(P04-061-24) Effects of Zingiberaceae Bioactive Components Against 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate (TPA)-Induced Skin Inflammation and the Underlying Mechanisms of Action

Objectives: According to the World Health Organization, skin diseases are the third most prevalent cause of illness leading to long-term disability and mental health problems. Skin diseases exhibit both acute and chronic inflammatory responses. Steroidal anti-inflammatory and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used to treat skin inflammation; however, long-term use of these drugs can cause gastrointestinal and renal damage. Natural products, such as ginger and turmeric, have been traditionally used for their anti-inflammatory properties in skin inflammation

This study aims to determine the effect of some novel bioactive compounds from Zingiberaceae on inflammatory mediators, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, and signaling pathways. To determine the molecular mechanisms through which the Zingiberaceae bioactive components reduce inflammation, we employed a mouse model of TPA‐induced skin inflammation. It is a well-established model that has been used to evaluate the protective effects of dietary compounds against skin inflammation.

Methods: A topical application of TPA was administered to induce inflammation (acetone as the vehicle for the control group) in both ears, 30 minutes after the treatments with bioactive compounds (acetone for the control and TPA groups). All mice were sacrificed 6 hours after TPA application.

Results: There was a significant reduction in the average weight of ear punches, which is an indicator of the degree of skin edema, with 1.5 and 3 µmol of 6-paradol and 2 µmol of oxyphyllacinol, yakuchione-A, and yakuchione-B. Also, we found a notable downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β following treatment with 6–paradol, oxyphyllacinol, and yakuchione-B. Presently, our research focuses on understanding the bioactive components' ability to downregulate pro-inflammatory enzymes and signaling pathways associated with skin inflammation using methods including immunohistochemistry and qPCR which will provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action.

Conclusions: This study aims to facilitate the precise targeting of specific cytokines, enzymes, and signaling pathways implicated in skin inflammation using dietary interventions.

Funding Sources: Faculty Start-Up Funds to XW