MAD ointment ameliorates Imiquimod-induced psoriasiform dermatitis by inhibiting the IL-23/IL-17 axis in mice

• The IL-23/IL-17 axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
• MAD ointment ameliorates Imiquimod-induced skin inflammation and abnormal keratinocyte.
• MAD has a good effect to treating psoriasis through regulates the IL-23/IL-17 axis.

Psoriasis is a chronic auto-immune inflammation disease with skin lesions and abnormal keratinocyte proliferation. The IL-23/IL-17 axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Madecassoside (MAD) was the most important constituents isolated from Centella asiatica, which has long been used in dermatology, and it is supposed that MAD may have effects on psoriasis. In the present study, the BALB/c mice ear and back skin received IMQ for 6 consecutive days to induce psoriasis-like dermatitis. MAD ointment was applied 6 h later after IMQ treatment, and the IL-23/IL-17 pathway was investigated. The HE staining, BrdU and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were used to score the severity of keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation of the skin. Real-time PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the IL-23/IL-17 related cytokines. Flow Cytometry were applied to observe the numbers of Th17 cells. Daily application of IMQ for 6 days on mouse ear skin and back skin induced psoriasis-like dermatitis. Real-time PCR showed that mRNA level of IL-23, IL-22, IL-17 A were significantly decreased by MAD ointment treatment in ear skin. HE staining and BrdU incorporation implied that MAD ointment reduced keratinocyte proliferation. Flow Cytometry results showed MAD ointment decreased the numbers of Th17 cells. Thus, MAD ointment ameliorates Imiquimod-induced skin inflammation and abnormal keratinocyte through regulate the IL-23/IL-17 axis.