Coptisine Alleviates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-like Skin Lesions and Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disorder, which can be associated with psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This study investigated the efficacy and the mechanism of action of a natural compound coptisine using imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis mice. Coptisine reduced the severity of psoriasis-like skin lesions, decreased epidermal hyperplasia and the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-22. Furthermore, coptisine improved IMQ-induced anxiety in mice by increasing the number of entries and time in open arms in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Coptisine also lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in the prefrontal cortex of psoriasis mice. HaCaT keratinocytes and BV2 microglial cells were used to investigate the effects of coptisine in vitro. In M5-treated HaCaT cells, coptisine decreased the production of IL-6, MIP-3α/CCL20, IP-10/CXCL10, and ICAM-1 and suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway. In LPS-stimulated BV2 cells, coptisine reduced the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β. These findings suggest that coptisine might be a potential candidate for psoriasis treatment by improving both disease severity and psychological comorbidities.

Seungmagalgeun-Tang, a Traditional Herbal Formula, Alleviates Skin Inflammation and Depression-Like Behavior in Atopic Dermatitis Mice under Sleep Deprivation Conditions

“…To assess depression-like behavior in mice, the TST was performed, as described previously [ 19 , 20 ]. The mice were acclimated to the test room for 2 h before testing.…”

Extracellular CIRP Upregulates Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression via the NF-kappaB and ERK1/2 Signaling Pathways in Psoriatic Keratinocytes

“…HaCaT and HEKa cells (human keratinocyte cell lines) were cultured in DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin/streptomycin at 37 °C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO 2 . Cells were stimulated with 10 ng/ml M5 (IL-1α, IL-17A, IL-22, oncostatin M, and TNF-α; PeproTech, USA) for 24 hours at 37 °C to mimic a psoriasis-like environment in keratinocytes [17][18][19][20]. Cells were then either left untreated or pretreated with 1 μg/ml C23 (GRGFSRGGGDRGYGG synthesized from GenScript, Piscataway, NJ; dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline) for 30 minutes and then were stimulated with 1 μg/ml rhCIRP (APG886Hu01, Cloud-Clone Corp, Texas, USA) for 1 hour.…”

Exploring the mechanism of Huanglian ointment in alleviating wound healing after anal fistula surgery through metabolomics and proteomics

“…Wogonin in Amur Corktree Bark possesses broad biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antitumor, and antiviral activities [ 23 ]. Coptisine in Coptis Rhizome is an isoquinoline alkaloid with anticancer, antiarrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and lipid-lowering effects, also treating skin diseases by inhibiting the activity of lipoxygenase [ 24 , 25 ]. Demethoxycurcumin in Turmeric is one of the curcumin compounds that inhibits inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2, lipoxygenase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukins, interferon-gamma, and nuclear transcription factor NF-κB, thereby exerting an anti-inflammatory effect [ 26 ].…”