Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak
PC16 – Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak
Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznań, Poland
vkrajka@ump.edu.pl
| 20-Hydroxyecdysone modulates inflammatory cytokines in human psoriatic keratinocytes, PHEK cells |
| Krajka-Kuźniak Violetta1, Kleszcz Robert1,Majchrzak-Celińska Aleksandra1, Musielak Ewelina1, Gajewska Julia1, and Piwowarczyk Ludwika2 1 Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Rokietnicka 3, Poznań, Poland 2 Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Rokietnicka 3, Poznań, Poland |
| Abstract Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disorder marked by epidermal hyperproliferation, abnormal differentiation, and persistent inflammation driven by dysregulated cytokine signaling [1]. Keratinocytes act not only as targets of immune activation but also as active contributors, releasing pro-inflammatory mediators that sustain local inflammation. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20-HE), a natural phytoecdysteroid, has attracted interest for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective effects, suggesting potential relevance in psoriasis. In the preliminary study, human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and keratinocytes derived from psoriasis patient (PHEKs) were exposed to 20-HE under standard culture conditions for 48 hours. Following treatment, cell culture supernatants were analyzed using the MAGPIX® multiplex bead-based immunoassay. The cytokine panel included GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-22, IL-23, and TNF-α, covering key mediators involved in inflammatory signaling networks relevant to psoriasis pathogenesis [2]. Treatment with 20-HE modulated several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including GM-CSF, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-17A, IL-22, and TNF-α, with more pronounced effects in psoriatic keratinocytes. These changes reflect the regulation of pathways associated with keratinocyte activation, immune cell crosstalk, and epidermal inflammation. In conclusion, 20-HE demonstrates notable anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity in psoriatic keratinocytes. These findings support its potential as a candidate for further investigation in the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting keratinocyte-mediated inflammation in psoriasis. |
| References [1] Klimitz, F.J.; Shen, Y.; Repetto, F.; Brown, S.; Knoedler, L.; Ko C.J.; et al. Keratinocytes as active regulators of cutaneous and mucosal immunity: a systematic review across inflammatory epithelial disorders. Front Immunol. 2025,16, 1694066. [2] Li, L.; Liu, J.; Lu, J.; Wu, J.; Zhang, X.; Ma, T.; Wu, X.; Zhu, Q.; Chen, Z.; Tai, Z. Interventions in cytokine signaling: novel horizons for psoriasis treatment. Front Immunol. 2025, 16, 1573905.  Funding: “Research aimed at developing a new, innovative pharmaceutical form for the topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris” is being implemented as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, as part of Investment D3.1.1 Comprehensive development of research in medical sciences and health sciences, reference number: 2024/ABM/03/KPO/KPOD.07.07-IW.07-0043/24-00. |