Curcumin alleviates imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like inflammation and regulates gut microbiota of mice

Abstract

BackgroundAs a polyphenolic compound originated from the food spice turmeric, curcumin (CUR) has various pharmacological effects, such as anti‐inflammatory, antioxidation, antiproliferative, and antiangiogenic activities. Psoriasis is centered on the overproduction of Th1‐ and Th2‐related cytokines (e.g., interleukin [IL]‐23, IL‐17, TNF‐α, IL‐22), which is involved in the occurrence and development of its pathogenesis. However, whether CUR is involved in the treatment of psoriasis and its specific mechanisms are not fully understood.MethodsIn this study, we detected the therapeutic effect of CUR (100 mg/kg/day) on IMQ‐induced dermatitis in mice, analyzed by PASI scores, ELISA, HE staining, immunofluorescence. Moreover, we further confirmed the alteration in the relative abundance of the gut microbiota through 16sRNA to explore whether CUR could regulate the gut microbiota of IMQ‐induced mice.ResultThrough intragastric administration, CUR can alleviate psoriasis‐like lesions of mice by decreasing PASI scores, reducing the level of IL‐6, IL‐17A, IL‐22, IL‐23, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β1, promoting the expression of IL‐10. Moreover, 16sRNA sequencing revealed that CUR could regulate the alteration in the abundance alteration of gut microbiota related to inflammation, such as Alistipes, Mucispirillum, and Rikenella at genus level. The correlation analysis further confirmed the close association between important microflora and psoriasis‐like inflammation indicators.ConclusionsCUR exerts the effect of alleviating dermatitis of psoriatic mice by regulating Th‐17 related inflammatory factors. Moreover, the changes in gut microbiota via CUR may be another factor of relieving IMQ‐induced lesions in mice. Therefore, CUR may be a highly promising candidate for the treatment of psoriasis.

Dietary Isoeugenol Supplementation Attenuates Chronic UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Mice

“…For instance, studies have shown that Streptococcus , one of the predominant genera in the gut lumen [ 32 ], was significantly elevated in the feces of psoriasis patients and mice [ 33 , 34 ]. The relative abundance of Rikenella was considerably elevated in the feces of psoriatic mice [ 35 ]. Mice with cutaneous acne induced by oleic acid showed a notable upregulation in the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group , which was positively correlated with inflammatory factor levels [ 36 ].…”

Glycyrol Prevents the Progression of Psoriasis-like Skin Inflammation via Immunosuppressive and Anti-Inflammatory Actions

“…Polyphenolic compounds, such as curcumin, have wide pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, and one important mechanism is their reaction oxygen species (ROS) scavenging function [52]. The anti-psoriasis effect of curcumin is also reported [53], and the regulation of Th-17-related inflammatory factors is considered as one of the mechanisms [54]. Moreover, the relationship between the anti-psoriasis effect of GC and the molecular structure of GC needs deep exploration.…”

Potential of Curcumin in the Management of Skin Diseases

“…Interestingly, intragastric administration of CUR in psoriatic mice may not only result in a reduction in pro-inflammatory molecules expression (IL-6, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, TNF-α, and TGF-β1), but also in regulation of the gut microbiota. Recent findings suggest that CUR can promote the abundance of selected genera (i.e., Alistipes, Rikenella, and Mucispirillum) in intestinal flora, which were positively correlated with indirect anti-inflammatory activity [34].…”