Anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects of Chi-Huang Solution in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn treating atopic dermatitis, multi-mode management is adopted, including trying to avoid the allergens, controlling and preventing secondary infections, and using drugs to control itching. At present, most of the commonly used anti-pruritic drugs in the clinic are single-target and lead to serious side effects. Many studies have shown that a variety of traditional Chinese medicines have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects, and have the characteristics of multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple effects. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects of the Chi-Huang Solution in a murine model of Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). This study considers the effectiveness of the Chi-Huang Solution for external use on skin to provide an experimental basis for the clinical development and application of Chinese medicine and related preparations for Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Materials and methodsForty-two male SPF C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group (n = 6), ACD model group (n = 6), HAC control group (n = 6), and 4 Chi-Huang Solution groups (n = 6 in each group). With SADBE induce the murine model of ACD chronic pruritus, and initially evaluate whether the model is successful by counting scratching behavior, measuring the skin fold thickness and skin lesion score within 1 h. After treating the ACD model mice with deionized water, HAC, 1CH, 2CH, 3CH, and 4CH for 7 days, behavioral changes were used to evaluate the anti-pruritic effect. The skin fold thickness, skin lesion score, and spleen index were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the Chi-Huang Solution. H.E. staining was used for the epidermal thickness measurement and pathological evaluation. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of related inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-33, IL-4, IL-17A, CXCL10, and its receptor CXCR3 in the skin of the lesion site, as well as to detect the mRNA expression of pruritus-related genes such as TRPV1, TRPA1, and GRP in DRG. ResultsAfter the treatment of low-dose (0.1 g/mL) and medium-dose (0.2 g/mL) Chi-Huang Solution, the scratching times both decreased significantly (P < 0.05), meanwhile the medium-dose Chi-Huang Solution had an obvious effect on reducing scratches/scab score (P < 0.05). Moreover, no matter what dose it takes, all Chi-Huang Solution can alleviate the epidermal thickening (P < 0.05) and the infiltration of mast cells in the ACD murine model of ACD. It is worth mentioning that the count of mast cells in the dermis was significantly down-regulated after the treatment of medium-dose Chi-Huang Solution (P < 0.005). Furthermore, Chi-Huang Solution can significantly down-regulate the mRNA expression of related inflammatory factors in the skin, and reduce the mRNA expression of pruritus-related genes, such as TRPA1, TRPV1, and GRP in the spinal cord. ConclusionsThe results indicated that Chi-Huang Solution for external use exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects on SADBE-induced ACD chronic pruritus murine models. Chi-Huang Solution might emerge as an effective drug for the treatment of CAD and high-dose Chi-Huang Solution (0.4 g/ml) has better comprehensive effects.