Abstract
Pentaherb formula (PHF) has been proven to improve the quality of life of children with atopic dermatitis without side effects. The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities of PHF, Moutan Cortex (Danpi/DP) and gallic acid (GA) using human basophils (KU812 cells), which are crucial effector cells in allergic inflammation. PHF, DP and GA could significantly suppress the expression of allergic inflammatory cytokine IL-33-upregulated intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and the release of chemokines CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8 and inflammatory cytokine IL-6 from KU812 cells (all p < 0.05). With the combined use of dexamethasone (0.01 μg/mL) and GA (10 μg/mL), the suppression of ICAM-1 expression and CCL5 and IL-6 release of IL-33-activated KU812 cells were significantly greater than the use of GA alone (all p < 0.05). The suppression of the IL-33-induced activation of intracellular signalling molecules p38 mitogen activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-κB and c-Jun amino-terminal kinase in GA-treated KU812 cells could be the underlying mechanism for the suppression on ICAM-1, chemokines and cytokines. The combined use of dexamethasone with the natural products PHF or DP or GA might therefore enhance the development of a novel therapeutic modality for allergic inflammatory diseases with high potency and fewer side effects.
Highlights
The prevalence of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD) has been increasing dramatically in both developed and developing countries [1,2,3]
IL-33-activated KU812 cells were treated with various concentrations of Pentaherb formula (PHF), DP and gallic acid (GA), followed by measurement of cell surface expression of adhesion molecule
The reduced intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression on IL-33 activated KU812 cells suggests that PHF, DP and GA may inhibit the endothelial transmigration of basophiles to the inflamed sites, and dampen the subsequent allergic responses [30,31,32]
Summary
The prevalence of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD) has been increasing dramatically in both developed and developing countries [1,2,3]. Organization (WHO) estimated that in 2011, 300 million people in the World population of 7.1 billion (about 4%) have allergic asthma, adversely affecting their quality of life and the socio-economic welfare of the society [3]. AD is one of the most frequent chronic inflammatory skin diseases, affecting up to 25% of children and 1–3% of adults worldwide [1]. AD is the most common type of chronic allergic skin diseases. It can occur at any age, affecting infants, children and adults. AD infants are prone to subsequently develop allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis during childhood [3,5,6]
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