AI Article Synopsis

  • Scientists studied a plant leaf extract, known for helping with different health issues in Asia, especially for reducing itchiness.
  • They found that the extract and its key ingredient, myricitrin, can stop the production of certain chemicals linked to itching in brain cells called microglia and astrocytes.
  • This research suggests that these natural ingredients could be used to help relieve itching and treat skin problems.

Article Abstract

has been traditionally used in Asia for medicinal purposes, exhibiting a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti‑inflammatory properties. While the anti‑itch effect of leaves has been reported, studies on the detailed mechanism of action in microglia and astrocytes, which are members of the central nervous system, have yet to be revealed. The present study aimed to investigate effects of leaf extract (DLE) and its main component myricitrin (MC) on itch‑related cytokines and signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑stimulated microglia. The effect of DLE and MC on activation of astrocyte stimulated by microglia was also examined. Cytokine production was evaluated through reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis. Signaling pathway was analyzed by performing western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The effect of microglia on astrocytes activation was evaluated via western blotting for receptors, signaling molecules and itch mediators and confirmed through gene silencing using short interfering RNA. DLE and MC suppressed the production of itch‑related cytokine IL‑6 and IL‑31 in LPS‑stimulated microglia. These inhibitory effects were mediated through the blockade of NF‑κB, MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways. In astrocytes, stimulation by microglia promoted the expression of itch‑related molecules such as oncostatin M receptor, interleukin 31 receptor a, inositol 1,4,5‑trisphosphate receptor 1, lipocalin‑2 (LCN2), STAT3 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. However, DLE and MC significantly inhibited these receptors. Additionally, astrocytes stimulated by microglia with IL‑6, IL‑31, or both genes silenced did not show activation of LCN2 or STAT3. The findings of the present study demonstrated that DLE and MC could suppress pruritic activity in astrocytes induced by microglia‑derived IL‑6 and IL‑31. This suggested the potential of DLE and MC as functional materials capable of alleviating pruritus.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11338241PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2024.13303DOI Listing

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