. Notably, LM occurs on chronically sun-damaged skin presenting as a slow-growing, ill-defined patch which makes it difficult to diagnose and to treat. Additionally, while LM generally presents a favourable prognosis, it can also lead to dermal invasion and behave similarly to other melanomas with the same Breslow thickness. Hence, surgery continues to be the cornerstone treatment. Wide excisions are often necessary, but challenges arise when these lesions manifest in cosmetically sensitive regions, limiting the feasibility and desirability of large excisions. Specialized approaches, including margin-controlled surgery and image-guided treatment with reflectance confocal microscopy, have been developed to address these issues. Other non-surgical treatments such as cryosurgery, imiquimod, radiotherapy, or photodynamic therapy, may also be used but commonly present with recurrent/persistent disease. Herein we comprehensively review the existing literature on the management of LM/LMM, and discus the potential new advances on managing this challenging skin cancer.

Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis syndrome in HIV-infected patients: a systematic review.

Congenital epidermodysplasia verruciformis (CEV) is a Genodermatosis linked to different inheritance patterns and mutations of the EVER1/TMC6 and EVER2/TMC8 genes. There is an acquired form (AEV) associated with immunodeficiency states, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; however, the literature about AEV is limited and imprecise, so a systematic review was performed. A search of the main databases from 1975 to 2021 identified 126 studies, of which 80 met the inclusion criteria. The diagnosis of AEV is complex due to atypical manifestations and locations, it requires a mean follow-up of 7 years, and the lesions do not change with ART therapy, CD4 count, or viral load. Histopathological findings are variable depending on the location of the lesions. HPV 5 remains the serotype most frequently associated with AEV and CEV, although HPV 20 is more frequent than HPV 8 in AEV. Most treatments have low efficacy, the most described are glycolic acid 15%, 5-fluorouracil 5%, imiquimod 5%, and topical retinoids all of them in monotherapy or combined with cryotherapy. Other alternatives include topical cidofovir and systemic retinoids with variable results. The oncologic prognosis is still inconclusive; however, the development of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are frankly lower concerning CEV. This review opens new opportunities for future research. Additionally, we provide clear and useful key points for the practice of dermatologists and all professionals treating HIV patients around the world.

Karanjin-loaded soya lecithin-based ethosomal nanogel for the therapeutic intervention of psoriasis: formulation development, factorial design based-optimization,in vitroandin vivoassessment.

This study aimed to develop and optimize karanjin-loaded ethosomal nanogel formulation and evaluate its efficacy in alleviating symptoms of psoriasis in an animal model induced by imiquimod. These karanjin-loaded ethosomal nanogel, were formulated to enhance drug penetration into the skin and its epidermal retention. Karanjin was taken to formulate ethosomes due to its potential ani-psoriatic activity. Ethosomes were formulated using the cold method using 32full factorial designs to optimize the formulation components. 9 batches were prepared using two independent variablesX1: concentration of ethanol andX2: concentration of phospholipid whereas vesicle size (Y1) and percentage entrapment efficiency (Y2) were selected as dependent variables. All the dependent variables were found to be statistically significant. The optimized ethosomal suspension (B3) exhibited a vesicle size of 334 ± 2.89 nm with an entrapment efficiency of 94.88 ± 1.24% and showed good stability. The morphology of vesicles appeared spherical with smooth surfaces through transmission electron microscopy analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the drug existed in an amorphous state within the ethosomal formulation. The optimized ethosome was incorporated into carbopol 934 to develop nanogel for easy application on the skin. The nanogel underwent characterization for various parameters including spreadability, viscosity, pH, extrudability, and percentage drug content. The ethosomal formulation remarkably enhanced the skin permeation of karanjin and increased epidermal retention of the drug in psoriatic skin compared to marketed preparation and pure drug. A skin retention study showed that ethosomal nanogel formulation has 48.33% epidermal retention in 6 h.In vivo,the anti-psoriatic activity of karanjin ethosomal nanogel demonstrated significant improvement in psoriasis, indicated by a gradual decrease in skin thickness and scaling as reflected in the Psoriasis Severity Index grading. Therefore, the prepared ethosomal nanogel is a potential vehicle for improved topical delivery of karanjin for better treatment of psoriasis.

Thymopentapeptide Affects T-Cell Subsets by Modulating the Flora of the Skin Surface to Alleviate Psoriasis.

