Protectin D1 reduces imiquimod-induced psoriasiform skin inflammation

Int Immunopharmacol. 2021 Sep:98:107883. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107883. Epub 2021 Jun 19.

Abstract

Specialized proresolving mediators are enzymatically oxygenated natural molecules derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids and are considered novel. These novel mediators include lipoxins from arachidonic acid, resolvins and protectins from omega-3 essential fatty acids, and new maresins. These mediators harbor potent dual proresolving and anti-inflammatory properties. Resolvins and protectins are known to be potent when administered to various inflammation-associated animal models of human diseases. Although psoriasis' etiology remains unknown, there is accumulating evidence indicating that cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-23, and IL-17, play pivotal roles in its development. Experimentally, resolvins, maresins, and lipoxins downregulate the cytokine expression of the IL-23/IL-17 axis and inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B (NF-κB) cell signaling transduction pathways. Here, we assessed the effects of protectin D1 (PD1) on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasiform skin inflammation and keratinocytes. PD1 showed clinical improvement in skin thickness, redness, and scaling in psoriasis mouse models. Moreover, PD1 decreased IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and CXCL1 mRNA expressions and reduced STAT1 and NF-κB signaling pathway activation in lesions. Serum myeloperoxidase, IgG2a, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α and spleen CD4+IFN-γ+IL-17+ T lymphocytes were reduced after PD1 treatment in IMQ-induced psoriasiform mouse models. In addition, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18BP gene expressions were decreased in PD1-treated keratinocytes. Moreover, a decrease in the expression levels of CCL17 and IL-6 and an inhibition of the STAT1 and NF-κB signaling transduction pathways was observed in keratinocytes. These PD1 anti-inflammatory effects suggest that it is a good therapeutic candidate for psoriasis.

Keywords: Proresolving lipid mediator; Protectin D1; Psoriasis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • HaCaT Cells
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod / administration & dosage
  • Imiquimod / immunology
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects
  • Keratinocytes / immunology
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Phosphorylation / immunology
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / drug effects
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th17 Cells / drug effects
  • Th17 Cells / immunology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cytokines
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • Stat1 protein, mouse
  • protectin D1
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Imiquimod