The Therapeutic Potential of Copper Peptides on Atopic Dermatitis Lesions in BALB/c mice and Human Keratinocytes

Abstract

PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis (AD), often referred to as eczema, is a chronic disease characterized by skin inflammation, itchiness, irritation, and dryness. It is caused mainly by immune dysregulation. Copper peptides (CP) have been used for a variety of skin-related purposes. In this study, we examined the effect of CP on AD induced in BALB/c mice.METHODS: BALB/c mice were separated into the following five groups: control, AD-only, AD+CP10, AD+CP100, and AD+CERA. AD was induced using house dust mite (HDM) extract and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The mice received CP or ceramide (CERA; positive control) based on their group allocation. Histopathological analysis was performed to assess the effect of CP on mast cell infiltration. Dermal and epidermal thickness were measured using microphotographs of hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained tissue. We examined the serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and mRNA gene expression of pathogenic cytokines in the mouse ear tissue and in human keratinocytes.RESULTS: CP treatment decreased dermal and epidermal mouse ear thickness and mast cell infiltration in the ear tissue in a dosedependent manner. It also decreased the serum IgE levels and the mRNA gene expression of pathogenic cytokines in the ear tissue and in the human keratinocytes. Interestingly, the therapeutic effect of CP was more robust than that of CERA.CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that CP may have therapeutic potential against AD.