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

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.