Comparative Effects of Schisandrin A, B, and C on Acne-Related Inflammation

AbstractInflammatory responses induced byPropionibacterium acnes are a major etiological factor in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Schisandrin A, schisandrin B, and schisandrin C are the representative lignans ofSchisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. extract. Although anti-inflammatory effects of the lignans have been shown, their effects on acne-related inflammation caused byP.acnes have not been investigated and compared. We pretreated THP-1 human monocytic cells with 5, 10, and 20  μM schisandrin A, B, and C, and stimulated the cells withP.acnes. Schisandrin B and C inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines at a concentration of 5  μM, while schisandrin A required a concentration of 10 μM to exert the effects. All of the schisandrins decreased the levels of toll-like receptor 2, and schisandrin B and C reduced the intracellular mRNA expression of the receptor gene. We also studied the influence of schisandrins on the MAPK signaling pathway. Schisandrin A suppressed theP.acnes-induced activation of JNK, while exerting only a weak effect on ERK and p38. Schisandrin B exerted a strong effect on p38, a lesser effect on ERK, and almost no effect on JNK. Schisandrin C inhibited the phosphorylation of all three proteins, especially ERK. Furthermore, the three lignans also prevented the nuclear translocation of NF- κB. These results contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of the three lignans onP.acnes-induced inflammation and suggest...
Source: Inflammation - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research