Effects of Botulinum Toxin A on Rosacea-Like Inflammation in an LL-37-Induced Rosacea Mouse Model
10.5021/ad.25.198
- Author:
Daewon YOON
;
Jung Ok LEE
;
You Na JANG
;
Kwang Ho YOO
;
Beom Joon KIM
;
Sun Young CHOI
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Dermatology
2026;38(3):226-236
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by flushing, erythema, papules/pustules, and telangiectasia. Several clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) in the treatment of rosacea, but its mechanism of action remains unclear.
Objective:This study aims to examine the potential role of BoNT/A in a mouse model of rosacea-like skin lesions induced by the 37-amino acid C-terminal cathelicidin peptide (LL-37).
Methods:Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control, LL-37, LL-37 + BoNT/A, and LL-37 + dexamethasone.
Results:BoNT/A treatment alleviated skin damage, reduced skin thickness, and decreased mast cell infiltration. Furthermore, BoNT/A improved redness score severity and redness area while enhancing skin barrier function by suppressing transepidermal water loss and increasing skin hydration. At the molecular level, BoNT/A decreased the mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, which are known as pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also downregulated the expression of pyrin domain-containing protein 3, caspase-1, and IL-1 beta in the LL-37-injected dorsal skin. Furthermore, BoNT/A prevented LL-37-mediated upregulation of neurovascular-associated factors, including CD31, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, calcitonin-related polypeptide alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, chymase 1, and tryptase alpha/beta 1.
Conclusion:These results indicate that BoNT/A effectively alleviates inflammatory and vascular responses in a rosacea mouse model, highlighting its potential as a promising preventive approach for rosacea.
