Cera Flava Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis by Activating Skin Barrier Function via Immune Regulation

Abstract

Cera Flava (CF), a natural extract obtained from beehives, is widely used in dermatological products owing to its wound healing, wrinkle reduction, UV-protective, and skin cell turnover stimulation effects. However, its effect on AD-like skin lesions is unknown. In this study, we used a mouse model of AD to evaluate the effects of CP at the molecular and phenotypic levels. Topical house dust mite (HDM) sensitization and challenge were performed on the dorsal skin of NC/Nga mice to induce AD-like cutaneous lesions, phenotypes, and immunologic responses. The topical application of CF for 6 weeks relieved HDM-induced AD-like phenotypes, as quantified by the dermatitis severity score, scratching frequency, and skin moisture. CP decreased immunoglobulin E, histamine, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin levels. Histopathological analysis showed that CF decreased epidermal thickening and the number of mast cells. CF attenuated HDM-induced changes in the expression of skin barrier-related proteins. Furthermore, CF decreased the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-13, IL-8, TARC, MDC, and RANTES, in dorsal skin tissue via the TLR2/MyD88/TRAF6/ERK pathway. CF influences skin barrier function and immune regulation to alleviate AD symptoms. It may therefore be an effective alternative to topical steroids for the treatment of AD.

Osthole Inhibits Expression of Genes Associated with Toll-like Receptor 2 Signaling Pathway in an Organotypic 3D Skin Model of Human Epidermis with Atopic Dermatitis

“…However, abnormal activation of TLR2 may lead to activation of T helper cell-related immune responses and production of keratinocyte-specific CKs and ChKs, which trigger allergic immune responses in the chronic phase of AD [ 69 ]. Therefore, strategies that finely modulate TLR2 expression or function promise to restore barrier function and immune balance in AD [ 64 , 65 , 70 ]. Thus, TIRAP is an essential player in the development of inflammation, which could be successively reduced by stimulation with osthole in a concentration-dependent manner.…”

Inhibitory effects of isoliquiritin on an atopic dermatitis model through the CD177/JAK2/STAT pathway in vitro and in vivo

“…Throughout the experiment, the same experimenter raised all animals in the same location at the same time. The sample size was determined from a similar experiment reported in the literature ( 40 , 41 ). Prior to the study, a protocol was prepared without registration.…”

A review of the use of beeswax in skincare

“…Therapies for AD have focused on restoring the skin barrier through increased skin moisture retention. A study by Park et al (2021) examined the effects of cera flava (CF), which is a natural extract from beehives that is modified through heath compression filtration and purification, on a mouse model of AD. 15 Using house dust mite as an irritant, the authors found that use of CF attenuated symptoms of pruritus and increased skin moisture content; restored skin barrier proteins like filaggrin, claudin-1, and occludin; and downregulated immune signaling associated with an inflammatory response.…”