Theobroma cacao extract attenuates the development of Dermatophagoides farinae-induced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in NC/Nga mice.
Cacao beans from Theobroma cacao are an abundant source of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids. Previous studies demonstrated that cacao flavanols decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines resulting in the alleviation of allergic symptoms. We sought to investigate the effects of cacao extract (CE) on Dermatophagoides farinae extract (DFE)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like symptoms. CE attenuated DFE-induced AD-like symptoms as assessed by skin lesion analyses, dermatitis score, and skin thickness. Histopathological analysis revealed that CE suppressed DFE-induced immune cell infiltration into the skin. These observations occurred concomitantly with the downregulation of inflammatory markers including serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E, chemokine; thymus and activation-regulated chemokine and macrophage-derived chemokine as well as the skin-derived cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and interferon-γ. CE also significantly alleviated transepidermal water loss and increased skin hydration. These results suggest that CE, a natural phytochemical-rich food, has potential therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of AD.
Major in Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea; Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
Heerim
H
Kang
Major in Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea; Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
Chang Hyung
CH
Lee
Major in Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea; Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
Jong Rhan
JR
Kim
Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
Jung Yeon
JY
Kwon
Health Foods Team, Lotte R&D Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Myoung-Jin
MJ
Son
Major in Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea; Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: idonlik1@snu.ac.kr.
Jong-Eun
JE
Kim
Major in Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea; Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: kiwon@snu.ac.kr.
Ki Won
KW
Lee
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology / Q000633:toxicity; D000818:Animals; D002099:Cacao / Q000737:chemistry*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D040001:Dermatophagoides farinae; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D015848:Interleukin-5 / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects
D000485:Allergens; D015848:Interleukin-5; D064209:Phytochemicals; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D007371:Interferon-gamma
Atopic dermatitis; Cacao; Immune cell infiltration; Inflammatory cytokines; Inflammatory skin lesions