PDE4 inhibition by difamilast regulates filaggrin and loricrin expression via keratinocyte proline-rich protein in human keratinocytes

Difamilast, a topical phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, has been shown to be effective for treating atopic dermatitis (AD), but the molecular mechanism involved is unclear. Since skin barrier dysfunction including reduced expression of filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR) contributes to AD development, difamilast treatment may be able to improve this dysfunction. PDE4 inhibition increases transcriptional activity of cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB). Therefore, we hypothesized that difamilast may affect FLG and LOR expression via CREB in human keratinocytes.

Source: Journal of Dermatological Science - April 27, 2023 Category: Dermatology Authors: Gaku Tsuji, Akiko Hashimoto-Hachiya, Ayako Yumine, Masaki Takemura, Makiko Kido-Nakahara, Takamichi Ito, Kazuhiko Yamamura, Takeshi Nakahara Source Type: research