Effect of Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv extract on a model of atopic dermatitis in HaCaT cells and mice

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. has been used for a long time as a folk remedy. According to studies, it possesses anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. However, its effects on atopic dermatitis (AD) are poorly studied. Thus, we investigated the therapeutic effect of A. brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. extract (ABE‐M) on 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)‐induced AD. For in vitro analysis, keratinocytes cell lines (HaCaT cells) were used. To evaluate the gene and protein expression levels of cytokines and chemokines, TNF‐α/IFN‐γ‐stimulated HaCaT cells were treated with ABE‐M. The cells and the supernatant were collected, then gene and protein levels were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis. For in vivo analysis, BALB/c mice (6 weeks) were randomly separated into five groups (n = 5). The mice were applied DNCB and phosphate‐buffered saline, dexamethasone (DX) or ABE‐M (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was orally administrated for 28 days. At the end, ear tissues and blood were collected for histological analysis and evaluation of cytokines and chemokines. In keratinocytes, ABE‐M inhibited the protein and mRNA levels of chemokines, and cytokines exposed by TNF‐α/IFN‐γ. Similarly, the expression of chemokines was suppressed by ABE‐M in AD animal model induced by DNCB and the level of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was decreased in a dose‐dependent manner. Our research indicates that ABE‐M could be a candidate material that can be used to improve skin immunity enhancement, health, and beauty.