Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic pruritic inflammatory skin disease. The available systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis are inadequate. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Chinese herbal formula Pei Tu Qing Xin (PTQX) on dermatitis severity and ear swelling, immunomodulation, and the infiltration of mast cells in a mouse model of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene- (DNCB-) induced AD. Methods. AD-like symptoms were induced by DNCB in NC/Nga mice. Skin lesions, dermatitis, ear swelling, and scratching behaviour were evaluated. Changes in the T-helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) subtypes and immunoregulation in the spleen and lymph nodes were detected by flow cytometry. Results. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that PTQX decreased the DNCB-mediated induction of mast cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the ear and dorsal skin. PTQX also reduced the DNCB-induced increase in the serum immunoglobulin E level, pruritus, and dermatitis (red, flaky areas) on the dorsal skin. Furthermore, PTQX regulated the balance between the populations of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells (particularly the latter two) in the lymph nodes. Conclusions. Our results suggest that the Chinese herbal formula PTQX can alleviate symptoms of AD, such as epithelial damage, redness, swelling, and pruritus, and potentially be used to treat this condition.
Highlights
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, highly treatment-refractory form of itchy inflammatory skin dermatosis that affects both children and adults
We examined whether Pei Tu Qing Xin (PTQX) could inhibit DNCB-induced AD-like skin inflammation in mice
Representative dorsal skin photographs, dermatitis scores, and ear thicknesses were obtained from mice treated or not with PTQX to compare AD-like skin lesions
Summary
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, highly treatment-refractory form of itchy inflammatory skin dermatosis that affects both children and adults. It is among the most common chronic skin diseases, affecting up to 25% of children and 2-3% of adults in most countries worldwide [1]. Our team reported an outcome assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled, 3-arm randomised clinical trial (RCT) conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PTQX for the treatment of AD. A study protocol for a RCT intended to test the efficacy and safety of oral PTQX in children aged 6–16 years with moderate-to-severe atopic eczema has been published in trials [10]. The molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of PTQX on AD remain unclear
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
