Effects of VitabridC(12) on Skin Inflammation

BACKGROUND: VitabridC(12) is newly developed and composed of vitamin C and Vitabrid (lamellar, hydrated zinc oxide). OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of VitabridC(12) on psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis or Dermatophagoides farinae-induced atopic dermatitis were applied with VitabridC(12). The effects of VitabridC(12) were evaluated by clinical features, histology, and immunologic features by examining cytokines and chemokines. RESULTS: In psoriasis model, VitabridC(12) decreased epidermal thickness and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. In atopic dermatitis model, VitabridC(12) decreased dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells, epidermal hyperplasia, and hyperkeratosis. VitabridC(12) reduced the expression levels of proinflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, tumor necrosis factor-α, CXCL1, CCL17, and CCL20 as well as COX-2 in imiquimod-induced psoriatic skin lesions. Likewise, VitabridC(12) reduced the expression levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and CCL4 in D. farinae-induced skin lesions, and decreased the serum immunoglobulin E level in the atopic dermatitis mouse model. Particularly, the VitabridC(12)-treated mice showed downregulated expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and MAPK/ERK kinase, as well as inhibited phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB p65. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings indicate that VitabridC(12) exhibits anti-inflammatory activities and is a promising candidate as a treatment option for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.