Oleuropein attenuates inflammation and regulates immune responses in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model.

Background: Olive (Olea europaea Linn) leaves contain a phenolic compound oleuropein (Ole) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. However, whether Ole might be an effective treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) remains unknown.

Objective: This study investigated the functional role of oleuropein in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD-like mouse model, with a focus on allergic inflammation.

Methods: We evaluated cytokine gene expression, COX-2 inflammatory protein production, and Th2 related cytokine regulation of mast cells and eosinophils that infiltrated AD-like skin lesions.

Results: A topical application of Ole significantly reduced Th2-related cytokine gene expression (IL-4 and IL-5) and inflammatory COX-2 protein production in AD-like skin lesions. Additionally, Ole suppressed serum IgE levels. Furthermore, Ole effectively reduced ear swelling and epidermal and dermal thickening.

Conclusions: These results suggested that, mechanistically, Ole treatment improved allergic inflammation by blocking the Th2-driven inflammatory axis. In conclusion, our findings indicated that Ole showed promise in treating AD by regulating serum IgE and Th2 cytokine levels. Although the effects of Ole on AD in humans require clinical trials, our results provided insights into how AD treatments might be improved.