OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TGW) in the treatment of psoriatic dermatitis from a cellular immunological perspective. METHODS: Mouse models of psoriatic dermatitis were established by imiquimod (IMQ). Twelve male BALB/c mice were assigned to IMQ or IMQ₊TGW groups according to a random number table. Histopathological changes in vivo were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Ratios of immune cells and cytokines in mice, as well as PAM212 cell proliferation in vitro were assessed by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: TGW significantly ameliorated the severity of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse skin lesions and restrained the activation of CD45⁺ cells, neutrophils and T lymphocytes (all P<0.01). Moreover, TGW significantly attenuated keratinocytes (KCs) proliferation and downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor α, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, it reduced the number of γ δ T17 cells in skin lesion of mice and draining lymph nodes (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TGW improved psoriasis-like inflammation by inhibiting KCs proliferation, as well as the associated immune cells and cytokine expression. It inhibited IL-17 secretion from γ δ T cells, which improved the immune-inflammatory microenvironment of psoriasis.
Male ; Animals ; Mice ; Tripterygium ; Psoriasis/drug therapy* ; Keratinocytes ; Skin Diseases/metabolism* ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Imiquimod/metabolism* ; Dermatitis/pathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Skin/metabolism*

Objective: To fabricate TiO₂ nanotube material functionalized by antimicrobial peptide LL-37, and to explore its effects on biological behaviors such as adhesion and migration of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and its antibacterial properties. Methods: The TiO₂ nanotube array (NT) was constructed on the surface of polished titanium (PT) by anodization, and the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 was loaded on the surface of TiO₂ nanotube (LL-37/NT) by physical adsorption. Three samples were selected by simple random sampling in each group. Surface morphology, roughness, hydrophilicity and release characteristics of LL-37 of the samples were analyzed with a field emission scanning electron microscope, an atomic force microscope, a contact angle measuring device and a microplate absorbance reader. HaCaT cells were respectively cultured on the surface of three groups of titanium samples. Each group had 3 replicates. The morphology of cell was observed by field emission scanning electron microscope. The number of cell adhesion was observed by cellular immunofluorescence staining. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Wound scratch assay was used to observe the migration of HaCaT. The above experiments were used to evaluate the effect of each group on the biological behavior of HaCaT cells. To evaluate their antibacterial effects, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) was respectively inoculated on the surface of three groups of titanium samples. Each group had 3 replicates. The morphology of bacteria was observed by field emission scanning electron microscope. Bacterial viability was determined by live/dead bacterial staining. Results: A uniform array of nanotubes could be seen on the surface of titanium samples in LL-37/NT group, and the top of the tube was covered with granular LL-37. Compared with PT group [the roughness was (2.30±0.18) nm, the contact angle was 71.8°±1.7°], the roughness [(20.40±3.10) and (19.10±4.11) nm] and hydrophilicity (the contact angles were 22.4°±3.1° and 25.3°±2.2°, respectively) of titanium samples increased in NT and LL-37/NT group (P<0.001). The results of in vitro release test showed that the release of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 was characterized by early sudden release (1-4 h) and long-term (1-7 d) slow release. With the immunofluorescence, more cell attachment was found on NT and LL-37/NT than that on PT at the first 0.5 and 2.0 h of culture (P<0.05). The results of CCK-8 showed that there was no significant difference in the proliferation of cells among groups at 1, 3 and 5 days after culture. Wound scratch assay showed that compared with PT and NT group, the cell moved fastest on the surface of titanium samples in LL-37/NT group at 24 h of culture [(96.4±4.9)%] (F=35.55, P<0.001). A monolayer cells could be formed and filled with the scratch in 24 h at LL-37/NT group. The results of bacterial test in vitro showed that compared with the PT group, the bacterial morphology in the NT and LL-37/NT groups was significantly wrinkled, and obvious bacterial rupture could be seen on the surface of titanium samples in LL-37/NT group. The results of bacteria staining showed that the green fluorescence intensity of titanium samples in LL-37/NT group was the lowest in all groups (F=66.54,P<0.001). Conclusions: LL-37/NT is beneficial to the adhesion and migration of HaCaT cells and has excellent antibacterial properties, this provides a new strategy for the optimal design of implant neck materials.
Humans ; Titanium/chemistry* ; Antimicrobial Peptides ; Cathelicidins ; Sincalide ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology* ; Nanotubes/chemistry* ; Dental Materials ; Bacteria ; Keratinocytes ; Surface Properties

