Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Glabridin Liposome on Imiquimod-induced Mice Psoriasis

Abstract

Background Glabridin is one of the main components of the isoflavonoids in Glycyrrhiza glabra and possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. Objectives Herein, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of the glabridin liposome (GL) complex were studied in mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Materials and Methods After treatment with GLs, their effectiveness was assessed using parameters, such as Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, histopathology, inflammatory cytokines, and psoriasis-associated proteins. Results The results demonstrated that GLs could significantly improve psoriatic symptoms, downregulate mast cell infiltration, and significantly reduce the PASI score of psoriatic mice. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results showed that GLs significantly decreased IL-23 and STAT3 mRNA expression. The results of immunohistochemistry and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that GLs decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-17, and IL-22. Conclusion GLs can alleviate psoriasis by inhibiting the expression of keratinocyte-activating proteins. These results suggest that GLs have great potential for the clinical treatment of psoriasis.