Cheonggukjang (CKJ) is a fermented soybean product that exhibits diverse
biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-
obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects on human
chronic diseases. In this study, the effects of the aqueous extract of CKJ containing a high concentration of
GABA on
atopic dermatitis (AD) were quantified using the
luciferase reporter system in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic (Tg) mice. Alterations of the
luciferase signal and phenotypes of AD were quantified in the IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice co-treated with
phthalic anhydride (PA) and CKJ for 4 weeks using the IVIS imaging system. A strong
luciferase signal was detected in the abdominal region of IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice treated with PA alone. However, this signal was significantly reduced in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice co-treated with PA and CKJ. The thymus showed the greatest decrease in
luciferase following CKJ treatment, but the level increased after PA treatment. Furthermore, the CKJ-treated group showed improvement of common allergic responses including decreased ear thickness, dermis thickness, auricular lymph node (ALN) weight and infiltrating mast cells. However,
IgE concentration and epidermis thickness were maintained a constant level. These results indicated that the
luciferase signal may successfully reflect the
therapeutic effects of CKJ in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice. The results also suggested that CKJ may be considered an effective substance for the treatment of AD.