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the ethanol extract of Herpetospermum caudigerum Wall (EHC), a Xizang medicinal plant traditionally used for treating liver diseases, can improve imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine the effects of topical EHC use in vivo on the skin pathology of imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice. The protein levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in mouse skin samples were examined using immunohistochemical staining. In vitro, IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells with or without EHC treatment were used to evaluate the expression of keratinocyte-derived intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and chemokine CXC ligand 9 (CXCL9) using Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and proteasome inhibitor MG132 were utilized to validate the EHC-mediated mechanism underlying degradation of ICAM-1 and CXCL9. RESULTS: EHC improved inflammation in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model and reduced the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A in psoriatic lesions. Treatment with EHC also suppressed ICAM-1 and CXCL9 in epidermal keratinocytes. Further mechanistic studies revealed that EHC suppressed keratinocyte-derived ICAM-1 and CXCL9 by promoting ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated protein degradation rather than transcriptional repression. Seven primary compounds including ehletianol C, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol, herpetrione, herpetin, herpetotriol, herpetetrone and herpetetrol were identified from the EHC using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. CONCLUSION Topical application of EHC ameliorates psoriasis-like skin symptoms and improves the inflammation at the lesion sites. Please cite this article as: Zhong Y, Zhang BW, Li JT, Zeng X, Pei JX, Zhang YM, Yang YX, Li FL, Deng Y, Zhao Q. Ethanol extract of Herpetospermum caudigerum Wall ameliorates psoriasis-like skin inflammation and promotes degradation of keratinocyte-derived ICAM-1 and CXCL9. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 584-592.
Animals ; Mice ; Interleukin-17/metabolism* ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Imiquimod/adverse effects* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Ligands ; Psoriasis/chemically induced* ; Keratinocytes ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Chemokines/metabolism* ; Interferon-gamma/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

Epidermis ; Humans ; Hyperpigmentation ; Keratinocytes ; Particulate Matter/toxicity*

To observe the cell origin of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid(NMDA)receptor expression in skin after chronic ischemic pain modeling in rats and explore the role of NMDA receptor in type Ⅰ complex regional pain syndrome. Forty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups:sham operation group(=12),chronic post ischemia pain(CPIP)group(=12),CPIP+normal saline(NS)group(=6),CPIP+NMDA group(=6),and CPIP+MK801 group(=6).Six rats in the sham operation group and CPIP group were sacrificed under deep anesthesia one day after modeling.The plantar skin and L3-L5 spinal cord tissue were used for NR1(NMDA receptor)subunit immunofluorescence detection and for Western blotting of NR1,interleukin(IL)-1β,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α.For the remaining rats,the mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT)values on the 2nd,6th,10th and 14th day after ischemia were recorded,and the corresponding drugs were injected subcutaneously from the 6th day after ischemia.The skin and L3-L5 spinal cords were collected on the 14th day,and the same detection methods were applied. Compared with the sham operation group,the CPIP group had significantly higher expressions of NR1(1.708±0.064;=12.120, <0.001),IL-1β(2.575±0.305;=5.158, =0.003),and TNF-α(2.691±0.217;=7.786, <0.001)in the skin on the first day after modeling.After intervention with NMDA and MK801,the MWT value was [(20.37±0.95)g] in the CPIP+NS group,which was significantly higher than that in CPIP+NMDA group [(15.85±1.09)g;=10.920, <0.001] but significantly lower than that in CPIP+MK801 group[(22.95±0.96)g;=6.421, <0.001] 10 days after modeling.On the 14th day,compared with the MWT of the CPIP+NS group [(21.57±0.96)g],the CPIP+NMDA group had significantly decreased MWT value [(16.53±1.63)g;=12.190, <0.001],and the CPIP+MK801 group had significantly increased MWT value [(23.27±1.28)g;=4.094, =0.025].Compared with the sham operation group,the CPIP group had significantly increased NR1 expression(1.708±0.064;=10.910, <0.001)and the CPIP+NS group had significantly increased expressions of IL-1β(2.518±0.147;=11.010, <0.001)and TNF-α(1.949±0.184;=10.870, <0.001).Compared with the CPIP+NS group,the CPIP+NMDA group had significantly increased expressions of IL-1β(4.816±0.607;=16.670, =0.003)and TNF-α(2.629±0.349;=7.790, <0.001)and the CPIP+MK801 group had significantly decreased expressions of IL-1β(1.048±0.257;=10.660, =0.003)and TNF-α(0.790±0.165;=13.280, <0.001). NMDA receptor activation in skin keratinocytes after chronic ischemia in rats hinders the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α,which may be involved in central sensitization and pain conduction of type Ⅰ complex regional pain syndrome.
Animals ; Interleukin-1beta ; Keratinocytes ; Male ; Pain ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; Spinal Cord ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in various cellular diseases. Excessive ROS can cause intracellular oxidative stress, resulting in a calcium imbalance and even aging. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of esculetin on oxidative stress-induced aging in human HaCaT keratinocytes. METHODS: Human keratinocytes were pretreated with esculetin for 30 minutes and treated with H₂O₂. Then, the protective effects on oxidative stress-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 were detected by Flou-4-AM staining, reverse transcription-PCR, Western blotting, and quantitative fluorescence assay. RESULTS: Esculetin prevented H₂O₂-induced aging by inhibiting MMP-1 mRNA, protein, and activity levels. In addition, esculetin decreased abnormal levels of phospho-MEK1, phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-SEK1, phospho-JNK1/2, c-Fos, and phospho-c-Jun and inhibited activator protein 1 binding activity. CONCLUSIONS: Esculetin prevented excessive levels of intracellular calcium and reduced the expression levels of aging-related proteins.
Aging ; Blotting, Western ; Calcium ; Fluorescence ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Hydrogen ; Keratinocytes ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; Oxidative Stress ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; RNA, Messenger ; Skin ; Transcription Factor AP-1

