title: A Herbal Formula, Atofreellage, Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in an NC/Nga Mouse Model.
abstract: We evaluated the anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) effect of Atofreellage (AF), a herbal formula composed of 10 medicinal plants. AD was induced on the dorsal skin areas of NC/Nga mice (male, seven weeks old) by daily application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for five weeks. After three weeks of DNCB application, 200 μL of AF (0, 25, 50 or 100 mg/mL) was applied to the skin lesions. Histological findings, blood cell populations, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory signaling in the skin tissue, and T-helper cell type 2 (Th₂)-related cytokines in splenocytes were analyzed. Histopathological findings showed AF treatment notably attenuated the thickness of dorsal skin, and eosinophil infiltration. AF treatment (especially 100 mg/mL) also demonstrably ameliorated the blood cell population abnormalities, as the notable elevation of serum concentrations of IgE, histamine, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were remarkably normalized by AF treatment. Western blot analysis evidenced the apparent normalization of inflammatory signals (ERK, p38 MAP kinase, JNK, and NF-κB) in the skin tissue. Additionally, AF treatment notably attenuated the activation of Th₂-dominant cytokines (IL-13, IL-4, and IL-5) in Con A-treated splenocytes in an ex vivo assay. In conclusion, this study provides experimental evidence for the clinical relevance of Atofreellage.
authors.affiliation: Liver and Immunology Research-Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 176-9, Daeheung-ro, Jung-Gu, Daejeon 34929, Korea. godunga3@naver.com.
authors.forename: Won-Yong
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Liver and Immunology Research-Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 176-9, Daeheung-ro, Jung-Gu, Daejeon 34929, Korea. winakim@dju.kr.
authors.forename: Hyeong-Geug
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: TKM-Based Herbal Drug Research Group, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea. hwlee@kiom.re.kr.
authors.forename: Hye-Won
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Liver and Immunology Research-Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 176-9, Daeheung-ro, Jung-Gu, Daejeon 34929, Korea. neptune26ljs@naver.com.
authors.forename: Jin-Seok
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Liver and Immunology Research-Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 176-9, Daeheung-ro, Jung-Gu, Daejeon 34929, Korea. lastdohee@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Hwi-Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Im
authors.affiliation: Liver and Immunology Research-Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 176-9, Daeheung-ro, Jung-Gu, Daejeon 34929, Korea. khs910707@hanmail.net.
authors.forename: Hyo-Seon
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Liver and Immunology Research-Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 176-9, Daeheung-ro, Jung-Gu, Daejeon 34929, Korea. sky161300@naver.com.
authors.forename: Sung-Bae
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Liver and Immunology Research-Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 176-9, Daeheung-ro, Jung-Gu, Daejeon 34929, Korea. ckson@dju.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Chang-Gue
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Son
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene / Q000009:adverse effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006632:Histamine / Q000378:metabolism; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000378:metabolism; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D013154:Spleen / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene; D010936:Plant Extracts; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D006632:Histamine
keywords: NC/Nga murine model; atopic dermatitis; herbal medicine; inflammation