Jageum-Jung improves 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice and suppresses pro-inflammatory chemokine production by inhibiting TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced STAT-1 and NFκB signaling in HaCaT cells

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceJageum-Jung (JGJ) is an oriental herbal formula comprising five herbs (Melaphis chinensis Bell, Cremastra variabilis Nakai, Knoxia valerianoides Thorel, Euphorbia lathyris L., and Moschus moschiferus L.). It has been used for detoxification and treating cancer and inflammatory diseases in China, Japan, and Korea. However, the mechanism of action of JGJ on keratinocyte inflammatory response is poorly understood. Aim of the studyIn the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of JGJ and studied the effects of JGJ on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice. Materials and methodsWe elucidated the anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of JGJ on tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ (TNF-α/IFN-γ)-treated human keratinocyte cells, IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells, and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like mice, respectively. ResultsThe results showed that JGJ suppressed the production and mRNA revels of IL-8, IL-6 and, conspicuously, both TARC and RANTES. JGJ inhibited nuclear translocation of the inflammatory transcription factors NFκB and STAT-1. Moreover, JGJ improved AD-like skin lesions in DNCB-treated mice and inhibited degranulation of mast cell. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that JGJ can be considered as a candidate agent for AD treatment.