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2000
Volume 32, Issue 14
  • ISSN: 0929-8673
  • E-ISSN: 1875-533X

Abstract

Introduction

Nepetin is a type of O-methylated flavone (6-hydroxy luteolin) and has been found in many herbal medicines that exhibit various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory responses. Here, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of nepetin in attenuating inflammatory responses in cultured keratinocytes and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in BALB/c mice.

Methods

Various assay methods including cell viability, flow cytometry, fluorometry, confocal microscopy, western blot, ELISA techniques, staining methods, score and scratch frequency assessment, were employed to explore the mechanisms.

Results

LPS-treated keratinocytes showed a significant increase in inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, PGES2, and NO) and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with nepetin prevented LPS-induced cell death and inhibited inflammatory mediators and the production of cytokines in cultured keratinocytes. This inhibition was achieved by nepetin, which inhibited LPS-induced ROS production and the translocation of NF-κB in the cultures, thereby inhibiting the generation of inflammatory mediators and/or cytokines. In a mouse model of AD, treatment with nepetin reduced skin inflammation symptoms in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by the significant reduction of inflammation-related cytokines, skin lesions, and behavior scores.

Conclusion

Based on the present and study, nepetin is the safest bioactive compound with potential therapeutic applications for AD-related skin lesions and adverse skin reactions.

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Nepetin Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis in HaCaT Cells and BALB/c Mice through MyD88-MKK3/6-Akt Signaling
Curr. Med. Chem. 32, 2775 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2174/0109298673244967231101114033
/content/journals/cmc/10.2174/0109298673244967231101114033
/content/journals/cmc/10.2174/0109298673244967231101114033
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keyword(s): atopic dermatitis; inflammatory responses; keratinocytes; methylated flavone; Nepetin; UV exposures

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