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition. The emergence of psoriasis has been linked to dysbiosis of the microbiota on the skin surface and an imbalance in the immunological microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic impact of topical thymopentin (TP5) on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis in mice, as well as the modulatory influence of TP5 on the skin immune milieu and the skin surface microbiota. Methods: The IMQ-induced psoriasis-like lesion mouse model was used to identify the targets and molecular mechanisms of TP5. Immunofluorescence was employed to identify differences in T-cell subset expression before and after TP5 therapy. Changes in the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway components were assessed using Western blotting (WB). 16S rRNA sequencing and network pharmacology were used to detect changes in the skin flora before and after TP5 administration. Results: In vivo, TP5 reduced IMQ-induced back inflammation in mice. H&E staining revealed decreased epidermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration with TP5. Masson staining revealed decreased epidermal and dermal collagen infiltration after TP5 administration. Immunohistochemistry showed that TP5 treatment dramatically reduced IL-17 expression. Results of the immunoinfiltration analyses showed psoriatic lesions with more T-cell subsets. According to the immunofluorescence results, TP5 dramatically declined the proportions of CD4+, Th17, ROR+, and CD8+ T cells. WB revealed that TP5 reduced NF-κB pathway expression in skin tissues from IMQ-induced psoriasis model mice. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a significant increase in Burkholderia and Pseudomonadaceae_Pseudomonas and a significant decrease in Staphylococcaceae_Staphylococcus, Aquabacterium, Herbaspirillum, and Balneimonas. Firmicutes dominated the skin microbial diversity after TP5 treatment, while Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, TM7, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and other species dominated in the IMQ group. Conclusion: TP5 may treat psoriasis by modulating the epidermal flora, reducing NF-κB pathway expression, and influencing T-cell subsets.

Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile Is a Promising Marine Source Able to Alleviate Imiquimod-Induced Psoriatic Skin Inflammation.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory cutaneous disease characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and adipokine Lipocalin-2 (LCN-2). Recently, natural plant-based products have been studied as new antipsoriatic compounds. We investigate the ability of a leaf extract of the marine plant Posidonia oceanica (POE) to inhibit psoriatic dermatitis in C57BL/6 mice treated with Imiquimod (IMQ). One group of mice was topically treated with IMQ (IMQ mice) for 5 days, and a second group received POE orally before each topical IMQ treatment (IMQ-POE mice). Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score, thickness, and temperature of the skin area treated with IMQ were measured in both groups. Upon sacrifice, the organs were weighed, and skin biopsies and blood samples were collected. Plasma and lesional skin protein expression of IL-17, IL-23, IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α and plasma LCN-2 concentration were evaluated by ELISA. PASI score, thickness, and temperature of lesional skin were reduced in IMQ-POE mice, as were histological features of psoriatic dermatitis and expression of inflammatory cytokines and LCN-2 levels. This preliminary study aims to propose P. oceanica as a promising naturopathic anti-inflammatory treatment that could be introduced in Complementary Medicine for psoriasis.

TLR Agonists Modify NK Cell Activation and Increase Its Cytotoxicity in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in innate immunity, particularly in combating infections and tumors. However, in hematological cancers, NK cells often exhibit impaired functions. Therefore, it is very important to activate its endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as a potential strategy to restore its antitumor activity. We stimulated NK cells from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and NK cells isolated, and the NK cells were stimulated with specific TLR ligands (Poly I:C, Imiquimod, R848, and ODN2006) and we evaluated changes in IFN-γ, CD107a, NKG2D, NKp44 expression, Granzyme B secretion, cytokine/chemokine release, and cytotoxic activity. Results revealed that Poly I:C and Imiquimod enhanced the activation of both immunoregulatory and cytotoxic NK cells, increasing IFN-γ, CD107a, NKG2D, and NKp44 expression. R848 activated immunoregulatory NK cells, while ODN2006 boosted CD107a, NKp44, NKG2D, and IFN-γ secretion in cytotoxic NK cells. R848 also increased the secretion of seven cytokines/chemokines. Importantly, R848 and ODN 2006 significantly improved cytotoxicity against leukemic cells. Overall, TLR stimulation enhances NK cell activation, suggesting TLR8 (R848) and TLR9 (ODN 2006) ligands as promising candidates for antitumor immunotherapy.

Shielding against breast tumor relapse with an autologous chemo-photo-immune active Nano-Micro-Sera based fibrin implant.

Local recurrence post-surgery in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer is a major challenge. To control the regrowth of a residual tumor, we have developed an autologous therapeutic hybrid fibrin glue for intra-operative implantation. Using autologous serum proteins as stabilizers, we have optimized high drug-loaded lapatinib-NanoSera (Lap-NS; ∼66% L.C.) and imiquimod-MicroSera (IMQ-MS; ∼92% L.C). Additionally, plasmonic nanosera (PNS) with an ∼67% photothermal conversion efficiency under 980 nm laser irradiation was also developed. While localized monotherapy with either Lap-NS or PNS reduced the tumor regrowth rate, their combination with IMQ-MS amplified the effect of immunogenic cell death with a high level of tumor infiltration by immune cells at the surgical site. The localized combination immunotherapy with a Nano-MicroSera based hybrid fibrin implant showed superior tumor inhibition and survival with significant promise for clinical translation.

