Oxymatrine Sensitizes the HaCaT Cells to the IFN-γ Pathway and Downregulates MDC, ICAM-1, and SOCS1 by Activating p38, JNK, and Akt.

Decreased interferon (IFN)-γ levels and increased levels of macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 are known to be involved in allergic skin diseases, such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. Activation of the IFN-γ and its downstream interleukin-12 (IL-12) pathway can correct these diseases. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) is a cytokine signaling inhibitor that blocks downstream pathways of IFN-γ by blocking the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways. Oxymatrine (OMT), a quinolizidine alkaloid extracted from the herbal medicine Radix Sophorae flavescentis, is used to treat allergic skin diseases in China. The non-cytotoxic concentrations of OMT in HaCaT cells were determined through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IFN-γ were used to stimulate HaCaT cells, and OMT was added to this system with tacrolimus (FK506) as a positive control. The mRNAs of cytokines, MDC, ICAM-1, IL-12p35, IL-12p40, and IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR)α were detected by RT-PCR. Western blot analyses were performed to assess activation of the MAPK (p38, Jun N-terminal kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and Akt signaling pathways. OMT increased the mRNA levels of the IL-12 and IFN-γRα, reduced the mRNA levels of ICAM-1, MDC, and SOCS1. But FK506 increased the mRNA levels of IL12 and inhibited the expression of ICAM-1 mRNAs and had no effects on the IFN-γRα, MDC, and SOCS1 mRNA in HaCaT cells stimulated with TNF-α and IFN-γ. Thus, the mechanisms through which OMT and FK506 ameliorate allergic skin diseases differ.

Efficacy of topical administration of Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae on multiple plantar warts: A parallel randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae in treating multiple plantar warts. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with multiple plantar warts on both left and right feet were recruited. Warts on the left feet (treatment group) of all patients were externally treated with moderate ethanol extract of Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae which was made of 30 g Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae putting into 100 mL of medical ethanol (75%). For the control group, moderate dose of 0.1% vitamin A acid ointment was externally applied onto the right-foot warts. The topical application of each treatment was conducted 3 times a day for both groups. After 4 and 8 weeks, the efficacy and side effects including skin erythema and blister were evaluated and observed. RESULTS: Compared with the pre-treatment, warts size of the control group was reduced after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). After 4 and 8 weeks, the average wart size in the treatment group was both significantly reduced respectively (P<0.01). There were significant differences in warts size and total effective rate between the two groups after 4-week treatment respectively (P<0.05 or P<0.01). More significant differences in wart size and total effective rate were observed after 8-week treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The percentage reduction in wart size was significantly different between the two groups after 4 and 8-week treatment (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae was significantly superior to vitamin A acid ointment in treating multiple plantar warts.