Abstract
Curcumin, a selective phosphorylase kinase inhibitor, is a naturally occurring phytochemical present in turmeric. Curcumin has been confirmed to have anti-inflammatory properties in addition to the ability to decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes. The interleukin-23 (IL-23)/IL-17A cytokine axis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Here, we report that topical use of a curcumin gel formulation strongly inhibited imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like inflammation, the development of which was based on the IL-23/IL-17A axis. IMQ-induced epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation in BALB/c mouse ear was significantly inhibited following curcumin treatment. Real-time PCR showed that mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines were decreased significantly by curcumin in ear skin, an effect similar to that of clobetasol. In addition, we found that curcumin may enhance the proliferation of epidermis γδ T cells but inhibit dermal γδ T cell proliferation. We inferred that curcumin was capable of impacting the IL-23/IL-17A axis by inhibiting IL-1β/IL-6 and then indirectly down-regulating IL-17A/IL-22 production. In conclusion, curcumin can relieve the IMQ-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in a mouse model, similar to the effects of clobetasol. Therefore, we have every reason to expect that curcumin will be used in the treatment of psoriasis in the future.
Highlights
Psoriasis is one of the most common immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disorders characterized by hyperproliferative keratinocytes and massive infiltration of leukocytes [1]
The pathogenesis of psoriasis is not fully understood, there is growing evidence to indicate that the interleukin-23 (IL-23)/IL-17A cytokine axis plays a critical role in the disease development [2,3,4,5]
It is possible that curcumin inhibits cytokines, NF-kB and the activation STAT3, which contribute to inflammation and keratinocyte proliferation in psoriasis
Summary
Psoriasis is one of the most common immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disorders characterized by hyperproliferative keratinocytes and massive infiltration of leukocytes [1]. It affects approximately 25 million people in North America and Europe and is likely the most prevalent immune-mediated skin disease in adults. Molecular and cellular pharmacological research on curcumin has shown that it has inhibitory effects on NF-kB, MAPK, and cytokines [7,8,9]. It down-regulated the expression of various proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1, IL2, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12) by inactivating NF-kB [10,11]. All of the above suggests that curcumin is of potential value for the treatment of psoriasis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
