Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized as a multi-factorial inflammatory skin disease that has been increasing worldwide. Previously, we demonstrated that FPG, which is Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), increases the level of interferon (IFN)-gamma in mouse splenocytes in vitro. In this study, we investigated the effects of FPG in an animal model of AD, with a particular emphasis on its effects on T helper (Th)1 and Th2 immune responses. To assess the potential use of FPG for the inhibition of AD, we established a model of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. Immunoglobulin isotypes (Igs) and Th1/Th2 cytokines in the sera and spleens of AD-like mice were examined. In addition, histological examination was also performed. AD symptoms in skin lesions improved following oral administration of FPG. IgE secretion was significantly down-regulated, and this was accompanied by decreased levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IgG1 and increased serum levels of IL-12p40 and IgG2a in FPG-treated animals. In splenocytes, the production of the Th1 cytokines IL-12p40 and IFN-gamma was up-regulated, while the levels of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and 5 were down-regulated by FPG treatment. These results suggest that FPG inhibits the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by suppressing the Th2 cell response and increasing the Th1 cell responses. Our results indicate that FPG is safe and effective for the prevention of AD-like skin lesions. © 2012 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.

Author keywords

Atopic dermatitis; Lactobacillus plantarum; NC/Nga mouse; Platycodon grandiflorum; T helper 1; T helper 2

Indexed keywords

EMTREE drug terms: cytokine; fermented Platycodon grandiflorum extract; gamma interferon; immunoglobulin class; immunoglobulin E; immunoglobulin G1; immunoglobulin G2a; interleukin 12p40; interleukin 4; interleukin 5; Platycodon grandiflorum extract; unclassified drug

EMTREE medical terms: animal cell; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; antiinflammatory activity; article; atopic dermatitis; cellular immunity; controlled study; cytokine production; down regulation; histopathology; immunoglobulin production; immunomodulation; Lactobacillus plantarum; mouse; nonhuman; spleen cell; Th1 cell; Th2 cell; upregulation

MeSH: Animals; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Fermentation; Immunoglobulin E; Immunoglobulin G; Lactobacillus plantarum; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Platycodon; Skin; Spleen; Th1 Cells; Th1-Th2 Balance; Th2 Cells
Medline is the source for the MeSH terms of this document.

Chemicals and CAS Registry Numbers: gamma interferon, 82115-62-6; immunoglobulin E, 37341-29-0;Cytokines; Immunoglobulin E, 37341-29-0; Immunoglobulin G; Plant Preparations