Downregulation of immunological mediators in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by hydrocortisone-loaded chitosan nanoparticles.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, noncontiguous, and exudative disorder accompanied by perivascular infiltration of immune mediators, including T-helper (Type 1 helper/Type 2 helper) cells, mast cells, and immunoglobulin E. The current study explores the immunomodulatory and histological effects of nanoparticle (NP)-based transcutaneous delivery of hydrocortisone (HC).

METHODS:

In this study, HC, the least potent topical glucocorticoid, was administered transcutaneously as chitosan NPs. The pharmacological and immunological effects of the NP-based HC delivery on the alleviation of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions were evaluated using the NC/Nga mouse model.

RESULTS:

In vivo Dino-Lite(®) microscopic assessment revealed that the NP-based formulation displayed a remarkable ability to reduce the severity of the pathological features of AD (dermatitis index, 3.0). The AD suppressive activity of the NP-based topical formulation was expected owing to the interruption of a series of immunopathological events, including the production of immunoglobulin E, release of histamine, and expression of prostaglandin-E2 and vascular endothelial growth factor-α in the sera and skin of the tested animals. Analysis of the cytokine expression in AD-like skin lesions further revealed that the NP-based formulation inhibited the pathological expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IL-12p70, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum and skin homogenates of NC/Nga mice. Further, our histological findings indicated that the NP-based formulation inhibited fibroblast infiltration and fragmentation of elastic fibers, further supporting the clinical importance of these formulations in maintaining the integrity of elastic connective tissues.

CONCLUSION:

The current investigation suggests that NP-mediated transcutaneous delivery of HC could be considered an effective therapeutic approach to manage dermatitis.

• Authors: Zahid Hussain, Haliza Katas, Mohd Cairul Iqbal Mohd Amin, Endang Kumolosasi, Shariza Sahudin
• Journal: International journal of nanomedicine (Int J Nanomedicine) Vol. 9 Pg. 5143-56 ( 2014) ISSN: 1178-2013 [Electronic] New Zealand
• PMID: 25395851 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Cytokines
• Drug Carriers
• Chitosan
• Dinitrofluorobenzene
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage, chemistry)
• Chitosan (chemistry)
• Cytokines (analysis, metabolism)
• Dermatitis, Atopic (chemically induced, drug therapy, immunology)
• Dinitrofluorobenzene (toxicity)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Down-Regulation (drug effects)
• Drug Carriers (administration & dosage, chemistry)
• Hydrocortisone (administration & dosage, chemistry)
• Mice
• Nanoparticles (administration & dosage, chemistry)
• Random Allocation