Triticum aestivum sprout extract attenuates 2,4‑dinitrochlorobenzene‑induced atopic dermatitis‑like skin lesions in mice and the expression of chemokines in human keratinocytes

Mol Med Rep. 2018 Sep;18(3):3461-3468. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9339. Epub 2018 Jul 31.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic, recurring, inflammatory skin disease. A number of researchers have been seeking safe AD therapies for a long time. Triticum aestivum sprouts (TAEE), known as wheatgrass, are one of the most widely used health foods worldwide. They show numerous beneficial effects, including anticancer, anti‑inflammatory, anti‑oxidant, anti‑obesity, anti‑colitis and anti‑allergy effects; however, their effect on AD is unknown. In the present study, the anti‑AD effects of a 70% ethanol extract of TAEE were investigated in 2,4‑dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)‑treated mice with AD‑like skin lesions and in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α‑ and interferon (IFN)‑γ‑stimulated human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Oral administration of 200 mg/kg TAEE for 10 days significantly decreased the skin thickness, transepidermal water loss and serum immunoglobulin E levels in DNCB‑treated mice. In addition, TAEE reduced the secretion of inflammatory chemokines via regulation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling pathways in TNF‑α‑ and IFN‑γ‑stimulated HaCaT cells. These results indicate that TAEE may have beneficial effects in the treatment and prevention of AD and associated skin diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chemokines / genetics*
  • Chemokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / pathology*
  • Dinitrochlorobenzene / adverse effects
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects*
  • Keratinocytes / immunology
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Seedlings / chemistry*
  • Triticum / chemistry*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Chemokines
  • Cytokines
  • Dinitrochlorobenzene
  • Plant Extracts
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Immunoglobulin E