title: Indirubin, a purple 3,2- bisindole, inhibited allergic contact dermatitis via regulating T helper (Th)-mediated immune system in DNCB-induced model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Indirubin, isolated from Indigo naturalis (Apiaceae) is a purple 3,2- bisindole and a stable isomer of indigo. Although it is known to have anti-inflammatory activities, its mechanism of action has not been elucidated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven-week-old female BALB/c mice were sensitized with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) to induce skin inflammation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess epidermal and dermal hyperplasia, which were determined by measuring the thicknesses of the epidermis and dermis, respectively. We also evaluated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and cytokines production, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-4, 6 and Interferon (IFN)-gamma. In addition, we investigated nuclear factor (NF)-κB, IκB-α and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activities for verifying the molecular mechanism of inflammation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Indirubin treatment suppressed skin inflammation in DNCB-exposed mice. The skin lesions were significantly thinner in the Indirubin-treated group than in untreated controls, and the hyperkeratosis disappeared. Indirubin reduced the total serum IgE level and cytokines production. In addition, it normalized NF-κB, IκB-α and MAP kinase expression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Indirubin might be a useful treatment for allergic contact dermatitis via regulating the co-expression of T helper (Th) 1 and 2 cell-mediated immune responses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prescriptionology, College of Oriental Medicine, Institute of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Mi Hye
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: You Yeon
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Gabsik
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Ik-Hyun
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Dongwoo
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.forename: Woong Mo
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D020672:I-kappa B Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000378:metabolism; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene; D020672:I-kappa B Proteins; D007211:Indoles; D016328:NF-kappa B; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; C027185:indirubin