Extracts from Wolff attenuate imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation by inhibiting Th17 cells.

OBJECTIVE

Wolff extracts (SMWE) are widely used to treat psoriasis as a Chinese medicine, but their effect and mechanism are unclear. This study verified the effect of SMWE on psoriasis by regulating Th17 cells.

METHODS

HaCaT cells were treated with IL-17A i to evaluate the effect of SMWE on psoriasis. , the mice psoriasis model was established using imiquimod (IMQ, 62.5 mg/d), and intragastrically treated with the different drugs for six days. The severity of skin inflammation was evaluated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and pathology. The levels of inflammation cytokines were assessed with immunofluorescence, immunochemistry, ELISA, and real-time PCR. The number of Th17 cells was determined with flows.

RESULTS

SMWE inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT cells and reduced the IL-17A-induced IL-6 production . , SMWE deduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-23, and TNF-α, while increasing the level of IL-10 compared to the model group. SMWE also inhibited the levels of NF-κB, JAK2, and STAT3 proteins, while declining the expressions of Gr-1, and MPO. Interestingly, SMWE significantly decreased the number of Th17 cells.

CONCLUSION

SMWE inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT cells and attenuated the development of psoriasis lesions by inhibiting Th17 cells to regulate the levels of inflammation cytokines.