D3.402 - Evaluation of Apigenin's Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Effects Using Atopic Dermatitis Cell Culture Model

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. The positive effects of steroidal and non-steroidal drugs, used as classic treatment approaches, on symptoms are limited due to observed side effects and the development of resistance. Therefore, interest in alternative treatment options of herbal origin has increased. Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone), belonging to the flavonoid subclass, stands out with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects of a nanoencapsulated form of apigenin flavonoid on an atopic dermatitis cell culture model.

Within the scope of the project, keratinocytes were cultured in the reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model, known as the air-liquid interface conditions that support the stratification of keratinocytes, to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the apigenin flavonoid. HaCaT cells were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13 and TNF-α to mimic in vitro AD properties. Then, they were stimulated with encapsulated and unencapsulated apigenin at the determined doses and durations to evaluate the effects of apigenin flavonoid on inflammation and wound healing. Changes in the levels of cytokines known to have an effect on atopic dermatitis in the obtained RNA and cell culture supernatants were determined by real-time PCR and ELISA. In addition, a scratch migration test was performed to examine the healing properties of apigenin on wounds formed in atopic dermatitis. 

: In The RHE experiments, it was determined that the doses applied with encapsulated apigenin were much more effective on cell viability, wound healing, and IL-6 gene expression compared to the doses applied with free apigenin. 

In the light of the obtained results, it can be said that apigenin flavonoid is an effective bioactive substance on atopic dermatitis due to its wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties and that apigenin may be a potential treatment tool for inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis.