DNCB诱导昆明小鼠特应性皮炎模型的建立

目的探索外用1-氯-2,4-二硝基苯(DNCB)经皮肤致敏并激发昆明小鼠特应性皮炎(Atopic Dermititis)模型的方法。方法 10只昆明小鼠随机分成两组(n=5)。用1%DNCB致敏及4%SDS+0.5%DNCB激发模型组小鼠,以丙酮、橄榄油混合溶液致敏并激发对照组小鼠,药物作用部位均为双侧耳朵及背部皮肤。观察小鼠耳朵厚度、组织病理学、免疫学指标,评价皮炎损伤程度。结果外用DNCB可以引起昆明小鼠明显的特应性皮炎样皮损。模型组小鼠出现皮肤干燥、红斑、水肿、糜烂,利用HE染色进行组织病理分析,显示表皮和真皮增厚、过度角质化和炎症细胞浸润。结论先后外用1%DNCB和4%SDS+0.5%DNCB重复刺激昆明小鼠可引起皮肤生理和病理的改变,与AD患者临床表现基本一致,成功建立特应性皮炎模型。可以作为研究AD病因及治疗AD的有效动物模型。     

APP/PS1双转基因小鼠的繁育、鉴定及评价

目的：评价APP/PS1双转基因小鼠基因表达及认知行为能力的变化,为AD的相关研究提供有效的动物模型。方法：采用雄、雌鼠1：1合笼配对的方式,令APP/PS1双转基因小鼠自然交配进行繁育。PCR鉴定APP/PS1双转基因鼠仔鼠的基因型后,选择APP/PS1阳性小鼠作为模型（AD）组,同批APP/PS1阴性为对照（CT）组,每组8只小鼠。以Morris水迷宫实验检测仔鼠的空间学习记忆能力,以HE染色、刚果红染色观察仔鼠脑片组织病理学改变。结果：①APP/PS1双转基因鼠仔鼠基因经PCR扩增,出现约360 bp的目的基因条带,表明成功繁育出转入APP/PS1基因的仔鼠;②Morris水迷宫实验结果显示,与7月龄阴性小鼠（CT组）比较,同月龄的双转基因AD组小鼠的空间学习记忆能力明显降低（P<0.05）;③HE染色结果显示,AD组小鼠海马结构及细胞形态出现明显异常;刚果红染色结果显示,AD组小鼠脑片组织出现β淀粉样蛋白斑块沉积。结论：APP/PS1双转基因小鼠较好地模拟了AD的病理变化及行为学特征,可作为研究AD发病机制及开发AD防治药物的实验工具。     

有氧运动改善AD模型APP/PS1双转基因小鼠中枢神经元线粒体融合分裂动态平衡

线粒体融合分裂平衡是线粒体动力学的需要。本研究观察12周规律有氧运动对APP/PS1双转基因小鼠中枢神经元线粒体融合分裂动态平衡的影响。本研究采用3月龄雄性APP/PS1小鼠（AD模型）随机分为AD安静组（AS）、AD运动组（AE）,同月龄雄性C57BL/6J小鼠做正常对照组（CS）。AE组进行12周规律跑台运动,5 d/周,60 min/d。前10 min运动速度12 m/min,后50 min运动速度15 m/min,跑台坡度为0°。八臂迷宫实验检测小鼠工作记忆错误频率和参考记忆错误频率;Western印迹检测小鼠皮层、海马组织中线粒体分裂蛋白Drp1和Fis1的含量,以及Drp1的活性（p-Drp1-Ser616）、线粒体融合蛋白Mfn1、Mfn2、Opa1的表达水平;透射电镜观察皮层、海马线粒体形态结构、健康线粒体比率及线粒体平均直径。本研究证实AS组较CS组工作记忆错误频率显著提高（P<0.05）,12周有氧运动显著降低工作记忆错误频率（P<0.05）。AS组小鼠皮层Fis1蛋白和海马脑区Drp1、Fis1蛋白表达水平及皮层、海马脑区Drp1蛋白的活性增加（P<0.05）。而皮层Mfn1和海马Mfn1、Mfn2蛋白表达水平显著降低（P<0.05）。12周有氧运动显著减低Fis1、Drp1蛋白表达及Drp1蛋白的活性,提高Mfn1、Mfn2蛋白表达水平（P<0.05）。AS组小鼠皮层、海马线粒体多呈现球形,部分线粒体膜结构消失,线粒体嵴结构紊乱。且AS组较CS组小鼠健康线粒体比率降低、直径缩短。12周规律有氧运动可明显改善线粒体形态和结构,提高健康线粒体比率及直径。本研究提示,12周规律有氧运动可有效抑制皮层、海马脑区线粒体分裂蛋白Drp1和 Fis1的表达,降低Drp1的活性（p-Drp1-Ser616）,上调线粒体融合蛋白Mfn1、Mfn2的蛋白表达水平,改善线粒体形态和结构以促进线粒体质量控制,是有氧运动改善AD模型空间学习记忆能力的分子机制之一。     

阿尔兹海默病小鼠模型的磁共振影像学分析

目的分析和研究阿尔兹海默病（AD）转基因模型小鼠（APP/PS1）活体脑部影像学特征。方法本研究利用7.0 T高场强磁共振成像（MRI）技术,对1、3、5、7、9和11月龄AD转基因小鼠模型及对照组活体脑组织的微观结构变化进行对比研究。定量分析了脑组织顶叶皮层及海马区的横向弛豫时间（T2）、表观扩散系数（ADC）和各向异性分数（FA）随AD小鼠年龄变化情况。结果从9月龄开始AD转基因小鼠顶叶皮层及海马区可见散点状低信号区,并且随年龄增长逐渐增多;AD转基因小鼠顶叶皮层和海马区的T2磁豫时间在1～9月龄过程中有减小趋势,但与对照组无显著性差异;顶叶皮层及海马区ADC值的计算结果表明,7～11月龄AD转基因小鼠的ADC值明显下降（P≤0.05）;同样APP/PS1小鼠的FA值从5月龄就开始降低（P≤0.05）,并且这种差异一直持续到11月龄。结论高场强MRI能够显示AD病变出现早期小鼠顶叶皮层及海马区FA值的明显改变,揭示FA值对早期痴呆症临床诊断具有一定的参考价值。     

丹参凝胶治疗对特应性皮炎小鼠模型皮肤屏障功能、表皮增生以及免疫功能的影响

摘要 目的：研究丹参凝胶治疗对特应性皮炎小鼠模型皮肤屏障功能、表皮增生以及免疫功能的影响。方法：30只C57BL/6小鼠被随机分为Control组、AD组和SG组,每组10只。AD组和SG组背部涂抹对二硝基氟苯建立特应性皮炎小鼠模型,SG小鼠在模型建立成功后涂抹丹参凝胶治疗3周,Control组和AD组涂抹凡士林作为对照。3周后,测量所有小鼠经皮水分丢失量( TEWL) 、皮肤厚度、脾脏指数、胸腺指数,血清IgE、IFN-γ和IL-4,脾脏树突状细胞、Th1和Th2细胞比例。结果：丹参凝胶治疗3周后,AD组和SG组小鼠TEWL、皮肤厚度、脾脏指数、胸腺指数,血清IgE、IFN-γ和IL-4含量,以及脾脏Th2细胞比例均显著高于对照组正常小鼠（P<0.05）,而脾脏树突状细胞、Th1细胞和Th1/Th2细胞比例均显著低于对照组正常小鼠（P<0.05）;与AD组小鼠相比,SG组小鼠TEWL、皮肤厚度、脾脏指数、胸腺指数,血清IgE、IFN-γ和IL-4含量,以及脾脏Th2细胞比例均显著降低（P<0.05）,而脾脏树突状细胞、Th1细胞和Th1/Th2细胞比例均显著升高（P<0.05）。结论：丹参凝胶具有保护特应性皮炎样小鼠皮肤屏障功能和抑制表皮增生的功能,并且可以影响特应性皮炎样小鼠脾脏树突状细胞和辅助性T细胞比例。     

锌转运体ZNT7在Alzheimer病动物模型APP/PS1转基因鼠脑内的表达

目的研究阿尔茨海默病（Alzheimer disease,AD）模型小鼠APP/PS1转基因小鼠脑内锌转运体ZNT7的分布和表达,探讨ZNT7参与Aβ老年斑形成的机理。方法应用免疫组织化学染色观察ZNT7在脑内分布情况,应用Western Blot方法分析ZNT7在APP/PS1转基因小鼠大脑内的表达。结果ZNT7免疫阳性反应产物主要分布在APP/PS1转基因小鼠大脑皮层、纹状体和海马的老年斑内,强阳性的ZNT7免疫产物定位于老年斑的核心。Western Blot分析结果表明ZNT7在APP/PS1转基因小鼠大脑内的表达明显高于野生型小鼠。结论ZNT7在APP/PS1转基因小鼠大脑内的高表达以及在Aβ老年斑的定位,提示ZNT7可能参与了锌离子在老年斑内的聚集,进而参与了APP/PS1转基因小鼠大脑内老年斑的形成。     

APP/PS1年轻小鼠的早期学习记忆缺陷及血清注射治疗效果分析

目的:明确经典阿尔兹海默症(Alzheimer's Disease,AD)小鼠模型APP/PS1的年轻小鼠是否存在学习记忆障碍,并探讨尾静脉注射同龄小鼠的血清是否可以改善年老AD小鼠的认知能力。方法:根据转基因小鼠的基因型,将同龄小鼠分为wildtype(WT)和APP/PS1两组,首先用物体辨别实验(Novel object recognition,NOR)检测2个月龄小鼠的认知能力(90min retention:WT n=6,APP/PS1 n=8; 24hours retention:WT n=7, APP/PS1=8),同时用Morris水迷宫实验(Morris water maze,MWM)检测2个月龄小鼠的空间学习记忆能力(WT n=6, APP/PS1 n=5);采用内眦取血法从8月龄小鼠中获取全血,高速离心获得血清。将8月龄APP/PS1小鼠分为两组:对照组注射PBS(n=7),实验组注射血清(n=6),每周注射两次,100μL/只/次,连续注射3周。注射结束后,用NOR法检测对照组和实验组小鼠的认知能力。结果:NOR实验结果显示APP/PS1小鼠的辨别指数(Discrimination index(%))显著低于WT小鼠(P0.05);MWM实验结果显示APP/PS1小鼠到达平台的时间明显长于WT小鼠,同时在测试阶段中,APP/PS1小鼠在目的象限的探索时间及穿越次数显著低于WT小鼠(P0.05);治疗实验中,与对照组APP/PS1小鼠的辨别指数相比较,实验组APP/PS1小鼠在注射同龄小鼠的血清后,其物体辨别指数显著升高(P0.05),小鼠脑中的Aβ沉淀明显减少。结论:APP/PS1小鼠在2个月左右就会表现出明显的学习记忆障碍;注射正常同龄鼠的血清可以明显改善APP/PS1小鼠的学习记忆能力同时阻碍Aβ沉淀的形成。     

研究报告：阿尔茨海默病发生发展中关键E3泛素连接酶的筛选

目的 探索阿尔茨海默病（Alzheimer’s disease,AD）发病中的关键E3泛素连接酶及其表达特征。方法 通过生物信息学方法分析筛选AD发生发展过程中的差异基因,行基因本体（GO）分析,并构建蛋白质互作网络（PPI）。继而,通过The Human Protein Atlas和Alzdata数据库,分别查找泛素-蛋白酶体系统（ubiquitin-proteasome system,UPS）中的E3泛素连接酶的组织细胞学定位和AD患者/对照不同脑区中的表达值,并通过qPCR方法在AD小鼠脑组织中验证。结果 我们发现UPS和泛素结合酶结构域UBCc分别在参与AD发生进程的生物学功能和结构域中位居首列;PPI互作网络中多个UPS分子位居关键节点;神经元中特异性高表达的E3泛素连接酶（MKRN2、NEDD4L、LNX1、RNF41、TRIM36、RNF8和DTX4）在AD患者和AD小鼠脑组织中表达量下调。结论 这7个E3泛素连接酶可能作为驱动因子参与AD进展,这对进一步寻找诊断和治疗AD的新靶点以及深入的机制探索提供了重要线索。     

二甲基苯蒽/佛波酯两步化学法诱导小鼠皮肤癌的模型优化

目的对两步化学诱导法建立BALB/c小鼠皮肤癌模型进行方法优化。方法将BALB/c小鼠背部剃毛暴露出约2 cm×2 cm的皮肤,小鼠随机分为空白对照组和4个模型组,4个模型组第1周分别涂1、2、4、7次100μg/100μL DMBA/丙酮液,后续均1周涂两次4μg/100μL TPA/丙酮液,记录小鼠体重、成瘤时间、成瘤数量,并在12周后处死小鼠取肿瘤组织及瘤旁组织做HE染色分析。结果 1周涂1次DMBA成瘤周期长;1周两次成瘤周期短,质量高;1周4次会损伤皮肤但不影响肿瘤的形成;1周7次对皮肤伤害较大并导致小鼠死亡。结论采用第1周涂两次DMBA启动,后续用TPA连续诱导建立BALB/c小鼠皮肤癌模型操作简便,成瘤期短,癌变率高,与人类皮肤癌发生发展相似,可用于建立研究皮肤癌较为理想的实验动物模型。     

APP/PS1小鼠中PEG-PLA纳米粒的表面蛋白冠组成及其脑内递送的实验研究

摘要 目的：研究阿尔茨海默病（Alzhemer''s disease,AD）模型鼠中聚乙二醇聚乳酸（poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lactide),PEG-PLA）纳米粒表面蛋白冠组成及其对脑内递送特性的影响。方法：制备PEG-PLA纳米粒,测定纳米粒的zeta电位及粒径,采用透射电子显微镜观察纳米粒形态。通过双光子显微镜观察APP/PS1小鼠与野生型（Wild Type,WT）小鼠脑内PEG-PLA纳米粒分布特性。采用液相色谱-质谱联用（LC-MS）技术对PEG-PLA纳米粒分别与APP/PS1小鼠和WT小鼠血浆孵育形成的两种不同蛋白冠进行蛋白组学分析。结果：制备的PEG-PLA纳米粒粒径均一,分散性较好。静脉注射PEG-PLA后,APP/PS1小鼠脑内纳米粒量明显高于WT小鼠。蛋白质组学结果显示,APP/PS1小鼠血浆孵育组PEG-PLA纳米粒表面蛋白冠中凝聚素（Clusterin）明显高于WT小鼠血浆孵育组,该蛋白与纳米粒逃避机体清除有关。此外,纳米粒蛋白冠中血管性血友病因子（Von Willebrand factor）、玻连蛋白（Vitronectin）、肌球蛋白重链-9（Myosin-9）等参与细胞粘附作用相关蛋白在APP/PS1小鼠血浆孵育组也明显多于WT小鼠血浆孵育组。结论：PEG-PLA纳米粒在AD模型小鼠中表现出的高入脑量,可能与AD疾病影响纳米粒蛋白冠组成有关。     

Oral administration of a hop water extract ameliorates the development of dermatitis induced by the periodical topical application of a mite antigen in atopic dermatitis model NC/Nga mice

We investigated the inhibitory effect of an oral administration of a hop water extract (HWE) on the development of dermatitis by using NC/Nga atopic dermatitis model mice. The induction of allergic dermatitis was conducted by tape-stripping and topical application of a mite antigen (Dermatophagoides farinae) on to the ear once a week for 10 weeks. HWE was orally administered at a dose of 100 or 500 mg/kg. The total immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration in serum and the ear thickness were periodically examined. Finally, the antigen-specific IgE level in the serum and the production of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-gamma from splenocytes and cervical lymph node cells were measured. The oral administration of HWE significantly inhibited the increase of total IgE production and ear swelling throughout the experimental period. The production of IL-12 was significantly lower in the HWE administered group than in the control group. The results suggest that the intake of HWE may be effective in preventing and alleviating the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin disease.     

Oral Administration of a Hop Water Extract Ameliorates the Development of Dermatitis Induced by the Periodical Topical Application of a Mite Antigen in Atopic Dermatitis Model NC/Nga Mice

We investigated the inhibitory effect of an oral administration of a hop water extract (HWE) on the development of dermatitis by using NC/Nga atopic dermatitis model mice. The induction of allergic dermatitis was conducted by tape-stripping and topical application of a mite antigen (Dermatophagoides farinae) on to the ear once a week for 10 weeks. HWE was orally administered at a dose of 100 or 500 mg/kg. The total immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration in serum and the ear thickness were periodically examined. Finally, the antigen-specific IgE level in the serum and the production of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ from splenocytes and cervical lymph node cells were measured. The oral administration of HWE significantly inhibited the increase of total IgE production and ear swelling throughout the experimental period. The production of IL-12 was significantly lower in the HWE administered group than in the control group. The results suggest that the intake of HWE may be effective in preventing and alleviating the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin disease.     

7,8,4′-Trihydroxyisoflavone Attenuates DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-Like Symptoms in NC/Nga Mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by chronic highly pruritic and relapsing inflammatory skin lesions. Despite its growing prevalence, therapeutic treatments remain limited. Natural immune modulators from herbal extracts or derivatives may be useful for treating AD symptoms. This study examined the effect of 7,8,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone (7,8,4′-THIF), a metabolite of soy isoflavone daidzin, on AD-like symptoms. Repeated epicutaneous application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was performed on the ear and dorsal skin of NC/Nga mice to induce AD-like symptoms and skin lesions, and 7,8,4′-THIF (200 and 400 nmol) or tacrolimus (100 µg) was applied topically for 3 weeks to assess their anti-pruritic effects. We found that 7,8,4′-THIF alleviated DNCB-induced AD-like symptoms as quantified by skin lesion, dermatitis score, ear thickness, and scratching behavior. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that 7,8,4′-THIF decreased DNCB-induced eosinophil and mast cell infiltration into skin lesions. We also found that 7,8,4′-THIF significantly alleviated DNCB-induced loss of water through the epidermal layer. In addition to reducing the DNCB-induced increase in serum IgE, 7,8,4′-THIF also lowered skin lesion levels of the chemokine thymus and activation regulated chemokine; Th2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13; and Th1 cytokines IL-12 and interferon-γ. These results suggest that 7,8,4′-THIF might be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.     

A combination of Olea europaea leaf extract and Spirodela polyrhiza extract alleviates atopic dermatitis by modulating immune balance and skin barrier function in a 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-induced murine model

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in humans. Although Olea europaea leaf extract (OLE) and Spirodela polyrhiza extract (SPE) have been used to protect against skin damage, the effects of their combined administration on atopic dermatitis have yet to studied.PurposeIn this study, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effects of an OLE and SPE combination on the progression of atopic dermatitis and the possible mechanisms underlying these effects in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice.MethodsAtopic dermatitis was induced by topical application of 0.2% w/v DNCB prepared in an olive oil:acetone solution (1:3), and thereafter OLE, SPE and OLE + SPE were administered orally for 5 weeks. We determined atopic dermatitis symptoms, serum IgE levels, and levels of cytokine- and gene expression in the dorsal skin and splenocytes, and performed histological and immune cell subtype analyses. The expression of skin barrier-related proteins (filaggrin, sirtuin 1, and claudin 1) was also evaluated.ResultsThe OLE + SPE combination significantly ameliorated atopic dermatitis symptoms, including dermatitis scores, and reduced epidermal thickness and infiltration of different inflammatory cells in mice with DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis. It also significantly reduced the number of CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and CD4⁺/CD69⁺ T cells; immunoglobulin E-producing B cells (CD23⁺/B220⁺) in the axillary lymph nodes; CD3⁺ T-cell eosinophils (chemokine–chemokine receptor 3⁺/CD11b⁺) in the skin; and CD3⁺ T cells, immunoglobulin E-producing B cells (CD23⁺/B220⁺), and eosinophils in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Additionally, the experimental combination lowered levels of serum immunoglobulin E and histamine, as well as Th2-mediated cytokines, and interleukin-4, -5, and -13, whereas it increased the levels of Th1-mediated cytokine interferon-γ in splenocytes. Furthermore, the preparation significantly restored expression of the skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin, sirtuin 1, and claudin 1, and also reduced the expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and chemokine–chemokine receptor 3, as well as the pruritus-related cytokine interleukin-31 and interleukin-31 receptor, in atopic dermatitis skin lesions.ConclusionTaken together, our findings indicate that administration of a combination of OLE and SPE can alleviate atopic dermatitis symptoms by regulating immune balance and skin barrier function and may be an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.     

The inhibitory effect of naringenin on atopic dermatitis induced by DNFB in NC/Nga mice

Aims

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory dermatitis characterized by pruritic and eczematous skin lesions. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of the fruit flavonoid naringenin on DNFB induced atopic dermatitis mice model.

Main methods

AD-like skin lesion was induced by repetitive skin contact with DNFB in NC/Nga mice and the effects of the fruit flavonoid naringenin were evaluated on the basis of histopathological findings of skin, ear swelling and cytokine production of CD4⁺T cells.

Key findings

Intraperitoneal injection of naringenin for one week after DNFB challenge significantly lowered ear swelling and improved back skin lesions. In addition, naringenin significantly suppressed production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by activated CD4⁺ T cells and serum IgE level. Furthermore, naringenin reduced DNFB-induced infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells, CD4⁺ T cells, and CD8⁺ T cells in skin lesions.

Significance

Naringenin may suppress the development of AD-like skin lesions in DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice by reducing IFN-γ production of activated CD4⁺ T cells, serum IgE levels and infiltration of immune cells to skin lesion.     

Inability of IL-12 to down-regulate IgE synthesis due to defective production of IFN-gamma in atopic NC/Nga mice.

NC/Nga mice raised in nonsterile circumstances spontaneously suffer from atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions with IgE hyperproduction. We investigated effects of rIL-12 on the IgE production in NC/Nga mice. rIL-12 administration was successful to suppress the increase of IgE levels in BALB/c mice immunized with OVA and aluminum hydroxide, but failed to abrogate that in NC/Nga mice. Both in vivo and in vitro IFN-gamma production induced by rIL-12 was less in NC/Nga mice than in BALB/c mice. Addition of rIFN-gamma to rIL-4 and LPS completely abrogated IgE production by B cells of BALB/c mice, but was insufficient to suppress it by B cells of NC/Nga mice. In splenic cells pretreated with Con A, STAT4 was phosphorylated at the tyrosine residue by addition of rIL-12, which was more weakly inducible in NC/Nga mice than in BALB/c mice. Finally, we examined the preventive ability of rIL-12 on the clinical aspects of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice. rIL-12 administration resulted in exacerbation of development of the skin lesions and IgE production in NC/Nga mice raised in nonsterile circumstances. These results suggest that defective production of IFN-gamma by T cells less sensitive to IL-12 and low responsiveness of B cells to IFN-gamma may contribute to IgE hyperproduction in NC/Nga mice, and that IL-12 may have no ability to improve the clinical aspects of NC/Nga mice.     

Arjunolic acid protects against DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in mice by restoring a normal cytokine balance

Purpose

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing, pruritic, eczematous skin disorder accompanying allergic inflammation. AD is triggered by oxidative stress and immune imbalance. The effect of oral arjunolic acid (AA) on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis in mice was investigated.

Methods

Repeated epicutaneous application of DNCB to the ear and shaved dorsal skin of mice was performed to induce AD-like symptoms and skin lesions: 250mg/kg AA was given orally for three weeks to assess its anti-pruritic effects. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, immunoglobulin (Ig)E and caspase-3 were assessed by ELISA.

Results

We found that AA alleviated DNCB-induced AD-like symptoms as quantified by skin lesions, dermatitis score, ear thickness and scratching behavior. Levels of reactive oxygen species in the AA group were significantly inhibited compared with those in the DNCB group. In parallel, AA blocked a DNCBinduced reduction in serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 associated with an attenuation of DNCB-induced increases in serum TNF-α, IL-6, IgE and caspase-3.

Conclusions

The results indicate that AA suppresses DNCB-induced AD in mice via redox balance and immune modulation, and could be a safe clinical treatment for AD.

     

Reactive nitrogen species formation in eosinophils and imbalance in nitric oxide metabolism are involved in atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice

Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. However, the involvement of NO and RNS in atopic dermatitis (AD), a pruritic inflammatory skin diseases, is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the contribution of NO and RNS to the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice, an animal model for human AD. AD-like skin lesions were observed in NC/Nga mice kept under conventional conditions but not in specific pathogen-free conditions. The expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) proteins was upregulated in the dermal lesions, and that of neuronal NOS (nNOS) was downregulated in the epidermal lesions of the skin. Although the concentrations of NO2(-) and NO3(-) were lower, protein-bound nitrotyrosine content was significantly increased in the skin lesions. Immunohistochemical localization of nitrotyrosine was observed in almost all eosinophils. These results suggest that RNS formation in eosinophils and imbalance of NO metabolism are involved in the pathogenesis of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.     

Modulation of scratching behavior by silencing an endogenous cyclooxygenase-1 gene in the skin through the administration of siRNA

BACKGROUND: RNA interference (RNAi) is rapidly becoming a major tool that is revolutionizing research in the bioscience and biomedical fields. To apply the RNAi technique in vivo, it is crucial to develop appropriate methods of guiding the short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules to the right tissues and cells. Here, we demonstrate an efficient method for performing gene knockdown in the body skin using the in vivo electro-transduction of siRNA. Using this method, we examined whether the targeted silencing of the cyclooxygenase (COX) gene in the skin could modulate the scratching behavior of an atopic dermatitis mouse model. METHODS: NC/Nga mice were used as the atopic dermatitis model. Using our optimized in vivo electroporation conditions, siRNAs were introduced into the skin; the silencing efficiency was then analyzed by Western blotting, measuring the levels of prostaglandins, and immunohistochemistry. The scratching behaviors of the mice were measured using an automatic system. RESULTS: Targeted silencing of the COX-1 gene using our in vivo siRNA technique significantly accelerated the scratching behavior of NC/Nga mice, whereas the COX-2 siRNA showed no effect. In addition, the effect of COX-1 siRNA was mimicked by treatment with a COX-1-selective inhibitor (SC-560). CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the successful silencing of endogenous gene expression in the skin using the intradermal transfection of unmodified siRNA via electroporation. Using this method, we revealed that COX- 1-mediated prostaglandins may act as endogenous inhibitors of scratching behavior.     

Orally supplemented Lactobacillus acidophilus strain L‐92 inhibits passive and active cutaneous anaphylaxis as well as 2,4‐dinitroflurobenzene and mite fecal antigen induced atopic dermatitis‐like skin lesions in mice

Oral supplementation of lactic acid bacteria is a potential approach to the prevention and manipulation of allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Our previous report showed that heat‐killed Lactobacillus acidophilus strain L‐92 (L‐92) possessed anti‐allergic properties, although its physiological function in atopic dermatitis has largely remained undefined. To evaluate the anti‐allergic efficacy of L‐92, we used four experimental animal models with the major features of atopic dermatitis and compared the results to those of clinically active drugs. ICR mice were passively sensitized by anti‐dinitrophenyl mouse monoclonal IgE for passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), and BALB/c mice were actively sensitized by ovalbumin for active cutaneous anaphylaxis (ACA). Allergic reaction was induced by repeated exposure to 2,4‐dinitroflurobenzene (DNFB) and mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) fecal allergen, in BALB/c and NC/Nga mice, respectively. Orally administrated L‐92 significantly inhibited the vascular permeability increase in both PCA and ACA, and the elevation of ovalbumin‐specific IgE titer in ACA. Moreover, repeated applications of DNFB and mite fecal antigen onto the BALB/c and NC/Nga mouse ear, respectively, caused clinical symptoms similar to atopic dermatitis such as ear swelling, scratching behavior and elevation of total serum IgE levels that were also moderately suppressed by L‐92. In addition, L‐92 treated mice exhibited lower levels of mast cells, eosinophil infiltration and Th1/Th2 cytokine expression. Our results, therefore, suggest that oral administration of L‐92 might be useful for alleviating allergic symptoms.