Silymarin exerts antipsoriatic effects against imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice via NF-kB/TLR۴ signaling pathway

Objective(s): Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the skin and joints, which is mediated via T-cells. Several factors contribute to its pathogenesis, including genetic and environmental triggers, as well as intrinsic immune processes that lead to an autoimmune response. Silymarin, a flavonoid complex extracted from Silybum marianum, exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, and anti-oxidant properties, rendering it a viable candidate for treating psoriasis.This study aimed to investigate the effect of silymarin on imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in male mice applied as a cream for seven consecutive days (۱ mg per mouse).Materials and Methods: Thirty-five male mice were assigned to seven groups (n=۵ per group): (I) control group, (II) IMQ group, (III-V) oral silymarin groups (۳۰, ۶۰, and ۱۲۰ mg/kg), (VI) topical betamethasone group, and (VII) topical silymarin ۲% group. Results: Silymarin, both orally and topically, significantly reduces erythema, thickness, and scaling induced by IMQ after seven days of treatment. The treatment also reversed the increase in spleen weight/body weight ratio. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that silymarin reduced the expression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) (P<۰.۰۱) and toll-like receptor ۴ (TLR۴) (P<۰.۰۱) compared to the IMQ group.Conclusion: These findings suggest that silymarin effectively alleviates psoriasis lesions by reducing inflammation and modulating the TLR۴/ NF-κB signaling pathway.

کلیدواژه ها:

Imiquimod ، Inflammation ، male mice ، Psoriasis ، Silymarin