Short-chain fatty acids ameliorate imiquimod-induced skin thickening and IL-17 levels and alter gut microbiota in mice: a metagenomic association analysis.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been proposed to have anti-inflammatory effects and improve immune homeostasis. We aimed to examine the effects of SCFAs on skin phenotype, systemic inflammation, and gut microbiota in mice with psoriasis-like inflammation. Imiquimod (IMQ)-treated C57BL/6 mice served as the study model. We conducted a metagenomic association study of IMQ-mice treated with SCFAs or anti-IL-17 antibody using whole-genome shotgun sequencing. The associations among SCFA supplements, skin thickness, circulating inflammatory profiles, and fecal microbiota profiles were investigated. The microbiome study was performed using pipelines for phylogenetic analysis, functional gene analysis, and pathway analysis. In IMQ-treated mice, there were increases in skin thickness and splenic weight, as well as unique fecal microbial profiles. SCFAs ameliorated IMQ-induced skin thickening, splenic weight gain, and serum IL-17F levels, with results that were comparable with those receiving anti-IL-17 treatment. IMQ-treated mice receiving SCFAs had greater microbial diversity than mice treated with IMQ alone. SCFAs and anti-IL17 treatment were associated with alteration of gut microbiota, with increased prevalences of Oscillospiraceae and Lachnopiraceae and decreased prevalences of Muribaculaceae and Bacteroides, which have been predicted to be associated with increased glycan degradation, phenylalanine metabolism, and xylene degradation. SCFAs may mitigate IMQ-induced skin thickening and IL-17F levels and alter fecal microbiota profiles in IMQ-treated mice.

Discovery of novel chrysin derivatives as potential Anti-Psoriasis agents.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease and is difficult to cure. In this work, a series of novel chrysin derivatives have been designed and prepared while evaluating anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, RAW264.7 cells were used to detect the inflammatory activities at first, and compounds 4h, 4k, and 4o significantly decreased the levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. In particular, compound 4o showed superior anti-inflammatory activities than other compounds. Moreover, compound 4o decreased the level of IL-17A in LPS-induced HaCaT cells in vitro. The effect and mechanism of anti-inflammatory activities on psoriasis were determined by imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mice in vivo. Compound 4o deduced the level of IL-6, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, and TNF-α, and showed potent anti-psoriasis activity. Further mechanism study suggested that compound 4o could improve the skin inflammation of psoriasis by inhibiting the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways.

Artemisia monosperma essential oil nanoformulations alleviate imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis in mice.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory immune-mediated skin disease that affects nearly 2-3 % of the global population. The current study aimed to develop safe and efficient anti-psoriatic nanoformulations from Artemisia monosperma essential oil (EO). EO was extracted using hydrodistillation (HD), microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD), and head-space solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), as well as GC/ MS was used for its analysis. EO nanoemulsion (NE) was prepared using the phase inversion method, while the biodegradable polymeric film (BF) was prepared using the solvent casting technique. A.monosperma EO contains a high percentage of non-oxygenated compounds, being 90.45 (HD), 82.62 (MADH), and 95.17 (HS-SPME). Acenaphthene represents the major aromatic hydrocarbon in HD (39.14 %) and MADH (48.60 %), while sabinene as monoterpene hydrocarbon (44.2 %) is the primary compound in the case of HS-SPME. The anti-psoriatic Effect of NE and BF on the successful delivery of A.monosperma EO was studied using the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic model in mice. Five groups (n = 6 mice) were classified into control group, IMQ group, IMQ+standard group, IMQ+NE group, and IMQ+BF group. NE and BF significantly alleviated the psoriatic skin lesions and decreased the psoriasis area severity index, Baker's score, and spleen index. Also, they reduced the expression of Ki67 and attenuated the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, and interleukin 17. Additionally, NE and NF were able to downregulate the NF-κB and GSK-3ß signaling pathways. Despite the healing properties of BF, NE showed a more prominent effect on treating the psoriatic model, which could be referred to as its high skin penetration ability and absorption. These results potentially contribute to documenting experimental and theoretical evidence for the clinical uses of A.monosperma EO nanoformulations for treating psoriasis.

Unlocking milk thistle's anti-psoriatic potential in mice: Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR and KEAP1/NRF2/NF-κB pathways to modulate inflammation and oxidative stress.

Silybum marianum, known as milk thistle (MT), is traditionally used to manage liver diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of MT extract topical application as a potential treatment for imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic lesions in mice with particular emphasis on phosphoinositol-3 Kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)/ nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (NRF2)/ nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) molecular cascades involvement. To address this aim, forty male Swiss albino mice were subdivided into four groups (n = 10 mice/group): control, IMQ model, standard group where mice were treated topically with IMQ, then the anti-psoriatic mometasone cream, and MT extract-treated group where mice were treated topically with IMQ followed by MT extract. In most measured parameters, MT extract, rich in silymarin, exhibited potent anti-psoriatic activity comparable to the standard cortisone treatment. MT extract mitigated dorsal skin erythema, scaling, and epidermal thickening, reflected by lowering the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score. Moreover, it alleviated IMQ-induced splenomegaly. Mechanistically, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was the main functional pathway behind such improvements, where it was significantly inhibited by MT extract application. This led to NRF2 activation via KEAP1 downregulation with subsequent anti-inflammatory effect proven by reducing NF-κB, interleukin (IL)-23, and IL-17A and antioxidant ability proven by boosting the antioxidant glutathione and heme oxygenase-1. Such improvements were confirmed by alleviating the histopathological alteration. Thus, MT extract could be a promising therapeutic agent for psoriasis treatment by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade, along with NRF2 signaling activation.