Quercetin induces keratinocytes apoptosis via triple inhibition of Notch, PI3K/AKT signaling and Glut1 in the treatment of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder marked by excessive keratinocyte proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration. Quercetin has shown a range of biological activities, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for psoriasis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which quercetin treats psoriasis.

METHODS

An Imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model and a TNF-α-induced keratinocyte proliferation model were utilized, supplemented with quercetin and DAPT. The expression of K10, K14, Notch1, NICD, AKT and Glut1 in psoriatic lesions and normal skin was assessed. Techniques employed included hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Notch1, AKT, and Glut1 were highly expressed in psoriasis. Quercetin induced keratinocyte apoptosis and inhibited the Notch signaling pathway, as well as the expression of AKT and Glut1. Inhibition of Notch signaling led to keratinocyte apoptosis and downregulation of the AKT and Glut1 expression. The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking are consistent with this.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first evidence that quercetin induces keratinocyte apoptosis and promotes keratinocyte differentiation to treat psoriasis through the triple inhibition of the Notch and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, as well as Glut1. The downregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and Glut1 is achieved partially via Notch inhibition. These findings suggest that quercetin could be a novel agent for improving psoriasis treatment, especially in patients exhibiting high expression of Notch1, AKT, and Glut1 in their skin lesions.