Anesthesia ; Burn Units ; Burns ; Comorbidity ; Debridement ; Hand ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; Seoul ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

BACKGROUND: Macrophages have been known to have diverse roles either after tissue damage or during the wound healing process; however, their roles in flap wound healing are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how macrophages contribute to the flap wound regeneration.METHODS: A murine model of a pedicled flap was generated, and the time-course of the wound healing process was determined. Especially, the interface between the flap and the residual tissue was histopathologically evaluated. Using clodronate liposome, a macrophage-depleting agent, the functional role of macrophages in flap wound healing was investigated. Coculture of human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT and monocytic cell line THP-1 was performed to unveil relationship between the two cell types.RESULTS: Macrophage depletion significantly impaired flap wound healing process showing increased necrotic area after clodronate liposome administration. Interestingly, microscopic evaluation revealed that epithelial remodeling between the flap tissue and residual normal tissue did not occurred under the lack of macrophage infiltration. Coculture and scratch wound healing assays indicated that macrophages significantly affected the migration of keratinocytes.CONCLUSION: Macrophages play a critical role in the flap wound regeneration. Especially, epithelial remodeling at the flap margin is dependent on proper macrophage infiltration. These results implicate to support the cellular mechanisms of impaired flap wound healing.
Cell Line ; Clodronic Acid ; Coculture Techniques ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; Liposomes ; Macrophages ; Regeneration ; Surgical Flaps ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

BACKGROUND: Low temperature plasma (LTP) was recently shown to be potentially useful for biomedical applications such as bleeding cessation, cancer treatment, and wound healing, among others. Keratinocytes are a major cell type that migrates directionally into the wound bed, and their proliferation leads to complete wound closure during the cutaneous repair/regeneration process. However, the beneficial effects of LTP on human keratinocytes have not been well studied. Therefore, we investigated migration, growth factor production, and cytokine secretion in primary human keratinocytes after LTP treatment.METHODS: Primary cultured keratinocytes were obtained from human skin biopsies. Cell viability was measured with the EZ-Cytox cell viability assay, cell migration was evaluated by an in vitro wound healing assay, gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein expression was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blotting after LTP treatment.RESULTS: Cell migration, the secretion of several cytokines, and gene and protein levels of angiogenic growth factors increased in LTP-treated human keratinocytes without associated cell toxicity. LTP treatment also significantly induced the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), an upstream regulator of angiogenesis. Further, the inhibition of HIF-1α expression blocked the production of angiogenic growth factors induced by LTP in human keratinocytes.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that LTP treatment is an effective approach to modulate wound healing-related molecules in epidermal keratinocytes and might promote angiogenesis, leading to improved wound healing.
Anoxia ; Biopsy ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Migration Assays ; Cell Movement ; Cell Survival ; Cytokines ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Gene Expression ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Keratinocytes ; Plasma ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Skin ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

To investigate the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, and to provide new ideas for non-antibiotic therapy for acne vulgaris.
 Methods: Normal human epidermal keratinocyte (NHEK) was exposed to Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) [multiplicity of infection (MOI)=10, 20, 30] for 12, 24, or 36 hours. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA of IL-1β in NHEK. Three groups were set up as follows: A negative control group (no NHEK pretreatment), a positive control group (P. acnes was used to stimulate NHEK), and a siRNA group (pretreated NHEK with siRNA). ELISA, real-time PCR, and Western blotting were used to detect the protein, mRNA of IL-1β and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) in NHEK.
 Results: IL-1β of NHEK in the positive control group was significantly increased in a time and dose-dependent manner compared with the negative control group (P<0.05). After pretreating NHEK with siRNA, IL-1β level was decreased compared with the positive control group, but it was higher than that in the negative control group (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: P. ances can stimulate NHEK to secrete IL-1β, and the process is possibly involved in NLRP3. The inflammatory response induced by P. ances could be inhibited by suppressing the activity of NLRP3.
Acne Vulgaris ; Humans ; Inflammasomes ; Interleukin-1beta ; Keratinocytes ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Propionibacterium acnes