Momordin Ic alleviates inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction of atopic dermatitis in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kochiae Fructus is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Momordin Ic, the main bioactive pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin component of Kochiae Fructus, is known for its broad pharmacological effects, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory. However, its therapeutic potential and underlying pharmacological mechanisms in atopic dermatitis (AD) remain poorly understood, especially its role in epidermal barrier function, which still awaits further research. AIM OF THE STUDY: The research aims to clarify the skin barrier protection and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Momordin Ic in AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of Momordin Ic on scratch behavior, ear swelling, dermatitis scores, and inflammation were evaluated using an AD mouse model. The expressions of JAK1/STAT3, TRPA1, ZO-1 and occludin were analyzed through western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence techniques. HaCaT cells with TNF-α/IFN-γ stimulation were used to further explore the anti-inflammatory and barrier protective properties of Momordin Ic. RESULTS: Momordin Ic significantly reduced AD-like clinical symptoms caused by MC903 and also reduced the level of pro-inflammatory factors. In addition, Momordin Ic significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK1/STAT3 as well as the level of TRPA1, and increased the levels of ZO-1 and occludin. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that Momordin Ic inhibited the inflammation in HaCaT cells and modulated the JAK1/STAT3 pathway and TJ proteins. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that Momordin Ic can effectively reduce inflammation and skin barrier damage associated with AD, suggesting that it may be an option for AD treatment.